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Recognising Women’s Day in the Corporate World International Women’s Day is an excellent opportunity for businesses to show appreciation to their female employees, clients, and partners. Thoughtful, branded gifts can significantly strengthen professional relationships and boost morale. Here are some excellent Women’s Day gift ideas suitable for a corporate setting, ensuring your business stands out …
The Black Business Council (BBC) welcomes the recent sale of the bp Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (bpSA) and Shell Downstream South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SDSA) assets located at the SAPREF Precinct to the South African State-owned entity, the Central Energy Fund (CEF) SoC Ltd. As part of the sale purchase agreement, CEF has agreed to …
Despite progress made in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among children, a new report released today by the Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 shows that an urgent scale up of HIV services in countries worst affected by the pandemic is required to end AIDS by 2030.
The report, Transforming Vision Into Reality, shows that programmes targeting vertical transmission of HIV have averted 4 million infections among children aged 0-14 years old since 2000. Globally, new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years old have declined by 38 per cent since 2015 and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 43 per cent.
Among the 12 Global Alliance countries, several have achieved strong coverage of lifelong antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV, with Uganda nearing 100 per cent, United Republic of Tanzania at 98 per cent, and South Africa at 97 per cent. Mozambique has achieved 90 per cent coverage, with Zambia at 90 per cent, Angola at 89 per cent, Kenya at 89 per cent, Zimbabwe at 88 per cent, and Cote d'Ivoire at 84 per cent.
“I applaud the progress that many countries are making in rolling out HIV services to keep young women healthy and to protect babies and children from HIV,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “With the medicines and science available today, we can ensure that all babies are born – and remain – HIV-free, and that all children who are living with HIV get on and stay on treatment. Services for treatment and prevention must be ramped up immediately to ensure that they reach all children everywhere. We cannot rest on our laurels. The death of any child from AIDS related causes is not only a tragedy, but also an outrage. Where I come from, all children are our children. The world can and must keep its promise to end AIDS in children by 2030.”
Global Alliance countries are innovating to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS in children. However, despite advances neither the world nor Global Alliance countries are currently on track to reach HIV-related commitments for children and adolescents and the pace of progress in preventing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among children has slowed in recent years.
“Accelerating the delivery and uptake of HIV services for children and adolescents is a moral obligation, and a political choice,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Twelve countries are demonstrating they have made that choice, but significant challenges remain. While we have made progress in increasing access for pregnant women to testing and treatment to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, we are still far from closing the paediatric treatment gap. We need to further strengthen the collaboration and reach of the Global Alliance, and we must do this work with focus, purpose and in solidarity with all affected mothers, children, and adolescents.”
Around 120 000 children aged 0-14 years old became infected with HIV in 2023, with around 77 000 of these new infections occurring in the Global Alliance countries. AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 years old numbered 76 000 globally with Global Alliance countries accounting for 49 000 of these unnecessary deaths. Vertical transmission rates remain extremely high in some locations, particularly in Western and Central Africa, with rates exceeding 20 per cent in countries including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“In the fight against HIV, we must do a much better job for children,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which provides funding for HIV programmes in over 100 countries through a country-led partnership model. “In support of national programmes, we have been procuring the latest dolutegravir-based paediatric treatment regimens at negotiated prices. Our investments in laboratory systems are helping ensure exposed infants are rapidly tested and that those that test positive are quickly initiated on age-appropriate antiretroviral treatment. Differentiated testing and treatment approaches are helping close the diagnostic gap and ensuring more child-centred service delivery.”
It is concerning that the treatment gap between adults and children continues to widen.
“Just 57 per cent of children living with HIV receive life-saving treatment, compared to 77 per cent of adults,” said UNICEF Associate Director HIV/AIDS, Anurita Bains. “Without early and effective testing and treatment, HIV remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of children and adolescents and puts them at risk of death. To close the treatment gap, we must support governments to scale up innovative testing approaches and ensure children and adolescents living with HIV receive the treatment and support they need.”
In 2023, there were 210 000 new infections globally among young women and girls aged 15—24 years old (130 000 in Global Alliance countries), four times higher than the 2025 goal set at 50 000. Preventing new infections among this age group is critical both to protect the health and wellbeing of young women and to reduce the risk of new infections among children.
