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Mashatile to brief MPs on land claim, South Sudan peace talks 

Location: News

Mashatile to brief MPs on land claim, South Sudan peace talks 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 22 September 2023, brief Members of Parliament (MPs) on the progress achieved by government in resolving land claims as part of the land reform programme. 

He will also, according to The Presidency, talk about efforts to find lasting peace for the people of South Sudan, among others, during oral replies to questions in the National Assembly.

“In his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, Deputy President Mashatile has been leading initiatives that support the acceleration of land reform in the country,” a media advisory read. 

During this session, the Deputy President will update members on government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to land, to reverse apartheid spatial planning and to increase participation of historically disadvantaged communities in agriculture and other land-based industries.  

“Deputy President Mashatile is also leading the implementation of rapid response interventions in municipalities to improve service delivery to communities.

“In this regard, the Deputy President will further apprise members of government programme to bring stability within identified dysfunctional municipalities that require immediate support from the government.”

Following his recent successful Working Visit to South Sudan, the Deputy President will brief MPs on the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:26

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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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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.

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 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.

“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 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.

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 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. 

“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." 

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.

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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

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Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum

Location: News

Call to incorporate sport into the school curriculum

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has called for sport to be incorporated into the school curriculum.

“School sport is the bedrock of sport development in the country. School sport and physical education are contained in the National Development Plan and are integral to development in the country,” the Minister said.

He made these remarks on Sunday as he reflected on the recently held National School Sport Indaba, which gathered sport leaders and administrators, representatives in education, international experts, government officials, former players, and activists in the sport sector under the theme: 'Towards an integrated and united school sport system'.

The Minister said the National School Sport Indaba gave impetus to the establishment of a blueprint for school sport in South Africa.

“The indaba has set the path forward for government, the sport and education sectors, and commercial, community and civil society partners to work together towards building a sustainable national school sport programme,” he said.

The indaba focused on a new theory of change, realising the need to resolve all obstacles that are in the way of an inclusive, accessible and quality school sport system in the country. 

The National School Sport Indaba came to the following resolutions: 

  • Policy: To give effect to the collaboration agreement between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Department of Basic Education through robust implementation, formal plans and monitoring of the agreement through formal practices.
  • Resources: To advocate for the building of school-based sports facilities that are aligned to the broader community spatial design, to optimise the use of currently available school facilities, and encourage private public partnerships through a suitable model, which is to be investigated. 
  • Development pathway: Focus on getting children playing regularly. School sport must be educator-driven and build capacity across all role-players in the ecosystem through formal training programmes. Physical education should be introduced as a stand-alone subject. 
  • Stakeholder relationships and structures: A national macro body for school sport, supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department of Basic Education, and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), should be established. 
  • Governance and transformation: Regulate the integration of the country’s fragmented school sport system.

- SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:29

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Revised framework on municipal administration of housing programmes approved

Location: News

Revised framework on municipal administration of housing programmes approved

The human settlements sector will soon have a revised framework to guide the municipalities' administration of national housing programmes.

This follows the approval of the 2023 Revised Accreditation Framework for municipalities to administer the National Housing Programmes, and ensure municipalities' progressive capacitation to perform the delegated functions without compromising delivery capacity in the short-term.

The framework was approved on Friday, 15 September following a presentation tabled at a meeting between Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete and provincial MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC), where it received resounding support. 

Kubayi said the approval of the framework is a big step towards the creation of  objective criteria for accrediting municipalities with a clear accreditation process timetable. 

“Allowing municipalities to progressively build implementation capacity bolsters our long-term objective of creating a fully enabling environment for our municipalities to be self-sufficient in human settlements delivery. This way, we are capacitating them while ensuring that we reach our targets,” Kubayi said.

The Minister noted that the implementation of the 2012 Accreditation Framework faced several implementation challenges in some provinces. 

She said the 2023 Revised Accreditation Framework introduces, among others, a programme-based incremental approach, wherein municipalities are to be accredited for implementing a programme or mixture of programmes that are relevant to their capacity and priority needs. 

“Another major intervention in the revised framework is the role of intermediate city municipalities or secondary cities, which are considered crucial catalysts for more balanced and dispersed growth across the country,” the Minister said.

