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Navigating the world of kosher certification can be a complex journey, whether you’re a business seeking to get kosher certified or a consumer looking for authentic kosher products. Understanding the nuances of different kosher certifications, such as getting a Kosher Certification, is vital for ensuring compliance and authenticity in kosher food production and consumption. Kosher …
Johannesburg, South Africa, 2 April 2023 – A story of resilience and reinvention takes centre stage as South African communications powerhouse, JT Communication Solutions, celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 1st, 2024. Founded by Vanessa Perumal, a resilient business trailblazer and cancer survivor who defied the odds, JT Comms remains the first Black woman-owned communications …
House, vehicles of former Eskom official to be auctioned
The luxury home and two vehicles belonging to former Eskom official, Duduzile Moyo, and her husband Mmoloki, are set to be auctioned off to recover losses suffered by Eskom after she allegedly received kickbacks from a supplier amounting to at least R24 million.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), through the Asset Forfeiture Unit, obtained a forfeiture order for the assets in the Pretoria High Court.
According to the SIU, the order is in addition to a preservation order to freeze Moyo’s pension benefits after she resigned at Eskom.
“She had allegedly received almost R25 million from an Eskom vendor, Tamukelo Business Enterprise, which was appointed to transport raw materials and water from Kendal Power Stations to Kusile Power Station.
“In her position as Eskom Contracts Manager, Moyo signed 23 interim payment certificates in respect of Tamukelo’s services for the period December 2011 to July 2014, totalling approximately R138 million.
“Furthermore, the SIU probe revealed that Tamukelo and its representatives paid entities linked or associated with Moyo while she negotiated and managed Eskom’s contract with Tamukelo. Moyo’s modus operandi was to create structures of entities owned by members of her family and friends to receive these funds,” the SIU said.
The unit added that Moyo’s conduct created an “apparent conflict of interest in that she received these funds in circumstances where part of her duties and functions were as a Middle Manager”.
“Moyo was also part of a team that presented the negotiation strategy of the Tamukelo tender worth over R300 million to the tender and procurement committee. She also deceived Eskom and repeatedly made fraudulent misrepresentations, declaring that there was no conflict of interest when dealing with Tamukelo and other role players for five years when signing Eskom’s Annual Declaration of Conflict Interest Policy.
“This forfeiture order is part of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies working together to eradicate corruption in South Africa,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 12:46
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
Industry seeks better enforcement of conservation regulations
Industry associations in the captive lion industry have called for better enforcement by government to ensure that the industry conducts its business in an ethical manner and is compliant with regulations for conservation.
“The industry is large and complex, with a long history that is not aligned with both current international trends and domestic policy changes on conservation,” chairperson of the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on voluntary exit options and pathways from the captive lion industry, Kam Chetty, said on Wednesday in Cape Town.
Chetty said levels of compliance are low and can be expected to remain as such, with high profile reports of incidents of animal abuse that are affecting the reputation of the country as a premier wild-life destination.
He was outlining the key findings and recommendations of a report by the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on voluntary exit options and pathways from the captive lion industry.
The task team was appointed by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, in December 2022, following a recommendation by the High Level Panel on matters relating to the management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros.
The panel recommended the closure of the captive breeding sector, including the keeping of lions in captivity, or the use of captive lions or their derivatives commercially.
According to the report, South Africa has the largest captive lion population in the world, with increasing diversification into other carnivore species.
The report identified 7 838 lions, 626 tigers and at least 2 315 other captive carnivores, including tigers, cheetahs and servals.
Industry associations are also calling for the government to reintroduce the lion bone export quota.
“Conservation and animal welfare non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have argued strongly that the industry should be shut down, as recommended by the High Level Panel (HPL) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). They, however, concede that it is a complex process and that voluntary exit should be the first steps in the process, while ensuring that the industry’s growth is halted through sterilisation of lions,” Chetty said.
Facility owners across six provinces, representing a diverse range of facility sizes and types, expressed their interest to consider voluntarily exit from the industry, pending government’s approval of the exit options.
“Some facilities are experiencing financial constraints raising concerns about their ability to comply with the well-being of lions. Most employees are not exclusively focused on tasks related to captive lions; they are also engaged in other agricultural or related activities on behalf of the facility owner,” he said
In general, stakeholders in the report back sessions supported the voluntary exit pathways. With preference being expressed for a “phase out” option, rehoming of lions in lion safe havens, and transition to more sustainable businesses.
“Conservation and animal welfare NGOs have committed to provide financial and non-financial support for Phases 1 and 2. Lion safe havens have expressed willingness to increase their capacity where possible – based on land availability and financial resources. They have also agreed to train existing facilities that want to repurpose into lion safe havens,” Chetty said.