Gender inequalities and human rights violations are increasing women's vulnerability to HIV and diminishing their ability to access essential services. Globally, nearly one in three women have encountered some form of violence during their lifetime, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence. In the four Global Alliance countries with available data, countries are not currently on track to achieve the target of ensuring that by 2025 less than 10 per cent of women, key populations and people living with HIV experience gender-based inequalities and gender violence.
"It has been remarkable to see how many more children's lives can be saved when all stakeholders and partners come together to commit to end AIDS in children. While much progress has been made, notably through the successful introduction of pediatric dolutegravir, large gaps still remain across the pediatric cascade and we must recommit ourselves with purpose and innovation to fulfill the promises we have made by 2025 and beyond,” said Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy.
The Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 was launched in 2022 by WHO, UNICEF and WHO to reinvigorate the paediatric HIV agenda. It has now grown, and in addition to the United Nations agencies, the alliance includes civil society movements, including the Global Network of People living with HIV, national governments in the most affected countries, and international partners, including PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Twelve countries are members: Angola, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Final oral arguments heard on whether Makhubele is guilty of gross misconduct for allegedly chairing PRASA board after being appointed judge
Lepront and Dace Get Double Victories At Sea Harvest GromComp Vic Bay presented by Rip Curl. Victoria Bay: Louise Lepront (Scottburgh) and Rory Dace (Cape St Francis) both won two divisions – The U16 and U18 divisions – at the recent Sea Harvest Vic Bay GromComp presented by Rip Curl. Both surfers put on outstanding …
The U.S. Mission to South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) proudly announce the launch of the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management. It supports the U.S. National Strategy on Gender, Equity and Equality and reflects the United States' commitment to advancing gender equity and economic prosperity in Southern Africa
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs LESA (Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa) program is centred on the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, an accredited online global management and entrepreneurship certificate consisting of five world-class courses and available to learners across the globe.
The overall goal of the program is to promote economic prosperity, including equitable economic development opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and individuals. AWE LESA provides a resource for women entrepreneurs to engage in online education with guided facilitation and localization; fosters networks that support participants' access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States; as well as provides access to a range of educational programs tailored to women's economic empowerment to expand the impact on the participant.
AWE LESA 2024 will empower 100 young women entrepreneurs in seven cities – five in South Africa and one each in Lesotho and Eswatini. The program will host cohorts in Bloemfontein (10 participants), Cape Town (10 participants), Johannesburg (15 participants), Polokwane (15 participants), Manzini (20 participants), Maseru (20 participants), and Pietermaritzburg (10 participants). The participants will attend in-person training sessions and events at designated American Corners and partner spaces in each location.
AWE LESA 2024 activities will take place between August 2024 and January 2025, and this edition will bring the total number of women entrepreneurs trained through the U.S. Mission to South Africa and AWIEF partnership to more than 700.
What do you gain from participating in the AWE LESA program?
What are the criteria to apply?
Applications Open Now!
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs applications are officially open for highly motivated and self-driven young women entrepreneurs from Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa. THERE IS NO COST TO APPLICANTS AT ANY STAGE.
To submit your application, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/3WvSAIa
The deadline for submission is August 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST).
For more information email: info@awieforum.org
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
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Ekurhuleni closely monitors water network
Technicians are closely monitoring water supply in Bedfordview, Primrose and Germiston, as the system continues to struggle to recover following the completion of extensive maintenance work by Rand Water.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said the water utility completed maintenance work as scheduled on Wednesday, 17 July 2024. However, the system has been struggling to recover.
This has affected water supply to certain areas, including Primrose, Bedfordview and Germiston.
Currently, there is a slight improvement on the water supply in the affected areas, with low lying areas starting to receive supply while high-lying areas are experiencing low water pressure.
“It is a norm that the recovery period for full restoration after the maintenance takes between three and 15 days, and high-lying areas would normally take longer to recover as the water pipes and towers need to be filled to a specific level before technicians start pumping the water systems.”
Dlamini has appealed to the affected communities and business for patience.
He also encouraged residents and businesses to continue using water sparingly, to allow the water levels at the affected reservoirs to gradually stabilise.
Rand Water is currently embarking on extensive proactive maintenance of its infrastructure to improve the reliability and efficiency of its water infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 14:03
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses …
A capable state will strengthen South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that building a capable state is a critical step to creating an inclusive economy that benefits all.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter, on Monday.
Strengthening the state is one of the key priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU) outlined by the President in his Opening of Parliament Address last week.
