agriculture

18 March 2024

Ministers commit to support transboundary cooperation in shared water basin

Location: News

Ministers commit to support transboundary cooperation in shared water basin

Ministers responsible for Water Affairs from the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have recommitted their support to deepening transboundary cooperation in the Limpopo River Basin.

During the biannual meeting by the four Member States held recently in Musina, Limpopo, the Ministers, who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM), signed an endorsement agreement to make amendments to the existing transboundary agreement of LIMCOM on the shared water basin.

READ | SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina

The Department of Water and Sanitation has been a member of LIMCOM since the Commission was established between the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe through the LIMCOM Agreement signed in November 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Article 3.1 of the LIMCOM Agreement (Agreement 2003), stipulates that the objective of the Commission is to “advise the Contracting Parties and provide recommendations on the uses of the Limpopo River, its tributaries and its waters for purposes and measures of protection, preservation and management of the Limpopo River”.

With respect to the Commission’s institutional arrangements to deliver its mandate, the 2003 Agreement, under Article 4, stipulates that the principal organ of the Commission is the Council composed of not more than three delegates per country, with the mandate to establish the Secretariat and any other organ as may be necessary.

However, the Commission recognised that Article 4 of the LIMCOM Agreement signed in 2003 did not include the Council of Ministers as the principal organ of decision making.

As a result, the formalisation of the Council of Ministers as the main policy body will improve the governance structure of LIMCOM and its Secretariat, and also foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and coordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourses. This is in line with the 2000 Revised Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Shared Watercourses.

South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, said it was necessary to include the Ministers so that they execute the mandate regarding the management of the Limpopo River Basin.

Mchunu said the amendment of the agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities.

“We are looking forward to execute the mandates given to us by the people through LIMCOM and we hope that Southern Africa will look at their rivers as assets which are instrumental in developing socio-economic activities including agriculture, tourism, energy generation as well as for domestic use,” Mchunu said.

Located in Southern Africa, the Limpopo River Basin encompassing portions of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The basin faces a number of challenges, especially water scarcity.

In South Africa, there are four Water Management Areas (WMA) found in the Limpopo River Basin, and these include Limpopo WMA, Luvuvhu and Letaba WMA, Olifants WMA and Crocodile (West) and Marico WMA.

However, there is an increasing demand for water to meet the needs of the population and the key economic sectors while faced with limited, if not dwindling, water resources.

The four Ministers also launched the “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin, spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in South Africa, in partnership with the Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa (GWPSA).

The project aims to achieve integrated, cross sectoral, ecosystem-based management of the Limpopo River and to uplift the living standards of the basin’s population and conserve the basin’s resources and ecosystems services.

The project implementation is guided by the LIMCOM Agreement and the principles which are contained in the Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses of 2000.

The principles include sustainable utilisation; equitable and reasonable utilisation; protection, preservation, and conservation of the environment; and prevention and mitigation of significant harm.

“These principles shall be interpreted according to the provisions of Article 3 of the SADC Protocol and developed in accordance with the best international practices.

“Furthermore, in the implementation of this project, the Governments of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe commit themselves to uphold the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:55

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18 March 2024

Housing activists frustrated by President Ramaphosa’s six-month silence on public land act

Location: News

They have been demanding that government use the State Land Disposal Act of 1961 to rapidly free up land for housing

14 March 2024

Cabinet welcomes AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade

Cabinet says it welcomes the African Union Assembly’s adoption of key protocols and decisions affecting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“These included the first-ever Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade, as well as Protocols on Investment and on Digital Trade,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade aims to promote sustainable and inclusive socioeconomic development, provide equal opportunity for women and youth in intra-Africa trade, and the structural transformation of African economies.

Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held the previous day.

She stated that the Assembly, attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa, also agreed to several rules of origin on clothing and certain automobile products.

Cabinet also took the time to congratulate the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition for the work done to enable the start of trade under the AfCFTA preferences, with the first consignment of goods destined for Ghana and Kenya.

WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference

In addition, Ntshavheni said the Executive noted the outcome of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

They also welcomed the acceptance by the WTO of South Africa’s instrument of ratification of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.

“South Africa became the 71st WTO Member to ratify the agreement and was honoured by having its submission done at a special ceremony in the closing session of MC13 [WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference],” Ntshavheni said.

Cabinet also said they were pleased by the accession of Timor-Leste and Comoros to the WTO, and the agreement for a gradual phase-out of benefits of countries that graduate from the 'least developed' country status.

On the other hand, Ntshavheni said the Executive noted with concern a number of key development goals of African countries were not concluded after opposition from larger and developed economies.

