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Founders Foundation has opened applications for its Accelerator Programme to Empower young entrepreneurs with essential skills in sales, marketing, and finance. Founders Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for its highly anticipated Accelerator Programme. This unique initiative is designed to empower South African entrepreneurs under the age of 35 by providing …
Durban-based transport company CR Logistics wanted to add a lightweight interlink combination trailer to its fleet… and chose Serco to build it for them! Serco delivered and Claude Moodley of CR Logistics is now more than happy with the result. “We decided we needed a new lightweight tautliner and looked at a variety of options …
SA-Germany to place trade and investment under the spotlight
The promotion of trade and investment linkages between South Africa and Germany will come under the spotlight at an event that will be held on Thursday.
This as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), will host a network event in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change as well as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Partnering in Business with Germany network event will be held over two days at the Southern Sun Sandton in Gauteng from 12-13 September 2024.
“The global programme is designed to promote trade and investment linkages between Germany and South Africa,” said the dtic.
In April, the dtic and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation to formalise a programme to train and mentor emerging exporters from South Africa to access the German market.
In a statement on Tuesday, dtic Deputy Director-General for Exports, Lerato Mataboge, said the programme’s objectives is to capacitate small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and emerging exporters by allowing them to forge successful business ties with Germany towards securing export orders and investment.
Mataboge pointed out that the programme targets companies to become more resilient through diversification, and also to assist companies that have so far had little experience with foreign markets to internationalise.
“The Partnering in Business with Germany programme focuses on imparting skills required for international business relations and developing companies to be ready for cooperation with German enterprises. In turn the programme also reduces risks and transaction costs for German companies looking at new markets.
“Through the programme participants are prepared to enter the German market and brought into contact with German firms interested in doing business with South Africa. As part of the successful collaboration between the two Ministries an alumni networking event is also held annually. The inaugural event took place in 2023 in Cape Town, attended by 60 past beneficiaries of the programme,” she explained.
The partnership with the German Ministry to mentor South African companies, has resulted in 234 companies traveling to Germany to experience German business culture and engage with potential export partners. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:05
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce the resounding success of its participation in Solar & Storage Live, Cape Town’s premier renewable energy exhibition held last week. The event marked a significant milestone in Sungrow’s commitment to driving the energy transition in South Africa, showcasing the company’s advanced solar and …
Work underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay
A team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate will work with municipalities and stakeholders, including Transnet, to prevent truck congestion from the N2 highway leading to the Port of Richards Bay.
This was among the commitments made during a meeting held by the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Departments.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, recently met with the management and all categories of staff from both departments working in King Cetshwayo, Zululand and UMkhanyakude Districts.
The meeting aimed to ensure that the two departments work collectively to accelerate the construction of roads and human settlements for the benefit of communities.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Duma said the stakeholders have decided to act decisively as the issue of truck congestion is resurfacing. Other stakeholders include the Road Freight Association and Zululand Chamber of Business.
“In addition, we commit to work with Transnet and Richards Bay Bulk Terminal to ensure safe and effective movement of coal destined for exports. Our roads have been damaged and created challenges such as truck related accidents that continue to claim innocent lives.
“There is a special team of traffic officers, uTalagu, that has been assigned to monitor the movements of trucks. Addressing these challenges means that as government we must invest in the development of infrastructure to accommodate the movement of goods and people,” Duma explained.
A need for all stakeholders to work hard to improve the railway networks and tap into aviation and maritime sectors to facilitate the movement of goods, was also emphasised.
He noted that the province is not only a construction site but strategically located along the longest coastline in Africa.
“This means that our economy is driven largely through the transport and logistics sectors based on the two major ports housed in the province, namely the Port of Richards Bay and the Port of Durban.
“Both ports are economically strategic not only to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, but also to the national economy of South Africa since they are linked to the economic heartland of South Africa, Gauteng, via road and rail networks.”
The MEC said the Port of Durban is also a transit point for cross border container traffic for neighbouring countries - a gateway to Southern Africa.
