MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023: South Africans in need of a break or holiday should look no further than alluring Asia, offering striking scenery, a smorgasbord of unique culinary experiences, and some of the most wonderful travel experiences. South Africans may be spoiled for choice when it comes to …
Practical partnerships forged for growth and jobs – President Ramaphosa
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is forging practical partnerships for growth and job creation.
The President highlighted that he recently met with business leaders and the leadership of the country’s four labour federations respectively, where they agreed to work more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy.
“These efforts are important because an economy that is growing slowly cannot create enough jobs. It can also not generate enough revenue for government to fully implement the programmes needed to improve people’s lives.
“The fact that the country’s debt service costs are the fastest growing budget item means that spending on education, health, social protection and infrastructure come under even greater pressure.
“We are acting with increased focus and effort to remove the most immediate constraints on growth and doing so together with our social partners,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said that the economy is now larger than it was before the pandemic and the two million jobs that were lost have largely been recovered.
Yet, he said, the combination of global economic instability and the effects of the electricity crisis have meant that the economy continues to grow too slowly and is unable to create jobs at the pace needed.
While government has done much to implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which was launched in October 2020, the President said that they have always maintained that the success of its efforts would depend on greater partnership across society.
“Our collaboration with business, for example, has moved far beyond discussions. Since June this year, government has been working closely with Business for South Africa on critical actions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption,” he said.
The President highlighted that last week’s meeting confirmed that good traction has been achieved in these areas, most notably in the work being done by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) to end load shedding and achieve energy security.
He further highlighted that a good example of the work being done is the mobilisation by business of additional capacity and skills to support the recovery of Eskom’s power plants.
This includes the deployment of technical support teams to five power stations, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka, and experts to help speed up the repair of units at Kusile power station that were damaged in November last year. This weekend, he said, Kusile unit 3 was returned to service two months earlier than planned.
“Full implementation of the plan to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations, add new generation capacity and reform the energy sector is expected to result in over 12 000 megawatts of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system by the end of 2024,” the President said.
Turning to the freight rail network, President Ramaphosa said work is underway to improve the operational performance of the bulk freight rail network and port system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC).
“Corridor recovery teams have been established for five strategic rail corridors, comprising Transnet executives, industry representatives and independent experts. They are working to urgently increase the volume of freight traffic on our rail lines,” he said.
Through this collaboration, the President said, business is working with government to build capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the South African Police Service to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
The President said that this work is being made possible by the willingness and determination of all social partners to collaborate on practical actions that make a measurable difference in the performance of the economy.
“While these partnerships may take different forms and may be at different stages of advancement, both business and labour have shown their commitment to work with government to address these challenges.
“It is this kind of cooperation in action, even more so than negotiated agreements, that gives meaning to the concept of a social compact that is based on achievable outcomes.
“Yet, while we have together identified key milestones and timeframes, the success of all these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives of the South African people,” the President said.
From the progress that has been made to date, President Ramaphosa said he is certain that “this is a task at which we will together succeed”. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:21
The Benefits of Generators as an Alternative Power Source Loadshedding continues to beleaguer homes and businesses across South Africa, with the Energy Council of South Africa recently forecasting its continuation throughout 2023 with only a potential resolution by 2024. As South Africans grapple with the uncertainty of power cuts, the need for reliable backup power …
Ga-Mothibi clinic brings services to N West community
The opening of the community health centre in Ba-Ga Mothibi, North West, is a reaffirmation of the right to human dignity and basic services, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Mashatile on Friday officiated the opening of the Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre.
“The Ba-Ga Mothibi Community Health Centre stands amongst the best in our country, and I would even dare to say, on the African continent.
“I am honoured to be part of today’s important gathering in celebrating another milestone in the improvement of service delivery to our people through the official opening of this centre,” said Mashatile.
The launch of the clinic is in line with the Thutsa Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme in Sekhing Village, in the greater Taung Local Municipality in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
Mashatile commended the North West provincial government for their commitment to focus on job creation and accelerated service delivery, under the umbrella of the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention.
