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25 August 2024

Minister Ronald Lamola Hails Economic Diplomacy Milestones in the South Africa-Japan Relations

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, is in Japan to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting. Ahead of the opening ceremony of the TICAD Ministerial meeting, Minister Lamola had a business roundtable discussion with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to further strengthen economic cooperation. Among other matters, the meeting noted two critical economic developments. Following successful diplomatic negotiations, an agreement between the two countries was signed earlier this year, establishing a protocol for the export of South African avocados to Japan. The first consignment arrived in Japan this week, coinciding with Minister Lamola's visit.

This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new market opening for South African avocados in the East. The agreed protocol requires a cold treatment of 2°C for 19 days. South African research has shown that Hass avocados can withstand this treatment, with successful shipments to the UK under the same regime.

South Africa's economic diplomacy efforts continue to yield results in 2024, as evidenced by breakthroughs for our avocado industry, with the opening of new big markets in Japan, China, and India.

Speaking to Toyota Executives attending the JETRO interaction, Minister Lamola acknowledged Toyota's announcement this week of a strategic investment of R 1.2 billion in the South African automotive industry, which is expected to drive faster implementation of industrialisation, job creation, and transformation.

Minister Lamola also had the opportunity to meet with his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. Yōko Kamikawa. Minister Lamola reiterated that South Africa enjoys a significant relationship with Japan, underpinned by a fair economic partnership that contributes significantly to our nation's economic development and people-to-people relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

24 August 2024

Japan-South Africa Foreign Ministers’ Working Dinner

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
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On August 23, commencing at 7:00 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a working dinner with Honourable Mr. Ronald LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The overview is as follows.

Introduction
(1) At the outset, Minister Kamikawa congratulated Minister Lamola on the formation of South Africa's government of national unity and his appointment as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and expressed her hope to work together on the challenges facing the international community with South Africa, an important partner with which Japan shares fundamental values and principles and has built up cooperation in a wide range of fields, and which will hold the G20 Presidency from December this year.
(2) In response, Minister Lamola stated that he is pleased to visit Japan and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity of this TICAD Ministerial Meetingwhere we can hold various discussions and hoped to work together with Minister Kamikawa to further develop the friendly relations between the two countries.
Bilateral Relations
(1) Minister Kamikawa stated that South Africa is a hub for Japanese companies to do business in Africa and she would like to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the power and energy sectors, which form the basis of economic activity. Minister Kamikawa also introduced the installation of a system of the officials in charge of cross-border economic affairs who support initiatives by Japanese companies from the perspective of the importance of network building. In response, Minister Lamola expressed his gratitude for Japanese cooperation towards the decarbonization of South Africa, including technical cooperation, and expressed strong expectations for Japanese companies which are creating many jobs to further expand into South Africa. Minister Lamola also expressed his delight at the lifting of the ban on avocado export from South Africa to Japan and expressed his hope to promote high-level visits between two countries, utilizing the Japan-South Africa Partnership Forum.
(2) Minister Kamikawa stated that it is indispensable to maintain and develop a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law as the countries that both face Indo-Pacific Ocean and stated her hope to explore areas where both countries can cooperate, such as freedom of navigation and the promotion of the blue economy. In response, Minister Lamola expressed his hope for the reinforcement of cooperation in Indo-Pacific Ocean, utilizing frameworks including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Cooperation in the International Arena
Minister Kamikawa stated that the G20 has a major role to play as the international community faces complex crises and development challenges become increasingly complicated and that she would welcome it that African voices will be reflected more than ever in the G20 chaired by South Africa, which will begin from December this year. In response, Minister Lamola stated that Africa's role in the international community has been increasing in recent years, including the AU's full membership of the G20, while explaining the areas of focus as the G20 Presidency. Two Ministers confirmed that the two countries would continue to work together looking ahead to the TICAD 9 and the G20 in South Africa scheduled in next year.
In addition, the two ministers exchanged views on such issues as the United Nations Security Council reform, the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the regional situation in East Asia, such as dealing with North Korea including the abductions issue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