“The Ports of Richards Bay and Durban are important contributors to international trade and a significant enabler for South Africa’s and the province’s economic development. We are working with national government to ensure the expansion of road networks - the N2 and N3, along with our ports,” Duma said.
Apart from speeding up construction of houses for communities, the MEC acknowledged that there will be a growing demand for human settlements and pressure on road networks.
He added that with Richards Bay Industrial Economic Zone being a haven for foreign direct investment and a site for energy infrastructure, the province must be ready to be the host of the 3 000 MW gas-to-power plant to be constructed by power utility Eskom. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:28
TechNvst, a prominent innovation commercialization firm based in South Africa, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Microsoft through the African Transformation Office (ATO) to launch the TechNvst AI Startups Uhuru Program. This new initiative is set to transform the landscape for AI-focused startups across Africa by providing them with essential resources and strategic support. …
Suspects arrested in countrywide Operation Shanela crackdown
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has over the past week arrested 13 691 suspects in nationwide Operation Shanela operations.
The arrests were made from Monday to Sunday, 08 September, in various operations that included roadblocks and stop and searches.
According to the SAPS, 1 953 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies were arrested while 149 suspects were arrested for murder.
A total 179 suspects were arrested for rape of which 76 of them were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal while 161 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
“Assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] continues to register a large number of arrests with 1 536 suspects arrested,” said the police in a statement on Monday.
In addition, 271 drug dealers were arrested during this period while 404 people were arrested for drunk driving, 107 while 1 460 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs.
Meanwhile, 137 firearms were confiscated during operations and 5 922 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
“Highlights of major takedowns include six CIT [cash-in-transit] armed robbers [who] were killed in Germiston and three kidnappers [were] arrested in Ennerdale, Gauteng.”
In addition, three alleged extortionists were shot and killed at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) base in Mthatha following an attack on NIU members at the police unit base.
READ | SAPS to 'deal decisively' with extortionists
In addition, six extortionists were shot and killed in Durban through confrontation with police.
All Operation Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:23
Cape Town makes progress in delivering title deeds
Significant progress has been made towards the delivery of title deeds to qualifying residents, says the City of Cape Town.
Speaking during the handover of title deeds to qualifying residents in Elsies River, the City’s MEC for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim said approximately 12 000 title deeds need to be delivered to qualifying residents.
“The city is making significant progress towards reaching this goal, one title deed at a time. The city has made significant progress with its title deeds programme and over recent months, we have delivered title deeds in communities across the city.
“[The] City’s Human Settlements title deeds programme has been the cornerstone of the city’s work to empower communities, by promoting home ownership and sustainable development in communities,” Pophaim explained, adding that more beneficiaries will be empowered.
City teams will also explore innovative ways to help more residents to ensure that more families have security of tenure and access to opportunities.
“The City’s Human Settlements Directorate has demonstrated its commitment to creating a more inclusive society with this innovative programme. We are grateful for the support of our communities and all stakeholders for assisting us in making this programme a success.
“We have many more title deeds to deliver to qualifying residents and we will be reaching many more areas in the weeks to come.”
Pophaim has encouraged residents to reach out to the city to find out more about the title deeds programme.
What you need to know
If you or a family member is a beneficiary of a city unit without a title deed, here is what you need to do:
• Identify the easily recognisable title deed agents visiting your area.
• Have the following documents ready: owner ID and spouse ID (if applicable), marriage certificate (if applicable).
• In the event of a death, provide a letter of authority and death certificate.
If you missed the team, bring along the required documents and visit the department at the Cape Town Civic Centre, 2nd Floor Human Settlements Kiosk Monday to Friday between 9am – 12pm.
For more information or if you want to verify that the agents are legitimate, contact 021 444 0333 or email title.deeds@capetown.gov.za or visit your local housing office.
The title deed email request must include the following information:
Subject: Erf number and Area
Body of the email:
• Name and surname: (The name in which the title deed is registered)
• ID number and
• address.