“These relate to policy space for industrialisation by developing countries, an agriculture agreement that provides greater access to developed country markets and opportunities for farmers in the global south, further measures to avoid over-fishing and steps to roll back unilateral and unjustified green protectionism measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) of the European Union,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:45

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14 March 2024

More than 2 million benefit from land reform programme

Location: News

More than 2 million benefit from land reform programme

As government continues to fast track the pace of land reform, so far 2 345 547 individual beneficiaries, who are members of 460 952 households, have benefited from the Acceleration of Land Reform programme.

“Of these households, 177 504 are female-headed households and 1 266 are households headed by persons with disabilities,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.

During its meeting on Wednesday, Cabinet was briefed on the implementation and progress of the Acceleration of Land Reform programme.

The Acceleration of Land Reform programme is an outcome of the accepted Recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture that presented its Report and Recommendations to Cabinet in 2019.

Through the provisions of the Transformation of Certain Rural Areas Act of 1998, a total of 593 167 hectares have been transferred, while the Rapid Release of State Land has been completed, with the release and allocation of 659 602 agricultural State land.

“The Land Claims Commission has settled 83 056 claims as at December 2023, a total of 3 889 701 hectares of land were acquired at a cost of R25 billion, and financial compensation of R23 billion was awarded to beneficiaries,” Ntshavheni said.

In addition, Cabinet received a progress report on the Development of the Cannabis and Hemp Sector and the Cannabis Master Plan as part of government’s strategy to industrialise the Cannabis Sector.

The aim is to provide a framework for the establishment, growth and development of the Cannabis and Hemp industry in South Africa in order to contribute to economic growth, poverty alleviation and job creation.

“In 2020, the Minister of Health approved changes to the scheduling of Cannabis plants under the Medicines and Related Substances Act and the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development declared hemp as an agricultural crop in terms of the Plant Improvement Act of 1976.

“The Agricultural Research Council continues to develop hemp varieties, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), to make the seeds available for the 2025 planting season,” the Minister said.

The Department of Health through the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority is currently consulting on further changes to the Schedules of the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

The purpose of the consultation is to allow the Department of Health to regulate Cannabis for all medicinal uses, whilst the DALRRD will regulate the cultivation and processing of Cannabis and hemp for all other legitimate uses, such as industrial, cosmetic, human and food product applications. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 12:47

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14 March 2024

Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

Location: News

Hazelmere Dam project successfully completed

The raising of the Hazelmere Dam project was successfully completed at a cost of R820 million, increasing the storage capacity of the dam, said Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

It increased from 23.9 million m3 to 43.6 million m3, which is an increase of 83% for the KwaZulu-Natal dam.

“To enable this additional stored water to be treated and supplied to the City of eThekwini, the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 millilitres (ML) per day, at a cost of R135 million.

“It will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years at a cost of R25 million,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.

She was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.

During this meeting, Cabinet received a progress report on four strategic Mega Raw Water Resource Augmentation projects executed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

“The implementation of the Umzimvubu Water Project [in the Eastern Cape] was delayed for many years by [a] lack of funding. However, the access roads to the dam, which is 84% complete, is expected to be completed by June 2024. The construction of the dam, which is at 6%, is expected to be completed in 2028.

“The Raising of the Tzaneen Dam Project [in Limpopo], which is currently at 40%, is expected to be completed in March 2025, at a cost of R555 million,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni said the Raising of the Clanwilliam Dam Wall Project in the Western Cape is aimed at meeting the need for additional water for agriculture development, which includes resource-poor farmers.

“The dam wall is being increased by 13 metres to increase its storage capacity from 122 million m3 to 343 m3, which is an increase of 181%. The project is currently at 34% construction and anticipated to be completed in April 2028 at an estimated cost of R3.92 billion,” she said.

Upgrading informal settlements

Cabinet also received a progress report on the implementation of the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant Framework/ Policy that was introduced in the 2019/ 2020 financial year.

“The objective of the Grant is to provide the means for households to receive basic services such as water, electricity, roads, stormwater, refuse removal and sanitation services. The target was to upgrade 1500 informal settlements,” the Minister said.

The progress has been reported as follows:

A total of 578 informal settlements went through Phase 1 activities, which entailed the business plan and pre-feasibility details of the upgrading of the informal settlements.
A total of 1 497 informal settlements went through Phase 2 activities which focus on Security of Tenure and includes the acquisition of land and installation of interim services- basic water and sanitation services pending the formalisation of the settlement, and
A total of 197 informal settlements were fully upgraded.

-SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 03/14/2024 - 13:03

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14 March 2024

FAW Trucks SA unveils the JK6 FD/FT variant, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, March — FAW Trucks SA, a force in global commercial vehicle manufacturing, proudly announces the introduction launch of the new generation JK6 FD/FT variant. This strategic introduction underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to advancing technology and performance in the commercial transport sector. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in South Africa …

13 March 2024

Eliminate red tape to make it easier for African entrepreneurs to do business – Mashatile

Location: News

Eliminate red tape to make it easier for African entrepreneurs to do business - Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for the elimination of red tape to facilitate cross-border trade for African entrepreneurs.