24 August 2024

Taxi Bosses Demand Children Use Their Services to Get to School

Location: News

But taxi association denies the letter is from them

23 August 2024

Women as Global Leaders: Leveraging Unique Qualities

Location: MyPR

By Debra Lalla (Senior Academic – Regent Business School) The role of women in global leadership has become increasingly significant. Women bring unique perspectives and qualities that are not only transforming businesses but also shaping the future of industries and societies at large. Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, female leaders continue to …

23 August 2024

The Crucial Role of Innovation in Hospitality

Location: MyPR

Innovation is the cornerstone of success in the restaurant industry, where staying ahead of trends and continually improving offerings is vital. Visionary Chef Dario de Angeli, renowned for his innovative culinary approach, shares insights drawn from years of experience in conceptualising and managing successful dining establishments, and now a boutique hotel. He explores the importance …

23 August 2024

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

Location: News

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

From water challenges to seeking better opportunities at making a living, residents of Tsakane, in the East Rand of Gauteng, on Friday gathered to make sure their voices get counted among those heard by the country's First Citizen.

As the first Presidential Imbizo of the 7th Administration got underway earlier, many community members told SAnews they were hopeful government will bring change to their communities.

Sylas Mazibuko, from Duduza, said he wants President Ramaphosa to ensure that there is water in Duduza and more job opportunities are created.

“We are struggling with water and to make matters worse, there is a high unemployment rate in our area. I just want the President to hear our concerns and intervene,” Mazibuko said.

Mazibuko said government must also deal with the crime rate.

“Crime is getting out of control. We are even afraid of starting our own businesses because of crime. Criminals are targeting businesses in the township. We no longer walk freely in our streets,” Mazibuko said.

Echoing the same sentiments was Willy Nkanyane, who said they are experiencing water shortages in Tsakane.

“We don’t have water. We walk long distances to get water and we spend most of the times without electricity,” Nkanyane said.

Nkanyane’s wish is for their concerns to be attended to, and for more job opportunities.

Grace Mabale, from KwaThema, also wants to see reduced crime rates

"We are even afraid to send our children to the shops because of these criminals. I also want [government] to provide us with proper houses,” Mabale said.

The issues of water, electricity, houses and unemployment were shared by many at the Imbizo.

Some of the commitments of the new administration include further entrenching accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

The DDM aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with focus on 44 Districts and 8 Metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation.

Under the DDM, all three spheres of government coordinate and integrate development plans and budgets and mobilise the capacity and resources of government and civil society, including business, labour and community, in pursuit of inclusive growth and job creation.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied at the Imbizo by ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:32

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23 August 2024

The Black Business Council Re-Elects Elias Monage as President

Location: MyPR

The Black Business Council (BBC) held a successful Triennial Elective Annual General Meeting today and have re-elected the following National Office Bearers (NOBs): Mr Elias Monage – President Mr Gregory Mofokeng – Vice President: Organised Business Ms Linda Maqoma – Vice President: Professionals Mr Dumisani Mpafa – Head of Policy Princess Tsakani Nkambule – Treasurer …

23 August 2024

AI Will Elevate Accounting to New Levels – But Only if You Trust It to Do So

Location: MyPR

By Aaron Harris, CTO of Sage Imagine an era where accountants use AI not just for routine tasks but to gain deeper insights into financial narratives, allow more strategic thinking, and fuel business growth. That future is closer than you think. But it hinges on one critical factor: trust. It’s a common friction point as …

22 August 2024

Seize the moment: Opportunities in Gauteng’s Residential Property Market

Location: MyPR

Gauteng’s property market presents a mix of opportunities with varying trends across its regions. Despite modest inflation figures, the demand for property remains strong, especially among first-time buyers and those seeking investment opportunities. Lara-Rachel Spronk, Franchise Sales Manager at Just Property Head Office, looks at the current market and the opportunities available. Overall, Gauteng’s annual …

22 August 2024

A nation’s health, is a nation’s wealth

Location: News

A nation's health, is a nation's wealth

South Africa’s health system is too essential to development to be weakened by mismanagement, funding crises, and other problems.

