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In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses of all sizes are constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency, reduce paper usage, and simplify workflow processes. Two key tools that have revolutionised the way businesses manage documents and approvals are Document Management Systems (DMS) and Electronic Signatures. In this blog, we will explore the significance of these technologies, …
In an ever-changing world where space comes at a premium, the need for extra storage has become a common challenge for individuals and businesses alike. Fortunately, the solution lies in the convenient and versatile world of storage units. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of self storage and how it can cater to various …
SA’s perspective on global issues found expression in Ubuntu concept
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa’s unique perspective on global issues has found expression in the concept of Ubuntu, which informs the country’s approach to diplomacy and shapes its vision of a better world for all.
“It was the commonly shared values of Ubuntu that motivated us as a government to mobilise our sharpest legal minds to prepare a solid case to be presented to the International Court of Justice in the hopes of arresting the genocide in Gaza, which the UN Secretary-General has called an unprecedented catastrophe,” Mashatile said.
Mashatile made the remarks at the Eighth Annual Ubuntu Awards 2024 ceremony, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Saturday night.
Hosted annually by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the awards recognise South African industry leaders, including eminent people and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world.
The event takes place after the opening of Parliament and brings together captains of industry, civil society leaders, members of Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
Delivering his keynote address, Mashatile said President Cyril Ramaphosa's reference to Tintswalo during the sixth administration's final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday solely serves as an indication of the bare minimum achievements that South Africa has achieved over the last three decades.
“We are cognisant that to some, Tintswalo may appear to be an unattainable ambition for a variety of reasons; but, as government, we want the life of Tintswalo to mirror the life of every person and the possibilities that exist for all South Africans, possibilities that exceed Tintswalo’s wildest dreams.
“To achieve this, we must all come together as government, NGOs [non-government organisations], private sector and communities to build a society that will see everyone with equal opportunities,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President said the reference to Ubuntu in the interim Constitution created hope of an equal and just society, which does not discriminate against people on the grounds of their culture, race, gender or religious beliefs.
Mashatile reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that South Africa maintains its position as a prominent nation in diverse sectors in the coming years, thereby effecting positive change both domestically and internationally.
Awards winners
The recipients of Ubuntu Wards included, amongst others, South Africa’s Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi, who received an award in the category of Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award (Male). Multichoice received an award in the category of Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Africa); MaXhosa Africafounder and owner, Laduma Ngxokolo received the Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Global).
Ambassador Mohammed Dangor was honoured with the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award, while 30-year-old female farmer from Khayelitsha, Ncumisa Mkabile received Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award.
Ngxokolo said he is super honoured to be acknowledged by DIRCO and sponsors through the award.
"We have knocked at the doors of DIRCO many times and they have graciously opened. MaXhosa is a growing organisation, it will grow by strategic networks that we are building with DIRCO and various other stakeholders within government and fraternity.
Ngxokolo noted that MaXhosa brand is in a business of selling Ubuntu, African art, and business of selling culture.
“African culture is still a new industry that we stumbled upon, and we were brave enough position our brand around the world. We were confident believe that culture is important, and we believe that every country has brands and their economic driving force,” he said.
Ngxokolo said that the brand currently has 300 staff members and is looking to recruiting 100. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 13:40
In an era of rapid technological change, software development companies are not just participants but pioneers, shaping the digital landscape. They blend cutting-edge technology training and development with the implementation of sophisticated cloud-based solutions, playing a vital role in digital transformation across industries. These companies offer a wide range of services, from cloud computing and data intelligence …
Last weekend, 3 February, saw 312 athletes competing in 400 items in hot and humid conditions at the Westbourne Oval. The Track & Field season opened in September, so this was the sixth competitive League event of the 2023/2024 season but the second event this year. League 6 showcased a number of outstanding athletes who …
Celebrated as a day of love, Valentine’s Day is a time to acknowledge that significant other by showering them with gifts on 14 February. In line with more sustainable practices, shoppers are being directed to buy locally manufactured goods on the KZN South Coast through the Buy Local campaign. “Since the launch of our Buy …
Pretoria, South Africa – In a digital age where online presence is paramount, understanding the intricate mechanisms of search engines has become more crucial than ever for business owners. Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, South Africa, unveils valuable insights into the functionality of search engines and the importance of Search …
The Earthshot Prize will travel to Cape Town, South Africa this November for Earthshot Week 2024, featuring The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony. Across five days of landmark events, The Earthshot Prize will celebrate the groundbreaking work of fifteen global environmental solutions and convene leading innovators, Earthshot Alumni, partners, investors and philanthropists for inspiring conversations and action on catalysing solutions to protect and restore our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is an ambitious global environmental prize which aims to discover and help scale the world's most innovative climate and environmental solutions to protect and restore our planet. The Prize is centered around five ‘Earthshots'; simple but aspirational goals to ensure our communities, oceans and ecosystems can thrive together in harmony for generations to come.