For more information, contact the Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333 business hours: Monday to Friday between 07:30am and 16:30pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:28
Conference on hunger hears there’s more than enough food. Policy failures by both government and corporations are causing hunger.
Proudly South African is back on the fashion scene with the relaunch of the Local Fashion Police, a consumer-powered campaign championing homegrown talent. This local fashion movement in its 4th year, now in partnership with FNB, is in support of the Retail, Clothing, Textile, Footwear, and Leather (R-CTFL) sector highlighting its significance in creating jobs …
SA to attend the 2024 WTO Public Forum in Switzerland
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will attend the 2024 World Trade Organisation (WTO) Public Forum taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 10 to 13 September 2024.
The theme of this year’s forum, which coincides with the WTO’s 30th anniversary, will be “Re-globalisation: Better Trade for a Better World”.
In line with the theme, this year’s forum will explore how re-globalisation can help make trade more inclusive and ensure that its benefits reach more people.
The WTO Public Forum is the WTO’s largest outreach event which provides a unique platform to interact with stakeholders from around the world, engage with the latest developments in global trade and propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system.
The annual events attract diverse stakeholders, including government policy makers, international organisations, business community, academia, parliamentary representatives, and civil society.
There will be almost 140 interactive sessions organised by various stakeholders and the WTO Secretariat covering various topics under the following sub-themes:
• Green policies to maximise the benefits of trade
• Services trade to build progress and enhance welfare
• Digitalisation as a catalyst for inclusive trade
The themes and sub-themes are in sync with the priorities that the department has embraced in pursuit of industrialisation, reindustrialisation and economic transformation.
They are also relevant to the priorities of the African continent as defined by Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Godlimpi’s programme will include engagements with key WTO members and courtesy calls to the heads of the WTO, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and The South Centre, among others.
Godlimpi’s participation in the forum comes as South Africa gears towards assuming the Presidency of the G20 in December this year. The dtic will be leading the G20 Trade and Industry Working Group. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:32
From queues to convenience: how technology is making healthcare more efficient The National Health Insurance (NHI) and collaboration were the topics on everyone’s lips at the recent Health Innovation Summit Africa 2024, held at the Maslow Hotel on Thursday, 29 August 2024. Industry experts and key stakeholders from the health sector gathered to unpack this …
South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, is set to make its exciting debut in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan), with the action starting from 07:00. This highly anticipated event will bring together runners of all ages and abilities for a day of fun, fitness, and camaraderie in …
Honouring heroes of SA’s liberation struggle
Government has planted indigenous trees at the site earmarked for the Forest of Freedom in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa's liberation struggle.
“By planting these trees at the Forest of Freedom, we are also honouring the 30 years of democracy and freedom,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Sunday in Pretoria.
Addressing the launch of the Arbor Month Campaign at Freedom Park, the Deputy Minister said the infrastructure, together with the cultural and historical essence that Freedom Park symbolises, made it the most suitable venue to host the launch of the campaign.
“Freedom Park is the custodian of South Africa’s cultural and historic information. It has a wide variety of South African woodland tree species and because of its location and infrastructure it has become a home of many cultural events.
“In recent times major construction work took place to fit in a high-pressure water pipe from a reservoir situated in the Freedom Park precinct to supply the City of Tshwane with water. In the preparatory work of laying the pipe, a significant amount of land clearing and deforestation was done. In order to reclaim the disturbed area, the Forest of Freedom was conceptualised,” Swarts said.
The project involves planting and putting back some of the vegetation, including trees, that were removed in the process of clearing.
Certain key woodland species were identified to be placed in the area. The first 30 trees that were planted are dedicated to the 30 years of South Africa’s Freedom.
“The rest of other trees and shrubs will be planted to complete the Forest of Freedom. In future, key individuals will be invited to plant trees in the forest as a symbol of remembrance of their visit to Freedom Park,” she said.
Trees were also planted at other community parks within the City of Tshwane, including at Kalafong Park in Atteridgeville, Springbok Park in Hatfield, and Fountains Valley Resort in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, south of Pretoria.