He explained that the Thuntsa Lerole Intervention is aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), which is designed to address problems with service delivery by allowing all spheres of government, from local municipalities to national government, to work together in a more effective and coordinated way.
“The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes. Communities will undoubtedly benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaborations directed by the DDM.
“The backlog in housing delivery remains a challenging issue for the government. Education has always been our top priority for the government. We pledged to improve the quality of education, and achieve universal access and equal opportunities for all,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile said healthcare has been a critical focus for government.
“The promise to provide accessible and quality healthcare to all South Africans led to the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.
“The aim was to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, would have access to quality healthcare services.
“However, the introduction of the NHI [National Health Insurance] has been slow, and the healthcare system still grapples with issues such as overburdened public hospitals, a shortage of medical staff, and unequal access to quality care,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said accelerated service delivery, like the Thuntsha Lerole Programme, is not a luxury but a necessity.
“It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 13:22
Cape Town / 1 October 2023 : – In a world where marketing is often seen as a mundane endeavor, Pulling Rabbits is here to change the game. Founded in 2023 amid the vibrant creative and cultural AI explosion in this innovative startup is anything but ordinary. Pulling Rabbits isn’t your typical marketing agency; it’s …
I. Introduction Explanation of the Importance of a Good Web Designer In the digital age, a well-crafted website is indispensable for conveying the essence and values of a business or personal brand. A proficient web designer not only provides aesthetic appeal to your online presence but also ensures optimal user experience, functionality, and alignment with …
Step into the world of unparalleled digital success with First Page SEO Agency, South Africa’s foremost Specialist SEO Marketing Firm. Positioned at the nexus of innovation, strategy, and excellence, we are devoted to propelling your business to the zenith of search results, exponentially enhancing your online presence and turbocharging your digital growth journey. Unmatched Expertise …
Mashatile calls for accelerated service delivery in communities across SA
Accelerated service delivery is not a luxury but a necessity, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“It is a human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. It is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come,” he said on Friday.
The Deputy President was speaking in the North West, as part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, in Taung.
By adopting modern technologies and employing well-trained personnel, he said government could drastically improve response times and minimise the damage caused by emergencies.
“It is important to recognise that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience, it is about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services and an equal say in how their community is governed and serviced.”
By empowering communities with faster and more efficient services, he said the state could bridge socioeconomic gaps, reduce inequalities, and ensure a better quality of life.
“Achieving accelerated service delivery requires collective effort. Governments, private sector organisations, and civil society must work together to identify and address the key challenges in service delivery.”
He believes that collaboration, innovation and investment in technology and infrastructure are essential to create a robust ecosystem that supports accelerated service delivery.
He took the time to reflect on the Bill of Rights, contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which guarantees all South Africans basic human rights and recognises basic services as a human right.
The Constitution, he said, serves to codify the fundamental entitlements of individuals and communities, while validating the democratic principles of inherent worth, parity, and human dignity.
“Section 10 focuses on human dignity. It specifically states that ‘everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected’.
“If this is the case, a Councillor, MEC or Minister who fails to provide services to the people neither respects nor protects the dignity of the people. As such, when that happens, the Constitution is contravened. And this should never be allowed.”
The country’s second-in-command commended provincial leadership for their commitment to focus on job creation and accelerated service delivery – the Thuntsa Lerole intervention.
The programme, he told the community, is aligned with the District Development Model (DDM), designed to address service delivery.
“The DDM enables all spheres of government to better plan, budget and implement projects and programmes,” he explained.
The Deputy President believes that communities will benefit from more integrated service delivery as a result of this commitment and collaboration directed by the DDM.
“As a party that has been in power for almost three decades in South Africa, we have made commitments to improve the lives of the people of South Africa and deliver essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure to all South Africans…
“It is important to note that we have made significant strides in certain areas of service delivery.”