“We expect all stakeholders to bring solutions and work with the Departments of Health and Science and Innovation to implement them,” said Acting President Paul Mashatile on Thursday.

The Acting President was speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing 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.

Its pillars range from the development of human resources, improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and private sector engagement.

It also zooms in on quality healthcare, public sector financial management improvements, governance and leadership, community engagements, and information systems to pandemic preparedness.

The Acting President told delegates present that implementation was the foremost priority of the country's seventh administration.

“Effective policy implementation means we can take the right actions and follow through with the plans, leading to successful outcomes. I have full confidence that implementation is the priority of all of us gathered here today.

“On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, it is my privilege to sign the second Presidential Health Compact today.”

He said he believed 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 added.

Universal healthcare coverage

He said Africa is committed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of “ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages”.

“This is a bold commitment to achieve universal health coverage. It is a commitment to provide access to affordable medicines and vaccines for all. If our nation’s health is truly to be our nation’s wealth, we must fix our healthcare system.”

He said fixing the healthcare system will effectively protect the population against public health emergencies, such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, or Mpox.

The Acting President also outlined challenges that prevent government from providing decent and quality healthcare to all South Africans.

Lack of funding and collaboration

He also touched on healthcare funding challenges due to budget cuts and a constrained fiscal environment, compounded by inefficiencies, mismanagement and corruption in resource allocation.

However, the Acting President said budgeting in the health sector is steadily improving to ensure a more equitable allocation of resources.

“Less money is being lost to litigation. This is thanks to the hard work of the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, which continues to expedite prosecutions and recover stolen funds.”

With greater collaboration, he said the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors can be brought to bear to serve those who need healthcare most.

However, some progress has been made as well with 149 new primary healthcare facilities being completed by November 2023.

In addition, 30 new hospitals are either opened or under construction.

The Acting President also took the time to applaud the private sector for the crucial role it plays in strengthening health systems.

“Our experience with COVID-19 showed how we could deepen public-private partnerships. With greater collaboration, the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors can be brought to bear to serve those who need healthcare most,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:43

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22 August 2024

Designer Pool Covers Cape Town: Enhancing Pool Safety and Efficiency With Innovative Solutions

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, South Africa – Designer Pool Covers Cape Town, a leading provider of high-quality pool covers, is proud to announce its continued commitment to enhancing pool safety and efficiency in the region. With over a decade of experience, the company has established itself as a trendsetter in the industry, offering a wide range of products …

22 August 2024

Good news for local meat producers

Location: News

Good news for local meat producers

The South African Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mogobo Magabe, says the lifting of the 21-year import ban of South African meat products by Saudi Arabia has opened a lucrative market for local meat producers.

Ambassador Magabe was speaking during the virtual Outward Selling Mission to Saudi Arabia that was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, South African Embassy, Saudi Arabia Food and Drug Authority, South African National Halaal Authority, and the Red Meat Producers Organisation.

Over 250 people attended Thursday’s session that was held under the theme: “Unlocking Trade Opportunities through Collaboration”

“The lifting of the ban was one of the strategic outcomes of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he held constructive and fruitful engagements with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders signed fifteen agreements that included collaboration in agriculture, mining and tourism.

“It is an opportune time for the South African meat producers to take advantage of the lifting of the ban and export their products to the Kingdom. This can contribute in growing our economy, and strengthening our bilateral economic relations with Saudi Arabia,” Magabe said.

READ | The dtic to host virtual outward selling mission to Saudi Arabia

The Chief Director of Export Promotion and Marketing at the dtic, Ms Zanele Sanni, encouraged South African companies to utilise the virtual session to market their respective products to potential Saudi buyers with the aim of concluding sustainable export contracts that would increase trade between the two countries.

