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China opens market wider for African countries

Location: News

China opens market wider for African countries

Beijing, China - China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its markets wider for African countries, says President Xi Jinping.

Delivering his keynote address at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, China, Chinese President Xi said China has decided to give all least developed countries (LDCs), which have diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines. 

“This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help to turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity,” President Xi said.

China will expand market access for African agricultural products, deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement programme."

“We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantee for trade and investment between the two sides.

“China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote together high quality Belt and Road cooperation, and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development,” President Xi said.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative was launched in 2013 by President Xi. The massive collection of development and investment initiatives was originally devised to link East Asia and Europe through physical infrastructure. In the decade since, the project has expanded to Africa, Oceania and Latin America.

China is ready to assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, deepen logistics and financial cooperation for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.

In addition, China plans to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, as well as biodiversity conservation. 

“We will create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, establish together 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration. All this is designed to help with green development in Africa.

“China is ready to establish with Africa a hospital alliance and joint medical centers. We will send 2 000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 programmes of health facilities and malaria treatment. 

“We will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa’s pharmaceutical production, and continue to do what we can to help Africa with epidemic response. We support the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen public health capacity in all African countries,” President Xi said.

China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build 100 000 mu (about 6 670 hectares) of standardised agriculture demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. 

“We will implement 500 programmes in Africa to promote community welfare. We will also encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies, enable Africa to retain added value, and create at least one million jobs for Africa,” President Xi said.

Strengthening security

China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation. 

“We will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6 000 military personnel and 1 000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China. 

"The two sides will conduct joint military exercises, training and patrol... and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.

“To implement the 10 partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years,” the President said.

This can be broken down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. 

In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds (a Chinese renminbi-denominated bond from a non-Chinese issuer, sold in the People's Republic of China) in China to enhance results-oriented cooperation in all areas.

“China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies. 

"We will make better use of Africa’s leadership academies to cultivate talents for governance and invite 1 000 members of African political parties to China to deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance,” President Xi said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 07:03

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Strategy to Resolve Blocked Projects Welcomed, Provided It Is Implemented Effectively

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements embraced the Department of Human Settlements' intention, in consultation with provinces, to develop a revised strategy to unblock stalled projects. While the strategy is welcomed, the committee highlighted that effective implementation will be the only measure of the strategy's success.

“It is important that the strategy is not merely another grand plan that does not address the plight of the people. It is now time to ensure that plans bear the necessary fruits and result in more housing opportunities for the people,” said Mr Nocks Seabi, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee's emphasis on implementation is premised on the effects of stalled projects, which include wastage of financial resources and increased construction costs that eventually contribute to community frustrations and the erosion of trust.

It is important, according to the committee, that the strategy addresses poor administration, capacity challenges and procurement delays at local government level. “It is unacceptable that there is continued lamentation about lack of skills within the local sphere of government without clear plans to address those deficiencies,” Mr Seabi emphasised.

Also, inadequate project planning and management leads to the appointment of incapable contractors who are unable to deliver projects timeously. The committee reiterated the need to cease using contractors with bad track records in project delivery to ensure delivery of quality products.

The committee welcome the assurance that the strategy will address critical causes of stalled projects by focusing on clear project definitions, legal and contractual clarity, project categorisation, financial frameworks, contracting strategies, implementation and monitoring, and quality assurance. The committee believes that if these elements are achieved, the strategy has the potential to resolve many of the stalled projects.

Upon conclusion of the strategy, the committee will request periodic updates from the department to monitor implementation and ensure results.

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed plans to assist provinces and metropolitan municipalities to improve their financial performance against conditional grants. The committee reiterated its long-held stance that better planning and coordination is central to better performance. “The District Development Model provides a framework for coordination across spheres of government and must be exploited,” Mr Seabi emphasised.

Furthermore, the committee emphasised the need to avoid practices that have previously contributed to underperformance, such as delaying supply chain processes, spending grant funding on projects outside approved business plans, allocating funds for projects not ready for implementation, and not enrolling projects with the National Home Builders Registration Council prior to starting construction

The committee has committed to enhance monitoring grant funding spending to ensure that it achieves its intended use.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreStrategy to Resolve Blocked Projects Welcomed, Provided It Is Implemented Effectively

The Evolution of Software Development and Managed Services

Location: MyPR

Software Development and Innovation Software development has grown significantly, playing a critical role in driving digital innovation across industries. Software development companies have become central to this evolution, creating cutting-edge solutions that streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and promote efficiency. Whether it’s a small business or a large corporation, partnering with the right software development …

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Exploring Office Solutions in Marietta, GA