This year, The Earthshot Prize will bring its annual celebration to South Africa for the first time, following events in London in 2021, Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023. Over the coming months, a rigorous selection process will unearth fifteen Finalists from around the world, of whom five will be awarded a £1 million (R23 800 000,00) prize to scale their solutions, during the ceremony in Cape Town.
Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize said: “This is the Earthshot Decade, a decade in which we must, by 2030, reduce CO2 emissions by over 40 percent, and protect 30 percent of nature, oceans, and freshwater. The nominations to The Earthshot Prize remind us that human ingenuity, grit and determination can turn the seemingly impossible into the new normal. We're delighted to be working with changemakers and partners across Africa to spotlight the incredible innovation emerging across the continent, to convene courageous conversations about scale and finance, and to partner with young creators and filmmakers to tell the story of changemakers across Africa.”
Nearly 400 nominees for this year's Prize are Africa-based, highlighting the trailblazing creativity and innovation across the continent with the potential to inspire optimism and provide pathways to transformative change around the world. One of The Prize's inspiring 2023 finalists was Cape Town's ABALOBI, a non-profit partnership between fishers and scientists aimed at protecting small-scale fishing communities while arming their customers with better information about the origin of their seafood.
Despite contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest emissions, Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change. In 2022 alone, more than 110 million people across Africa were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards according to the World Meteorological Organization. Yet in the face of these challenges, nearly all African countries have committed to enhancing climate action through reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience.
Earthshot Week will begin with The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony, an evening of extraordinary storytelling and star-studded performances, celebrating the work of the fifteen Earthshot Prize finalists. The ceremony will be followed by Earthshot+, a day of thought-provoking conversations aimed at multiplying the impact of The Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists.
During Earthshot Week, Cape Town will also play host to the annual Earthshot Fellowship Retreat which will kickstart the yearlong Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. The programme is a key element of the wrap-around support that each cohort of fifteen Finalists receives in addition to the £1 million prize, providing mentorship, resources and technical support, helping to accelerate the growth of each groundbreaking solution. That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of the world's largest businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.
The Prize has recently completed its annual nominations process, culminating in nearly 2500 entries submitted from 432 Official Nominators from around the world, doubling the nominations from any previous year. Nearly 400 of the 2024 nominations are headquartered in Africa, three times more than in any previous set of nominations. The fifteen new finalists chosen this year will be emblematic of a growing global movement of innovators, gamechangers and entrepreneurs creating transformative solutions that, if scaled, could accelerate a green, just transition to a net zero world.
The Prize's first three cohorts of 45 Finalists have already driven incredible impact to repair and regenerate our planet with more than 1.5 million people benefiting directly from their solutions. Over 7,000 hectares of land and almost 2.1 million hectares of ocean have been protected or restored, while over 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, avoided or sequestered. The Prize's 2023 Finalists, announced this past autumn, are well on their way to creating similar impact.
The Earthshot Prize is proud to partner with MultiChoice Group to bring Earthshot Week to Africa. As a member of The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance of Partners, the MultiChoice Group is part of a global network of non-profit and international organizations committed to the environment and sustainable development. It is one of the fastest-growing entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. In partnership with MultiChoice, The Earthshot Prize will provide a platform to African Youth Creators to spotlight and celebrate African solutions and the people behind them.
Imtiaz Patel, MultiChoice Group Chairman, said: “As the leading entertainment company in Africa, we are immensely proud to be the African Broadcast partner for Earthshot Prize at such a monumental time. This marks the first time the prestigious prize comes to our continent.
MultiChoice is well positioned to not only amplify the urgent message of climate change but also to inspire and galvanize innovators, corporate partners, and governments to prioritize sustainable solutions. This partnership signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Africa, and we look forward to playing a pivotal role in advancing the goals of The Earthshot Prize.”
The 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists will be unveiled in September. More details about The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony and Earthshot Week in Cape Town will be released in due course.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
Contact:
For The Earthshot Prize:
earthshotprize@fgsglobal.com
For MultiChoice Group:
Litlhare.moteetee@multichoice.co.za
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About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.
The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organizations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Legado Para A Juventude, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust and Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari.
Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organizations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organizations each year. For full list see website: Global Alliance - Earthshot Prize.
Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners.
They are: Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group and Walmart. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthShotPrize.org.
About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television.
(DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets. Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
Introduction In the bustling business landscape of the UK, call answering services have become an indispensable tool for various sectors. These services not only ensure efficient communication but also enhance customer satisfaction and business growth. Let’s explore how different industries benefit from these services. Accountants & Financial Sector For accountants and financial advisors, maintaining a professional image …
In the world of material handling and logistics, forklifts are indispensable workhorses. They play a pivotal role in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites, making the movement of heavy goods more efficient and less labor-intensive. When it comes to acquiring forklifts, businesses have two primary options: buying or hiring. In this blog, we’ll explore the …
In the dynamic world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses looking to succeed. From SEO audits to TikTok advertising, the landscape is constantly evolving. This comprehensive guide delves into the key aspects of digital marketing, offering insights and strategies for each. SEO Audits: The Foundation of Your Online Presence SEO …
As the Managing Director of Crown Relocations South Africa, a leading force in international relocation, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with moving families across borders. International relocations represent not just a change in geography but a profound shift in culture, lifestyle, and identity. In this era of globalisation, where …
Afroteq Advisory, a division of the AFMS Group, is an integrated multidisciplinary consulting firm offering project management, advisory and training services to the built environment sector. We are proud to announce the appointment of Seipati Leboko as the Business Unit Head of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment in Gauteng. Seipati is a seasoned SHEQ Manager …
In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are the keystones of success, especially in industries requiring heavy lifting and material handling. Forklifts, the backbone of warehouse operations, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities, are crucial in moving heavy goods safely and swiftly. However, the capital expenditure of purchasing a forklift outright can be substantial, making …
Investment in infrastructure gains momentum
President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is gaining momentum, and new and innovative funding mechanisms will be used to increase the construction of infrastructure.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, President Ramaphosa said to deal with severe inefficiencies in the freight logistics system, government is taking action to improve the country’s ports and rail network and restore them to world-class standards.
“We have set out a clear roadmap to stabilise the performance of Transnet and reform our logistics system. Working closely with business and labour, we have established dedicated teams to turn around five strategic corridors that transport goods for export purposes.
“The number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January,” Ramaphosa said.
The President also noted that Transnet has appointed an international terminal operator to help expand and improve its largest terminal at the Port of Durban, and government is overhauling the freight rail system by allowing private rail operators to access the rail network.
“With the current conflict in the Middle East affecting shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, South Africa is well positioned to offer bunkering services for ships that will be rerouted via our shores.
Broadband and investment
“We completed the auction of broadband spectrum after more than a decade of delays, resulting in new investment, lower data costs and improved network reach and quality. These reforms have a profound impact in a society in which access to the internet has risen dramatically over the last decade,” the President told a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
He also noted that less than half of all households had internet access in 2011, compared to 79% of households in 2022.
“Just this week, we published new regulations to reform our visa system, which will make it easier to attract the skills that our economy needs and create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We raised R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments through five South Africa Investment Conferences, of which over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.”
Bulk water projects
The President further announced that several bulk water projects are under construction across the country to improve water supply to millions of residents in villages, towns, and cities.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation aims to enhance water resource management by initiating infrastructure projects to secure water supply and diversifying water sources to reduce dependence on surface water.”
The President highlighted some of the water infrastructure projects, which are in progress or completed, and these include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Umzimvubu, Hazelmere Dam, uMkhomazi Water Project, Clanwilliam Dam, Tzaneen Dam, Loskop, Mandlakazi, pipeline from Jozini Dam, Giyani and the pipeline from Nandoni Dam.
Included among these are also Pilanesberg Water, Vaal Gamagara and the pipeline from the Vaal River to Hothazel.
“In the Eastern Cape, the Msikaba and Mtentu bridges are beginning to rise over the landscape and will be among the highest in Africa once complete. The steel used for part of the project is fabricated in Mpumalanga, and the iron ore comes from the Northern Cape,” he said.
He also noted that in the past five years, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), which manages nearly 25 000 km of roads, has awarded more than 1 200 projects to the value of R120 billion.
“In November last year, Cabinet approved a framework for high-speed rail, focusing initially on the Johannesburg to Durban corridor,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:06
Government determined to tackle pressing issue of youth unemployment
As the country marks 30 years of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated government's commitment to tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
Delivering the final State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the sixth administration, President Ramaphosa emphasised that government is determined to take immediate action in providing employment opportunities for young individuals, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crucial challenge.
“For despite the remarkable achievements of the last 30 years, many of democracy’s children still face great challenges. Millions of young people aged 15 to 24 years are currently not in employment, education or training.
“There are many who have a matric, a diploma or a degree who cannot find a job, or do not have the means to start a business. While economic growth is essential to reduce unemployment, we cannot wait to provide the work that many of democracy’s children need,” the President said.
Despite the challenges, the President highlighted that government has taken steps to address the youth unemployment crisis.
Three years ago, building on the success of the Expanded Public Works Programme, government launched the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) as part of government’s response to the pandemic, but its success in enabling employment creation continues to benefit many.
Through this programme, the sixth administration has created more than 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities.
Through the stimulus, more than 1 million school assistants were placed in 23 000 schools, providing participants with valuable work experience while improving learning outcomes.