Access to clean drinking water, he pointed out, has improved for many communities, while social grants have provided a safety net for the most vulnerable.
“However, the overall delivery and implementation of these promises have sometimes fallen short of expectations, with lingering challenges that need urgent attention.”
The Deputy President took time to apologise for the recent technical glitch that led to grant beneficiaries not receiving their critical grant support on time.
Meanwhile, he also touched on public safety, which he is of the view that should be a priority.
“Timely response to emergencies, effective disaster management, and robust law enforcement are all vital components of a safe and secure community,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:40
As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …
Some schools are not getting even the minimum funding from the National School Nutrition Programme
Introduction In the bustling world of logistics and material handling, forklifts are the unsung heroes that keep warehouses and construction sites running smoothly. Whether you’re managing a growing business or embarking on a new project, the decision to invest in forklifts, explore forklifts for sale, or opt for forklift hire and rentals is a critical …
Whether it’s romance and fine dining, family fun, a lively night out with friends or affordable accommodation for groups, Southern Sun’s Durban hotels and restaurants have you covered with their latest offers. Don’t miss out on the hottest deals in Durban – keep returning to discover what’s fresh and exciting. Your gateway to the best …
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism received a briefing from the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism on Tuesday on the implementation of the Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) recommendations for the 2021/2022 financial year and implementation of the recommendations made in the Limpopo and North West oversight visits reports.
Responding to the presentations delivered by the department and the South African Tourism (SAT), the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with how the recommendations have been implemented. The committee was of the view that the department did not respond to the recommendations as it provided general responses to specific recommendations.
In some instances, the department just indicated that the recommendation was noted without tangible explanation of its translation into action. The committee said the responses were incomplete and lacked detail. The committee called on the department to furnish it with a comprehensive report that addresses matters raised in the BRRR and given it until Friday, 22 September 2023 to submit adequate responses to the committee.
The committee will also afford the department an opportunity, in a closed meeting session, to provide an update on the outcomes of its forensic audits and consequence management taken against companies and officials who have been found to have committed financial malfeasance in the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects and other departmental programmes. This decision was taken after relentless, but futile efforts by the committee to get an update on the forensic audit report commissioned by the department.
The committee expressed its concern and shock when it was informed that the moratorium has not been fully lifted on the appointment of staff at SAT. The committee was assured by the Minister of the department that the moratorium had been lifted and that the entity will be able to start the recruitment process. However, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, it emerged that the moratorium has only been lifted on critical posts only.
The committee learned that the former Acting CEO was removed by the board based on the whistle-blower alert that led to an investigation. The committee acknowledged that the whistle-blower information was about an alleged bribe taken by the former Acting CEO. The committee accepted the decision of the board in bringing somebody without a cloud hanging above to allow a full investigation. However, the concern is not about the replacement of the former CEO, but rather about appointing the CFO as an Acting CEO of the organisation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, voiced her concern after the committee learnt that the Acting CFO at SAT, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe, has been appointed as Acting CEO at the entity. She said: “There is something problematic about this appointment and arrangement.” The committee raised an issue with financial delegations of the CFO as an Acting CEO in that there will be no clear demarcation if the Acting CEO who is the CFO takes financial decisions with organisational implications.
Ms Mahambehlala said the appointments of the CFO and the CEO should be corrected. She said good governance does not allow the CFO to act as CEO. “It is a wrong practice and as a committee we will stand by our conviction. This is an unfortunate situation where governance has been compromised at SAT, where someone is a referee and a player something which compromises the entity. We are a committee vested on knowledge and education, hence today we can refer to King IV report on the principles of governance.”
The King IV code of governance and principles assist the country and everyone in public administration for effective governance. National Treasury subscribes to these codes and implements them accordingly. “We now have an entity that disregards such important aspects as if it has no capacity. We take this matter seriously,” said Ms Mahambehlala.
On continued underperformance by SAT, the committee was concerned that although the entity has developed an audit action plan and a monthly dashboard to track performance, it was still underperforming whilst incurring over expenditure.