Location: MyPR

Finding the perfect workspace that suits your business needs is essential, especially in bustling hubs like Marietta, GA. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or a remote worker looking for flexible office options, there are plenty of choices that cater to different working styles and preferences. Let’s explore some of the top office …

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The Essential Guide to Forklifts: Choosing the Right Option for Your Needs

Location: MyPR

Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or hire, understanding the variety of forklifts available and their respective advantages can significantly streamline your operations. This guide provides an overview of the types of forklifts, including new and used options, and what to consider when seeking a forklift to meet your business’s demands.   Overview of Forklift …

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SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub

Location: News

SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub

By Nosihle Shelembe

Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is working towards transforming the economy by turning the country into a “manufacturing hub”.

“We plan to move from being a large importer of manufactured products to being a major exporter,” the President said on Wednesday.

Addressing the South Africa-China Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Chinese companies will find there are innumerable business opportunities to manufacture products in South Africa using the country’s excellent industrial experience.

“We have seen this happen in our automotive industry. We have ambitious plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks. 

“We are on a path to revolutionise our energy sector in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient development,” the President said.

He said South Africa is actively seeking investment in the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewables and green hydrogen.

“China has a proven track record in developing innovative renewable energy solutions. 

“Together, we can create sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions that benefit both our countries.

“By working together, we can create value chains that are mutually beneficial, leading to job creation and economic growth.

There is also vast untapped potential in technology,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said South Africa and China can collaborate to promote innovation, technology transfer and skills development. 

“By leveraging our respective strengths and exploring new avenues of collaboration, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships.

“Our focus must now be on building stronger business relationships, promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, and creating a favourable business environment.

“The growth of the South African economy will support the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which opens access to a market of over 1.3 billion people,” the President said.

He said African economic integration is fast becoming a reality that creates enormous opportunities to expand production on the continent and to stimulate much greater economic activity.

“We are a country with enormous potential for growth and development. We are advantageously placed for companies looking to expand into the rest of the African continent.

“South Africa and China have vibrant, diverse and growing economies, with a wealth of opportunities for businesses wishing to expand into new markets,” the President said.

China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner.

Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has increased by a third since 2019. 

South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China, and imports largely manufactured products from China. 

“We are seeking to shift the structure of our trade profile and deepen our investment relationship.

“South Africa has one of the most advanced and diversified economies on the African continent. It has a vibrant business environment and a strong regulatory framework. It has a diverse, competitive and well-regulated financial sector,” the President said.

Since the start of South Africa’s major investment drive in 2018, Chinese companies have made investment pledges to the value of over R18 billion in the manufacturing, resources, finance and agro-processing sectors. This is the equivalent of US $1 billion.

“In the last six weeks, a number of Chinese companies have increased investments to support the expansion of their operations. 

“These investment commitments are testament to the resilience of the South African economy and the many opportunities for foreign and domestic investors. 

“It is up to us to seize these opportunities and take the economic relationship between our two countries to the next level,” the President said.

He said South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage.

It has further opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, beneficiation of critical minerals, and the digital economy.

“Let us work together to seize this opportunity and continue to build a more prosperous future for our respective countries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 13:10

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Government welcomes positive GDP growth

Location: News

Government welcomes positive GDP growth

Government has welcomed the country's positive economic growth, as reflected in the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. 

According to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the GDP increased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, following a 0.0% growth in the first quarter. 

On expenditure, real GDP rose by 0.5% in the second quarter, an improvement from the 0.1% decrease in the first quarter of 2024. Household consumption emerged as the largest positive contributor to overall growth, demonstrating the renewed confidence and spending power of South African households. 

From a production perspective, the finance, real estate, and business services industry played a pivotal role, contributing 0.3% to the overall GDP growth. Other notable contributors include the manufacturing sector, trade, and the electricity, gas, and water supply industry, which saw a remarkable growth of 3.1%, driven by increased electricity generation and water distribution.

Acting Government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the second quarter's economic growth was a clear indication that South Africa’s economy is on a solid path to recovery. 

“The positive trajectory also speaks to the effectiveness of the measures that have been implemented to support recovery and growth. The absence of load shedding has played a crucial role in revitalising key sectors, particularly the electricity, gas, and water supply industry. 

“The government remains committed to implementing policies that will sustain and accelerate growth, ensuring that the benefits are felt by all South Africans,” Mnukwa said.  

Government further acknowledges that sectors such as agriculture, mining, and forestry and fishing are experiencing challenges, but work is being done to provide relief that will ultimately restore growth in these sectors. 

Mnukwa said government continues to support and foster an environment that encourages sustainable economic development. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:14

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Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

Location: News

Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme

The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window. 