This, the President said, comes in the form of rebuilding the “capability of the state and creating a professional public service”.
“This work is already well underway. The national framework for the professionalisation of the public service was adopted by Cabinet in 2022 to guide public service reform. The Department of Public Service and Administration [DPSA] has already issued two directives giving effect to the framework.
“The framework aims to build meritocracy in the public service. Recruitment and selection processes are being overhauled, as are performance management systems. Competency-based assessments and integrity tests are being introduced. These tests will be used across the public sector, including to persons appointed into political offices such as ministerial advisers and chiefs of staff,” he said.
Additionally, the national framework also seeks to open more doors for young people who want to work in the public service.
“One of the DPSA directives issued earlier this year waives the experience requirement for entry level posts with no supervisory responsibilities. It also makes provision for verification of academic qualifications from applicants who do not have their degree certificates because of outstanding student debt,” the President said.
Capable leaders
President Ramaphosa emphasised that capable leaders are required for a capable state.
In this regard, the President said, the National School of Government has been growing its “suite of executive education programmes designed for elected officials and executive managers”.
“These involve formal learning programmes delivered by renowned experts, high-level masterclasses and seminars on issues ranging from the art of execution to ethics and economic governance. There are also flagship programmes tailored for accounting officers and induction training for boards of state-owned enterprises.
“Leaders in national and provincial governments will undergo training and development programmes throughout the seventh administration, starting with the National School of Government’s ethical leadership and oversight programme.
“Other areas of training include economic governance, scenario planning and digital transformation. It is encouraging that traditional leaders are also prioritising their development through short learning programmes and formal qualifications,” he said.
The President further noted that public servants “need to be insulated from undue political interference and vested interests”.
“While there may be a temptation for members of the Executive to favour the policies of their own political parties, we are working to develop the Medium-Term Development Plan and implement the programme of government as a united government, not as individual parties.
“Within the public service, professionalism, integrity and commitment to the policies of the government of the day must transcend all political and ideological affiliations.
“State capture provided a bitter lesson on the vulnerabilities of the public sector to interference by private business interests. As the Government of National Unity, as a country, we must ensure that this never happens again. We must actively guard against the forms of executive overreach witnessed in the past,” he said.
The President called on all formations that form part of the GNU to come together to build a capable state.
“If we continue along the path of collaboration and cooperation, the Government of National Unity has the means and political will to transform the public service into a powerful driver of service delivery, economic growth and development,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:24
Phalaborwa farming associations sound the alarm
Johannesburg, 21 July 2024: The search is on for South Africa’s leaders in transformation and Mr Richard Manzini, CEO of Daybreak Foods, has been announced as a finalist in the BBQ Businessman of the Year Awards. The BBQ Awards is South Africa’s most prestigious and longest running black business awards ceremony. For almost 2 decades, …
City of Johannesburg losing between R5-million and R10-million monthly due to illegal connections, says City Power
Guest Resources Services, a leading provider of skills development and training solutions, is proud to announce its comprehensive range of accredited courses and services designed to empower individuals and enhance workforce capabilities across various sectors. With a commitment to fostering professional growth and development, the organization offers a diverse portfolio of National Certificates and accredited …
Agri Business Network Pty Ltd (www.agbiznetwork.co.za )and FutureFarm Ltd (www.futurefarm.ag) are proud to announce the launch of AgRetail (www.agretail.co.za) on the FutureFarm platform. The AgRetail mission is to lower the cost of inputs for South African farmers. Using the AgRetail web and mobile app, AgRetail farmer members enjoy the revolutionary convenience and transparency of comparing …
LG Electronics (LG) (www.LG.com) has announced its new campaign of short videos under the “Life's Good” brand slogan, titled Get More Care, following the success of previous themes “Get More Love” and “Get More Magic”, aimed at highlighting how LG products enable small gestures of love and care among family members so that they can enjoy true “Life's Good” moments amidst unforgettable experiences.
Throughout the video series, LG will showcase those sometimes unnoticed loving moments experienced in the home while shining a subtle light on how its products enhance everyday lives through the brand's innovative technology intricately interwoven into its customers' everyday lives, by chasing their vicarious football dreams, or simply following their favourite teams in 4K clarity.