Cabinet has approved the release of the report and its recommendations for implementation.
“South Africa is a country, with diverse cultures, remarkable geological wealth, and exceptional biodiversity, much of which is unique, and with high levels of endemism. With this rich endowment comes the responsibility and challenge of ensuring our species and ecosystems are conserved and used sustainably for the benefit of all South Africans and future generations.
“Section 24 of the Constitution requires reasonable legislative and other measures be put in place to ensure that the environment is protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, including through promoting conservation and securing ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources,” Creecy said.
The Minister said the report should be understood in the broader policy context of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable use and the Policy Position on the conservation and sustainable use of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros that was approved last week by Cabinet for implementation.
In summary, the Key Recommendations of the Task Team were that Government approve:
To access the report, click on the link below:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/ministerialtaskteamMTTreport_captivelionindustry.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 13:17
Fintech Wave: Navigating fintech challenges amid growth. By Mpho Matsitse, Executive: Business & Digital Advisory Fintech’s impact on the financial services industry is multi-faceted, reshaping how financial services are delivered, accessed, and experienced. It encourages innovation, promotes competition, and drives efficiency, benefiting consumers and businesses by providing more options, lower costs, and improved fiscal management …
KZN gaming sector collects R724m for service delivery
The KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has collected a revenue of more than R724 million for service delivery, with more than 11 600 jobs being created for the citizens in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Siboniso Duma, revealed this during the 15th Gambling Regulators African Forum (GRAF) Conference, currently underway at Sibaya Casino in Durban.
The annual conference, which is attended by over 500 international and national delegates, offers a unique opportunity for regulators to exchange knowledge, collaborate on regulatory challenges, and shape the future of the African gambling industry.
Hosted by the department’s entity, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, this year’s conference taking place from 2 - 5 April 2024, is held under the theme, “Fostering Unity Towards a Coordinated Gaming Regulatory Framework for Africa”.
In his opening address on Wednesday, Duma emphasised the importance of the gaming sector in the province’s economy, noting that the industry invests more than R2 billion in the province.
Duma said the money has been allocated for various service delivery programmes, including roads construction; houses; and ensuring the provision of quality education, health, welfare services, water, and electricity.
“Companies that are involved in the gaming and betting sector have invested more than R2 billion towards the development of their facilities here in KZN. This has helped create jobs and stimulate other sectors of the economy such as tourism and construction.
“Importantly, through our entity, we regulate horseracing events such as the Durban July which is now called Hollywood Bet [which] has always been the country’s biggest race for years with more than R4.5 million in prize money and turnover of R140 million,” Duma said.
He added that various sectors of the economy have been benefiting for years with thousands of temporal and permanent jobs created.
Duma noted that due to COVID-19, jockeys have lost approximately R6.5 million monthly, including riding fees and winning stakes. The trainers have also lost approximately R3 million a month with their business reduced by 20%.
The MEC commended the stakeholders for working together to ensure the turnaround of the situation.
“The horse racing industry in general contributes around R3 billion to the country’s GDP and about R800 million in taxes every year. The contribution of the industry to the local economy is R905 million [and] we want this contribution to increase year-on-year.
“We are also moving with speed to unleash talent in deep rural areas through traditional racing events, such as Dundee July and Umtelebhelo. These have become major events in the annual calendar which have attracted more than 70 000 tourists,” Duma said.
Duma said government is also working jointly with licenses to transform the horse racing industry.
“Hollywood Sportsbook Group and Gold Circle have collaborated with government in supporting grooms within the horseracing industry. We want to see young people becoming horse owners, horse trainers, horse breeders, jockeys, veterinarians and grooms.
“We wish to acknowledge this contribution not only here in KZN but in other provinces and neighbouring countries. It is my view that this investment is an indication that gaming and betting Industry was a mature and well-established industry before COVID-19,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 15:23
Amidst South Africa’s dynamic service sector, Snupit stands out as a leading online marketplace app, seamlessly linking customers to local service professionals. Collectively, businesses on Snupit have been able to generate over 1 billion rand through the platform, a testament to its effectiveness in driving business growth and sustainability. Businesses that have mastered the art …
The recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly, with CEOs and business leaders constantly on the lookout for more efficient ways to attract and retain top talent. This need is particularly pronounced in dynamic markets like Port Elizabeth (PE), where the unique local challenges call for innovative recruitment strategies. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured …
Incendiary rhetoric related to main agreement negotiations has been a recurrent issue post 2010 and as this year’s negotiations approach, expect more of it. In an economy hit by double-digit contraction, battered by an unprecedented and alarming jobless rate and languishing in sub-optimal economic growth, what should the key stakeholders – organized business and labour …
Access to healthcare is a basic human right, but achieving the healthy nation that South Africa needs for productivity and economic growth will take more than universal free healthcare. Social determinants of health such as lifestyle choices – diet, exercise, and substance use – play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy South Africa. Although …
SARS collects R2.155 trillion in taxes
While South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges of load shedding and impaired port and logistics operations, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has collected a gross tax revenue of R2.155 trillion for the 2023/24 financial year.
