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SSA hard at work to combat cyber threats

Location: News

SSA hard at work to combat cyber threats

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the State Security Agency is sharpening measures against cyber security threats in the country.

The Minister was tabling the Budget Vote of the agency in Parliament on Monday.

She explained that the nature of threats was evolving with criminals using “sophisticated technologies and strategies that require agility and proactive response”.

“This requires specialised skills and coordination with various parties in and out of government. Honourable members are surely aware and concerned about the exponential increase on attacks to organs of state ICT infrastructure, which pose a threat not only to the individual targets but the economic value chain in the services these entities provide.

“In our efforts to strengthen cyber security, we are hard at work building and strengthening our capabilities and capacity to proactively combat emerging cyber threats and potential cyber attacks on our communications environment.

“In this regard, we will be accelerating the implementation of the National Cyber Security Framework which incorporates the development of the cyber security legislative framework and the establishment of an integrated cyber capability and capacity,” she said.

The Minister said with the passing of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill and the necessary organisational reconfiguration, “we will also undertake work to recalibrate and capacitate the National Communications Centre to be more responsive to cyber security threats”.

“Before the end of this financial year, we will commence with the legislative process to take the Cyber Security Bill for consideration by Parliament,” she said.

Ntshavheni said government is embarking on partnerships – both internationally and domestically – to sharpen the skills within the intelligence environment.

“The Intelligence Academy is already working on revising its curricula to focus on more relevant skills of the present day intelligence environment. Some of this will be achieved through partnerships with reputable academic institutions as we work to ensure that the intelligence academy is SAQA accredited to ensure the portability of skills.

“In addition, the Intelligence Academy is exploring possibilities of establishing itself as a data institute that will not only serve the intelligence world, but broader society as data is not only the new gold, but an essential part of driving development and decision making.

“In this regard, investments in collaborations for technology and data sharing with both global and local institutions transcends a strategic imperative. It is a transformative opportunity which can empower the organisation to leverage global expertise, harness the power of technology and data to address local challenges,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Tue, 07/16/2024 - 11:56

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EPWP programme exceeds target

Location: News

EPWP programme exceeds target

With over 80 000 work opportunities created, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will continue to focus on the creation of work opportunities through the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in carrying out its mandate.

“Through a range of EPWP projects implemented by the department, the DFFE exceeded its 2023/24 EPWP target of creating 42 302 work opportunities, as the department created a total of 80 918 work opportunities,” said Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts.

Speaking at the Budget Vote of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the first in the seventh administration for the department, the Deputy Minister said these work opportunities benefited 60% women, 58% youth and 1% of persons with disabilities.

“Youth employment included the employment of graduates, enabling them to gain critical experience in line with section 24 of the Constitution. 

"It is encouraging that some of these graduates were absorbed into the municipalities and other host organisations.”

The department met its target for full time equivalents (FTEs), meaning that it was able to improve the duration of employment as EPWP participants are paid in accordance with the number of days worked.

Swarts said the implementation of the Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme through a partnership model with the municipalities created the most work opportunities.

“The partnership had the department paying for the EPWP stipends and providing the primary project management responsibilities. The municipalities provided personal protective equipment (PPE), tools of trade and medical screening.

“The Municipal Greening and Cleaning Programme contributed to the waste management service delivery through daily cleaning-up and clearing of illegal hotspots,” she said.

In this financial year, the department has prioritised the creation of 31 075 EPWP work opportunities and 22 538 full time equivalents through the implementation of the Working for Water, Working on Fire and Working for Wetlands and the Municipal Greening and Cleaning programmes.

“SANParks – one of our entities - also participates in the DFFE funded EPWP which is aimed at creating jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities.

“Under this programme, SANParks exceeded all targets in the previous financial year, having employed 5 150 full-time equivalents, employing 7 098 youth, 6 483 women and 198 people with disabilities.

“Over the medium term, under this programme, SANParks aims to create over 13 860 jobs targeting women, youth and people with disabilities, mostly from neighbouring communities to national parks.”

The department is implementing the National Greening Programme, which aims to coordinate national, provincial and local government initiatives and those of civil society to plant, care and maintain trees and other vegetation in urban and rural settlement areas.

“An estimated 1 177 390 trees were planted through DFFE initiatives and other stakeholders in the 2023/24 financial year. This resulted in the creation of 4062 work opportunities as it is implemented through the EPWP,” said Swarts. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:44

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Transport department, taxi industry to work together this term, says Creecy

Location: News

Transport department, taxi industry to work together this term, says Creecy

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has committed to working with the taxi industry to ensure that the industry fulfils its role in the transport ecosystem with greater safety.

“Taxis are part of community life, and as per the National Household Travel Survey, now carry eighty 3% of those who use public transport. 