A key highlight of the campaign is the immersive family viewing experience provided by LG's groundbreaking OLED screens – such as the LG Signature OLED M3 4K Smart TV, offering a portal to new universes. With unparalleled picture quality and vivid colours, and sound refinements of α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, LG OLED screens transform an otherwise ordinary viewing into an unforgettable experience of resplendent immersion, bringing families closer together.
Additionally, the campaign will showcase the convenience of LG's WebOS, a smart platform that offers seamless access to a wide range of entertainment options and smart home features. Whether it's finding the perfect movie or the latest TV shows for family night, explore a vast array of content with built-in streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV+. LG's intuitive WebOS interface also means receiving personalised sports updates and tailored content recommendations is as easy as accessing further built-in apps like Music and Sports, making family time entertainment effortless and enjoyable.
The cutting-edge InstaView knock-knock feature is another standout in the campaign, perfect for revealing those sometimes-hidden signs of love. This technology, available on LG's latest refrigerators, allows users to see inside with a simple knock, making meal preparation more interactive and fun. Families can easily decide what to cook from the fridge without opening a door.
“We are excited to introduce ‘Get More Care' as our new brand campaign,” said Elena Yiallouris, Corporate & PR Marketing Specialist at LG Electronics South Africa. “Through these heartwarming short films, we aim to show how our products make everyday moments more special and meaningful. At LG, we believe that technology should enhance the way we care for each other, and this campaign perfectly encapsulates LG's ‘Life's Good' vision.”
LG's commitment to human-centered innovation and user-centric design is at the forefront of this campaign, demonstrating how the company's products contribute to a more connected and caring lifestyle. By showcasing the practical benefits and emotional value of LG's technology, “Get More Care” aims to resonate with families across the region.
The four-episode Get More Care video campaign, which launches in July, showcases fun and touching stories in the home, and ties in effortlessly with LG's brand direction and visual identity, while maintaining and reiterating the brand's core values of ‘Uncompromised Customer Experience', ‘Human-centered Innovation', and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile'.
To learn more about LG's campaign, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3W3dRHK.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG's four companies - Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions - combined for global revenue of over KRW 84 trillion in 2023. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.
JOHANNESBURG – Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced it has extended its deal with Fox Sports Australia to broadcast the...
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Driving digital connectivity and growth in South Africa July 2024 – Over the past 22 years, Ignition Group – title sponsors of the 2024 Polocrosse World Cup – has built an ecosystem of businesses covering the mobile telecoms and broadband industries, financial services, digital marketplaces, customer experience, and global business solutions – each playing a …
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Help for struggling municipalities
To achieve rapid and inclusive growth, South Africa must address struggling municipalities and appoint qualified professionals to top positions.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered a televised Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday evening.
“Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work,” the President said.
The Head of State took the time to outline the government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years in a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament.
The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year following the May 29 General Elections.
President Ramaphosa said municipalities should provide social services and promote inclusive economic growth.
“They must work to attract investment. This approach can encourage businesses to expand and create more jobs in municipal areas. Investors are attracted to areas with reliable and modern infrastructure.”
eThekwini municipality
The President also spoke at length about the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which is currently under the Presidential Working Group, to enhance support from the national and provincial government and turn the metro around.
“When I visited eThekwini earlier this year, I met with residents of the city, with local business leaders and municipal officials. They told me that they wanted to work together to build a city that they could be proud of again.”
He said the group was working around the clock to fix the problems in water and sanitation to attract new investment.
“We will extend the same approach to other metropolitan cities that face serious challenges so that our cities can be engines of growth and dynamic centres of opportunity.
“eThekwini must be restored to its former glory,” he stressed.
Simplifying and speeding up planning and regulatory processes can make it easier for businesses to invest and operate in a municipality, thus creating more jobs.
“As the national government, we have both a Constitutional responsibility and a clear electoral mandate to assist municipalities in the effective exercise of their powers and functions.
“We will ensure that the institutional structure and funding model for local government is fit-for-purpose and that municipalities are financially and operationally sustainable.”
Qualified professionals
In addition, the President assured South Africa that government will ensure the appointment of capable, qualified people to senior positions in municipalities as well as independent regulation and oversight of the appointment process.
“As an immediate priority, we will bring stability to governance in our metros and restore the delivery of services. We have already begun this work,” he said.
On Tuesday, newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the seventh administration was committed to working towards turning around dysfunctional municipalities.
Hlabisa used his Budget Vote Speech to acknowledge some of the challenges faced by local municipalities.