“There are reasons why we chose to plant trees at these specific parks. For instance, we chose Kalafong Park because the Kalafong community is benefiting from the park through the provision of open recreational space as well as a fitness park. Before the intervention to establish a park, the area was used as a quarry to mine soil. It was a big hole that was excavated by the housing and construction developers to mine soil and sand.
“Springbok Park is currently managed through an Adopt -A- Spot programme initiative. The initiative was established to encourage community, business organisations and other independent entities to partner with City of Tshwane in ensuring parks, open spaces and other public recreational spaces are well taken care of and beautified where possible. Thus far, the partners of the Springbok Park are doing very well,” the Deputy Minister said.
In their first year, they managed to erect a new fence and kept the park clean.
“It is important to retain the indigenous flora approach on this park to preserve its National Monument status for the coming generations because educational activities for both future generations and community.
“The Fountains Valley was chosen to showcase the restoration work that the City of Tshwane is doing at the park. Due to old age, the Celtis trees growing at the Fountains valley are dying. In the quest to preserve the Celtis trees, the City of Tshwane started on a restoration drive.
“Young Celtis trees are integrated within the existing Groenkloof Reserve and at the Fountains Valley. This is a continuous process that will take place until the diminishing Forest Celtis trees are saved,” the Deputy Minister said.
By the end of the National Arbor Month Campaign, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment would have planted 3 500 trees at various parks within the City of Tshwane.
The tree planting activities also seek to highlight the Ten Million Trees Programme, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Arbor Month has found a permanent place in our events calendar as a way of celebrating and increasing awareness on the importance of trees, whilst recognising their contribution in managing deforestation and biodiversity,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 08:47
SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town
A group of manufacturers from the clothing, textile, footwear, leather and general goods sectors have received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to showcase their proudly South African products at the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition.
The exhibition will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (ICC) in Cape Town from 10 to 12 September 2024.
The Allfashion Sourcing Exhibition is a business-oriented marketplace for the textile and fashion industry, combining African creativity, design and manufacturing with international sourcing options.
The show will bring together an international community of manufacturers, designers, retailers, buyers, educational institutions, associations, financiers and service providers to the textile, apparel, footwear and fashion industry.
The primary objective of the event is to promote African clothing, textile, footwear, leather and general goods and to encourage interaction on a regional and international level.
Additionally, the event aims to boost investment into the region and ensure sustainable job creation within the sector.
Acting Deputy Director-General of Sectors at the dtic, Thandi Phele, said the department’s support is part of a strategy to strengthen the ability of manufacturing and other sectors of the economy to create decent jobs, promote inclusion and increase value addition and competitiveness, in both domestic and export markets.
“This will be a valuable opportunity for the manufacturers to showcase their products to the wider fashion community in South Africa and abroad. We are certain that this collaboration will deliver fantastic results and that the manufacturers will receive quality enquiries from prospective clients and generate trade leads.
“This sector has a long history, employs a significant number of people, and remains important to the manufacturing sector. However, the recent period, especially with COVID-19, has been characterised by serious structural and associated crises resulting in a decline in the sectors over the last number of years,” she said.
While the sector is stabilising, more interventions are required.
Importantly, government is determined to increase exports and promote locally produced products.
“The AllFashion Sourcing is a vehicle that the dtic is using to achieve an objective of ensuring sustainable job creation and increasing exports of locally manufactured products.
“The show will afford the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors,” said Phele. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 09:12
National Parks Week to get underway
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George says the National Parks Week serves as a profound reminder of the shared heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes that define South Africa.
“We celebrate the deep and lasting connection between South Africans and the natural world that surrounds us. South African National Parks Week is about fostering that connection by inviting everyone to experience the wonders that these parks have to offer free of charge,” George said.
The Minister was speaking at the launch of National Parks Week at the Marakele National Park in Thabazimbi, Limpopo on Sunday. This year the National Parks Week will run from Monday, 09 September- 15 September.
On the dates of 13 to 15 September only selected parks will still provide free entry to South African day visitors.