“During this term, I pledge to work with the industry to ensure it takes its place in a safer, greener transport ecosystem. We will work together to decrease levels of conflict and violence, which pose a significant risk to the sector and to commuters,” the Minister said when tabling the Budget Vote of the department at Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Transport in Cape Town on Monday.

Creecy said the department will, in the short-term, continue to assist the industry to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Taxi Relief Fund, created by the department to mitigate the negative financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi industry, has been extended in the past year to provide further support to the industry. 

“The Taxi Recapitalisation Strategy continues to deal with the scrapping of unroadworthy vehicles, but also aims to regularise and professionalise the industry by improving safety and incorporating the industry in transport planning processes,” she said.

Climate resilience

The Minister said as the department continues to “stabilise and optimise our existing transport sector”, new risks and opportunities continue to arise.

“Climate change, as we have seen over the last couple of years, poses a significant risk to our built infrastructure in general and our transport infrastructure in particular. Building the climate resilience of our ports, road and rail networks is both a necessity and a new opportunity for investment, growth, economic inclusion and job creation. 

“Contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all modes of transport will become a necessity once the new Climate Bill is signed into law. Our transport sector is responsible for approximately one tenth of our country’s CO2 emissions, and we will have to do our bit to achieve the NDP target of net-zero by 2050,” she said.

In this regard, the Minister said, implementing the department’s Green Transport Strategy “will be a priority” in this term.

“In this next decade, transport will also be revolutionised by an acceleration of digital technology. New technologies and new global imperatives will fundamentally alter the skills requirements of those employed in the transport sector, as well as open up new value chains for new forms of economic access, ownership and employment. 

“Such innovations include operational automation and real-time tracking of shipments to assist in port management, digital signalling to modernise the management of our railway systems, the use of artificial intelligence in traffic management, and the introduction of self-driven vehicles and drones for delivery.

“The department’s Green Transport Strategy includes investing in green energy infrastructure; promoting the uptake of alternative fuels such as biogas and green hydrogen; extending the rail network to provide alternative public transport, and developing ‘green procurement guidelines’, which will promote low-carbon technologies,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:20

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Government committed to resolving challenges in transport industry

Location: News

Government committed to resolving challenges in transport industry

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says although the transport sector faces challenges, the department remains committed to fulfil its mandate to the people of South Africa.

“Given the current status of the transport sector, my first task in this 7th Administration is to stabilise the transport system in our country and make our department fit to fulfil its policy-making and regulatory role,” the Minister said when tabling the department’s Budget Vote at Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport on Monday.

Challenges in the department

Creecy said the department has become “disconnected” from its vision to lead the development of efficient and integrated transport systems.

“[Today], we would all agree that an efficient and functioning transport sector that moves people and goods safely, speedily and affordably across the length and breadth of our country is the key to a successful economy.

“In recent times, there has been a disconnect between this vision and the realities of our transport system and our national Transport Department. Our sector is not operating as either an effective economic facilitator or as a much-needed social service,” she said.

Furthermore, she noted that the department has faced myriad challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the freight system, with long delays in the “movement of key bulk minerals, containers and vehicles”.

“Dysfunctional port terminals resulted in long waiting times for ships wishing to berth, as well as congestion at strategic border crossings and key national highway corridors. Our freight rail system was characterised by maintenance backlogs, cable theft, and skills shortages.

“Our road systems deteriorated throughout the country and many provinces failed to execute maintenance and new build programmes, resulting in unspent funds being returned to National Treasury,” she said.

Creecy said the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) was a response to meet the scale of the crisis is critical.

“The NLCC has three distinct objectives: improving operational performance of industry supply chains, including freight rail and ports; implementing reforms to modernise the freight transport system for efficiency and competitiveness, and necessary regulatory change or exemptions to enable efficient procurement and adequate funding for network maintenance,” she said.

Turning to the work of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), the Minister said despite facing challenges of infrastructure damage and cable theft, the agency continues to reopen passenger rail lines, with 28 of 40 priority lines being fully operational.

“As of March this year, 256 stations are fully functional in cities across the country. 

“Continuous work is being done to rehabilitate and open more strategic commuter corridors. This will ensure that the public can rely on safe, secure, punctual, and affordable public rail services that will not hinder their participation in the economy,” she said.

Stabilising the department

Creecy told the committee that a key priority for this financial year is stabilising and improving “governance of the department and its entities”, with critical vacancies to be assessed and filled.

“The efficacy of the department’s entities in fulfilling their stated mandates will also be assessed, and reforms such as addressing adverse audit findings and the timeous payment of outstanding invoices will be implemented. 