The window opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025.

The GTIP was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to enable and encourage tourism enterprises to improve efficiency in the utilisation of energy and water resources in their operations. 

In this way, the programme not only promotes compliance with responsible tourism principles, but also offers a mechanism for enterprises to reduce operational costs so they can operate in a sustainable and competitive manner.

The GTIP has enjoyed much success from tourism enterprises who applied for support. 

Mokgaetji Flora Phala from Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo said: “I was spending R2 500 on electricity costs per month. I now spend R500 a month, saving between R1 500 to R2000 a month following the installation of energy solutions. The GTIP is a great initiative that helps a lot and can be recommended to other businesses.”

Chris de Vries from Maribelle's B&B in Pretoria, Gauteng, said the amount spent on electricity was high before the installations, but it has gone down significantly. 

“It is still too early to tell the exact amounts, but I have noticed a significant saving from the installations. I would definitely recommend other business to get access to this programme; it is very beneficial,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Gugulethu Nogaya from Imvomvo Country Lodge in MaXesibeni, Eastern Cape, said energy consumption prior to the installation of energy solutions averaged at 24 000 kWh per month. 

“Since the installation it has reduced our monthly energy consumption by half. We were spending approximately R60 000.00 on diesel during peak load shedding, but that has now dropped to less than R5 000 per month only when there are power outages. I would highly recommend the GTIP programme for all lodges, B&B’s and other businesses as it significantly improves margins by reducing cost and increases customer satisfactions,” he said.

The GTIP offers partial grant funding on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems. The application process to access the GTIP is done through two phases:
• Phase 1: The applying Tourism enterprises undergoes a resource efficiency audit during which appropriate efficiency measures and solutions are recommended. The cost of this audit is fully covered under the GTIP programme.
• Phase 2: Eligible applicants (who completed phase 1) are able to apply for grant funding support of between 50% and 90% on the cost of installing relevant technologies and equipment recommended during the Phase 1 (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant).

The GTIP is administered by the IDC and all applications are received, processed and managed by the IDC on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

Since inception in November 2017 and June 2024, the GTIP has had nine application windows from which 216 applications were approved at a total grant value of more than R140 million.

Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said initiatives such as the GTIP are contributing immensely to greening the tourism sector and in the process helping to sustain the future of this sector.

“Conserving our scarce natural resource is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism sector. As we work towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), programmes such as the GTIP become critical in reinforcing and supporting tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices.

“Accordingly, the GTIP aims to support tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities with green technologies such as solar PV panels and water saving measures. I therefore encourage businesses to apply for funding support under the GTIP,” the Minister said. 

Tourism enterprises can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to read more on the requirements, eligibility and qualifying criteria and the application processes for the GTIP. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:33

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Discovering Marietta’s Premier Office Solutions

Location: MyPR

Marietta, Georgia, presents a dynamic range of office spaces tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant coworking space in Marietta or require more tailored accommodations like executive offices for lease, this locale offers something for everyone.   Coworking and Shared Spaces The trend of coworking continues to …

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SA economy grows by 0.4%

Location: News

SA economy grows by 0.4%

South Africa’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024 with finance, real estate and the business services industry contributing most to the growth.

This is according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) which released the GDP results on Tuesday.

“The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point to the GDP growth. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate activities and other business services.

“The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade and accommodation,” Stats SA said.
According to the institution, manufacturing increased by some 1.1%, “contributing 0.1 of a percentage point”.

“Six of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates in the second quarter. The following divisions made the largest positive contributions: motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment; food and beverages; and basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery.

“The electricity, gas and water industry increased by 3.1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was largely due to increases in electricity production and consumption, as well as water consumption,” Stats SA explained.

Decreases in transport, storage and communication contributed a -0.2% of a percentage point.

“Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.
“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 2.1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops and animal products,” the institution added.

In terms of expenditure on GDP, Stats SA reported that expenditure on GDP grew by 0.5% during 2024’s second quarter after a decrease of some 0.1% in the first quarter.

“Household final consumption expenditure [HFCE] increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.9 of a percentage point to the total growth. The highest growth rates were reported for services and semi-durable goods."

The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on the ‘other’ category (4.5% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point), clothing and footwear (3.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point).

“Final consumption expenditure by general government increased by 1.0%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by increases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees,” Stats SA explained.

A decrease in exports out of South Africa was also noted.

“Net exports contributed negatively to expenditure on GDP. Exports of goods and services decreased by 0.4%, largely influenced by decreased trade in vegetable products; mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; and base metals and articles of base metals.