“South Africa presides over a network of 21 national parks, each of which is managed by SANParks [South African National Parks] in six provinces,” George said.
The Minister added that the parks belongs to South Africans and that everyone should take collective responsibility to protect and preserve them for generations to come.
“Now in its 19th year, National Parks Week has become a powerful platform to showcase the invaluable natural and cultural treasures we hold. By offering free access, SANParks is extending an open hand to all South Africans in order to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity and historical significance found within our parks.
“As we reflect on the importance of the National Parks Week and our shared responsibility, it is equally important to look ahead. Our vision for South Africa’s national parks cannot be limited to conservation, it must extend to revitalisation and growth.
“By involving young people in conservation efforts, we create a virtuous cycle. As up-and-coming generations connect with nature, they develop a sense of ownership, which in turn drives them to protect these resources for themselves and future generations.
Career pathways
“More than that, the development of our parks will present a wealth of opportunities and potential career pathways,” he explained.
The Minister said that by learning about biodiversity, ecosystems and the tourism industry, young people will be able to leverage these natural assets into fulfilling careers in fields such as conservation, ecotourism and environmental management and protection.
Nation building
“Our national parks serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. By combining the efforts of local communities, business leaders and political representatives in the success of these parks, we strengthen the ties that bind us as a nation,” the Minister said.
A Thabazimbi resident, Prince Ngaoko told SAnews that he is happy with the SANParks initiative and that he is going to use the opportunity to teach his two kids about wild animals.
“Our children grow up without knowing the different types of animals, this is an opportunity to show them the animals,” Ngaoko said.
Echoing same sentiments was Nthati Serorisi from Belabela who said she is going to take her kids to Marakele National Park.
“It is important that our kids should know the different kinds of animals and that they should learn about preserving the country’s heritage,” Serorisi said.
Visiting national parks
The annual South African National Parks Week provides all South Africans with the opportunity of exploring their local national park at absolutely no cost.
The inaugural National Parks Week was held in 2006 and was aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the global national movement and to also showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks.
The week grants free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
Some of the parks will be extending the week to include weekends. For individual park dates and participating parks please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/default.php
National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.
SANParks Vision 2040
SANParks recently embarked on an ambitious project, the SANParks Vision 2040 which in part is about cultivating a collective sense of community, healing, and inspiration that resonates with all South Africans.
Vision 2040 is about looking to the future and reimaging the way we conservation is done.
SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.
Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.
Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to national parks.
Since the start of the programme, some 785 621 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 15:30
MEDIA INVITATION: UNLOCKING PRODUCTIVITY POTENTIAL IN MPUMALANGA! Join us for an engaging and impactful event as Productivity SA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), present the Mpumalanga Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. • Date:: Tuesday, 10th of September 2024 • Venue: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wpZYIgc2TiKmD8LbiKzAEg • Time: …
Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on VBS allegations
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, says she did not have any improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Polokwane Municipality.
Last week, allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
“I did not have any improper relationship with the contractor appointed by the municipality. Mayors are never involved…in procurement. The work of appointment of a service provider is the responsibility of the executives in the municipality.
“[Gundo Wealth] were appointed to provide services through a procurement process and this was done through committees of council. I did not receive any improper benefits from the contractor,” she said.
The Minister appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to present clarity on allegations of impropriety on her part related to VBS Mutual Bank.
On the issue of whether or not there is a conflict of interest in her position as Minister and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – which is prosecuting the VBS Mutual Bank saga – the Minister said the department plays no role in the decision-making of the NPA on who to prosecute or not.
“The office I hold does not have a direct relationship in instructing or convincing the NPA on how to act on their mandate.
“On the matter of taking the loan, I have dealt with the conflict of taking the loan. My understanding is that, if you ask for assistance on someone who doesn’t have a direct bearing or payment with the municipality, it is possible and I repaid it,” she said.
Simelane explained that the loan was for a business that would create wealth for herself and family after she leaves public office.
“Political positions by their very nature are short term and necessitated me to investigate a feasibility [study] of commencing such a business and a coffee shop seemed a feasible option so that I could create an employment opportunity for myself and my next of kin.
