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Marietta, GA, has become a sought-after location for businesses looking for flexible and cost-effective office space solutions. The city offers a variety of office spaces, including coworking spaces, executive suites, and virtual offices. This article highlights why Marietta is an excellent choice for office space rentals and the benefits of each type of workspace. …
Special Tribunal dismisses Limpopo PPE procurement case exception application
The Special Tribunal has dismissed, with costs, an exception application raised by Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd in a matter related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Limpopo Department of Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into PPE procurement contracts - worth up to some R182 million - by the department in which Pro Secure was a service provider.
“This ruling supports the SIU's stance on the irregular procurement of PPE by the Limpopo Department of Health during the pandemic.
“The SIU’s investigation uncovered irregularities in the appointment of service providers such as Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd, Clinipro (Pty) Ltd, and Ndia Business Trading (Pty) Ltd for the supply and delivery of PPE, resulting in approximately R182 million in irregular and/or fruitless and wasteful expenditure by the department,” the SIU said in a statement.
The investigation occurred following a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which gave way for the corruption busting unit to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments by state institutions related to PPE procurement during the pandemic.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 10:03
In today’s dynamic work environment, flexible office solutions have become increasingly popular among professionals and businesses. Marietta, GA, offers a variety of innovative office spaces, including coworking spaces, executive suites, and virtual offices, catering to the diverse needs of modern workers. This article explores the benefits of these flexible office solutions and why they are …
Providing freshness to the community of oThongathi
by Keneilwe Velaphi
Sabelo Mkhwanazi’s business, Mayanda Fresh supermarket, is centred on providing fresh produce to the community of oThongathi, KwaZulu-Natal.
Mkhwanazi said prior to launching the establishment, he realised that his community was complaining about purchasing expired and rotten goods from nearby shops, which prompted him to start the business model.
Mayanda Fresh was officially opened in June 2023.
“I entered the supermarket industry because I was driven by passion and the need to supply fresh high-quality produce to my community,” said Mkhwanazi.
The goal of Mayanda Fresh was to create a welcoming and convenient shopping experience to customers, while also supporting local farmers and suppliers.
“There is a need to offer a wide variety of fresh products at affordable prices. Another goal is to strive towards becoming a trusted name in the retail industry in South Africa.”
Mkhwanazi ensures stock availability through the use of advanced technology and strong supplier relationships.
“I have established a trustworthy relationship with my suppliers, allowing me flexible payment terms. This mutual trust ensures timely deliveries and consistent stock availability.”
This approach allows Mayanda Fresh to always supply customers with fresh produce.
Furthermore, Mkhwanazi’s state-of-the-art inventory management system accurately tracks all stock levels, providing real-time updates as he purchases and sells products.
He added that he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, stakeholders, and the community.
His supermarket also serves the residents of surrounding areas, as well as those who work in oThongathi.
“In order to attract and retain customers, I have strategically chosen to position my first store at the centre of the oThongathi central business district. This is a commercial area that is conveniently near residential neighbourhoods, and the location makes it easy for customers to access daily essentials.
He also leverages media relations to reach a wider audience, ensuring that more people are aware of what Mayanda Fresh has to offer.
The self-made entrepreneur said he did not receive funding from government but with the support of his family and community, he was able to establish his business.
“My business came across many challenges one of the biggest being managing the supply chain to ensure a consistent and timely delivery of fresh produce, and building, and maintaining strong relationships.”
Mkhwanazi has big growth plans.
"I plan to develop an e-commerce website to create an online business, allowing customers to shop from their homes and have their products delivered to their door,” he concluded.
Visit the Mayanda Fresh Instagram page @mayanda_fresh or follow them on Tik Tok @Mayanda Fresh.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 11:48
RMB (www.RMB.com) has released the highly anticipated 2024 edition of its Where to Invest in Africa report, a comprehensive analysis of the top investment destinations on the continent. The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), leverages a robust methodology that has been updated to reflect new data sources, taking into account a variety of factors that have been proven to determine a country's progress and therefore its investment potential.