“Immediate attention will be given to the critical issue of underspending by both departmental entities and Provincial Departments on finances allocated for road maintenance and road construction. In a country where citizens must daily navigate the hazards of potholes, it is unconscionable that we are returning money to National Treasury,” she insisted. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:22

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A busy week ahead in Parliament

Location: News

A busy week ahead in Parliament

Parliament is expected to be abuzz with activity this week as the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) draws closer and Budget Vote Speeches and Parliamentary Committee meetings continue.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the OPA on Thursday during a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

“According to the new Joint Rules of Parliament, the OPA is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The SONA is held annually in February to outline the government's plans and priorities for the year and report on the state of the nation. 

“The OPA, on the other hand, occurs once every five years, after elections, to announce the new administration's plans and to mark the beginning of the new five-year parliamentary term. 

“The OPA coincides with Nelson Mandela International Day - an annual global celebration on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by emulating his exemplary and selfless service to humanity,” Parliament said in a statement.

Following that address, the two Houses are expected to hold a joint sitting on Friday to debate the OPA.

However, preceding both the address and subsequent debate will be a media briefing by Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.

Parliament’s other business

According to the statement, tomorrow (Tuesday) the NCOP’s programming committee will meet to “consider the draft parliamentary programme, reports and bills before the House”. 

That meeting will commence at 9.15am.

“Meanwhile, the NCOP will have plenary sittings on Tuesday and Wednesday for four policy debates on Budget Votes and to consider legislation before the House, motions and various committee reports. 

“The hybrid plenary on Tuesday will hold debates on Budget Vote 3 (Cooperative Governance) and Budget Vote 41 (Water and Sanitation). On Wednesday, the House will have policy debates on Budget Vote 5 (Home Affairs) and Budget Vote 18 (Health),” the statement said.

Parliamentary committees are also expected to meet this week.

“With the parliamentary committee structures now established and chairpersons elected, the committees of the two Houses have scheduled 13 committee meetings for this week. These committees will get briefings from ministers and consider and adopt the draft reports on the Budget Votes. 

“The Standing Committee on Appropriations will have virtual public hearings on the Appropriations Bill on Friday,” the statement concluded.

The list of committee meetings are available at www.parliament.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:48

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Small Business Development Department ‘up to the task’

Location: News

Small Business Development Department 'up to the task'

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says the department she leads is “up to the task” of unlocking the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the country.

The Minister said this when she delivered the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.

“One of the main contributing factors to the low [economic] growth is that too many of our citizens are unable to participate in productive economic activities. 

“So in addition to championing reforms that will address energy supply constraints, logistics and crime - which are the focus of Operation Vulindlela - we must also direct our energies to reforms that unlock the potential of SMMEs and the cooperative sector. 

“This must be the core priority of the seventh administration, and one for which we bear responsibility as the Department of Small Business Development portfolio. [We] want to assure all members and society that even though we are young and still developing, we are up to the tasks that lie before us,” she said.

The department has been allocated a budget of some R2.437 billion.

Priority areas for market access

The Minister said the department is focussing on five areas related to market access and localisation, which have proven to be barriers for SMMEs.

“Firstly, we will support 200 SMMEs through our Small Business Exporter’s Development Programme to participate in ten trade events in the 2024/25 financial year. In this regard, R20 million has been allocated to exploit our AFCFTA, BRICS partnerships and various global trade agreements.

“Second, we will enhance our Market Linkage Programme to ensure placement of SMME products in strategic warehouses of wholesalers and the shelves of retailers. Through our partnership with Proudly SA, we are developing an e-commerce platform that is likely to go live in the second of this financial year. 

“Third, we are working with the public sector in order to exploit opportunities which will be presented by the Public Procurement Bill (once signed into law). We are working with corporates through Community of Practice to influence Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes and procurement of products from small enterprises and cooperatives,” she said.

Furthermore, there are plans to “actively building supplier capacity to meet and sustain the market requirements”.

“Here we provide quality improvement, product testing and certification, as well as productivity improvement through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda). 

“Through the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMP) at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) we have allocated an amount of R266.8 million which deepens the black industrialist programme and ensure more participation of small enterprise in the manufacturing sector.

“Fifth, priority is also given to new growth drivers with low barriers to entry. In this financial year (2024/25), we will focus on the energy sector and tech industry – while also implementing our Cannabis Support Programme that will look both at the industrial hemp value chain as well as how to mainstream small indigenous cannabis growers for lucrative markets,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said.

Financing small businesses and cooperatives

The Minister highlighted that financing “remains one of the key constraints for small businesses and cooperatives”.

In this regard, the department has developed an SMME and Co-operatives Funding Policy to expand access to financing and early stage investment.

“This policy will be a game changer as it also proposes an establishment Fund of Funds, which we are currently designing. The fund will de-risk and leverage investment from the private sector and institutional investors for start-ups amongst other things. We will also prioritise the development of a Startup Policy and legislation as required. This will be done in collaboration with relevant departments.

“We will also continue to build on the work we have already undertaken in the previous administration to invest more in under-served SMMEs and co-operatives. 