Title Deeds Programme remains priority

The MINMEC also agreed that the Title Deeds Programme must be prioritised through several interventions, including embarking on weekly roadshows to issue the 234 757 available title deeds nationally. 

The discussions focused on the turnaround time by municipalities to declare townships, with an agreement to collaborate on cross-border demarcation, particularly as it impacts on the title deeds roll out programme.

The issuing of title deeds across provinces is an apex priority for the department, and as part of efforts to clear the backlog, the municipalities were urged to refrain from storing them in their offices and make concerted efforts to ensure that people become the rightful owners of their homes. 

“The department has been incorporating the issuing of title deeds with housing handovers, given the urgency by government to significantly unlock economic benefits,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:55

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South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production

Location: News

South Africa, Germany sign agreement for vaccines production

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Germany's KfW Development Bank have concluded a financing agreement for the production of vaccines.

Under the agreement the German government, through KfW, will provide South Africa with €20 million for vaccine production over a period of five years.

The grant is exclusively for financing equipment for the development, production and certification of active pharmaceutical ingredients for vaccine production in South Africa.

Announcing the signing of the agreement, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said the grant will be used, among other things, to support the mRNA technology transfer hub that South Africa is hosting for the World Health Organisation (WHO), to build vaccine manufacturing capacity in low and middle-income countries, “although it will go beyond this in providing support”.

“The objective of the technology transfer hub is to establish or enhance sustainable mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in regions with no or limited capacity, introduce new technologies in low and middle-income countries, promote regional research and development, strengthen regional bio manufacturing know-how and workforce development, and develop regulatory capabilities to support and accelerate regional approval and distribution of mRNA vaccines,” Nzimande said.

In response to the WHO decision made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nzimande said the German government indicated its commitment to supporting vaccine production in South Africa.

The agreement, signed on 25 July 2023, makes the DSI the recipient of the KfW financial support on behalf of the South African government, and recognises the DSI and its Director-General, Dr Phil Mjwara, as the custodian and leader of the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy.

The Minister said the German decision to work with the department could be seen as a vote of confidence in its leadership's management of international funds.

"The German investment will build on the strategic investments by DSI and other partners, and KfW has agreed to work in alignment with the South African vaccine manufacturing strategy," Nzimande said, adding that the funding could support catalytic initiatives under this strategy.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) will be the project executing agency and will report to the DSI through a steering committee.

SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Glenda Gray said, the Council is delighted to be part of the program, which will provide critical support to establishing a vaccine manufacturing industry in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

“In addition to complementing the activities of the mRNA hub program, this partnership will seek to provide critical support in filing gaps in the pre-clinical research domain,” Professor Gray said.    

KfW will appoint an implementation consultant to support the KfW and to assist the SAMRC. 

The consultant will be responsible for providing sector-specific support for project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation, among others.

Ambassador Andreas Peschke, from the German Embassy in Pretoria, reiterated the important role played by South Africa in strengthening continental vaccine manufacturing capacities, indicating that “the country is at the very forefront of continental efforts for local pharmaceutical and vaccine research and production.”

“[South Africa’s] world-class research institutions and a solid industry meet the prerequisites for independent vaccine research, development, and production,” Peschke said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 10:49

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Government, labour plaster cooperation to uplift economy

Location: News

Government, labour cement cooperation to uplift economy

Government and organised labour have agreed to work much more closely to speed up efforts for a more inclusive economy, job creation, and addressing poverty and inequality. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ministers and leaders of organised labour [COSATU, FEDUSA, NACTU and SAFTU] met virtually on Tuesday in a bid to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy. 

 
The Presidency said this agreement is critical to accelerate efforts to deliver lasting and sustainable progress in building an inclusive economy, creating jobs and tackling poverty and inequality. 

The meeting discussed, amongst other issues, the immediate measures needed to unblock economic growth and create employment. Participants agreed that urgent steps must be taken to deal with low growth and the unemployment crisis.

According to the Presidency, organised labour committed to working with government to end load shedding and achieve energy security, improve the efficiency of the freight logistics system, reduce violent crime and protect economic infrastructure.

Representatives from organised labour raised several related issues including the current fiscal situation, the structure of the economy, State-owned enterprises (SOEs), strengthening public services, tackling crime and corruption, local government and providing economic and social relief, particularly to poor South Africans.