“As government, we are mandated to support local industries to enhance their manufacturing capacity and find suitable export markets for their products through strategic mechanisms like these,” Sanni said.

“We are committed to enhancing bilateral economic ties with Saudi Arabia. In recent years, both countries have had high-level political and business exchanges, leading to the lifting of the 21-year ban on South African meat exports to Saudi Arabia. This has opened up the substantial Saudi Arabian market to South African producers,” she said.

She expressed South Africa’s appreciation to the Saudi authorities for having already approved twelve South African companies to export beef meat to Saudi Arabia, and seven companies for lamb and mutton meat products.

“This demonstrates the high standards met by South African companies. It also confirms that the meat-producing sector in South Africa is highly developed and strategically positioned to meet the demand of the Saudi Arabian market,” Sanni noted.

The Chief Director of Animal Production and Health at the Department of Agriculture, Dr Botlhe Modisane, said Saudi Arabia provided a high potential market for South African exporters to tap into, in terms of both fresh or chilled beef meat as well as frozen beef products.

“Saudi Arabia currently accounts for about one percent of agricultural exports from South Africa,” Modisane said.

South Africa anticipates to expand its export market share with Saudi Arabia given the signing of the recent trade agreements.

Saudi Arabia is a net importer of beef. Its imports of frozen beef and fresh or chilled meat imports recorded approximately 71% and 90% growth rates respectively.

The session was also addressed by representatives of the South African National Halaal Authority (SANHA), Hammid Mulla and of the Red Meat Abattoir Association, Dr Gerhard Neethling. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:48

103 views

22 August 2024

Cabinet approves establishment of small business advisory body

Location: News

Cabinet approves establishment of small business advisory body

Cabinet has approved the establishment of an advisory body within the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) that will ensure representation and promotion of the interest of small enterprises.

The establishment of an advisory body is prescribed by the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996), as amended.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the establishment of an advisory body is to ensure representation and promotion of the interest of small enterprises as contemplated in the National Strategy for the Development and Promotion of Small Enterprises in South Africa.

“The primary function of the advisory body will be to advise the Minister [of the DSBD] on broad areas that affect small enterprise growth, including national standards pertaining to small enterprise development and regulation.

“The advisory body will provide government with evidence-based expert advice on the functioning of various aspects of the small enterprise support ecosystem to enable more effective policy reforms, legislative amendments, and design of interventions to support micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives,” Ntshavheni said at Thursday’s briefing.

Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue Bill

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the publication of the Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue (AMSAR) Bill of 2024 for public comment.

The Minister said the bill seeks to amend the South African Maritime and Aeronautic Act, 2002 (Act 44 of 2002) which has become outdated.

“The bill aims to ensure the safety of people in the event of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue incidents. The bill further seeks to align the national AMSAR system with international standards and trends.

“The bill will strengthen the AMSAR system to boost the growth of aviation and maritime related industries and will contribute to economic growth,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:19

93 views

22 August 2024

Young perfumer’s sweet smell of success

Location: News

Young perfumer’s sweet smell of success

By Khanyisile Rasmeni

Phumulile Mkhonza of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga is growing as a perfumer and revolutionising the African fragrance industry.

Mkhonza is the owner of PSD Scent Perfumes, a business that she started in 2019 but only registered in 2022.

It specialises in high quality personal care products including perfumes for men and women, body lotions, body butters, tissue oils, home diffusers, and car air-fresheners.

Mkhonza enrolled for a three-month perfume-making course while studying at the University of Johannesburg for a degree in political science.

“I decided to launch my own perfume brand due to my love for perfume making. I registered the business while I was still employed. In August 2023, I decided to resign from my job and focus solely on my business,” she said.

The 31-year-old Mkhonza said she has distributors across the country who buy her products in bulk and resell them. Her footprint also spans across three African countries including Swaziland, Mozambique and Nigeria.
Mkhonza was guided by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to start exporting her products beyond South African borders.

“I was able to establish relationships with other entrepreneurs based in these countries through the entrepreneurship development programmes [offered by Seda] that I have been part of,” she said.