“I made this consideration…to ensure that I have an alternative when the public office life comes to an end,” she said.
The Minister said she had initially intended to partially withdraw from her retirement savings to fund the coffee shop but the “percentage of tax made the idea not feasible”.
“I asked Gundo for advice on any other idea on how best I could get finance and I was advised against the withdrawal of the retirement savings. In those discussions, Gundo then informed me and advised of a loan product that they have that I could access.
“In consideration for the options…there existed no conflict in my view is securing a loan from Gundo. I took a decision to proceed with the business,” Simelane said.
She added that the loan was repaid over three instalments.
Treasury steps in
Simelane told the committee that as the beginning of the decline of VBS Mutual Bank began to set in, National Treasury told municipalities that it was a breach of regulations to invest in mutual banks.
The Minister said she had already taken steps to ensure that the municipality withdraws from VBS, even before the directive from Treasury.
“[On] the advice of technical experts within the municipality, myself as the mayor, instituted the withdrawal of Polokwane Municipality from VBS. My attitude at the time was, if there was anything improper with regard to municipality funds, it must be stopped,” she said.
A Treasury-led investigation into municipal investments at the bank began after that – a process the Minister insists she “fully participated” in. This was followed by a report.
“That report didn’t spare me as the Executive Mayor from corrective measures. The…sanction to us was to either go to University of Pretoria or University of Witwatersrand which are the only ones that offers…a programme which is designed by National Treasury which is called Municipal Management [Programme].
“I took this corrective measure very seriously [and] commenced with my studies the following year when universities opened. I concluded this programme…after I was no longer a mayor, when I was a Deputy Minister,” she said.
Turning back to the matter between the municipality, her loan and VBS Mutual Bank, Simelane re-emphasised that she received no improper benefits.
“[I] affirm that one: there was no improper relationship. I requested for a loan, a loan was advanced.” –SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:14
Police making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken significant steps to deal with construction mafia through a coordinated and multi-disciplinary response to criminal activities.
“Investigative capacity has been established to address extortion and violence at construction sites across the country, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and other areas where similar problems have been reported,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President was engaging Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on matters related to his delegated responsibilities.
In March this year, the Deputy President addressed the Criminal Justice System Review Conference where, amongst other important matters, criminality in the construction sector was highlighted.
“When delivering the keynote address, I stated the following: ‘Murderous construction mafia have brought many companies to their knees, and we must fight back to safeguard this industry’.”
Mashatile believes that a concerted effort from all is necessary to unravel the complex web of construction site disruptions, which endanger lives and impede government’s objectives of transforming the nation into a massive construction site that generates employment and expands the economy.
He told MPs that the police have partnered with various stakeholders, including State-owned entities (SOEs), government departments, private security companies and civil society to enhance their efforts in combating these criminal networks.
Mashatile reiterated government's, commitment to addressing this challenge through the introduction of policies that will curtail and eliminate mafia in the construction sector.
These include the National Infrastructure Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the Social Facilitation Programme, and the Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum.
The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF), the Deputy President said, was another intervention that is yielding positive results in stopping criminal activities by the so-called “construction mafia”.
He explained that the IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.
The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment, and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
In addition, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, through the application of the Social Facilitation Concept which was approved by Cabinet in 2021 is conducting pilot projects like the Salvokop Precinct Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP), which serves as a test case for integrating social facilitation into construction practices.
He explained that lessons learned will help further calibrate the framework.
“Given all the interventions I have outlined above, the challenge remains that the actual number of crimes committed by these mafias may be underreported, as witnesses and victims are often reluctant to come forward.
“It is crucial for communities, organisations, and businesses to work together with the South African Police Service to bring these criminals to justice.”
Meanwhile, he said top-class detective and crime intelligence work must be intensified to produce airtight prosecutions and see these crime bosses evicted, locked up and their proceeds of crime seized.
“The impact of these construction mafia on our nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The existence and activities of construction mafia significantly undermine the concept of a developmental State, as envisioned in the National Development Plan 2030.”