“Given the scale of the challenge, we require support from all social partners to urgently accelerate the implementation of government’s plans and drive additional interventions.

“While there is encouraging progress, the energy shortfall remains the single biggest constraint to economic growth. We need to accelerate and expand our efforts even further, not only to overcome the immediate crisis, but to fundamentally reform our energy sector and ensure that we never face such a shortfall again,” President Ramaphosa said.

Organised Labour Overall Convenor, Gerald Twala, welcomed the engagement and expressed hope that it will be the beginning of further discussions on various measures to grow the economy, create jobs, rebuild the State, and tackle crime and corruption.

“Labour is deeply concerned about the variety of crises affecting our SOEs, municipalities, government, the economy and workers. They require decisive action to resolve them. It is critical these interventions are directed towards the fundamental causes of our many challenges, and that they uplift the poor and protect the hard won rights of workers. Measures must capacitate the State to deliver quality public services, unlock economic growth and set the nation on a sustainable path,” Twala said.

The meeting agreed that addressing unemployment and poverty is an immediate imperative that will improve social and political stability, creating a virtuous cycle that supports growth.

The Presidency emphasised the opportunity to build on existing interventions with proven track records of success, including the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the Youth Employment Service and the SME Fund.

The Presidency further highlighted the need to expand and scale these initiatives through wider engagement to drive participation and uptake, as well to identify regulatory, policy and other measures to support and grow SMMEs, and unlock job creation at scale.

President Ramaphosa and labour leaders agreed that further in-depth engagement is needed to fully address the issues raised. A follow-up in-person meeting will soon be convened to build on Tuesday’s discussion. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:47

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Magalies Water welcomes BCCSA ruling

Location: News

Magalies Water welcomes BCCSA ruling

Magalies Water says it has noted the judgement issued by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) which ruled in its favour against SABC News.

The matter relates to a news report broadcast and published on 21 June 2023 across SABC News platforms about alleged water quality non-compliances recorded at the Mmabatho Water Treatment Plant.

Magalies Water said in a statement on Monday that the plant, through agreement with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), is managed and operated by Magalies Water on behalf of the district municipality.

“While Magalies Water is on record admitting that prior to taking over the operations at the water treatment plant, which was previously operated and managed by the erstwhile Sedibeng Water, numerous operational challenges had affected water quality output, as was reported in the Blue Drop Watch Report for the 2021/22 financial year, the situation has improved.

“Within reasonable time, through collaboration many of the identified challenges were resolved,” said Magalies Water.

The NMMDM, as the asset owner and a responsible arm of government, would have not continued to maintain a working relationship with Magalies Water at the detriment of the residents who are the primary recipients of this important service.

The progress was consequently reported to the accounting authority – the Department of Water and Sanitation - and this information was supplied to SABC News as well, during their own investigations relating to the allegations of continued water quality non-compliances.

“Magalies Water’s Scientific Services, through its SANS 241 accredited scientific laboratory ensures that water treatment processes at the water treatment plant, result in potable water of the highest quality, which is certified as safe for human consumption and does not pose any health-risks to the consumers.

“To date, the water treatment plant, is regularly monitored and tested for non-compliances. Where noncompliances are observed, Magalies Water immediately activates quality assurance processes in line with the water sector standards, to resolve such,” said Magalies Water.

In its judgement, according to Magalies Water, the BCCSA found that SABC News failed to comply with provisions of Section 12 (3) of the code of conduct, which reads: “Clause 12(3) of the Code of Conduct determines if a person who has stated that he or she is not available for comment or such a person could not reasonably be reached to comment on a public issue, it must be stated in the programme. If there is no response from a person or party whose issues are to be discussed, or if, as in this instance the response is not received timeously, the Broadcaster is obliged to mention this fact on air. Applied to the facts of this case the Broadcaster should have indicated that the Complainant was asked for its comment but that their response had not reached the Broadcaster at the time of the broadcast.”

The Commission has assured Magalies Water that SABC News has been reprimanded in accordance with the ruling.

Magalies Water Chief Executive Sandile Mkhize said the judgement vindicated the water utility’s position and reaffirmed its integrity as a reputable bulk water services provider.

He said SABC News’ approach, story treatment and delivery fell short of the BCCSA code of conduct as Magalies Water’s complaint was based on fairness.