He said the department will continue to implement and enforce compliance with Municipal Support and Intervention Plans (MSIPs) and employ financial recovery plans in distressed municipalities.
The Minister said the current leadership plans to prioritise five additional municipalities that are in severe financial and governance distress which has negatively impacted service delivery.
Some of the five additional municipalities that will receive attention include Ditsobotla in the North West, Kopanong and Mafube in the Free State, Emfuleni in Gauteng and Thabazimbi in Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:00
Building a better SA, weaver bird style
Just as friends and families often pull together to ensure a roof over the heads of their loved ones, or their general well-being, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds who give their all to build and cooperate.
The call to become birds of a feather, was made by President Ramaphosa as he delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday night, at the Cape Town City Hall.
“We would like all of us as South Africans to behave like ‘weaver birds’. Weavers are among the most gregarious birds in that they build complex structures together and cooperate.
"Despite all the challenges, despite our differences, despite all the headwinds, as South Africans we are called upon to remain firmly committed to pursue the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion,” said President Ramaphosa who set the tone of the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
The formation of the GNU follows the 29 May historic National and Provincial Elections which produced no outright winner necessitating the formation of the GNU which is made up of 10 parties represented in the seventh Parliament.
Indlulamithi Scenarios
Exactly fifty days since South Africa held the elections, the President, in emphasising the need for us to look after one another, referred to the Indlulamithi Scenarios 2035. The scenarios were the result of a diverse group of partners and stakeholders from across society coming together to consider various scenarios for the future of South Africa Inc.
One of the scenarios they described was the ‘The Recrimination Nation’, using the loud Hadeda bird as its symbol. This described a situation of inaction, where the country’s problems go unresolved, and where everyone blames each other for South Africa’s ills. This scenario painted a picture of the country going into decline.
The second scenario, symbolised by a vulture, painted a picture of a desperate nation governed by a populist coalition whose main objective is self-enrichment and patronage. This scenario saw investment confidence being eroded, the growth path being low and unemployment, poverty and inequality remaining extremely high.
Stakeholders and partners also described a scenario they called ‘The Cooperation Nation’, symbolised by the social weaver birds.
“This scenario paints a picture where after disruptions and protests there is a coming together of political parties, the state, private sector and civil society in order to jointly identify priorities and leveraging the strength of each.
"There is change in the form of governance and reform that leads to the economy growing, with more investment attracted, leading to the reduction of unemployment, inequality and poverty," the President explained.
"By establishing the Government of National Unity, by preparing for a National Dialogue, we have deliberately set ourselves along the path towards a ‘cooperation nation’,” he said.
With the country charting its path in the new GNU, the President reflected on the democratic South Africa’s founding President, Nelson Mandela, who is being remembered today through the Mandela Day initiative.
“Thirty years ago, President Nelson Mandela stood before this House to reflect on the first 100 days of the first Government of National Unity.
"Recognising the different views of the diverse parties within the government, he said: ‘What brings us together is the overriding commitment to a joint national effort to reconcile our nation and improve its well-being.”
President Ramaphosa said the same could be said of the current GNU parties who share a commitment to reconcile the nation by advancing social justice and equal prosperity for all.
“We are committed to improve the well-being of our country and its people through inclusive growth, the creation of jobs and the reduction of poverty. This is an undertaking that involves us all.”
National Dialogue
To address the laundry basket of South Africa’s challenges, President Ramaphosa spoke to the holding of a National Dialogue and to agree on what needs to be done to achieve a better future.
Having announced the National Dialogue commitment at the Presidential Inauguration on 19 June, the President said people across society have expressed their support for the dialogue.
“They have said it should involve all key stakeholders in the life of our country, representing civil society, traditional leaders, the faith-based sector, labour, business, cultural workers, sports people and other formations representing the diverse interests and voices of our citizens.
“Following the example set by historic events, such as the Congress of the People in 1955, the Conference for a Democratic Future in 1989 and the CODESA talks in the early 1990s and drawing on the experience of the writing of our new democratic constitution in 1996, we envisage a National Dialogue that involves extensive and inclusive public participation.”
He added that government will seek to forge a common vision and build a comprehensive social compact with a clear programme of action to realise aspirations for the country.
“Through this National Dialogue, we are called to be agents of change, to be champions of inclusive growth, to be creators of opportunity,” said the President.