The Deputy President told Parliamentarians that these criminal organisations pose serious threats to public safety and the integrity of construction projects, which are essential for driving economic growth and development.
“As government, at all levels, we are committed to addressing this issue through independent investigations and partnerships with organisations like Business Against Crime South Africa, but most importantly with civil society organisations who live around and know these criminals.
“Let us stand together in the fight against these criminal organisations and work towards a safer and more prosperous South Africa for all living in it.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:58
Mayor welcomes re-opening of the Hilton Hotel in Durban
eThekwini Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba, has welcomed the re-opening of the Hilton Hotel Durban, which will significantly benefit the City’s tourism economy.
Xaba noted that the reopening of the hotel is timely as it comes at the start of Tourism Month, which is celebrated annually in September.
“The hotel’s re-opening will add to the luxury executive accommodation inventory of Durban. The phased re-opening of the hotel will also strategically amplify the city’s business case when bidding to host national and international conferences,” the mayor said.
Apart from enhancing the tourism experience for visitors in the city, Xaba said the re-opening of the hotel will contribute to job creation.
"The Hilton Hotel is also a great added advantage for the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), which is situated near the hotel.
“When the Durban ICC conducts their product promotion, it will be characterised by the easy accessibility to prestigious accommodation which further instils business travel confidence.
“The convenient accessibility is also an advantage for dignitaries and high security risk patrons as there is no long-distance travel as all business travel purpose facilities are within easy reach. We are excited that our drive to attract investment in the city, through our Inner-City Regeneration Programme [which] is beginning to yield positive results,” he said.
The Hilton is situated in a prime location of the city’s business tourism meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions precinct.
This is where the Durban ICC and the Durban Exhibition Centre are conveniently housed.
Registration for the Durban Business Fair opens
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality has reminded small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to register to exhibit at the upcoming South regional Durban Business Fair (DBF).
To revitalise township economies, eThekwini Municipality said the city is reviving the regional Durban Business Fairs, which has been hailed for their important role of showcasing area-based business products, empowering entrepreneurs with skills and availing networking opportunities.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli said SMMEs are pillars of the city’s economy and drive job creation.
“Unlocking rural and township economic growth remains an integral part of our strategy to promote inclusive economic growth and create more jobs. It is therefore practical to create and coordinate programmes that promote entrepreneurship and small business growth to upscale the revitalisation of rural and township economies,” Ntuli said.
Exhibitor registration for the DBF which will take place from 25 to 27 October 2024, at KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre, is now open.
To book to showcase at this signature business exhibition, register before the deadline of 30 September 2024.
The registration form can be found on the link: https://bit.ly/SouthForm, or email admin@lomes.co.za and request a form.
Alternatively, registration forms can be collected from the security desk at the Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street.
You can also download the forms from the eThekwini Municipality website: www.durban.gov.za browse under government tab and scroll down to the Durban Business Fair sub-tab.
For more information, the business community can call 031 266 9938. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:57
Johannesburg, South Africa – Ant infestations are a frequent problem for property owners in Johannesburg, affecting both homes and businesses. From persistent trails in kitchens to disruptive outdoor swarms, ants can quickly become a nuisance that’s difficult to control. While many homeowners and business owners turn to store-bought sprays and traps for relief, these methods …
Economic spinoffs of direct Munich-Joburg flight
The significance of a direct flight from Munich in Germany to Johannesburg is “incalculable” for Gauteng’s economy, according to the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED).
This follows the inaugural landing of the Lufthansa direct flight from Munich to Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The airliner is expected to operate at least three weekly flights between the two cities.
“The significance of this route to the Gauteng provincial economy is incalculable. Munich, the third largest metropolitan region in the European Union by gross domestic product is the nerve centre of the south German economy and a global city that serves as the headquarters for many international companies in the manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, automotive, media and logistics sectors.