“We are not only relieved but also vindicated. It has always been our position that the SABC needed to act responsibly and not be sensationalist in its approach.

“The misrepresentation that Magalies Water suffered extended to doubts in the minds many, as it relates to our capacity, skills, and technical knowledge to improve water quality within the area of operation.

“We appreciate the role of the media as the fourth estate and its watchdog function, however, it is critical that the conduct of journalists and editors alike is beyond reproach given their responsibility to society” Mkhize said. - SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 19:50

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Three companies fined for contravention of export permit conditions

Location: News

Three companies fined for contravention of export permit conditions

Three companies who attempted to export scrap metal and copper ingots without valid export permits have been fined in the Durban Regional Court.

Amalgamated Metal Recycling (Pty) Ltd, Cayo Largo Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Group Wreck International Non-Ferrous (Pty) Ltd entered a Section 105A plea and sentence agreement.

All three companies admitted the allegations and counts contained in their respective charge sheets, and to a contravention of section 54(1)(b) of the International Trade Administration (ITA) Act.

This is according to a statement by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC), which is vested by the ITA Act with the authority to issue import and export permits.

Permits issued under such authority prescribe the kind, quantity, value and other attributes of goods that can be imported into or exported from South Africa.

Scrap metal and copper ingots are examples of products that are subject to permitting.

In a statement, ITAC said each of the three companies is a licensed metal recycling merchant that collects, sorts, processes, recycles and sells recycled metal.

“The sale of certain scrap metals, at the time of the contravention, was subject to ITAC export permit control and/or the Price Preference System (“PPS”) on the exportation of scrap metal, introduced in 2013 to promote the affordable supply of scrap metal to domestic steel and other metal makers, by requiring scrap dealers to first offer scrap to the domestic consuming industry at a prescribed discount to international prices, before it can be exported to other markets.

“If such recycled metal at that time could not be sold locally in terms of the PPS, a prospective seller (the accused) could apply to the ITAC for an export permit, allowing the export of the metal to foreign buyers.

“Furthermore, the exportation of copper and copper alloy ingots is subject to ITAC export control measures, mainly to ensure that stolen infrastructure is not smelted and exported,” it said.

The respective companies applied for the requisite permits for scrap metal and ingots, after having offered such scrap on the local market and after such offers were not taken up locally.

On obtaining the requisite export permits, the companies sourced a foreign buyer and sought to arrange the logistics and shipping of the scrap to give effect to the sale.

“The three companies admitted that, when the containers were entered into the customs export stacks for exportation, the export permits were no longer valid.

“All three companies admitted that they are guilty of contravening section 54(1)(a) and or (b), read with sections 1, 6(1)(c), 15, 26, 27, 55 and 56 of the ITA Act, as read with Government Notice R92 published in the Government Gazette 35007.

“Since the accused had failed to apply for new or revised permits at the time of export, the presiding officer Anand Maharaj found the respective entities guilty of contravention of the ITA Act,” said ITAC.

All three companies further admitted that they benefited from the proceeds of their crime and consented to three separate Section 18 orders issued in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 121 of 1998 (POCA), said the commission.

According to ITAC, the following orders were made by the court:

- Amalgamated Metal Recycling (Pty) Ltd to pay R250 000 into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account established in terms of Section 63 of the POCA.

- Cayo Largo Holdings (Pty) Ltd to pay R250 000 into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.

- Group Wreck International Non-Ferrous (Pty) Ltd to pay R1 000 000 into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.

ITAC said it will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and the National Prosecution Authority to ensure that those involved in illegal exports and imports and permit abuse face the consequences of their actions. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 13:22

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Call to support Springboks

Location: News

Call to support Springboks

As the three-time world champions, the Springboks, face off against Scotland in their first game at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, South Africans have been encouraged to support the team.

“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said.

South Africans can watch the clash of the Springboks against Scotland on Sunday at 17:45 on SuperSport, SABC 2 and SABC+.

The World Cup fixtures runs from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October.

“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.

“The current Springboks represent this country's diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances,” the Minister said.

He made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.

Earlier this week, SuperSport announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.

“This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels. This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.

“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” the Minister said.

MultiChoice and the SABC reached an agreement on the matter on Thursday.

“Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.