Regarding the first presentation that was delivered by the National Heritage Project Company, which has a monumental procession of 100 life size bronze statues located at Century Cit, Ms Mahambehlala said: “We note what the Director-General of the department suggested, in saying the government cannot fund establishments if the land of the tourist attraction or business is being run and operated privately.”
She added: “For the state to be able to assist, the Heritage Monument Project needs to have land that is leased by government. The committee will advise the National Heritage Project Company to approach the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify and provide a suitable land to support the project."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Three quarters of public schools still don’t have libraries, in spite of a 2013 promise
Msukaligwa Municipality found guilty of polluting water resources
The Middleburg High Court in Mpumalanga has reaffirmed the regulatory role played by the Department of Water and Sanitation when it found Msukaligwa Local Municipality guilty of eight counts relating to water pollution.
The case, which was brought before the court on Wednesday, relates to non-compliance by the municipality with several directives issued by the department, in terms of sections 19 (3) and 53 (1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no. 38 of 1998).
The municipality failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the pollution of water resources and engaging in water use without authorisation at the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Works.
This comes after the department’s Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Unit undertook numerous investigations since 2016, and subsequently issued notices and directives to the municipality.
“The outcomes of the investigations revealed that the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Works was not authorised to engage in water uses, not functioning adequately, and the sewage was bypassing the process units and discharged straight into water resources, and there were poor operations and maintenance of the plant,” the department said.
Judge Bruce Langa ordered Msukaligwa Local Municipality to:
• Immediately cease unlawful water use at the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• Apply for registration of water use, as set out in section 21 (f and g) of the National Water Act.
• Immediately take corrective measures to stop the discharge of poor quality effluent to prevent further pollution of water resources.
• Appoint a suitably qualified environmental consultant to compile a rehabilitation plan, which must include the nature and impact that pollution has had or may have on water resources, and the measures that will be implemented to remediate the impact (with clear timeframes).
The rehabilitation plan must be compiled within 30 days from the date of the order of the court and submitted to the department for approval.
The municipality must implement all remedial action contained in the rehabilitation plan within 30 days from the approval of the plan by the department.
• The municipality must compile a closeout report after the completion of the rehabilitation, to be submitted to the department within 14 days of completion of the rehabilitation activities.
The costs of the application by the department are to be paid by the municipality.
Judge Langa said the Department of Water and Sanitation acted in good faith and made many reasonable efforts to make the municipality account for its actions or non-actions, including the issuing of notices and directives.
“The applicant, in my judgement, was entitled to approach the court for relief once it became clear that the respondent was not responding to the various notices, in terms of which it was directed to take certain measures to correct the issues identified repeatedly in various reports dating as far back as 2016.
"In this case, the respondent clearly remained supine, despite the critical problem that was raised many times by the applicant,” Langa said.
The department said it will issue a letter of intent to open a criminal case against Msukaligwa Local Municipality, should they fail to submit an action plan with clear timeframes and budget.
“The department is pleased by this court order and hopes that it will send a strong message to other institutions and serve as a deterrent to transgress provisions of the National Water Act,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:04
In today’s fast-paced digital age, technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate. One of the most significant advancements we’ve seen in the entertainment sector is the rise of Smart TVs. Gone are the days when televisions were merely a medium to watch your favourite shows or movies. Now, they’ve transformed into a hub of endless …
Holding those accountable for financial misconduct imperative for public trust
With South Africa’s public finances being under strain, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has emphasised the importance of holding individuals and entities accountable for financial misconduct, as it is vital for public trust.
“Without swift and fitting consequences, we risk eroding public trust in our capacity to manage public funds effectively, with less and less funding available to deliver much-needed services to our people,” Godongwana said on Wednesday.
Virtually addressing the 3rd Public Finance Management Conference, the Minister said rigorous and independent audit practices play a pivotal role in unearthing corruption and financial mismanagement, providing invaluable insights and recommendations for the judicious utilisation of public funds.