Addressing a media briefing on the preliminary revenue outcome for the 2023/24 financial year, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said this amount was in line with the revised estimate representing a year-on-year growth of 4.2% against a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of 4.9%.
“Net revenue, which is the revenue after refunds have been paid to tax payers amounts to R1.741 trillion, which exceeds the revised estimate set by the Minister of Finance by some R10 billion, representing a year on year growth of 3.2% (or R54.2billion) more than last year.
“This revenue performance translates to a tax-to-GDP ratio of 24.7% and a provisional tax buoyance ratio of 0.9% at gross level and 0.7% at net revenues,” Kieswetter said.
The revenue service refunded taxpayers with an amount of R414 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 6%, which is the highest quantum of refunds paid out in the history of SARS. It increased by R33 billion from the prior year.
Vat refunds amounted to R343 billion, which represents a growth of 7.5% since the prior year.
“Noteworthy is that those refunds represent about 6% of GDP. It is therefore pleasing that R120 billion of these refunds were directed to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and R37 billion to individuals. This is good for when business and individuals remain cash strapped. Refunds are often a form of funding during troubled times.
“Whilst we are pleased that the R414 billion returned into the hands of taxpayers is good for the economy, I remain concerned about fraud and abuse of our refund system. In the period under review, SARS was able to prevent the outflow of R101 billion of impermissible or fraudulent refunds and secure a number of successful prosecutions,” he said.
In trade facilitation for the period under review, SARS Customs facilitated a total of R8.5 million trade transactions amounting to R3.96 trillion. Exports amounted to just over R2 trillion, whilst imports were R1.937 trillion, resulting in a trade balance surplus of R11 billion.
“Our programme for Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), which is designed to give traders a green lane experience should they be accredited and maintain the high level of compliance, this year we added R145 new licensees, bringing the total number to 304 AEO.
“In our compliance environment, an encouraging trend is that we have increased our voluntary compliance index from 61.6% to 63.9%. This index was developed in 2020 in support of our strategic intent of our voluntary compliance and measures the overall compliance behaviour of tax payers across the compliance value chain of registration, filing declaration and payment,” the Commissioner said.
Revenue by tax products
Compared to the 2022/23 fiscal year, total tax revenue increased by R54.2 billion (3.2%), driven by personal income taxes of R49.5 billion (8.2% year on year or y/y) on the back of higher than estimated compensation of employees, as well as higher domestic VAT of R39.3 billion (8.1% y/y).
“Net Personal Income Tax, which accounts for 37.3% of total revenue, grew by R49.5 billion 8.2% in 2023/24, as employment improved year-on-year from and average wage settlement rates improved from an annual average of 6.0% in 2022 to 6.3% in 2023. PAYE collections from incentives and bonus payments predominantly from the finance sector also boosted PIT revenue.
"Net Corporate Income Tax (CIT) contracted by R31 billion (-8.9%) in 2023/24, while the mining sector saw a decline R42 billion, which is lower than the PY by 49.0%. The CIT contribution of large businesses contracted by 17.5%, while the contribution from small businesses increased by 8.8%. CIT collections accounted for 18.0% of total revenue," he said.
The Net Value-added Tax (VAT) growth of R25.4 billion (6.0%) is largely attributable to Domestic VAT (up by R39 billion (8.1%), import VAT (higher by R10.0 billion (3.9%) and higher outflow of VAT Refunds R23.9 billion (7.5%).
“SARS is determined to make it hard and costly for taxpayers who willfully fail to meet their obligations. The SARS compliance programme contributed R293.7 billion as at end of March (preliminary). This is an increase of R61.9 billion (26.7%) from the previous year’s R231.8 billion,” the Commissioner said.
Since its inception, SARS has collected R21.6 trillion in net tax revenues.
“The R21.6 trillion tax collections represents a compound growth of 9.9% per year since the inception of SARS in 1997. This has funded the South African democracy and touched the lives of millions who would be destitute without government support and services.
“We, who have the privilege to work at SARS, are justly proud of these achievements because these efforts contribute directly to nation-building and sustain our democracy,” Kieswetter said.
He said the revenue achievements of the past 30 years would not have been possible if it were not for the effective and beneficial partnerships established by working with compliant stakeholders in the tax and Customs ecosystems that deliver maximum benefits for taxpayers, traders, government, and citizens.