“Countries on our continent typically perform poorly in various categories related to corporate performance and competitiveness due to an unfriendly environment, particularly in terms of intra-continental trade,” the Deputy President said on Wednesday.

This is the reason he believes that countries should take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which seeks to eliminate barriers to trade in Africa.

READ | Africa is an oyster for young entrepreneurs

“The AfCFTA will significantly boost intra-African trade, particularly trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy,” Mashatile said.

The country’s second-in-command was delivering a keynote address at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+ Africa) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

GEC+ Africa is a gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders from more than 50 African nations committed to advancing entrepreneurial activity throughout their own countries in Africa.

Hosted by the Department of Small Business Development, the two-day event includes other international leaders who have become a part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) movement that advances entrepreneurship as a means of building economies and expanding human welfare.

“As policymakers, we have to create an enabling environment for our entrepreneurs,” Mashatile said.

He told delegates that leaders should ensure that the core foundations of the digital economy are in place, including digital infrastructure, digital skills, cybersecurity capabilities, and affordable and accessible data.

Mashatile said nations need to do more to implement the African Union’s Digital Transformation Agenda, adopted at its Summit of Heads of State in 2019.

“We must ensure that by 2030, every individual, business, and government on the continent will be digitally enabled and ready to support a growing digital economy.”

He emphasised the need to enhance governance systems, such as combating corruption, improving macroeconomic management, and resolving disputes through negotiation rather than violent conflict.

“We must do more to shift the narrative that Africa is a difficult place to do business.”

SMMEs

Mashatile said it was crucial to address the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) and start-up credit gap.

“Africa has 18% of the world’s population but attracts only 2% of global capital, and even less global venture capital for start-ups.

“In South Africa, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has proposed a SMME and Cooperative Funding Policy, which was recently gazetted for public comment,” he announced.

The policy requires that the Business Development Service providers in South Africa institutionalise the practice of assisting SMMEs and cooperatives with pre-funding support.

“Without funding, our best start-ups are leaving for tech hubs abroad,” Mashatile said.

Skilled labour force

The Deputy President believes it is crucial to retain skilled professionals within the continent’s borders.

“The loss of skilled professionals, also known as ‘brain-drain’ is one of the major reasons for the unsteady growth in our respective countries.

“To prevent this, we need to make it easier for skills to move across the continent and increase the number of people who can learn new skills, especially in areas that are important to the digital economy.”

However, he said South Africa was making inroads in reforming visa requirements, which allows high-tech expertise to work in the country and develop the economy.

“This move is supported by the underpinning principles of the AfCFTA, and propels us towards the integrated Africa that we want.”

In addition, the Deputy President called on the continent to work together to achieve socio-economic transformation that benefits everyone and one way to start is by assisting small businesses.

“Together, this and the AfCFTA are important steps towards the Africa we want. I am confident that this inaugural GEC+ Africa Congress will provide the appropriate policy advice and partnerships to take us there.”

Trade

The Deputy President has described Africa as a continent overflowing with untapped potential, a hub of innovation and invention waiting to be re-awakened.

“However, Africa still plays a subordinate role in global value chains, and is confronted by deeply established structural constraints that stem from our previous position as an exporter of unprocessed raw commodities.”

South Africa, like the rest of the continent, according to the Deputy President, needs to be strategic in increasing its competitiveness in higher-productivity trade-able commodities and services, as well as in becoming ready for a digital and environmentally friendly future.

“We must recognise that there is a link between the environment, economy, and agriculture. All economic activities either affect or are affected by natural and environmental resources.”

He also called on farmers to adapt to current farming methods that increase production efficiency.

“African innovators and entrepreneurs have the power to transform our economy, which will eventually allow us to participate in the global economy as players with equal status.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 15:05

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13 March 2024

SA must join forces to create youth employment, says Mashatile

Location: News

SA must join forces to create youth employment, says Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile emphasised the need to strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships to increase opportunities for youth empowerment and participation in the labour market.

“Together, we can contribute to national efforts to create employment and get South Africans working,” he said on Tuesday.

Deputy President Mashatile was speaking at the National Council of Provinces during a question and answer session.

In 2020, he said Cabinet approved the National Youth Policy (NYP) 2030, which is a cross-sectoral policy intended to redress the injustices of the past and deal decisively with new challenges affecting the youth.

To reduce youth unemployment, the Deputy President said the Minister of Finance set aside R7.4 billion for the Presidential Employment Initiative for the 2024/25 financial year.

“Thus far, the Presidential Employment Initiative has assisted over 1.7 million people through a combination of job creation, job retention and income and skills support interventions," Mashatile said.

He also touched on the South African Employment Services System, which serves over seven million job seekers, and provides nationwide platforms for youth to register for employment, match with employment opportunities, and receive placement counselling.