“Our public finances are currently in a difficult position, one that is increasing in complexity and uncertainty. The short-term risks to the local and global economy that we predicted in the February Budget have now materialised.
“Government has collected much lower-than-expected tax revenue. At the same time, tighter financial conditions have made it difficult to borrow more and at affordable rates.
“Continued load shedding, the poor performance of our logistics sectors, and the lasting damage done by State capture to our institutions, have made the difficult fiscal situation even more challenging,” the Minister said.
He noted that these and other factors have put tremendous strain on the financial resources available to address the country’s most urgent service delivery priorities.
“Furthermore, ethical sourcing of goods and services through public procurement stands as an unassailable priority. Non-compliance with ethical standards in procurement can have far-reaching consequences, compromising the integrity of our financial processes,” Godongwana said.
He said being innovative, adaptive, agile and solutions-driven during these volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) times is important.
“It is important to note that we have faced similar challenges in the past and managed to make the necessary policy decisions and trade-offs to navigate the storm.
“The path forward is not devoid of challenges; however, we are not powerless. With innovation, adaptability, and a resolute commitment to ethical financial management, we can surmount these obstacles and forge a luminous future for South Africa.
“We must leverage technology, collaborate across sectors, and put our citizens at the centre of our decisions. Together, we hold the power to rekindle public trust, to advance good governance, and to fortify our nation's public financial management,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 11:43
There are many well-known elements that have to be considered when investing in a retirement home, among them location, security, and cost. Alongside these are certain lifestyle elements that are also well worth including in the decision-making process. “Your retirement home is often the final residential investment you will make, and this puts a lot …
SA offers a treasure trove of experiences
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says South Africa offers a treasure trove of experiences suitable for all types of travellers - whether you are a local looking to explore your own country without straining your budget or an international adventurer seeking new memories.
“We’ve got you covered! We are committed to highlighting the less-visited provinces and regions of our country. As we all welcome the peak tourism summer season, we must showcase the unexplored beauty and hidden treasures that await discovery,” the Minister said at the launch of the 2023 Summer Campaign in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
De Lille said all the provinces have the “most amazing hidden gems” and that government is on a mission to highlight these hidden gems and showcase them to all of South Africa and the world.
She said tourism brings immense benefits to host communities and that these benefits must be felt in even the most remote of areas.
“We couldn’t have chosen a better province to do this than the province so rich in history and unparalleled beauty,” De Lille said.
De Lille said with over 800 kilometres of awe-inspiring coastline, the Eastern Cape province boasts some of the country’s most stunning beaches.
“Its landscapes are adorned with jaw-dropping rock formations and its ecosystems teem with a magnificent diversity of flora and fauna.
“What sets the Eastern Cape apart is its unique offering of the ‘Big 7’ – a thrilling roster that includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks.
“We all know the province, the home province of Tata Nelson Mandela, but it is equally known for its warm and welcoming people, who extend generous hospitality to all.
“In most successful tourism destinations worldwide, the domestic market serves as the bedrock of the tourism industry,” De Lille said.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel faced severe restrictions due to global travel bans, the tourism sector leaned heavily on domestic tourism to sustain itself.
The Minister thanked local travellers who nonetheless explored the country when conditions permitted.
According to the Minister, in the first half of 2023, South Africans took 18.8 million domestic overnight trips up 23.4% when compared to the first half of 2022. Overnight spend was also up by 21.2% to reach R52.2 billion.
South Africans spent 65.7 million nights away from home and this was up 24.4% when compared to the first half of 2022.
De Lille said they want to use the Summer Campaign to further foster a culture of travel among South Africans.
“We understand that for this to be effective, ensuring affordability of travel should be at the forefront of our efforts.
“We are well aware that consumers are grappling with the challenges of a high cost of living. Consumers are facing an overall rise in the cost of living, driven by escalating fuel prices and interest rate hikes among others,” the Minister said.