“I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find ourselves in this situation before major sporting events,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 09/10/2023 - 12:37

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SABC, MultiChoice agree on rights to broadcast Rugby World Cup

Location: News

SABC, MultiChoice agree on rights to broadcast Rugby World Cup

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has welcomed the agreement between the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and MultiChoice regarding the broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

MultiChoice announced that it had reached an agreement with the SABC to sub-license broadcast rights to the public broadcaster for the Rugby World Cup.

This means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch key matches in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including all the games the Springboks will participate in.

“I welcome this groundbreaking agreement which will allow all South Africans to watch the world champions, the Springboks, as they defend their Rugby World Cup title.

“Rugby has the potential to unite our people, to foster social cohesion and national unity. We have seen this in the times the Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup,” Kodwa said on Thursday.

The Springboks who are three-time world champions will be participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup taking place in France.

The World Cup fixtures run from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:06

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Read moreSABC, MultiChoice agree on rights to broadcast Rugby World Cup

Go Bokke!

Location: News

Go Bokke!

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has wished the three-time world champions, the Springboks, well as they participate in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” Kodwa said.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup begins on Friday, with the Springboks playing their first game on Sunday against Scotland. The World Cup fixtures runs from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October.

“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.

“The current Springboks represent this country's diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances,” the Minister said.

He made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.

Earlier this week, SuperSport announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.

“This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels. This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.

“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” the Minister said.

MultiChoice and the SABC reached an agreement on the matter on Thursday.

“Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.

“I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find ourselves in this situation before major sporting events,” Kodwa said.

School Sport Indaba

The Minister announced that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a School Sports Indaba next Thursday and Friday.

“The aim of this Indaba is to establish a national sports programme for South Africa that is benchmarked against the world's most effective school sports programmes.

“One of the priorities of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is grassroots sports development. The School Sports Indaba will go a long way towards strengthening our focus grassroots sports development through early identification and nurturing of sporting talent.

“The Sports Indaba will see over 30 organisations, as well as teacher unions, sports federations, international bodies and governments gather to exchange and come up with a blueprint for South African schools sport,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 12:08

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Read moreGo Bokke!

At least five injured in Braamfontein fire

Location: News

At least five injured in Braamfontein fire

An explosion from a gas pipeline in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, has left at least five people injured, while a truck and a building close to the Nelson Mandela Bridge caught fire.

According to a statement released on the City of Johannesburg’s X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda explained that the incident occurred while maintenance was being carried out on an Egoli Gas pipeline.

“The explosion is confirmed to be a gas explosion from an Egoli Gas pipeline that was undergoing maintenance.

“Following the Bree Street incident, the City has placed pressure on eGoli and other service providers to test and maintain their systems to prevent future accidents and minimise the risk to leaks and explosions. Sadly, this explosion occurred during the course of such maintenance.

“Residents in the area are advised that they may experience a strong gas scent and mustn’t be concerned as the gas is being released into the atmosphere and poses no risk to health and life,” Gwamanda said.

Since July, at least two major incidents have rocked the area, namely, a methane gas pipeline explosion at Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street, which killed one person and caused serious infrastructure damage, and last week’s Usindiso Building fire, which claimed at least 74 lives.

Gwamanda warned residents to stay clear of disaster areas for their own safety.

“We must, however, also decry a growing tendency where people converge around a scene of disaster, taking pictures and videos, as opposed to evacuating and moving away from such scenes. The Boksburg explosion must be a lesson that scenes of disaster must be cleared immediately by all,” said Gwamanda.

In a statement, Egoli Gas confirmed that the pipeline belongs to it and said the fire was “contained within 15 minutes”.

The company said it has been working closely with the City of Johannesburg since the Lillian Ngoyi Street explosion in July “to make the city safe”.

“This involves exposing sections of pipeline and sleeving to ensure integrity of the network. This process of making the city safe is being rolled out in phases, following the explosion in Bree Street in July and possible damages to the Egoli infrastructure due to that incident.

“A root cause analysis will be concluded and agreement has been reached with the executive team of Johannesburg that JMPD [Johannesburg Metro Police Department] and EMS [Emergency Medical Services] will be informed of future work to assist with the management of traffic and public movement in areas where work is planned,” Egoli gas concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:37

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Read moreAt least five injured in Braamfontein fire

SABC urged to resolve Rugby World Cup broadcast rights matter

Location: News

SABC urged to resolve Rugby World Cup broadcast rights matter

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has urged the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to reach an agreement with SuperSport to secure sub-licensing of broadcast rights to the highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup.