“In this regard, Sefa disbursed R2 billion funding facilities against a target of R2.18 billion to 80 040 SMMEs and co-operatives which led to 98 378 jobs,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 14:32

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First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

Location: News

First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the first Cabinet Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane this weekend.

The lekgotla is expected to set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration. 

Attending the lekgotla are, among others, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ministers and provincial Premiers.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the all-important meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the programme of action is guided by the priorities set out in the GNU’s Statement of Intent.

“That will allow us to then go back and consolidate what you know as the Medium Term Strategic Framework. Now we are calling it the Medium Term Development Plan. 

“The set of actions are being guided by the priorities agreed by the parties to the GNU. In those nine priorities there is going to be a number of presentations that will say how we agree on this. And we are guided, as another filter, by the National Development Plan (NDP),” she said.

The priorities, in short, include:
•    Economic growth, job creation and transformation
•    Creating a more just society
•    Stabilising local government, 
•    Investing in people through education, skills development and healthcare
•    Building state capacity
•    Strengthening law enforcement agencies
•    Strengthening the effectiveness of Parliament
•    Strengthening social cohesion, nation-building and democratic participation, and undertaking common programmes against racism, sexism, tribalism and other forms of intolerance
•    Foreign policy based on human rights, constitutionalism, the national interest, solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts

“[Some of the priorities] focus on economic growth, inclusive growth and job creation. We are looking at what we should do to unlock the economy to grow so that it can create jobs for the people of South Africa.

“We are focusing on what are the areas of reforms that will unlock the economy, the issues around water, electricity and energy. We’re dealing with the issues around job creation, what the economic growth trajectory look like. 

“To do that we need a partnership with business. We need also a capable, ethical and developmental state to have that capacity,” she said.

The Minister explained that the lekgotla will further be guided by “evidence-based planning and action”.

“The Statistician General [Risenga Maluleke] is going to present in terms of the indicators that we are looking at and what that means in terms of the government programme.

“We’ve tabled the budget of Statistics SA to say we are starting to work on the indicators of how … to support the implementation of the District Development Model to be evidence based…and to strengthen our research capabilities to make sure that we move with speed to achieve the goals of the NDP,” she said.

Ntshavheni clarified that following the lekgotla, Cabinet – which includes Ministers and the President – will adopt the programme of action.

“It has to be adopted by Cabinet. Cabinet is the governing authority of South Africa so it will adopt it and [then] clusters will go and work on their priorities and initiatives. From there departments go and work.

“The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, during that period, will continue to work and make sure that there’s alignment across [departments] and everyone knows what they want to do. 

“We are going to implement government priorities collectively because there’s no ‘DA minister’, there’s no ‘ANC minister’, there is only a ‘minister of government’.

“We are consolidating so that we have a single view and a single programme of action that is agreed to by all and that cascades to provinces,” she said.

President Ramaphosa will communicate the outcomes of the lekgotla during the opening of Parliament on 18 July. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 07/13/2024 - 13:07

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DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts

Location: News

DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says his department, which is facing a critical staff shortage, must do more with less due to resource constraints.

A critical challenge faced by the department, Lamola explained, is managing exchange rate volatility, which affects 60% of expenditures allocated to missions abroad.

The Minister was speaking during his Budget Vote Speech for the 2024/25 financial year, where he announced that the department had been allocated R6.57 billion, which dropped by 5% compared to the previous year. 

“Strategic cost management in this area is essential to safeguarding our financial stability. Equally vital is addressing employee compensation, where the current ceiling set by the National Treasury requires careful consideration to maintain workforce morale and operational efficiency.” 

According to the Minister, the department could only fill critical vacancies identified at the head office to remain within the baseline for employee compensation, which resulted in a “very high vacancy rate”.

He said that this hurts the department’s operations and service delivery.

“However, several line function posts were filled at the Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Director levels, mainly through internal promotions to address the lack of upward mobility,” he added. 

The Minister also announced that the department cannot fill all the critical vacancies with the available funds, and operations continue to be negatively affected.  

“The June 2024 mission posts placement process was also deferred due to the shortfall in the compensation of employees’ budget. Additional funding is thus required to cover the shortfall and fill other critical vacancies at the head office and missions abroad.” 

This financial year, he stated that the department will improve its information and technology and property infrastructure portfolio to optimise resources. 

“This strategic initiative aims to release more lease funds and redirect them towards operational needs. While these budget adjustments pose challenges, they also present opportunities for efficiency gains and prioritisation of essential expenditures.”

He informed Parliament that the department will soon be advertising a cadet programme and a youth development initiative, which he deems crucial to the national youth development imperative and the department’s future capacity requirements.

The department is also finalising its organisational structure review process to streamline the business units and processes and optimise scarce resources to leverage global economic opportunities in advancing the country’s national interest, he added. 