While we may not have a crystal ball to gaze into collective South Africa's future, what is certain is that if we all remain eagle-eyed, South Africa will be better for all.
“We have an opportunity to make South Africa a better nation,” said the President. SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:15
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a ZAR 18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet, South Africa's major freight transport and logistics company, for its recovery and growth plans.
The 25-year loan approved by the Bank Group's Board of Directors on Friday, 12 July 2024, is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa. It will facilitate the first phase of the company's ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain.
Transnet has faced operational challenges mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
The company is committed to addressing past challenges, fostering integrity, and enhancing efficiency within the organization. It has made progress in some key areas including reforms in governance procurement and financial management.
The recovery plan, launched in October 2023, seeks to rehabilitate the infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands.
Following the approval, African Development Bank's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor, emphasized the significance of this support: “Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the SADC region.”
He added: “Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive Recovery Plan (RP), addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa's strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level. This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth.”
Transnet has been a client of the African Development Bank since 2010. The company employs more than 50,000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy. The company's freight system's activities contribute significantly to South Africa's economy. Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region, such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban.
Reacting to the approval, Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive of Transnet said: “We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank, the loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet's capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy. The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with to its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives.”
The Board commended the Government of South Africa for its vision and commitment to reforms in Transnet as well as the country's entire transport and logistics sectors. It also applauded Transnet for progress made in rolling out its compliance and governance improvement programme as well as its decarbonization and energy efficiency plans in line with its Net Zero Emission Strategy and Green Freight Strategy.
In addition to the corporate loan, the African Development Bank is contemplating two targeted grants, including $750,000 in technical support from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) – a multi-donor fund administered by the Bank – to improve energy efficiency and associated measures, in line with Transnet's net zero plan. The second grant funding comprises $1 million from the Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (IPPF-NEPAD), for technical assistance to help accelerate railway reforms and address structural and regulatory inefficiencies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contacts
African Development Bank:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communications Department
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org
Transnet:
Ayanda Shezi
GM Group Corporate Affairs
email: ayanda.shezi@transnet.net/mediadesk@transnet.net.
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
GNU looks to SA becoming a "construction site"
The face of the South African landscape is set for a significant upgrade, with a massive investment in infrastructure expected over the next five years.
“From our largest metros to our deepest rural areas, we have a clear intention to turn our country into a construction site, as roads, bridges, houses, schools, hospitals and clinics are built, as broadband fibre is laid and as new power lines are installed,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Delivering the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) in Cape Town, the President stressed the importance of engendering a culture of maintenance of public infrastructure, while also dedicating resources and establishing systems to ensure this.
“In the next five years, working together, drawing on our collective capabilities [in the Government of National Unity], we will forge a new inclusive growth path for South Africa by pursuing a massive investment in infrastructure. Significant projects are underway around the country in areas such as transport, roads, water, energy and human settlements.
“We will massively increase the scale of investment in infrastructure through a more holistic and integrated approach, positioning Infrastructure South Africa as the central institution of coordination and planning,” the President said.
He said government is simplifying the regulations on public-private partnerships to enable greater investment in both social and economic infrastructure development.
“As the Government of National Unity (GNU), we are resolved to intensify our investment drive, encouraging and enabling businesses to invest in productive capacity. These investments will lead to increased employment creation for unemployed South Africans especially for young people,” President Ramaphosa said.
After South Africans took to the polls on 29 May, the General Election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity, much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.
Some 10 political parties are part of the GNU, with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
With the work of the seventh administration set to commence, the Government of National Unity has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions that will advance three strategic priorities that include driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental State.
Improving passenger rail network
With so many people living far from economic opportunities and services, transport costs take up a large part of people’s income and drive up the cost of living.
“An immediate priority is therefore to complete the recovery of the passenger rail network across the country to enable people to travel from outlying areas to city centres. Around 80% of commuter rail corridors are now back in operation, and nearly 300 vandalised stations have been refurbished, providing safer and more efficient services to commuters,” Ramaphosa said.
Through the implementation of the Freight Logistics Roadmap, government will continue with reforms to transform South Africa’s freight logistics system.
“To drive inclusive growth, we need an efficient freight rail network to carry our minerals, agricultural produce and manufactured goods to market. The work we are doing with business and unions through the National Logistics Crisis Committee has already contributed to improvements in the operational performance of freight rail and ports,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 07/18/2024 - 20:49