“Africa is not a country, but a vast, diverse and complex continent with different cultures, economies and investment potential. Our report therefore is not a definitive guide, but rather it is designed to provide insight to uncover the underlying drivers of a country's performance that inform its ranking. This offers invaluable insights for investors, policymakers, and business leaders looking to navigate Africa's dynamic economic landscape,” says Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB.
Expanded data, extended granularity
Investment decisions need to be viewed through both an economic performance lens and an operating environment lens. As a result, the methodology used for this edition of the Where to Invest in Africa report builds and expands on previous editions, taking into account new data sets as well as changing geopolitical and macroeconomic climates.
The scorecard for the 2024 issue highlights 31 countries that collectively represent 92% of the continent's economic activity (measured by GDP), and more than one billion people (three quarters of the continent's population). It draws on publicly available data sets from global institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labour Organisation.
The model is constructed from 20 metrics across four measurement pillars: economic performance and potential; market accessibility and innovation; economic stability and investment climate; and social and human development. Each metric is weighted, which translates into a weight for each pillar, and based on these metrics a standardised scorecard is produced, with rankings that enable effective comparison across Africa's complex and heterogeneous environment.
Africa's top five investment destinations
Combining these elements results in a ranking across the 31 countries measured. The results of the report show that the two small island economies of Seychelles and Mauritius rank first and second as the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, while the significantly larger economies of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rank in third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
Seychelles leads the rankings thanks to high levels of personal freedom, human development, and a stable economic environment. Seychelles offers a unique and attractive investment climate. Despite scoring lower on economic size and potential, Mauritius is known for innovation, economic freedom, and high GDP per capita. It continues to be a top destination for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in a well-regulated environment.
Egypt represents Africa's largest economy by GDP (2023), offering a substantial market with diverse opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location and economic complexity further enhance its attractiveness. Despite facing significant challenges, South Africa remains a crucial hub for investment in Africa. Its robust financial sector, diverse economy, and potential for infrastructure development make it a key player. Finally, Morocco's strong performance in connectedness, innovation, and economic stability positions it as a top investment destination. Its strategic proximity to European markets adds to its appeal.
Distilling diversity – investment archetypes explained
Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, and no two markets are the same, which means there is no such thing as a universal success story. However, when we zoom out and view nations through the lenses of size and the relevant investability score, it becomes apparent that they fall into distinct groupings with shared traits. The 2024 edition of Where to Invest in Africa suggests five potential investment archetypes based on shared characteristics revealed through the four measurement pillars.
‘Highflyers' represent the large, well-established economies that offer stability and a range of investment opportunities, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. Those ‘Cleared for Take-off' are countries with high economic growth and innovation potential thanks to factors like a young population and abundant resources, including Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ‘People Potential' are markets with a young and growing demographic, creating a sizeable consumer base and a future workforce, such as Kenya, DRC and Uganda. ‘Global Connectors' are more advanced economies with a strong international presence, such as Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia and Seychelles. ‘Low-Base Boomers' are smaller markets with high potential for explosive growth but a corresponding higher degree of risk, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Benin.
Additional insights unpacked
The report also highlights a number of trends across the various markets, and the role of innovation and economic complexity in driving growth is a central theme. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are noted for their strides in technological innovation and diversification of their economic bases, making them attractive destinations for investment.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing economic integration, and creating a more competitive continental market. Effective implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent. Africa's young and rapidly growing population also presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda poised to benefit from this demographic dividend, provided they can create sufficient employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment for economic participation.
In addition, there are a number of emerging markets with significant growth potential, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and infrastructural deficits, these countries offer substantial opportunities due to their large and youthful populations, improving business climates, and diversification efforts. Africa's vast natural resources, including minerals and arable land, are pivotal for sustainable economic growth. However, the report cautions against the "resource curse" and underscores the importance of good governance and strategic management. Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are highlighted for their rich resources and potential for sustainable development.
One area that requires critical attention across the continent is the need for infrastructure investment. Improved transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential, and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are identified as key markets where infrastructure development could yield significant returns.