Through public-private partnerships, government supports various internships, learnerships, and apprenticeship programmes across various government departments to provide experiential learning and facilitate entry into the labour market for young people.

By supporting the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), he stated that government is playing a critical role in addressing South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis.

“Government is also implementing the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act to promote SMMEs that are key to job creation, and economic growth,” he added.

Agricultural land

Shifting his focus to agricultural land, he said government is accelerating land redistribution through a variety of instruments, such as land restitution and expropriation of land, to boost agricultural output.

In 2023, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure announced that 221 land parcels measuring 148 796 hectares have been released to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development for transfer to the approved land claimants.

“Approximately 1 576 hectares of land is earmarked to be released before the end of this financial year,” he announced.

In addition, he said 125 land parcels, measuring 25 549 hectares of agricultural land were released to support subsistence farming and food security.

“This is in keeping with what we have been doing over the last 30 years,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the government is transferring State agricultural land, through Financial Assistance Land (FALA) properties, where there has been compliance with the rent-to-buy agreements.

On top of that, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, he said, is developing criteria for category 3 and commercial farmers as part of the rollout plan for the release of state land.

“Category 3 includes medium to large-scale commercial farmers who have already been, or intend to farm commercially at various scales, but are disadvantaged by location, size of land, and other resource constraints limiting their growth,” the Deputy President explained.

As per the country’s second-in-command, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure holds national State-owned land. It receives requests from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for releasing land to settle claims for restitution and agricultural purposes as part of the land reform programme.

“As a government, we will prioritise providing extension and technical support to ensure that we distribute properties that are productive and contribute to South Africa’s food security,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:27

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13 March 2024

Minister of Executive Council (MEC) Ivan Meyer welcomes new agricultural graduate interns

Location: News

South African Government
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On Tuesday, 11 March 2024, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, and the Head of Department, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, welcomed 120 unemployed agricultural graduates as interns to the Department's Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP). During the two-year internship graduates will be placed with farmers and sector stakeholders who will act as mentors and host employers.

The agricultural graduate intern programme will offer youth experience through work-integrated learning and support the establishment of youth-owned or managed enterprises, youth entrepreneurs, and other activities. This will encourage the active participation of youth in the agricultural sector to bridge the gap of ageing producers and reduce unemployment and poverty.

Minister Meyer said, “This programme places unemployed graduates with agriculture-related qualifications on farms and at enterprises within the agricultural value chain to acquire relevant on-the-job entrepreneurial and business skills to enable them to establish and manage their own enterprises.”
Minister Meyer and Dr Mogale urged the graduate interns to embrace the values of the Western Cape Government - care, competence, accountability, integrity, innovation, and responsiveness.

Dr Sebopetsa commented, “You have joined an important sector of our economy. The Western Cape agriculture sector is responsible for 55% of South Africa's primary agricultural exports. It is also the country's most important contributor to food security. As the next cohort of producers and entrepreneurs in the sector, we hope to expose you to the values and the practices that you need to be successful.”

Minister Meyer highlighted that the agricultural graduate intern programme allowed participants to unlock their potential within a thriving sector of the economy.
“Unleash your capability within this flourishing sector. Agriculture and agri-processing contribute 11% to the GDP of the Western Cape. By the end of 2022, statistics highlighted that the agriculture sector employed 227 893 workers in the Western Cape, and the agri-processing sector employed 236 002 workers.

Combined, the sector contributed 426,417 jobs in the Western Cape. This means that the agriculture sector employed 17% of the total number of people employed in the Western Cape.”
The key placement components of the agricultural graduate intern programme are:

Livestock rearing and poultry production;
Horticulture/crop production;
Aquaculture production;
Viticulture;
Agro-processing;
Agricultural Extension; and
Agricultural Economics

Minister Meyer said: “Education, Training and Research, and Farmer Support are two of my ministerial priorities. These are underpinned by the Western Cape Government's Growth for Jobs Strategy. Agriculture is a key sector of the Jobs for Growth Strategy.”

“Ultimately, we want to improve the employability of agricultural graduates through on-the-job experience at major agricultural host farms and entrepreneurial entities while at the same time, offering our producers additional support. Importantly, this programme is working to reduce unemployment and equipping our youth to become employers themselves,” concluded the Minister.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

13 March 2024

Mystery surrounds Gauteng government’s multi-million rand adjudication panels

Location: News

Money to pay for them diverted from funding for dignity packs

12 March 2024

Laying the Foundation for Africa’s Silicon Valley

Location: MyPR

Since the dawn of the internet, Africa has been on the back foot of technological development in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. This is due to a number of reasons, including a lack of infrastructure and resources. According to the International Monetary Fund, this has resulted in only 28 percent of the continent …

11 March 2024

SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina

Location: News

SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, will on Thursday sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the transfer of treated water to Musina.

The bilateral agreement between the two countries will allow for supply of about 15 million cubic metres per annum (m3/a) which is equal to 41 Ml/d of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina in South Africa.