De Lille said to respond to the high cost of living, said the tourism industry continues to explore creative ways in which to make travel more affordable.
From January to July 2023, a total of 4.8 million international tourists arrived in South Africa, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
During Africa’s Travel Indaba in May this year, a significant milestone was reached when various stakeholders, including industry representatives and operators, came together to endorse the inclusivity pledge. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 14:50
Provincial departments commit to remove bottlenecks in housing delivery
Human Settlements provincial departments have committed to remove bottlenecks that may result in project delays and blocked projects in housing delivery.
The provincial departments made the commitment during a meeting between Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Members of the Executive Council (MINMEC) of Human Settlements, Members of the Mayoral Councils (MMCs) of Human Settlements and Executive Mayors held at Bojanala Platinum District, North West, on Friday.
The meeting heard that from a target of 300 000, the sector is at 69.5% delivery, with 208 358 fully subsidised houses on the ground.
Kubayi said this is no mean feat in the face of budget cuts the department has faced.
She said about 172 066 serviced sites have been delivered from a projected number of 190 437.
“First home finance has surpassed the 20 000 units mark, as targeted in 2019. To date, there are 22 035 units that have been delivered. The current delivery is against the budget cuts the Department of Human Settlements has faced over the years.
“We are making inroads in ensuring that we bring more people into the housing market and thereby assisting the so-called ‘missing middle’ with home ownership,” Kubayi said.
The MINMEC received a report on the current fiscal environment and reflected on the response by the human settlements sector.
While the sector understands and supports the efforts by the Finance Minister to stabilise the fiscus, MINMEC emphasised the need to find a balance between service delivery priorities and fiscal consolidation.
It was noted that the sector has so far had a mixed bag of performance during the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for 2019 - 2024 period.
However, for the current financial year, concerns were raised about provincial spending, and provinces were urged to deliver in accordance with their business plans or face redirection of funds to performing provinces.
The sector is currently at 32% spending, with eight months left in the financial year.
The meeting also noted major improvements made by the human settlements sector in ensuring that all claims are paid within 30 days.
With the mandatory allocation of 40% set aside for first quarter performance, the provincial departments were acknowledged for making improvements in ensuring the budgets and contracts are set aside for businesses and companies owned by women, youth and people with disabilities.
Over 100 houses handed over to beneficiaries
Meanwhile, ahead of the meeting, the department handed over house keys to beneficiaries of Moses Kotane Community Residential Units (CRU) - one of the affordable rental housing projects in the North West.
The CRUs include 110 units with bachelor and two-bedroom rental accommodations. It supports the upgrading of government-owned communal rental accommodation.
As one of the departmental housing programmes, the CRUs are aimed at facilitating the provision of secure and stable rental tenure for lower income earners. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 10:44
Minister calls for improvement in system that identifies talent in sports
While efforts have been made to transform the sports fraternity, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has called for the development of a framework for the early identification and development of sporting talent.
“We still preside over a divided and ill-defined sports system characterised by fissures of our past. We have no universal access to facilities,” the Minister said on Thursday in Johannesburg.
Addressing the School Sport Indaba, he said by identifying talent early in school, the youth can have the needed support, mentorship, and resources to make it as a professional sportsman or sportswoman.
“This implies the government and other stakeholders making budget available to support identified initiatives. When looking internationally, it is common to see sports stars in their teenage years making their mark in the upper echelons of world sport,” Kodwa said.
According to the EPG 2018 report, the School Sport competition system is currently indicating that there are three streams from which talent is identified and competition is staged.
The Minister said this system is currently not integrated and has some challenges.
“The system shows that there is a government-run school sport system, then there is one model where former Model C schools and private schools compete, this is where most athletes are identified, and then there is a system which the Federations use to stage the tournaments and select national athletes.
“The athletes competing in the Government-run school sport system, come from more 23 000 public schools, majority of which are previously disadvantaged with poor or no sport facilities in place.