Beyond the rankings – a deeper look at African investment
Looking beyond metrics and scorecards, Africa holds massive potential but equally faces numerous challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources, which can be a major driver of economic growth, but they also present challenges in the form of corruption and environmental degradation. Increased activity around trade agreements can open new markets for foreign investors and boost economic activity, but lack of adequate infrastructure is a major hurdle for many African economies. Investment in this space will improve connectivity and create new opportunities, while rapid and increasing urbanisation will prove attractive to investors in consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Finally, countries in Africa are embracing new technologies, leapfrogging traditional development stages and creating new investment opportunities in the tech sector.
“The richness of Africa's diversity makes fully analysing its nuance and contrast a challenging task, but an important one when it comes to understanding the varied markets that make up this vast regional economy. The 2024 RMB Where to Invest in Africa report aims to develop a balanced, robust and actionable view of the drivers, challenges and opportunities that characterise each of the 31 African markets included in the analysis,” Mhlanga concludes.
Download the full report here to uncover the insights and drive more informed investment decisions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.
Pro Secure fails in bid to stop Special Investigating Unit going after it to recover millions of rands
Former Lotteries boss wants to stop probe launched by President Ramaphosa
Operation Shanela nets over 13 000 suspects
Police have, through their high-density operations known as Operation Shanela, arrested 13 996 suspects throughout the country over the course of this past week.
Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks as well as stop and searches, police said they have taken a “bold and decisive approach” in protecting the communities that they serve.
The operations, which take place across the country, are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
The following arrests were made:
• 4 065 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies;
• 106 suspects for murder;
• 150 suspects for attempted murder;
• 182 suspects for rape, 80 of them were arrested in the province of KwaZulu-Natal;
• 134 suspects for being in the illegal possession of firearms, 66 of them were arrested in the Eastern Cape;
• 582 suspects for the illegal dealing in liquor, 262 of these arrests were effected in KwaZulu-Natal, and
• 240 drug dealers.
Police said assault grievous bodily harm continues to register a large number of arrests, with 1 372 suspects arrested.
A total of 158 firearms were confiscated during operations, 47 of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in KwaZulu-Natal.
“This is the second consecutive week in which police in KZN recover a high number of firearms. In the week from 21 July to 27 July 2024, the province seized 40 firearms,” SAPS said.
Also, 1 448 rounds of ammunition were confiscated and 74 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the week’s operations.
“Two kidnappers were arrested and 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were rescued from a suspected human trafficking ring in Johannesburg.
“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, in the Eastern Cape shot and killed five cash-in-transit [heist] suspects, while three suspects were arrested during a tracing operation.
“R300 million worth of drugs suspected to be crystal meth were seized in Fourways, Johannesburg. In the same operation, a kidnapped businessman was rescued and eight kidnappers were arrested.
“Counterfeit goods worth R7 million were seized in Fordsburg and Dragon City in Johannesburg.
“KwaZulu-Natal police intercepted criminals involved in serious and violent crime across the province, including suspects wanted for murders, armed robberies and hijackings. During arrests, police were confronted by heavy gunfire. Two police officers were injured and hospitalised, while more than 10 suspects were fatally wounded.”
The SAPS said police would continue with their operations and stamp the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 13:18
Public servants urged to enrol for gender awareness courses
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has invited public servants to enrol for gender awareness courses at the National School of Government (NSG) to advance women’s socio-economic rights while promoting their safety and security.
This, according to the department, is part of marking National Women’s Month which South Africa commemorates annually in August.
This year the country marks National Women’s Month under the theme: Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development.
READ | SA commemorates Women's Month
Buthelezi has urged public servants at national, provincial and local government to enrol for courses at the NSG as one of the institutions that plays critical role in promoting women’s development and well-being in the public sector and society in general.
The NSG offers a suite of courses promoting gender awareness and gendered policy making.
Some of the courses offered are:
The Minister added that government needs to work harder to raise consciousness within the public sector and urged both men and women to enrol for the courses.
“We need to promote a positive attitude and awareness amongst those delivering services at the coalface.
“Staff in government facilities such as small business development centres, social security offices, police stations, courts, hospitals and municipal offices need to ensure that women are treated with respect and dignity.
“They need to understand that women’s rights are human rights, and that equality is a constitutional right for all. The NSG training equips public servants to gain consciousness that will enable them to deliver services in a more informed and gender-sensitive manner.”