The Musina Local Municipality has a total population of 132 009 people residing in 192 villages and one town, which is Musina. The area is dry with limited sources of water and largely relies on groundwater for supply.

“South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a bilateral agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) in 2015,” the department said in a statement.

Limpopo Watercourse Commission agreement amendment

On the day of the signing of the agreement, Mchunu with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique - who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) - will also sign the amended LIMCOM Agreement in the transboundary agreement.

LIMCOM is a transboundary organisation established by four member countries to use management of the shared water resources in an equitable manner.

The department said the agreement will enable the Ministers to adopt policies, decisions and provide guidance on the promotion and coordination of the management, development, and equitable utilisation of the shared water resources.

“During the Commission Sitting, the four countries will sign a commitment to implement the Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin.

“The agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian states which share the basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use,” the department said.

National Water Month

Meanwhile, Mchunu and his Deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, together with Vhembe District Municipality Mayor, Freda Nkondo, will on Friday engage with the community of Musina at Musina Showgrounds, to provide feedback and progress made to address water supply challenges in the area.

The two-day activities form part of the annual National Water Month host by the Department of Water and Sanitation in March.

The National Water Month is South Africa's expansion of World Water Day, which is observed on 22 March and focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

This year’s World Water Day will be observed under the theme ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:47

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9 March 2024

Hydrogen project splits Richtersveld community

Location: News

A mega green hydrogen project and port development are planned for Boegoebaai

8 March 2024

Call for improvement in efforts to deal with new alien species

Location: News

Call for improvement in efforts to deal with new alien species

With new alien species continuing to arrive in the country every year, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has called for enhanced efforts to prevent the introduction of new invasive species through vigilance at borders and risk analyses.

“Early detection and rapid response systems should be strengthened to identify and eradicate invaders before they become established. We must continue investing in research and innovation, supporting studies that enhance our understanding of invasive species dynamics to improve management strategies,” Creecy said on Friday in Pretoria.

The Minister was addressing the launch of the report on the 3rd National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa, which shows that over the last decade, 32 new alien species were either illegally or accidentally introduced, a rate of approximately three introductions per year.

“It is essential to recognise that the impacts of biological invasions extend beyond the realm of biodiversity alone. They have far-reaching consequences on our economy, agriculture, water resources and public health. Invasive species can devastate agricultural lands, leading to reduced crop yields and increased production costs.

“They can also impair water quality, clog waterways, and impact our ability to access clean drinking water. Additionally, some invasive species pose risks to human health by acting as carriers of diseases or causing allergic reactions,” the Minister said.

She said the national status report on biological invasions serves as a clarion call for action and is a reminder of the urgency of the situation and the imperative to act decisively.

“By working together, we can protect our natural heritage, restore damaged ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for South Africa. I urge all stakeholders to embrace the findings of this report.

“Let us unite in our resolve to address the challenges of biological invasions, ensuring that South Africa remains a beacon of biodiversity and a sanctuary for our precious indigenous plants, animals and ecosystems that support sustainable development and human wellbeing,” Creecy said.

South Africa has an innovative regulatory system to address biological invasions, with decisions being more directly informed by the available scientific evidence.

“For example, all legal introductions of new alien species require import permits and are issued only if the risks are demonstrated to be sufficiently low. In addition, the new National Border Management Authority has committed to improving the prevention of illegal and accidental introductions,” the Minister said.

The report shows that invasive species, in particular trees and freshwater fishes, have major negative impacts on people and nature across the country by reducing South Africa’s water resources, degrading pasturelands and exacerbating fires.

“In mountain catchments, we are seeing pine trees using up water, increasing the intensity of wildfires, and crowding out biodiversity. Alien freshwater fishes are invading our water resources, reducing the diversity of our native fishes and other aquatic organisms,” the Minister said.

Between 2020 and 2022, government invested over R1.5 billion to address biological invasions, targeting priority areas such as strategic water source areas, protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.

“These interventions have also created much-needed employment, especially in rural areas. Several notable initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) raised over R180 million from the private sector to fund the control of invasive freshwater fishes and alien plants in the water catchments around Cape Town. This model could be replicated across other catchments and priority areas,” the Minister said.

According to the report, there are 44 alien species on Marion Island, over half of which are invasive, while there are eight alien species present on Prince Edward Island, all of which are invasive.

“Biological invasions on the Prince Edward Islands are being addressed through effective biosecurity and on-island management. The house mouse is the most harmful alien species on Marion Island. The mice feed on plants, invertebrates, and endangered seabirds.

“They also affect ecosystem processes such as sediment movement rates and nutrient cycling. Bold plans to eradicate the house mouse from Marion Island have been developed and are due to be implemented in 2027.

“The eradication of mice from Marion Island is essential if its unique biodiversity is to be preserved. There is, however, still much work to be done,” the Minister said.