In 2022, she received R671 000 from the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier’s Youth Development Fund Programme.

She further received financial assistance from Seda to purchase assets for the business in 2024.

Her business currently employs eight people.

The entrepreneur also holds an honours and master’s degrees in public management and governance.

For more information, contact PSD Scent Perfumes on 064 505 4838, or on WhatsApp at 072 060 6093 or on email at info@psdscent.co.za and www.psdscent.co.za.

You can visit the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier website at www.mpumalanga.gov.za or call 013 766 0000/2473. Visit Seda by logging on to www.seda.org.za or call 087 158 7991.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 10:05

220 views

22 August 2024

TikTok Announces Industry-First Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council

Location: News

TikTok (www.TikTok.com) is taking major steps to boost safety on its platform across Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of its inaugural Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of its #SaferTogether community education campaign. By partnering with key stakeholders, including policymakers, members from academia, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok aims to foster a collaborative approach to ensuring a secure and positive platform environment. This announcement was made at TikTok's Safety Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

A Continuous Investment: The Safety Advisory Council
Since 2020, TikTok has established nine regional Safety Advisory Councils alongside the U.S. Content Advisory Council, each composed of experts in areas such as youth safety, free expression, and hate speech. These councils play a vital role in shaping TikTok's policies, product features, and safety processes, ensuring the platform remains responsive to evolving challenges.

The newly launched Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council will further this effort by bringing together local experts who will collaborate with TikTok to develop forward-looking policies and address regional safety concerns. Their input will help TikTok manage current issues and anticipate future challenges, reinforcing the platform's commitment to user safety and fostering a positive online environment.

Members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council are:

Prof Guy Berger, Rhodes University (South Africa)
Dennis Coffie, Content creator (Ghana)
Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow (UK)
Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes (Senegal)
Lillian Kariuki, Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network (Kenya)
Dr Akinola Olojo, Expert on preventing and countering violent extremism (Nigeria)
Prof Medhane Tadesse, Policy academic on peace and security issues (Ethiopia)
Berhan Taye, Independent Researcher (Ethiopia)

"With the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we are demonstrating our commitment to including expert African voices in our Trust and Safety work. This group of leaders was chosen for their broad range of expertise and experience, and we look forward to working with them over the coming years." - Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, TikTok

#SaferTogether: A Community-Centric Approach
This iteration of the #SaferTogether campaign is designed to engage the community actively in promoting a basic understanding of the platform's community guidelines and safety features. This initiative will include workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of following TikTok's community standards. The campaign aims to foster a collaborative effort to ensure a secure environment for creative expression.

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa emphasised, “The community empowerment campaign highlights the importance of safety being a shared responsibility. This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features available to them. With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively.”

Understanding TikTok's Community Guidelines
TikTok's Community Guidelines (https://apo-opa.co/4dT5vdm) are integral to the platform's safety efforts. Developed through comprehensive research and input from various stakeholders, including safety experts and community members, these guidelines set the standard for acceptable behaviour and content on the platform. They are designed to foster a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone can express themselves freely and creatively while staying protected from potential harm. The guidelines are continuously updated to address emerging safety concerns and support a respectful online community.

Impact of the #SaferTogether Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa
In Kenya, TikTok has so far achieved remarkable milestones with its flagship #SaferTogether workshops (https://apo-opa.co/3Ayt4cZ).

Reaching students and youth aged 13 to 24 from secondary schools to universities
Conducting workshops in 26 out of 47 counties across Kenya, these workshops continue to encourage best practices on online platforms
Workshops have also benefitted over 64,000 students, more than 467 parents, and 346 teachers

In 2022, the #SaferTogether workshops and campaign launched in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, TikTok announced the official partnership with the African Union Commission's Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (https://apo-opa.co/3XhbDGU) (WGYD) at the inaugural TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Ghana. This partnership will help deliver digital literacy programmes across Africa, guiding young people and their caregivers on how to diversify their livelihoods using digital platforms, in a safe and engaging way.