Minister Buthelezi encouraged public servants to also take advantage of the courses to empower themselves with the knowledge and skills to fight the scourge through policy making, implementation and the day-to-day work of providing government services.
“Our country sadly faces the scourge of gender-based violence and women are at the receiving end. Many women have lost their lives while many face abuse, harassment and attacks. Survivors and their families need to find responsive and caring public servants in hospitals, police stations and welfare services.”
For enrolment, departments should contact the NSG on contactcentre@thensg.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:02
Their ability to enhance brand visibility, customer experience, and overall business growth is undeniable. Let’s delve into the ways these unassuming items can significantly impact your business. Boosting Brand Awareness • Mobile billboards: Every time someone carries your custom printed bag, your brand gets free advertising. Whether it’s the local grocery store, a bustling mall, …
Behind every award-winning garden lies not just the expertise of its gardeners, but the dedication and leadership that drive their success. At Brahman Hills situated in the KZN Midlands, this success story is embodied by Abongile Majola, who started his journey as a casual worker in 2019. He has subsequently risen to become the Head …
Electoral Commission receives clean audit
The Electoral Commission has received a clean audit report for the fourth time in a row.
“The Electoral Commission is proud to announce that the Auditor-General has concluded the external audit procedures on the 2023/2024 financial statements of the Electoral Commission as well as Party Funding. The outcome of both these external audits is clean audit opinion.
“This feat is achieved for the fourth consecutive time,” the Commission said in a statement on Thursday.
The commission said the clean audit opinions speak to the financial probity as well as the strength of internal controls which remain of the highest standards adding that the adherence to prescripts in the form of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its corresponding regulations.
Electoral Commission CEO Sy Mamabolo welcomed the clean audit and commended staff for working tirelessly to ensure that accountability, proficiency, and transparency is always at the centre of the organisation’s business practices.
“Throughout the years we have implemented internal controls to manage performance of the organisation. We strive to maintain this standard going forward, even during busy election periods,” said Mamabolo.
He went further to say, “as the Electoral Commission we have not only committed ourselves to delivering reputable elections but have also made it our business to ensure our business practices are of the highest standard through the consistent implementation of internal controls.”
The audit report, together with the Annual Report, will be presented to the seventh iteration of the National Assembly in line with the provisions of the Electoral Commission Act and the PFMA. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:09
PRETORIA, South Africa – Themed Resilience and Growth in Africa: Leading Sustainable Businesses, Driving Change, and International Opportunities, the summit is gearing up for its 3rd annual edition, its first in South Africa, addressing the continent’s critical challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for building a …
Have your say on tax proposals
The National Treasury and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has published draft tax bills and draft regulations for 2024, for public comment.
The bills and draft regulations contain tax proposals made in the Budget Speech.
These proposals include the 2024 draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (2024 draft TLAB), the 2024 draft Revenue Laws Amendment Bill (2024 draft RLAB), the 2024 draft Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill (2024 draft TALAB), draft Regulations on the method for determining the VAT liability in respect of casino table games of chance, issued in terms of section 74(2) of the Value-Added Tax Act, 1991, draft Regulations on amendments to the Carbon Offset Regulations prescribing carbon offsets in terms of section 19(c) of the Carbon Tax Act, 2019, and draft Regulations on domestic reverse charge relating to valuable metal in terms of 74(2) of the Value-Added Tax Act.
The 2024 draft tax bills, the accompanying draft Explanatory Memoranda containing a comprehensive description of the proposed tax amendments contained in the 2024 draft TLAB, 2024 draft RLAB, draft TALAB, the draft Regulations on determining the VAT liability in respect of casino table games of chance, draft Regulations on domestic reverse charge, draft Regulations on electronic services and Carbon Offset Regulations, can be found on the National Treasury (www.treasury.gov.za) and SARS (www.sars.gov.za) websites.
“More general information underlying the changes in rates, thresholds or any other tax amendments can be found in the 2024 Budget Review, available on the National Treasury website.
“With respect to the 2024 RLAB published for comment on 21 February 2024 and public workshops held on 6 June 2024, National Treasury and SARS invite a second round of comments in writing on this revised 2024 draft RLAB,” the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.