“Ultimately, we are augmenting the work of our employees, with the investment in data science, technology, and artificial intelligence, towards the goal of making the fulfilment of tax obligation a seamless process,” Kieswetter said. –SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 14:17
After a decade of water cuts, wealthier areas have insulated themselves, but poorer areas remain at the mercy of a failing system.
Glencore Coal proudly recognises the achievements of graduates from its Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) program, marking another milestone in its commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and economic growth. Launched in 2021, the program has been instrumental in equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources to enhance their businesses, thereby contributing significantly to local economies. …
The committee recommended that SAPS finds a way to be less dependent on Public Works
But the MDDA’s last clean audit was in 2020/21 and the board chair, flagged by the Nugent Commission, is still in office
Fired head of legal Martha Ngoye’s reinstatement overturned on appeal
Atlanta, 28 March 2024: ProfitShare Partners, a leading advocate for African SMEs, is in Atlanta at the Atlanta Phambili event. Represented by CEO and Founder Andrew Maren, the company is showcasing its dedication to supporting South African SMEs on a global scale. Andrew Maren will take the stage to shed light on ProfitShare Partners’ commitment …
Deputy President to brief Parliament
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to brief Parliament on Thursday about government’s plans to combat criminal activities in the construction sector.
The oral reply to Parliamentary questions will focus on plans to drive private sector investment towards addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
According to the Presidency, he will also deal with other questions that cover a wide range of issues.
These, according to the statement, include the impact of government-led interventions in eliminating the scourge of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and rapid response interventions aimed at accelerating the provision of services to communities.
This will occur during the National Assembly virtual plenary sitting.
Deputy President Mashatile is the leader of Government Business delegated to manage the relationship between the Executive and Parliament.
His role is to ensure executive accountability as well as ensure that the transformative legislative programme of the sixth administration is advanced.
He will also update Members of Parliament on efforts to ensure that Ministers attend to their constitutional responsibilities to Parliament. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 12:26
Gauteng Department of Social Development says funding decisions will be announced before the end of March
The businesses were chosen from 173 applications following a rigorous selection process. The chosen projects come from the energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry and other land uses, circular economy and water sectors.
The businesses concerned will receive tailored one-to-one and group support from financial, technical and gender equality and social inclusion experts to help increase their chances of securing finance from South African and international investors. For the first time, two separate cohorts have been created to trial providing capacity building to promising early-stage projects.
So far, almost a third of projects from the first two phases of CFA South Africa have found investment since participating in the programme.
British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
"South Africa has a huge number of companies and organisations with innovative ideas on how to tackle climate change. Support provided to these projects will help them secure investment, deliver green growth and jobs and contribute to South Africa meeting its climate commitments."
The 10 core cohort projects will undertake intensive capacity building before pitching to investors at an event in July, which early-stage projects will also be invited to attend.
The 5 projects selected in the early-stage pilot will have the opportunity to attend elements of the core capacity building training and will be encouraged to share their experiences with members of the core cohort, who may act as mentors.
CEO of the National Business Initiative (NBI), Shameela Soobramoney said:
"NBI believes that identifying and supporting innovative, low carbon companies across key green economy sectors is not just a strategic initiative, but a moral imperative. These companies represent the vanguard of progress, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our country and the globe."
"Initiatives like CFA illustrate how targeted support, collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication can pave the way for a brighter, greener future for generations to come. If we don't create the future we want, the one we get will be worth infinitely less."
CEO of GreenCape (GC), Michael Mulachy said:
"Food systems, rare earth metal beneficiation, storage, e-mobility, waste and sanitation are all featured in this year's CFA finalists. This incredible cohort have solutions to some of the most pressing green economy challenges globally."
"Each finalist has found its niche in South Africa and has the potential to scale up rapidly – creating much needed jobs and investment in South Africa's green economy. The CFA programme has been an incredibly effective launch pad for these innovative green companies and GreenCape is eager to see the impact of this cohort."
The 10 core cohort projects are:
The 5 early-stage cohort projects are:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Pretoria.
Quick Facts: Rip Curl GromSearch and Rip Curl Cup Port Alfred presented by The Royal St Andrews Hotel and supported by Sea Harvest, are two of the anchor events of the Port Alfred Easter Festival, along with the Bands At The Beach Music Fest. These events will occur in Port Alfred over Easter, 29 March …
What is Intellectual property? Intellectual property (IP) is a legal concept that protects the creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, and names. It grants creators exclusive rights to their creations, similar to physical property rights. IP law encompasses various categories, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, each …
Why fundraise on a global scale Raising capital for your startup is a critical step in turning your entrepreneurial vision into a tangible, thriving business, especially when you start to think at scale. The right investors can bring so much more than money to the table – they can become solid partners in your business …