“Imports of goods and services increased by 1.7%, largely influenced by increased trade in vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; vegetable products; mineral products; and textiles and textile articles,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:06

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Private Investigation Services: Expertise, Ethics, and Engagement

Location: MyPR

Introduction In today’s complex social and business landscape, private investigators (PIs) provide crucial services for both personal and professional matters. From uncovering factual information to assisting in legal proceedings, PIs offer a broad spectrum of services that can be pivotal in critical decision-making processes. This detailed guide will explore the ins and outs of hiring …

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President calls for investments in SA

Location: News

President calls for investments in SA

By Nosihle Shelembe

Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the business sector in China to invest in South Africa and make use of the great opportunities that exist for growth and development.

“South Africa presents a great opportunity for companies in Shenzhen to deepen their global value chains,” the President said on Tuesday.

The President made the remarks during the Shenzhen Business Roundtable at the occasion of the State Visit to China.

“With the capabilities that your companies have, we encourage you to play a more active role in our economy for mutual benefit,” he said.

Impressed by how Shenzhen has over four decades transformed into a leading digital supply chain hub, the President said South Africa can learn important lessons from Shenzhen.

Shenzhen is home to the most innovation-based technology start-up companies in China.

“Shenzhen is now a leader in the knowledge economy. We are keen to learn more about the city’s journey towards becoming a global centre of technology, innovation and growth. As we work to develop our economy, we value advice, support and technical assistance in planning, infrastructure and skills development.

“As we undertake this just and inclusive energy transition, we see many opportunities for growth and job creation in the green economy,” the President said.

South Africa has made a firm commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in line with global commitments.

“We are doing so at a pace and in a manner that is appropriate to our country’s development path.

“We have introduced policies to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in South Africa.

“We are certain that companies such as BYD and CATL will find South Africa a unique and advantageous location that can serve as a hub to reach other markets,” the President said.

He said as a global leader in green energy and infrastructure, Shenzhen could be an important partner for South Africa as the energy sector undergoes a major transformation.

“Over the last few years, regulatory changes have stimulated substantial new investment in electricity generation capacity, mainly from renewable sources.

“We now have pipeline of over 130 confirmed private sector energy projects that will produce approximately 22 500 MW of electricity,” Ramaphosa said.

READ: China to assist SA in alleviating poverty 

South Africa is also making significant investments in the electricity transmission infrastructure.

“In addition to securing our country’s energy supply, these investments will lay the basis for the further growth of our advanced manufacturing sector.

“This is further supported by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will drive a new era of industrialisation in South Africa and across the continent.

“With its abundant renewable energy resources and significant deposits of the minerals that are needed to drive green growth, South Africa is well-positioned to be a leader in the green energy and related industries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:38

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Operation Shanela nets 13 949 suspects

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets 13 949 suspects

Operation Shanela continues to make its mark in the fight against crime with the police having arrested 13 949 suspects in the past week.

“Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks as well as stop and searches, police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that they serve,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Monday.

The suspects were netted in operations that got underway on Monday, 26 August up until Sunday, 01 September.

This as all Operation Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of the respective nine provinces. 
During the week-long operations,  4 233 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies were arrested while 117 suspects were arrested for murder. An additional 118 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.

A total 280 suspects were arrested for rape, with 116 of them arrested in KwaZulu Natal.
Hundred and sixty suspects were nabbed for the illegal possession of firearms while 1463 people were held for assault: grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Meanwhile, 442 suspects were arrested for the illegal dealing in liquor and 145 drug dealers were arrested during this period. Among others, 82 illegal miners were arrested with 52 of these arrests being made in the Free State.

Successes made also include the confiscation of 164 firearms as well as the recovery of 52 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

“Four extortionists were fatally wounded during a confrontation with police in Milnerton, Western Cape. Four others are under police guard in hospital. Five firearms were seized at the scene. Gauteng police arrested a suspect after the discovery of a cloned police vehicle believed to have been used in a spate of truck hijackings and courier vehicle robberies in the Gauteng province.

“Police will continue with their operations in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:01

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Institutionalisation of lifestyle audits improves in the public service

Location: News

Institutionalisation of lifestyle audits improves in the public service

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) says the institutionalisation of lifestyle audits in the public service continues to improve with 147 out of 160 national and provincial departments finalising their lifestyle audits by the end of July 2024.

Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, the department’s Chief Director of Public Administration, Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit, Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak, reported that 191 senior managers or Senior Management Services (SMS) members were referred for investigations.

“These SMS members are from seven national departments and 20 provincial departments. The investigations include conflicts of interest but also includes serious allegations of unexplained wealth and conducting business with the state,” Hoogenraad-Vermaak said.