Link to the report: https://www.sanbi.org/resources/documents/. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:53

112 views

6 March 2024

African Polystyrene Alliance Launch Event: Paving The Way For A Sustainable And Circular PS Economy

Location: MyPR

The African Polystyrene Industry Alliance (APIA), a pioneering non-profit industry body, is thrilled to announce its official launch event scheduled for Thursday, 29 February 2024, at the Plastics SA office in Midrand. The event will mark a significant milestone in the polystyrene industry’s journey towards sustainability, circular economy practices, and responsible production. As an industry …

6 March 2024

GDP increases by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023

Location: News

GDP increases by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has announced that South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.

In the fourth quarter, six of the 10 industries kept the economy in the green, with the transport, storage and communication industry making the biggest positive impact, expanding by 2.9% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to the GDP growth.

“Increased economic activities were reported for land transport, air transport, transport support services and communications.

“The mining and quarrying industry increased by 2.4% in the fourth quarter, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for platinum group metals (PGMs), coal, chromium ore and diamonds,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

Stats SA further announced that the personal services industry increased by 0.9% in the fourth quarter, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point, with increased economic activities reported for health and education.

The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.6%, pushed higher by financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate and business services, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point.

Meanwhile, the trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2023, contributing -0.3 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages.

On the downside, trade, agriculture, construction and government were weaker. Agriculture, forestry and fishing had a notably tough quarter, shrinking by 9.7%.

“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 9.7% in the fourth quarter of 2023, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops, animal products and horticulture products,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:51

561 views

5 March 2024

Workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA

Location: News

Workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA

South Africa’s Special Economic Zones operators and businesses are to be exposed to the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) during a workshop by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

The department will host the workshop in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) at the IDC Auditorium in Sandton on Wednesday from 09:00 in the morning.

The workshop aims to provide an overview of the AfCFTA and the status of negotiations and implementation, communicate the benefits and export opportunities offered under the AfCFTA to the SEZ managers, investors and tenants and share information on incentives, customs requirements, quality standards and export finance insurance solutions.

The Special Economic Zones Programme has over the 10 years since its inception offered a conducive environment for businesses to enhance their operations. The South African government uses the SEZs as a way to attract investments in sectors with no obvious comparative advantage, or as a way of increasing value added in export activities.

According to the Deputy Director-General of Trade at the dtic, Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter, the AfCFTA workshop will offer an opportunity to collaborate with the SEZs and present the master plan and AfCFTA SEZ Ministerial Regulations.

The six sector master plans targeted are steel and fabrication, agriculture and agro-processing, retail-clothing textile leather and footwear, automotive industry, sugar value chain and forestry.

“The aim is to share export opportunities for the SEZs arising from the AfCFTA and to sensitise them on the benefits of exporting under the AfCFTA,” Mlumbi-Peter said.

For South Africa, the AfCFTA provides an opportunity for the private sector, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), including youth and women owned companies to expand to new markets in East, Central, West and North Africa.

“We wish to encourage companies to produce and export value added manufactured products to support sustainable jobs to new preferential markets in the African continent,” she said.

Participants will also receive presentations from the dtic’s Export Desk, Proudly South African, Brand SA and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 15:12

131 views

5 March 2024

Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River

Location: News

Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River

The Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, have established a Technical Task Team to identify interventions with clear outcomes to manage the clearing of alien invasive plants at the Vaal River.

This follows public concerns relating to the use of the chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.

In a joint statement, the departments said the task team, led by the Directors-General of the two departments and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water, have identified immediate short- and long-term interventions with clear outcomes to manage the situation.

The immediate short-term interventions identified by the task team include the revision of the integrated control approach, which will assess the use of an herbicide that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

In the medium-term, compliance and enforcement interventions will be intensified against the sources of pollution that are driving this situation, while the long-term interventions include the review of the Vaal River Catchment Strategy relating to invasive alien aquatic species, in order to implement a strategy that will holistically address the situation.

“Lastly, the refurbishment of the Rietspruit, Sebokeng and Leeukuil Wastewater Treatment Works will be fast-tracked to reduce pollution that is also contributing to the high eutrophication of the Vaal River System.

“Multiple control strategies deployed simultaneously (biological, chemical and manual removal of alien invasives) are currently under investigation by the task team since a sustainable solution is required to manage the situation,” the departments said.

The spraying of glyphosate over water hyacinth choking up the Vaal River has been stopped due to safety concerns. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:18

25 views

4 March 2024

Gauteng emerging farmers urged to apply for funding

Location: News

Gauteng emerging farmers urged to apply for funding

Emerging farmers in the priority areas of poultry, piggery, grains, vegetables, red meat, cannabis, aquaculture, rabbit, bee farming and agri-processing have been invited to apply for funding.

This is part of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment’s efforts to grow the agricultural sector, create jobs and alleviate poverty in the province.