“Our commitment to delivering quality services and fostering economic growth remains unwavering. This budget signifies our determination to balance fiscal prudence with the imperative to support our citizens and invest in our nation’s future.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:11

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Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Location: News

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says he is concerned about the recent retrenchments in the platinum sector.

“Whilst the mining sector employs 489 000 mineworkers, we have noted with concern the recent retrenchments specifically in the platinum sector. In response to these job losses, we have pulled our social partners together and are in discussions to craft an approach to minimise them,” Mantashe said, delivering the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Budget Vote in Cape Town.

He said significant progress has been made by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) who have formed partnerships with industry players to improve the state of infrastructure to support mining.

“The department is currently drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development  Amendment Act (MPRDA) aimed at ensuring that areas that have been identified as weak and those that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice.

“The amendments will also review the licensing regime to reduce red tape and improve the business environment for investors while keeping in sync with South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” Mantashe said.

He said the amendments are a continuation of the regulatory and policy adjustments initiated during the sixth administration.

“Given South Africa’s endowment with considerable mineral reserves of strategic significance to the global economies, we are convinced that increased exploration will enable the country to meaningfully benefit from its global advantage.

“To enable this the department, guided by the country’s exploration strategy, has in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established an exploration fund to support emerging and junior miners,” Mantashe said.

Government intends to intensify engagements with several fund managers and the investor community to secure additional financing to sustain the fund into the future.

The department has allocated R72 million to fund artisanal and small-scale miners, including women and youth-owned companies.

Mantashe said the health and safety of mine workers remains at the centre of government’s work.“Owing to our strategic partnership with our social partners we have improved our performance towards the zero harm goal,” he said.

The Minister said this is demonstrable in the decline in mine fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases as evidenced by the 49 fatalities being the lowest on record in 2022.

“Although we had set our sights on beating this record in 2023, the regrettable disaster at the Impala Rustenburg that killed 13 mineworkers and many other fatal incidences contributed to the regression resulting in 53 fatalities reported in 2023.

“We have also noted with great concern the emerging trend of fatalities related to motor accidents and disasters involving illegal miners. 

“To this end, the department has entered into an agreement with the industry on the development of minimum standards and guidelines to mitigate against road fatalities, while intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the Minister said.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the department has been allocated at least R8.84 billion, of which R6.4 billion is earmarked for transfers to public entities, municipalities, and other institutions or implementing agents. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:19

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Water and Sanitation allocated over R130 000 billion budget

Location: News

Water and Sanitation allocated over R130 000 billion budget

The Department of Water and Sanitation has been allocated an amount of R134.909 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Mojodima, said the budget includes allocations of R42.604 billion, R46.362 billion and R45.941 billion in the 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years respectively.

The department’s budget consists of two components, including the main account and water trading entity.

“On the main account, the department has been allocated R72.989 billion over the MTEF. This consists of allocations of R24.074 billion, R25.159 billion and R23.754 billion in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 respectively.

“Included in the main account budget are conditional infrastructure grants for municipal water services totalling R36.305 billion over the MTEF. This includes R20.130 billion for the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and R16.175 billion for the Water Services Infrastructure Grant,” Majodima explained.

She noted that the water trading entity is mostly funded through revenue collection from the sale of water, but also receives some transfers from the fiscus for infrastructure projects.

The water trading entity has been allocated R61.920 billion over the MTEF, including R18.530 billion, R21.202 billion and R22.187 billion in 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 respectively.

The department, said the Minister, will make every effort to ensure that the resources are deployed as efficiently as possible “to ensure that service delivery reaches our communities”.

The department will also continue to clear all the department’s historic incidents of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in collaboration with National Treasury and the law enforcement agencies.

The Minister committed the department to a zero tolerance to corruption and ensuring the promotion of good governance.

“In recent years, the department has successfully reduced its under-expenditure against its budget – in 2021/22 there was R2.5 billion under-expenditure (which equals to 14.3% of the budget), in 2022/23 there was R860 million under-expenditure (5% of the budget), and in 2023/24 there was R44 million under-expenditure (0.2% of the budget).

“It is our intention to eradicate under-expenditure altogether and achieve 100% expenditure of our budget in the current financial year. This will be done by making our infrastructure procurement processes more efficient and effective and by improving our management of allocations to projects during the financial year,” Majodima said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:10

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Incentives for municipalities owing water bills

Location: News

Incentives for municipalities owing water bills

In a bid to address the water debt owed by municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, including water boards, have strengthened and standardised debt collection processes and put in place incentives for municipalities to pay their water board bills.

Presenting the Water and Sanitation Budget Vote on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the municipal debts to the water boards increased to R21.3 billion by May 2024, posing a major risk to the financial sustainability of the whole water sector.

Majodina said this debt has forced the department to close down the Sedibeng Water Board in 2022 and transfer its functions, including assets and liabilities, to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards.