The public can forward written comments to the National Treasury’s tax policy depository at 2024AnnexCProp@treasury.gov.za and SARS at acollins@sars.gov.za by close of business on 16 August 2024.
National Treasury and SARS invites comments in writing on the 2024 draft TLAB, 2024 draft TALAB, the draft Regulations on determining the VAT liability in respect of casino table games of chance, draft Regulations on domestic reverse charge and draft Regulations on electronic services and Carbon Offset Regulations.
Written comments can be sent to the National Treasury’s tax policy depository at 2024AnnexCProp@treasury.gov.za and SARS at acollins@sars.gov.za by close of business on 31 August 2024. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:44
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
The Unlimited Child CEO Named Finalist in 2024 Santam Women of the Future Awards The Unlimited Child, the largest and leading Early Childhood Development (ECD) non-profit organisation in South Africa, is incredibly proud to announce that their CEO, Candice Potgieter, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Santam Women of the Future Awards …
Police warn criminals against resisting arrest
As police continue to crackdown on violent and serious crime, South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has urged criminals to surrender themselves when called to do so by police.
Providing an update on the countrywide police operations during a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, the National Commissioner warned criminals that police will continue to use force that is proportional to the threat when they are defending themselves and the communities they serve.
He was addressing concerns expressed by ordinary citizens and experts within the field of policing in relation to the number of suspects that have been shot and killed by police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in recent months.
“It is important to clarify that, our mandate as the SAPS is to bring perpetrators to justice by arresting them, but quite often in pursuit of arresting these often dangerous and heavily armed criminals, our police officers are more than often met with heavy gunfire and that leaves our officers with no option but to defend themselves and the communities that they serve.
“On Tuesday evening, our members in KZN were tracing suspects who were linked to and wanted in at least 13 cases of business robbery and car hijacking in the Cator Manor and Durban Central Policing Precinct when they were met with gunfire.
“Five suspects were fatally wounded and fortunately no police officer was wounded in the attack. Just last week, KZN police shot and killed nine suspects in various incidents. In all these incidents, police were met with gunfire and various kinds of high calibre firearms were seized which include automatic rifles,” he said.
All these suspects were wanted in connection with serious and violent crimes, including murders and ATM bombings.
At the incident in Kwadlangezwa in Empangeni, the three suspects that succumbed to their injuries were wanted and linked in connection with at least ten cases of murder in the province.
“It is on this note that we urge criminals to surrender themselves when called to do so by police…. we will continue to use force that is proportional to the threat,” Masemola said.
As part of ongoing operations on the ground, police have secured the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes.
These include 161 752 wanted suspects for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit armed robberies, sexual offences, rape, car hijacking and firearm related offences.
Police visibility
The National Commissioner emphasised that heightening and enhancing police visibility as a form of a deterrent to crime is at the top of the SAPS agenda.
“Our ears remain on the ground, and we are well aware that our communities want to see more police officers on the ground. This is why we have recruited and trained 20 000 police officers in two years, who are already serving and protecting communities at grassroots level of policing.
“All these members have capacitated our police stations and various specialised units, including crime intelligence and the detective environment, where capacity is much needed,” he said.
Masemola announced that there are currently 4 500 recruits in training and the remaining 5 500 recruits will commence with training in January 2025.
“Through collaboration with key stakeholders in the fight against crime which includes various government departments and entities, it is our collaboration with private security as our eyes and ears on the ground that is proving to be effective and beneficial. Through our E2 project with private security, we have been able to share resources and intercept criminals jointly, through working together,” he said.
Investigation on 95 Libyan nationals
Police are continuing with investigations into 95 Libyan nationals who are alleged to have been receiving training at an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga.
The Libyan nationals allegedly entered the country with visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.
“The focus is on who provided the nationals with Visa’s? And why did they opt to receive their training in South Africa As well as who funded their training and for what purpose?” the National Commissioner said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:47
Police record major successes in breaking syndicates, gangs
With recent successes in arresting members of organised criminal syndicates and gangs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has demonstrated its commitment and dedication to fighting serious and violent crimes.