The CASP which closes on Friday, is informed by the department’s elevated priority focus to maintain sustainable food security in the province.

“We are making a call to the historically disadvantaged and the vulnerable groups, our women, youth and people living with disabilities to apply for the farmer support grant and become part of our relentless fight against food insecurity,” said Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, on Sunday.

Hlophe said the farmer support programme is aimed at providing Small Medium and Micro Enterprise farmers with a much needed boost towards their farming establishments.

The relief programme is building on its previous successes which has seen an average of 250 beneficiaries per annum empowered into the mainstream economy since its establishment in 2004.

The annual subsidy is available to groups and individuals as a once-off intervention so that the department can cover a wider spectrum of beneficiaries for reasonable impact.

To remain transparent, the process takes place under the microscope of an independent evaluation and adjudication panel.

The panel consists of professionals from various fields including economists, animal scientists, crop scientists, engineers, and food scientists.

Potential beneficiaries need to meet the following conditional requirements to apply:

• Application form must be signed and dated

• Registered business on the farmers registers

• South African Certified ID (not more than three months)

• Valid confirmation of land tenure/ownership such as tittle deeds, permission to occupy land and/or minimum five years lease agreement.

• Already farming

• Farming operation’s ability to create permanent or seasonal jobs

• In cases where the Environment Impact Assessment certificate is required, such evidence must be provided.

Once all these have been met, applications may be emailed to: GDARDFARMERSUPPORT@gauteng.gov.za.

Prospective applicants can obtain forms from the following satellite offices:

Germiston Regional Office, 247 President Street
Vereeniging Regional Office, 36 Merriman Street,
Temba Animal Clinic,Stand 16 Stellenbosch, Jubilee Road and
Bronkhorstspruit, 55 Market Street

SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:00

373 views

4 March 2024

Applications Open for the Sixth Edition of Africa’s Biggest Entrepreneurial Competition

Location: News

The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities. The application form can be accessed for free on ABH's official website (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) starting today.

Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa's brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:

have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
operate in 52 African countries

In 2023, ABH published a five-year impact report that details the impact ABH Heroes have had. The full report can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4mErL

As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent. ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French. Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

“Over the past five years, we've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services. It's been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, Africa's Business Heroes.

To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year's winners were chosen from 27,267 applicants from sectors spanning agriculture, education and training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The competition cumulated in the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists mounted Africa's largest augmented reality-powered stage to present their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges.

Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, ABH 2023 First Prize Winner says: “Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has been a transformative experience for Wellahealth Technologies, profoundly impacting our journey as a startup. ABH not only provided us with financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a wealth of benefits that can catalyze growth and success for your ventures.”

WellaHealth (www.WellaHealth.com) provides affordable healthcare plans that start at less than a dollar a month to cover care common conditions delivered via pharmacies and remote doctors. The company serves over 300,000 individuals and is aiming to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within the next five years, extending its services in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

ABH constantly explores effective ways to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. As with previous years, the journey to this year's Grand Finale will also include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, industry experts and investors as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.

To better facilitate the engagement with entrepreneurs and facilitate applications, this year ABH will organize a series of roadshows in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These events will be conducted in collaboration with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members. Participants will gain valuable insights into the ABH initiative as well as enhance their chances of success in the competition. Further details regarding the roadshows and information sessions will be disseminated via ABH's official social media channels and newsletters.

Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.

To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH's website (https://apo-opa.co/3uUYEPD) and follow ABH on Twitter (@africa_heroes), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/48DjD7o) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).

Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English: Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic: Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com

About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.

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1 March 2024

DWS kick-starts National Water Month

Location: News

DWS kick-starts National Water Month

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will be embarking on advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month.

Today, the department kick-starts National Water Month, which is conceptualised along the annual commemoration of World Water Day.

World Water Day is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and is observed on 22 March.

The UN uses World Water Day to focus attention on the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, with the aim of aspiring nations to commit to long-term action.

This is to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030, while not impacting the environment.

World Water Day also brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

This year’s Water Day will be observed under the theme, 'Leveraging Water for Peace', which encourages communities and countries to use water as a tool for peace, when cooperating over this precious shared resource.

The theme also highlights that water can spark and intensify conflict when access is denied and usage unfairly shared.

The department said National Water Month will be used to reflect and deliver the department’s mandate in response to these challenges, with the strategies to avoid the projected deficit.

Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land

The ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately owned land, scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal, will be the highlight of this year’s National Water Month.

“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch this holistic policy with the intention of unifying and simplifying the provision and regulation of sustainable and equitable water services to residents living on privately-owned land,” the department said.

The month-long activities will also see Mchunu visiting Limpopo to assess progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which will benefit 24 villages.

This follows his commitment to accelerate the project through, among others, optimisation of the Giyani water treatment works to its original capacity and increase the project scope to ensure 55 villages benefit from the scheme. This is through funds allocated for reticulation and expanding access to yard connections.