“The debts owed by municipalities to Sedibeng Water had resulted in it no longer being able to service its own debts and to meet its operational expenditure requirements. However, the transfer of Sedibeng’s operations to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards did not solve the underlying debt problem and the municipal debt continues to grow,” Majodina said.

While non-payment by municipalities poses a threat to the financial sustainability of all the water boards, Majodima said the department is particularly concerned about Magalies Water and Vaal Central Water, which are experiencing an increasing cash flow challenges due to non-payment.

“One of our immediate priorities will therefore be to work with our colleagues in Cabinet, particularly the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to find a sustainable solution to this problem,” Majodina said.  

While acknowledging that not all municipalities are falling behind on their payments, Majodima warned that non-payment by a few municipalities which are served by a particular water board can result in severe financial difficulties for that water board.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the National Government allocated R61.7 billion of water and sanitation-related grants to municipalities to enable the municipalities to address water and sanitation infrastructure backlogs and provide free basic water to the indigent.

Apart from these grants, the water services sector must be self-financing through revenues from the sale of water.

Available infrastructure for other economic activities

To ensure the department’s assets contribute towards the objectives of the Government of National Unity, Majodina said the department would be availing its infrastructure for other economic activities, including promoting tourism and recreation, and reducing the risk of load shedding through the use of dams for generation of hydropower.

The Minister noted that during the last financial year, the department issued an expression of interest to obtain access rights to state dams for tourism and recreation activities, with the aim of promoting economic development, particularly of communities adjacent to dams.

She said the expressions of interest received will be processed during the current financial year.

“In consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Electricity, the department has also issued requests for applications for interested parties to apply for water use authorisations to generate hydropower using water courses and the water resource infrastructure owned by the department.

“This process received interest from over 200 applicants, for generation of 2 845 Megawatts of electricity from the water courses. To date, the department has issued 40 authorisations for floating solar panels, and the remaining applications will be processed in the current financial year,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:37

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Jump on the democracy bus

Location: News

Jump on the democracy bus

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, has launched the Democracy Bus, which will travel the country to drum up citizens’ participation in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.

“[The] bus will travel to different parts of our amazing country from the nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities. Government calls on all South Africans to get on the bus so that they can see and experience the changes we have gone through as we relive the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey," Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced during the delivery of the Budget Vote of the GCIS to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on Friday.

“The bus is also expected to stop at the GCIS Thusong Service Centres which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, izimbizo and national events as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years as we celebrate our 30 years of democracy,” she said.

Spot the Bus 

The Minister said citizens will be able to participate in a “spot the bus” campaign.

“As the bus travels on our roads, across all our provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have the opportunity to be part of the spot the bus campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.

“This is the way GCIS is bringing South Africans to acknowledge the work that has been done over the last 30 years but also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead which government, through its new programmes of the seventh administration…will address the challenges that remain,” Ntshavheni said.

Crime 

The Minister also said the GCIS was implementing a campaign that will seek to encourage communities and stakeholders to participate in the fight against crime.

She said the department has set the fight against crime as one of its communication priorities for this financial year.

“GCIS is implementing a crime management campaign which will target the areas of organised and violent crime, illegal mining, cable theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure along with the scourge of violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society.

“To strengthen stakeholder participation, the GCIS has established a directorate of stakeholder management and special projects to marshal all stakeholders in a common front against social ills. We have learnt during COVID-19 that the coordination of the work is more impactful in our communication space,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:44

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Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

Play Your Part campaign to be reimagined - Minister Ntshavheni

Brand SA has set out its plans to reimagine the Play Your Part campaign.

This according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the Budget Vote of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Friday.

Brand SA, the country's official marketing agency, has been allocated R186 million to carry out its work for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the Minister, the Play your Part initiative aims to “inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship”.

“It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. It calls on South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills and goods to contribute to a better future for all of us,” she said.

Ntshavheni said the Media Development and Diversity Agency has made “significant strides in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans”.

The entity has been allocated at least R38.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

“In its duty of providing funding and other support for the marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, it has supported over 586 small commercial media projects over the years despite its meagre budget.

“This includes 321 community radio and community television stations along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print as well as digital platforms,” she said.

She emphasised the vital nature of the work of the MDDA.

“The work of the MDDA is important because community media serves to connect people with shared interests and concerns. It amplifies the unique stories and experiences within a community and promotes understanding amongst its members.

“In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for the greater good of society,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:48

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Read morePlay Your Part campaign to be reimagined – Minister Ntshavheni

Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

Location: News

Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), has put in place an office to support municipalities in establishing partnerships with the private sector.

This as poor investment in water and sanitation infrastructure by municipalities is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector currently.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Madojina, said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.