Safaricom has been a long-standing strategic partner of TikTok, collaborating on a number of mobile and network initiatives over the past several years, including TikTok data bundles and participating in the #LevelUpAfrica Creator event. In light of these ongoing collaborations, Safaricom expressed strong support for TikTok's recent efforts to enhance online safety in Africa. "At Safaricom, we see the internet as a resource that everyone should have access to, safely. Having witnessed the announcement of the TikTok Safety Advisory Council and the launch of the #SaferTogether campaign, we commend TikTok's efforts in bringing together various stakeholders for a common goal – ensuring online safety and promoting the safe use of its platform across Africa," said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC.

More information about the work of the Safety Advisory Councils can be found on TikTok's Transparency Centre (https://apo-opa.co/3MmsGAJ).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TikTok.

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22 August 2024

August must be used to condemn acts of violence against women

Location: News

August must be used to condemn acts of violence against women

Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Lydia Sebokedi says it is imperative to use the month of August to condemn all acts of violence against women.

“We need to unite as a nation to fight gender-based violence in our society,” Sebokedi said.

Speaking at the 18th Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, Sebokedi said there will be no freedom for any woman in this country until the scourge of gender-based violence against women is decisively dealt with permanently.

“As we all know, in our country, August is a month dedicated to us, women. We look back with immense pride and sincere reverence, to those women and matriarchs of our nation who led a march in the 50s against the unsavoury laws that were in place then thus shaping our destiny as a country,” Sebokedi said.

Many of those women never lived long enough to experience freedom.

“At the same time, lest we forget, we are in a society which has practically declared a cruel war against its women, where gender-based violence and femicide have reached a pandemic status.

“Let us all take a stand and say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls,” Sebokedi said.

She called on the conference delegates to engage on ways to integrate innovation and innovative thinking in order to improve public services.

“Let us also use this platform to network and forge working partnerships for innovation,” she said.

Sebokedi told the delegates that the CPSI has been sustaining various innovation platforms and initiatives to capacitate government institutions to improve service delivery to citizens.

“This work was deeply rooted in our belief as an institution, that innovation is a pivotal catalyst that enables us to meet the needs of our citizens.”

She said there was a need to find innovative solutions and approaches to deliver services better.

“There is a call for strong inter-governmental relations and the denouncement of silo mentality within government departments.”

Sebokedi said there was also a need to forge cross-sectorial partnerships with business, academia, civil society, particularly the youth, to allow for mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in innovation.

“We come together to explore new and innovative solutions to service delivery, this time using mission-oriented innovation.

The CPSI reports to the Minister of Public Service and Administration and was established with a mandate of nurturing innovation in the public sector. It was established in 2001 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration as a Section 21 company. In 2008, the CPSI became the first Government Component listed in the Public Service Act. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:25

752 views

22 August 2024

Estates Are Better Value for Money as They Bypass the Hidden Costs of Freestanding Homes

Location: MyPR

The dust on the national elections has finally settled with the newly formed government of national unity described as a ‘market-friendly outcome’ by Business Day. This is good news for those who have been holding off on property investments as real estate interest picks up, particularly in secure estates. “There’s definitely a positive sentiment being …

22 August 2024

Collaborative Effort Leads to the Safe Return of Crocworld’s Harris Hawk, With 2 Arrests Made

Location: MyPR

There is cause for celebration as a collaborative effort of concerned citizens and police resulted in the safe return of a Harris Hawk that was stolen from Crocworld Conservation Centre on 25 July. Two suspects were arrested for the break-in and theft which included a breeding pair of Jackal Buzzards and a chick, one of …

22 August 2024

In this village you only get tap water on Fridays

Location: News

An Mpumalanga municipality says it has a shortfall of nearly 60-million litres of water per day.

21 August 2024

Protesters Beg for Development in Their Small Eastern Cape Town

Location: News

Tsomo residents march to municipal offices

21 August 2024

August musts be used to condemn acts of violence against women