To this end, the department said 24 villages are in various stages of construction and some of the villages will soon be receiving water in their taps.

“Minister Mchunu will also meet with his four counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to sign the amendment of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) by the four riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.

“The agreement signed in 2003, will be amended to formalise the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers to be the main policy and decision-making body on transboundary, water resource management issues in the Limpopo River Basin,” the department said.

The department has reiterated its call to all South Africans to make a difference by changing the way they use, drink and manage water in their respective lives.

“South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global annual average of 814mm. Thus, it has limited water availability, which is diminishing compared to other countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:58

756 views

1 March 2024

128 Mpumalanga schools introduce coding, robotics

Location: News

128 Mpumalanga schools introduce coding, robotics

The Mpumalanga provincial government has introduced coding and robotics in 128 schools, as part of its pilot programme.

“That pilot is progressing well and 128 schools, from Grade R to 3 and Grade 7, are currently doing coding and robotics,” Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said on Friday when delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA).

Since 2022, in its quest to improve learner performance, the provincial government is providing all Grade 12 learners and teachers in Quantile 1 to 3 schools with tablets and laptops respectively.

These devices, the Premier said, are loaded with e-content and will be provided this year with an offline application to enable access to learning even outside the four walls of the classroom without data or connectivity.

“This government continues to strengthen e-learning in our schools. This year, the province will introduce the smart schools concept in eight schools where both teachers and learners will utilise technological devices and thus making the schools paperless," Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

She said the land for the construction of the proposed School for the Deaf and Blind has been secured at Emalahleni Municipality.

“Once the school is completed, the 250 deaf learners currently studying at Bukhosibetfu Full Service School and the 200 in other special schools will be relocated to the new school."

Job creation

By the end of January 2024, a total of 63 478 jobs were created through the 21 identified programmes, including the Siyatentela Road Maintenance Programme, Government Nutrition Programme, School Handymen and Tourism Safety Monitors, to name a few.

“Since 2021 and through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, we have trained and created a total of 65 296 job opportunities for unemployed youth in different schools.

“Since its inception in 2019, the Premier’s Youth Development Fund has disbursed R258 million to fund 182 youth-owned enterprises. The funded beneficiaries have created more than 630 jobs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing as well as film and production,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

Growing tourism

As part of ongoing efforts to attract tourism to Mpumalanga, the provincial government has upgraded tourism facilities in four nature reserves with accommodation facilities.

These include Songimvelo-Kromdraai Camp, Andover, SS Skhosana and Manyeleti.

“Phase 2 of fence installations is in progress in order to minimise human wildlife conflict in Songimvelo, Mthethomusha and Mdala reserves. It’s important for us to implement these projects efficiently, economically and effectively in order to increase the number visitors to our province.

"We are pleased with the intention to support the provincial efforts in this regard, expressed from the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development,” the Premier said.

As of 1 April 2024, FlySaFair introduced new routes between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Cape Town

“This adds further impetus to the gains we made when Eurowings, a German airline, chose Mpumalanga as its destination of choice more than a year ago. This is further supported by the Stats SA Tourism and migration report released in January 2024, which placed Mpumalanga at the second spot in international tourist arrivals.

“As early as February 2024, we entered into a strategic partnership with Aspinall Foundation to elevate the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve to a Big Five Game Reserve. We have also concluded a collaboration with Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation to fight poaching in Manyeleti. This collaboration includes establishing new pickets, maintenance of fence and the training of field rangers,” the Premier said.

Transport

The provincial government plans to build a state-of-the-art interchange along the railway line from the city centre leading to Pine Ridge, Klarinet, Siyanqoba and Verena.

“This interchange will improve safety and ease traffic flow in that area. The planning and design process has been completed. The construction of the interchange will commence in the 2024/25 financial,” the Premier said.

During the current administration, government will complete projects including the rehabilitation of sections P8/1 (R36) between Mashishing and Bambi Phase 3; D2950 Mananga to River Crossing; Coal Haul P36/1 Delmas to N12 and the upgrading of D481 Mooiplaas and Ekulindeni; D4407 Hluvukani – Orpen Road near Welverdied.

Caring for the vulnerable

Since the beginning of the sixth administration, government has placed 542 children in foster care.

The Premier also touched on social ills.

"Substance abuse has become endemic, negatively impacting on the lives of the substance abusers and their close families. We opened our doors and our hearts to more than 1 942 substance abusers who needed our help.

“We have completed the construction of the Swartfontein and the Nkangala treatment centres. In the days ahead, we will officially handover the Nkangala treatment centre.

“In the current administration, 7 409 Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) have been supported to implement programmes that are impact driven and aid our efforts to create a Mpumalanga anchored on morals and social cohesion,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 12:54

47 views

1 March 2024

DWS kickstarts National Water Month