This is according to SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who briefed the media on Thursday.
“We are responding decisively to the war declared by criminals and we remain resolute in our efforts to fight crime and anyone who threatens the safety and security of law abiding citizens and have thus adopted an aggressive approach in ensuring that we stamp the authority of the state,” Masemola said in Johannesburg.
Providing an update on the countrywide police operations, Masemola said the recent successes in crime fighting shows that police are tightening their grip on serious and violent crime, thus putting them one step ahead of criminals.
“Through our high density operations that sees the Provincial Commissioner of each province actively taking part and leading operations on the ground, we have been able to secure the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes.
“These include 161 752 wanted suspects for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit armed robberies, sexual offences, rape, car hijacking and firearm-related offences.
“We have established and beefed up cash-in-transit task teams, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where a number of them have been recorded in the month of July. In the past month alone, 13 cash in transit robbers were arrested in the province while six suspects were fatally wounded during confrontation with police,” Masemola said.
The police have also registered a breakthrough with the arrest of at least ten suspects linked to ATM bombings in Gauteng.
Eight of the suspects were intercepted in Katlehong, Thokoza, and Soweto in Gauteng while another two were traced to Senekal in the Free State.
“These arrests were effected with the assistance of our partners in the banking sector and key stakeholders in the fight against crime. These suspects are being linked to more than 20 ATM bombings that took place in Soweto and the East Rand,” he said.
Furthermore, a gang of 44 suspects were intercepted by Gauteng police three weeks ago at a liquor warehouse in Kempton Park.
“The suspects were caught in the act of loading alcohol worth R15 million into four different trucks. The suspects have already appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on a charge of business robbery,” the National Commissioner said.
Drug busts
In the last two weeks, a clandestine drug lab worth R2 billion was shut down in Limpopo where two Mexican nationals are among the five suspects arrested.
“In the Western Cape, R252 million worth of cocaine was seized at a roadblock in Stillbaai. A Russian national is among two suspects arrested in this case. In the same week, police also seized R40 million worth of dagga in Magaliesburg here in Gauteng.
“Mpumalanga has also registered a number of successes in relation to major drug busts. Between May and June this year, R4 million worth of dagga, R4 million worth of cocaine and R4 million worth of Crystal meth was seized in different parts of the province, including Nelspruit and Komatipoort.
“We have destroyed large quantities of drugs worth R2 billion in 12 months. These include cocaine, crystal meth and unregistered medicines. Through Operation Shanela, 21 161 criminals were arrested for dealing in drugs while 64 351 were arrested for being in possession of drugs,” the National Commissioner said.
The ongoing gang related violence in the Eastern and Western Cape and Gauteng continues to receive priority with the deployment of the Anti Gang Unit and specialised units in identified hotspots.
“Dedicated interventions are continuing and several gang leaders and members have been arrested in the past six months. These include 64 gang members arrested in Westbury. Thirty-four of them belong to the Fast gang group that were operating in Westbury, Langlaagte and Eldorado Park. During this period, 36 gang members from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Limpopo were convicted to a collective 350 year’s imprisonment,” he said.
In the last seven days, 106 firearms were confiscated during operations across the country. Forty of these firearms were seized in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Of the 106 firearms, 90 are hand guns, eight are homemade firearms, seven are rifles while one shotgun was seized.
In two years, more than 20 000 firearms have been seized from all corners of the country.
“In the Western Cape where we experience a lot of firearm related gang violence, 3100 firearms have been confiscated to date while in Gauteng, 673 firearms have been seized during tracing operations during a 12 month period,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:16
dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday.
Tau was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the debate on his department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday.
“In the spirit of transparency and in the hopes that we further improve the ease of doing business, we welcome President Ramaphosa’s ascension to the Companies Amendment Act. The Act aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that our company law is consistent with well-established principles that are not over-burdensome on businesses,” he said.
Tau said the new Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand, as well as addressing public concerns regarding high levels of inequality in society.
“The Act will go a long way in ensuring adherence to sound corporate governance, accountability and transparency, and that directors carry their duties with integrity and care,” he said.
READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
Tau also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Climate Change Bill into law, saying that all South Africans needed to celebrate its ascension.