“Thus, this new direct Johannesburg-Munich flight brings better connectivity to corporate companies who are headquartered in southern Germany, facilitating the further economic development and strong business relations between Germany and South Africa in general, and the Gauteng City Region in particular,” the department said in a statement.
The GDED said the launch of the route during South Africa’s Tourism Month is also significant.
Last year, some 245 259 German tourists visited South Africa – a rise from 173 146 the previous year.
“[This is] a period dedicated to shining a spotlight on tourism, its impact on the economy and livelihood. Munich is a particularly popular destination amongst tourists visiting Germany, as such, this direct flight will offer residents of Gauteng and South Africa broadly, an opportunity to explore the world with greater ease.
“Destination Gauteng is also positioned to welcome more international tourists from Germany and the broader European Union, where they will explore and enjoy the many diverse tourism offerings that the province has to offer including paleo-sciences, gastronomy, sports tourism, and quality township tourism experiences,” the statement read.
The department revealed that since the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a “severe loss of airlift and new routes development work”, it has been hard at work to implement a programme of, among others, route development.
“Together with our marketing partners, the [department] has implemented a protracted programme of air routes development, aggressive recruitment of new airline routes into the destination’s main international airports and support for freight, cargo and film crews, private charters, and medical rescue services.
“The Tourism Business Council of South Africa…supported this targeted work by the Gauteng Provincial Government in improving airlift capacity in the province.
“With their R5 million injection, we managed to power our marketing and coordination work resulting in the province welcoming new routes from Sao Paulo in Brazil, Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Lusaka in Zambia, Perth in Australia, eSwatini Airways, Qantas Airline and now Munich in Germany,” the GDED statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:27
Cabinet welcomes signing of second Presidential Health Compact
The quest for quality and affordable healthcare for all has moved closer with the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact.
This is according to the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Acting President, presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
READ | A nation's health, is a nation's wealth
The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system. It monitors and evaluates preparations for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).
The stakeholders include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
“It seeks to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing the NHI,” Ramokgopa said.
The health compact also seeks to bolster the development of human resources, while improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring private sector engagement.
The Acting President told the delegates during the signing ceremony that a healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous.
“A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall wellbeing. As a result, providing quality healthcare is of the utmost importance to all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramokgopa said Cabinet was appalled that some unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to defraud billions of rands from the State through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.
READ | Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners
“These wrongdoings were uncovered in a far-reaching investigation by the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] into alleged fraudulent medico-legal claims against the State since 2017.”
According to the Minister, the ongoing investigation revealed that some legal practitioners are helped by health practitioners working for the State to target the department.
In addition, she said matters completed by the SIU have resulted in at least R3 billion in savings for various provincial health departments. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:43
Government focused on growing inclusive economy
National Treasury has reaffirmed government’s commitment to prioritising rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, in bid to tackle prevailing high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
In a statement, the department said following a visit to the country, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found that the South African economy has shown resilience in the face of disruption.
However, the IMF made the following recommendations:
“National Treasury acknowledges the constructive engagement held with the IMF team regarding South Africa’s Public Finance Management (PFA). While recognising the macroeconomic challenges highlighted by the IMF, the South African government has affirmed its commitment to prioritise rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to tackle prevailing high levels of poverty and inequality.
“The newly established Government of National Unity (GNU) is firmly committed to addressing immediate and long-term economic challenges,” Treasury said.
The department said it is committed to “stabilising debt, while preserving economic stability”.
“The fiscal position has improved, with the primary fiscal surplus target of 2% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] being reached in 2023. South Africa remains committed to the reform agenda focused on addressing supply constraints while supporting activity and employment.
"South Africa is making progress in the implementation of its structural reforms, as also acknowledged by the IMF.
“The South African financial system continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong capital adequacy and high liquidity buffers. National Treasury’s view is that the sovereign-bank nexus is not currently a risk to the financial system. However, this will be monitored closely.
“National Treasury welcomes the fruitful discussions with the IMF and is committed to implementing reforms to unlock sustainable and inclusive growth, improve the fiscal position, and bolster the capacity and effectiveness of the State,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 10:13