He said the DPSA was awaiting information on 39 SMS members in national departments and 31 SMS members in provincial departments.

“These departments will be issued with non-compliance letters.”

The Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) provides support to departments with training on lifestyle audits. The unit was assisted in developing material by the World Bank, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Program and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Hoogenraad-Vermaak said during the Public Service Month, held in September, various sessions will be conducted regarding departmental investigations.

“Discipline management is a decentralised function, meaning departments are responsible for the management of their own disciplinary cases and that the DPSA can not interfere in that.

“However, the PAEIDTAU is supporting departments with discipline management, as the unit has a mandate to set norms and standards on discipline, to build capacity within institutions to initiate and institute disciplinary proceedings into misconduct, to strengthen government oversight of discipline and to provide technical assistance and support to institutions in all spheres of government regarding disciplinary matters relating to misconduct in the public administration,” he said.

The department reminded public servants that it was a criminal offense for public service employees to conduct business with the state.

It warned that any public servant found guilty of such offenses was liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both. 

Regulation 13 (c) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, prohibits public service employees from conducting business with an organ of state. Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, criminalises the conducting of business with the state for public administration employees and for special advisors.

The recently launched PAEIDTAU is a Chief Directorate within the DPSA which monitors the implementation of this prohibition and provides implementation support to departments. 

In July 2020, the Ministers of Police, Justice, and Correctional Services and Public Service and Administration met with the Directors-General from their departments in order to devise strategies to eliminate the challenge of employees doing business with the state. 

An agreement was reached that a multi-departmental team, consisting of DGs and senior management from these departments be established to ensure the implementation of this prohibition.

PAEIDTAU’s mission is directly aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-30 (NACS), which aims to, among others, enhance governance, oversight, and consequence management in the public administration. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 13:40

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China to assist SA in alleviating poverty 

Location: News

China to assist SA in alleviating poverty 

By Nosihle Shelembe

Beijing, China -  As part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of South Africans, China has committed to assist the country in tackling poverty. 

This commitment was revealed in a joint statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China.

“China is committed to sharing with South Africa its experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation; in building poverty alleviation model villages and offering support for South Africa's coordinated urban and rural development,” the statement said on Monday. 

During the State Visit, the two countries recommitted to working together towards building a high-quality China-South Africa community, with a shared future. 

“To carry forward the friendship, consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance coordination, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to an All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era, underpinned by strong political ties and focused on a prosperous future with balanced trade, and accelerated transformative economic growth,” the statement said. 

Improving lives

China expressed its firm support of national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen. It also said it respects efforts by the South African government to safeguard its national interests to improve the lives of all South Africans. 

“The two sides agreed to work on strengthening cooperation and synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to continue implementing the 10 Years Strategic Programme of Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), as a blueprint towards more substantive outcomes on priority political and socio-economic issues between the two sides. 

“The two sides agreed to fully leverage the role of mechanisms such as the China-South Africa Joint Working Group (JWG) and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) to further expand economic and trade ties by improving the current trade structure, increasing market access and the export of value-added goods from South Africa,” the statement said. 

Trade and investment

China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023. 

“The two sides encouraged the respective business communities to enhance new two-way investments and increase their manufacturing bases within the proximity of the relevant source of raw materials to enable the transfer of skills technology and job creation. 

“The two sides committed to providing a stable, fair and enabling business environment for companies from both sides and to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the relevant personnel, projects and institutions. 

“The two sides encouraged mutual visits by economic and trade delegations, including co-hosting the New Energy Investment Conferences with South Africa and holding the Jobs Fair of Chinese-invested Enterprises in South Africa to boost local employment and improve people’s lives,” the statement said.

READ | President calls for narrowing of SA, China trade deficit

Deepening cooperation 

The two sides agreed that promoting modernisation is the joint goal in building a high-level South Africa-China community, with a shared future. 

“The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, health, medical sciences and infrastructure development. However, they will further seize opportunities presented by the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focusing on key areas such as the digital economy, new energies and artificial intelligence, boost cooperation on quality productive forces, and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy, energy storage and power transmission and distribution,” the statement said. 

The two sides further agreed to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, women, health, youth, education, sport, media, tourism and other people-to-people cooperation fields. 

As part of the State Visit, the two Presidents jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation instruments in the following areas: 

   • Cooperation of the Application of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System;
   • Sustainable Housing and Human Settlements Development; 
   • Deepening Bilateral Trade Cooperation; 
   • Cultural Heritage; 
   • Cooperation in Prevention and Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease; 
   • Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Dairy Products Exported from the Republic of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China; and the Protocol on Greasy Wool. -SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:41

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