“These are the athletes whose system of competition is poorly organized and do not have proper coaching support. The second group are athletes, from the former Model-C schools, including private schools which are properly resourced, with world-class sport facilities and proper coaching support,” the Minister said.
The last group are athletes competing in Federations-staged tournaments, most of whom must have means to attend these events with the majority being from the former Model C schools.
Upon successful competition, these athletes are awarded the National colours and may be eligible for selection into academies and underage national teams.
“Dare I say, we as all stakeholders have failed learners and young people at school and out of school, and we need a theory of change? We need to clearly spell out how School Sport is supposed to work, why it will work, and the conditions required for its successful implementation,” the Minister said.
He said the School Sport Indaba is government’s intervention to revitalise school sport in South Africa.
The Minister noted the need for investment in the development of local expertise, through running of sports academies from foundation phase as well as the establishment of bilateral agreements with other governments for the creation of development opportunities for studies in the different sporting fields like Sports Science.
Kodwa also called for the creation of internship opportunities for graduates in schools and sports clubs.
“The National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) contends that provision and maintenance of facilities forms the foundation of the entire sport and recreation system, therefore if facilities backlogs are not addressed it will be difficult to achieve transformation, sport development and increased participation objectives in sport.
“This situation or reality, therefore, requires all stakeholders to put all hands-on-deck for the future of sport in our country. Only when we all collaborate, will we be able to develop athletes that can successfully compete internationally, and reach our goal of being a winning nation!
“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has already undertaken to address the challenge of talent identification by building multipurpose sports courts and outdoor gyms in rural and township communities, which have historically lacked these facilities,” the Minister said.
As part of the legacy projects of the Netball World Cup, multipurpose courts have been built in several communities around the country, including in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal.
Work is also being done to build netball courts in Cala Secondary School and Mchewula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape.
“There is much being done and much more to do in the country. As I have said, Government cannot do it alone. I would like to applaud all the commercial and community partners that support the work of Government to develop sport at grassroots level,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 08:54
Cabinet reiterates calls for budget shortfall to not impact service delivery
Cabinet has reiterated that measures to address the budget shortfall must not impact negatively on service delivery.
This as a Cost Containment Letter was issued on 31 August 2023 with proposals to close the fiscal gap.
“Cabinet appreciates the current fiscal constraints which are not unique to South Africa but has resulted in-her budget shortfall. The Minister of Finance will shortly issue Guidelines clarifying the unintended misunderstanding arising from the Cost Containment Letter issued on 31 August 2023.
“In addition, as part of the in-year performance review of progress in implementation priorities agreed to with Ministers, the President and Deputy President will meet with individual Ministers to ensure that fiscal management does not derail the agreed to priorities,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 11:49
Date set for Finance Minister's MTBP statement
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on November 1.
“The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement sets government policy goals and priorities, forecasts the macro-economy trajectory, and projects the fiscal framework over the next three years by outlining spending and revenue estimates, among others,” National Treasury said on Monday.
Meanwhile, the 2023 Public Financial Management (PFM) conference is expected to be held from 20 - 22 September.
The conference will be held under the theme: ‘Innovative and Ethical Public Finance Management in Challenging Times’.
According to National Treasury, the key objectives of the conference include:
“The 2023 PFM conference will serve as a platform to create awareness of some of the latest PFM reforms led by National Treasury. The conference aims to cover the nine PFM disciplines, which include, among others, Financial Accounting, Revenue Management, Expenditure Management, Supply Chain Management, and Budgeting.
“The conference will target all spheres of government. Delegates will include Chief Financial Officers, Provincial Accountant-Generals, heads of PFM disciplines, and other relevant stakeholders responsible for overseeing the implementation of the financial disciplines. In addition, development partners, members of the higher education section and relevant professional bodies,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 13:16
A Wendy house is more than just a charming addition to your backyard; it can serve as extra storage, a play area for kids, or even as a cozy retreat for adults. When considering purchasing one, there are various factors to take into account, from materials to size and even regulations. In this blog post, …