While South Africa is doing well in terms of mobilising private sector finance for investment in national water resource infrastructure, Majodina said it is not doing so well in terms of private sector financing of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Aging infrastructure, pipe leaks and lack of operation and maintenance, among others, are some of the main causes of high levels of non-revenue water in municipalities. For example, the water partnerships office is currently supporting the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which result in high levels of non-revenue water,” Majodina said.

She added that other focus areas include private sector investment in municipal water-reuse and desalination projects.

Water resource infrastructure agency

The Minister further announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will own all the national water resource infrastructure assets and obtain the revenue streams associated with those assets.

This will enable the agency to borrow additional funds on the strength of its balance sheet.

“The establishment of the agency will be one of the major focus areas of the department over the coming year. Parliament passed the National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill before it rose in May this year and we are expecting it to be signed by the President shortly.

“This will involve the transfer of all the national water resource infrastructure assets currently owned by the department to the agency, as well as the staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the assets,” Majodina said.

The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) will be merged into the National Water Infrastructure Agency, along with the water trading entity in the department, which is responsible for collecting revenue from the sale of raw or untreated water to the water boards, municipalities and industry.

“A transition plan is in place, and we aim to complete the establishment of the agency by May 2025. During this financial year, the department will be focusing on implementing the major structural changes and staff transfers associated with the establishment of this agency,” the Minister said.

The Minister shared her intentions to ensure that there is continuity of the various reforms and improvements that were initiated by the former Minister Senzo Mchunu. Many of them were mandated by the National Development Plan and the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 15:04

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‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.

The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i

This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.

“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.

The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.

“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.

“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.

Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.

The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.

“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.

“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.

Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.

“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.

“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.

The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.

She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.

Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.

“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.

"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.

“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.

“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34

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Read more‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Location: News

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says as government commences with the work of the seventh administration and the next 30 Years of Freedom, it is important to address the challenges that still confront the country with greater performance and momentum.

“We need to continue to support Stats SA and ensure it plays a pivotal role in providing critical socio-economic data that informs decision making across government and business broadly,” Ntshavheni said.

Presenting the Stats SA Budget Vote in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said it is statistical data and information that will give government insight into the nation’s needs and achievements, and will help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of government policies and programmes.

“Therefore, understanding and managing the data ecosystem is crucial for the country to harness the full potential of data, make informed decisions and adapt to evolving business landscapes,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said this will be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and platforms and that Stats SA must continue to lead in the South African data ecosystem to ensure that the data gap is closed.

“Statistical data is indicating that our economy is three times larger and many times more inclusive and diversified than it was 30 years ago. Millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty and employment has more than doubled.

“Despite this progress, millions remain unemployed, in particular, the youth who are caught in structural unemployment where the qualifications they possess are not relevant for the job market nor self-employment.

“For South Africa to reach its developmental goals as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP), there is a need to use data and statistical information to not only improve the performance of government, but all of society,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said as a government that considers itself to be located within communities and society, it will work with all sectors to secure growth, security and prosperity that all wish to enjoy in a lifetime and into the future.

“Therefore, Stats SA will be one of our key institutional assets on this quest for a better future. This asset, Stats SA, is a jewel in the crown of the capacity of the state and its rigour and integrity is globally respected. 

“Stats SA itself has a productive, intergenerational mix of experience and institutional memory alongside the energy and innovation that comes with a cohort of statisticians and other professionals who were born and educated in this democratic dispensation.

“For the richness of Stats SA’s outputs, we are deeply indebted to the millions of South Africans, who trustingly and graciously share their information and time with us so we can have numerical picture of the nation as it goes about living and working,” the minister said.

Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s 2024/25 Work Programme reflects the drive to deliver the statistics that the country needs and can apply to build a better South Africa.

“Stats SA delivered the results of the first digital census to the nation in October 2023. The population census offers us the most comprehensive set of statistical information to the lowest geographic level,” she said.

The Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Stats SA is R2.65 billion for 2024/25, and R2.75 billion and R2.89 billion in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:52

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More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Location: News

More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons

Thirteen more National Assembly committees have elected their respective chairpersons on Wednesday.

This followed Tuesday’s committee meetings where 16 committees elected their chairpersons.

The members elected to serve as committee chairpersons include:
•    Portfolio Committee on Tourism - Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
•    Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements - Albert Mammoga Seabi.
•    Standing Committee on the Auditor-General - Wouter Wessels.
•    Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure - Carol Phiri.
•    Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Dr Zweli Mkhize.
•    Portfolio Committee on Police - Ian Cameron.
•    Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture - Joseph McGluwa.
•    Portfolio Committee on Higher Education - Walter Tebogo Letsie.
•    Standing Committee on Appropriations - Mmusi Maimane.
•    Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) - Songezo Zibi.
•    Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development – Masefako Clarah Dikgale.
•    Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition - Mzwandile Masina.
•    Portfolio Committee on Agriculture - Dina Pule.
•    Portfolio Committee on Land and Rural Development - Tsakani Goodness Shiviti.
•    Portfolio Committee on Social Development - Bridget Masango.
•    Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy - Nomkhosi Mvana.
•    Portfolio Committee on Women - Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa.