“I am concerned at how millions of South Africans may be unable to watch the Rugby World Cup should the SABC not be able to broadcast matches in the tournament. My commitment is to give South Africans access to all sports codes,” the Minister said on Monday.

He made these remarks after engaging with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele and the SABC on the 2023 Rugby World Cup broadcasting rights.

SuperSport had announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.

The Springboks, who are three-time world champions, will be participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup taking place in France. The World Cup fixtures run from Friday, 8 September to Saturday, 28 October.

Kodwa urged the SABC to find a solution to the matter, so that the public broadcaster can be able to fulfil its mandate to cover sport of national interest.

“I am hopeful that an agreement will be reached between SABC and SuperSport. Rugby plays a critical role in nation building and social cohesion. It is important that millions of South African can watch the Springboks continuing to lift the nation at the Rugby World Cup," Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 12:49

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Read moreSABC urged to resolve Rugby World Cup broadcast rights matter

South Africa: Minister Gwede Mantashe announces adjustment of fuel prices effective from 6 September 2023

Location: News

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: Republic of South Africa
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The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, announces the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from the 6th of September 2023.

South Africa's fuel prices are adjusted on a monthly basis, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g. shipping costs.

The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are due to:

1. Crude oil prices

The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 79.75 US Dollars (USD) to 84.78 USD during the period under review, because of tightening supply resulting from production cuts by Saudi Arabia.

2. International petroleum product prices

The average international product prices of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LPGas increased during the period under review due to the following factors:

(a) High prices of petrol are as a result of low inventories and refinery outages, which affected the production of blending components used in summer grade petrol making it more expensive to produce.
(b) Diesel and paraffin prices increased because of lower shipments of Russia's Urals crude oil which is rich in middle distillates, as well as rising demand of middle distillates ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
(c) LPGas increased because of higher prices of Propane and Butane.

These led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 135.41 c/l, 253.42 c/l and 247.13 c/l, respectively.

3. Rand/US Dollar exchange rate

The Rand depreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.28 to 18.67 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 29.60 c/l, 31.33 c/l and 31.58 c/l, respectively.

4. Implementation of the Slate Levy

The cumulative slate balance on petrol and Diesel at the end of July 2023 had a positive balance of is R1,3 million. Therefore, there is no slate levy applicable in the petrol and diesel price structure for September 2023.

5. Annual Wages Adjustment for the Forecourt Staff

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy approved a 5.0 c/l increase in the price structures of petrol to accommodate the wage increase for Forecourt employees in line with the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) Agreement.

This increase will be implemented from the 6th of September 2023.

Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for September 2023 will be adjusted as follows:

  • Petrol (both 93 and 95 Octane): One hundred and seventy-one cents per litre (171.00 c/l) increase.
  • Diesel (0.05% sulphur): Two hundred and eighty-four cents per litre (284.00 c/l) increase.
  • Diesel (0.005% sulphur): Two hundred and seventy six-cents per litre (276.00 c/l) increase.
  • Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): Two hundred and seventy-eight cents per litre (278.00 c/l) increase.
  • SMNRP for IP: Three hundred and seventy cents per litre (370.00 c/l) increase.
  • Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: Two hundred and twenty-six cents per kilogram (226.00 c/kg) increase.

The fuel prices schedule for the different zones will be published on Tuesday, the 5th of September 2023.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreSouth Africa: Minister Gwede Mantashe announces adjustment of fuel prices effective from 6 September 2023

Tarsus To Sell Vertiv Infrastructure Portfolio in Sub Saharan Africa, Under New Distribution Agreement

Location: News

Tarsus To Sell Vertiv Infrastructure Portfolio in Sub Saharan Africa, Under New Distribution Agreement Vertiv Boosts Local IT Channel Focus Johannesburg [September 04, 2023] – Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced the appointment of Tarsus Distribution as a distribution partner for Sub Saharan Africa, with the …

Read moreTarsus To Sell Vertiv Infrastructure Portfolio in Sub Saharan Africa, Under New Distribution Agreement