The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The signing of the law came at an opportune moment because as the department, we had already taken significant steps towards identifying opportunities in industrial decarbonisation and manufacturing of green products for both local and export markets,” he said.
The Act makes provision for an active role by provinces and municipalities in coordinating the country’s climate change responses, as well as setting emissions targets for manufacturing and related sectors.
“In this regard, our department has developed the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which will be implemented.
“In the next few weeks, we will be meeting with provinces and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to map these out further and ensure that we all channel our energies towards building a greener and climate-resilient South African economy,” Tau said.
During his speech, Tau said the department will accelerate the roll out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme in order to achieve better spatial equity.
“Fortunately, there are local success stories we can learn from to accelerate the SEZ model in other under-serviced areas,” he said.
He cited the Coega Industrial Development Zone, which is presently home to 63 firms, employing approximately 10 000 people and with cumulative investments of about R11.5 billion.
Tau told the NCOP that his administration will ensure that industrial opportunities resulting from policy, regulatory and private-sector decisions were maximised to enable manufacturing-led growth.
“Manufacturing induces or catalyses growth and jobs in upstream and downstream sectors. These jobs are typically permanent, pay relatively decent wages and provide workers with sustainable careers. And as you would agree, these jobs offer a sense of dignity to our citizens and communities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:42
Whether you’re a matriculant with limited work experience or someone who didn’t have the opportunity to study further after school, the global business services (GBS) sector offers opportunities for young people from communities throughout South Africa to build successful careers. So, brush aside the belief that traditional career paths, like accounting or law, are the …
Financial inclusion remains a key issue in South Africa, and promoting real inclusion is critical in enabling more people to improve their quality of life, says Simphiwe Phakathi, Executive Head of Sales and Distribution at EasyPay Everywhere. Financial exclusion is associated globally with persistent poverty. “At its most basic, the issue is that so many …
Transnet forging ahead with reforms
Transnet says it is making “considerable progress” in the implementation of reforms in accordance with the Freight Logistics Roadmap and the Guarantee Framework Conditions issued to Transnet by National Treasury.
The reforms include the reform of Transnet’s rail business, corporatisation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the disposal of the company’s non-core assets.
Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, said: “These initiatives are a demonstration of Transnet’s commitment to the structural reforms in response to the changes in policy and regulations. In some cases, these changes entail entry of third parties in the rail and port networks, which is a necessary step to stimulate competition and address long-standing challenges such as underinvestment.”
Rail reform
Transnet said the rail reform process is on track.
This includes what the company calls the “vertical separation of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) into a Rail Operating Company and an Infrastructure Manager”.
“Since the publication of the draft railway Network Statement in March 2024, Transnet actively participated in a consultation process facilitated by the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC). This was in preparation of the finalisation of the final Network Statement to open train slots for third party train operator access.
“Following extensive consultations to align with key stakeholders, the Interim Infrastructure Manager has made the input to the IRERC, and Transnet looks forward to the publication of the final network statement and proposed tariff methodology to open slots for third party access by 30 September 2024,” Transnet said.
According to Transnet, the Rail Operating Company and Infrastructure Manager operating models, and organisational designs are expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2025.
Non-core assets and TNPA
The corporatisation of the TNPA is expected to culminate in the establishment of the National Ports Authority, which will be wholly owned by Transnet.
Work is underway to complete the Memorandum of Incorporation and the Registration of the National Ports Authority.
“The reform will enhance TNPA’s regulatory oversight on terminal operators across its port network. The corporatisation will establish TNPA as a financially autonomous entity capable of generating its own revenue, attract increased investments to improve the efficiency and positioning of SA ports to enhance competitive maritime trade and create appropriate partnerships.
“It will also, through its independence, enhance terminal licence oversight and align with international standards and regulations governing port authorities and ensure compliance with South African maritime and port regulations,” Transnet explained.
Furthermore, the company said its disposal of non-core assets is also progressing well.
“The disposals will generate cash and reduce holding costs. The Transnet Board of Directors has approved a plan for the disposal of the non-core assets. Transnet will finalise the full list of non-core assets for disposal in the current financial year,” the entity said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:47
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