The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation postponed its meeting to a later date when it will elect a chairperson.

“The election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for Members of Parliament to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business of Parliament, which requires the attention of committees,” Parliament said.

The National Council of Provinces will elect their respective chairpersons on Thursday and Friday.
National Council of Provinces elects Deputy Chairperson

Meanwhile, during its plenary session on Tuesday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) elected Poobalan Govender to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the Council.

A permanent delegate to the NCOP from KwaZulu-Natal, Poobalan, who is representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, joined the NCOP in the seventh Parliament.

Poobalan has been a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature since 2014 and served on various committees, including Social Development, Economic Development and Tourism.

As NCOP Deputy Chairperson, he will assist the Chairperson in undertaking her duties, providing strategic leadership and will fill in if the Chairperson is unavailable.

This includes representing Parliament in international multilateral forums and the NCOP in international bilateral forums. The Deputy Chairperson also presides over the meetings of the Council when delegated by the Chairperson when she is not available.

During the same sitting, the Council also elected Denis Ryder as the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight and Bhekizizwe Radebe as the House Chairperson for International Relations and Members’ Support.

Kolobe Regina Molokomme who is a Permanent Delegate to the NCOP representing Limpopo, was appointed as the Programming Whip.

The NCOP Programming Whip oversees the programme of the House and works jointly with the Presiding Officers to allocate plenary sessions for debates, consideration of legislation and Select Committee reports.

The Council also designated the NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chief Whip, Kenneth Mmoiemang, and delegates, Advocate Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, and Nicholas Gotsell to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

In terms of the Magistrates Act of 1993, the Council designated the following members to serve on the Magistrates Commission:
•    Solomon Patrick Mabilo: (Ms Desery Fienies, alternate);
•    Makhi Feni (Ms Mary Ndlangisa-Nodada, alternate); and
•    Sylvia Nxumalo (Mr Mtikeni Patrick Sibande, alternate).

Mtshweni-Tsipane was elected as a permanent trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, with Advocate Nonkonyana as an alternate.

The rules of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund require that, following general elections, Permanent Delegates to the NCOP must elect one Permanent Delegate as trustee and one that will serve as an alternate on the Board. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:30

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Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Location: News

Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) in phases in his Budget Vote Speech.

“We will have to start implementing NHI in phases, as we are already in phase 2. The rest of the building blocks of health will easily fall into place,” Motsoaledi said on Thursday. 

Tabling the Budget Vote for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Minister announced that the department had been allocated R62 218 899, a 3.5% increase from the previous year’s R60.1 billion.

He informed Parliament that his priorities for the next five years consist of six building blocks outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These include leadership, governance, access to essential medicine, the health workforce, health systems financing, information systems, and service delivery.

“Five of the six building blocks seem acceptable to everybody and debates around them are straightforward and clear. But one of them has generated a lot of heat and sometimes fury in some quarters. This is the health systems financing. In our country we have decided to call this NHI,” he said. 

The Minister said some believe that the country is not ready for the NHI, while others are of the view that it is “very expensive” and the country has no money for it.  

“NHI is a health financing system, called Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the WHO. It is a health financing system, which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor.” 

Motsoaledi told the Parliamentarians that it was no debate that South Africa is the most unequal society in the whole world. 

“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare you may believe we live in different countries.”

However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality” and South Africa has been seeking a solution for the past 96 years.

The Minister referenced the WHO, which states that a country should allocate at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health to have a good healthcare system for everyone. 

“This is not 5% of the budget of a country, it is the GDP, the total health of a country. In South Africa, we have far surpassed that recommended 5%. We are at 8.5%. European countries are at 9%.”

This means South Africa’s health system was supposed to be as advanced as countries in Europe, Motsoaledi explained. 

“As is evident that is not the case. The question is why? But the fact remains that 51% of it goes to serve only 14% of the population and the nearly meagre 49% goes to serve a whopping 86% of the population.”

He told the Chairperson that this needs to “stop now” and while there is support for the NHI, there are those who do not support it in its current form.

“Fair enough, but we cannot throw the baby away with the bathwater. Let us discuss which areas need to be ironed out but let us now be obstacles to what poor people have been waiting for close to a century,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:13

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Fire Smart Farming: How to Tame the Flames and Be Prepared

Location: MyPR

The Winelands Fire Protection Association reports that for every 1-degree increase in global temperatures, there’s a 29% increase in fire risk. This alarming correlation was evident in recent events as stated by The Daily Maverick in February this year. Between 1st December 2023 and 31st January 2024, more than 6,000 fires consumed nearly 100,000 hectares, …

Read moreFire Smart Farming: How to Tame the Flames and Be Prepared