Through the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), government has established SAYouth.mobi as a zero-rated platform for unemployed young people to access opportunities for learning and earning.
Over 4.3 million young people are now engaged on the network and 1.6 million have so far secured opportunities.
The President added that working together with the National Youth Development Agency, they have set up a number of initiatives to provide opportunities for young people including the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service.
“These programmes matter because work matters to people. The NYDA has played a key role in assisting a number of young people to start their own businesses. Having a job does not only provide an income, it is fundamental to people’s sense of self-worth, dignity, hope, purpose and inclusion.
“From the depths of deprivation and inequality, we have worked over 30 years to ensure that all South Africans have an equal chance to prosper.
“It is not enough to recognise the injustices of the past; we need to correct them. We have introduced laws and undertaken programmes to enable black South Africans and women to advance in the workplace, to become owners and managers, to acquire land and build up assets,” the President said.
The President further highlighted that the proportion of jobs in executive management held by black people increased almost five-fold between 1996 and 2016. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:12
Work underway to improve ports, rail
To deal with severe inefficiencies in the country’s freight logistics system, government is taking action to improve the ports and rail network in a bid to restore them to world-class standards.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government has set out a clear roadmap to stabilise the performance of Transnet and reform the logistics system.
“Working closely with business and labour, we have established dedicated teams to turn around five strategic corridors that transport goods for export purposes.
“The number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – has reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January,” Ramaphosa said.
Transnet has appointed an international terminal operator to help expand and improve its largest terminal at the Port of Durban.
“And we are overhauling the freight rail system by allowing private rail operators to access the rail network. With the current conflict in the Middle East affecting shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, South Africa is well positioned to offer bunkering services for ships that will be rerouted via our shores,” the President said.
He made these remarks during the last SONA for the sixth administration in the Cape Town City Hall. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:14
Steps taken by government to deal with state capture
President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined the gains that government has made in dealing with state capture and rooting out corruption.
“One of the overriding challenges this administration had to deal with when it took office was state capture and corruption. Our first priority was to put a decisive stop to state capture, to dismantle the criminal networks within the state and to ensure that perpetrators faced justice,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Cape Town City Hall, President Ramaphosa said government had appointed capable people with integrity to head law enforcement agencies, government departments, security services and state companies.
These appointments were often done through independent and transparent processes.
“The credibility and efficiency of a number of institutions like the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have been restored and their performance improved. We set up the Investigating Directorate as a specialised and multidisciplinary unit within the National Prosecuting Authority to investigate corruption and other serious crimes.
“Great progress has been made in bringing those responsible for state capture to justice. More than 200 accused persons are being prosecuted. More are under investigation. Stolen funds are being recovered.
“Freezing orders of R14 billion have been granted to the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit for state capture-related cases, and around R8.6 billion in corrupt proceeds have been returned to the state,” the President said.
SARS has collected R4.8 billion in unpaid taxes as a result of evidence presented at the State Capture Commission, while the Special Investigating Unit has instituted civil litigation to the value of R64 billion.
“We have taken steps, including through new legislation, to strengthen our ability to prevent money laundering and fraud and secure our removal from the “grey list” of the Financial Action Task Force.
“With the assistance of business, we have set up a digital forensic capability to support the NPA Investigating Directorate, which in due course will be expanded to support law enforcement more broadly.
“Legislation is currently before Parliament to establish the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity with full investigating powers. But there is much more work to be done to eradicate corruption completely,” he said.
Based on the recommendations of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, government is determined to introduce further measures to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, protect whistle-blowers, regulate lobbying and prevent the undue influence of public representatives in procurement.
“We will not stop until every person responsible for corruption is held to account. We will not stop until all stolen money has been recovered. We will not stop until corruption is history.
“The real tragedy of state capture was that it diverted attention and resources away from what government should have been doing, which is to grow our economy and create jobs,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:44
Government to extend and improve R350 grant for the unemployed
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government will extend and improve the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant as the next step towards income support for the unemployed.
Delivering the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) for the sixth administration at the Cape Town City Hall, the President said government introduced the special grant during the pandemic, which currently reaches some 9 million unemployed people every month.
“We have seen the benefits of this grant and will extend it and improve it as the next step towards income support for the unemployed.
“These grants and subsidies do much more than give people what they need to live. They are an investment in the future.
“Social assistance has been shown to increase school enrolment and attendance, lower drop-out rates, and improve the pass rate,” the President said.
Prioritising ECDs and early grade reading initiatives
Turning to basic education, President Ramaphosa said that government will over the next five years prioritise expanding access to early childhood development and enhancing early grade reading initiatives.
The President highlighted that significant progress is already underway with improving early grade reading demonstrating the administration's commitment to this area.
Last year, the latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) showed that 81% of Grade 4 pupils in South Africa can’t read for meaning.
“Over the next five years, we will focus our attention on expanding access to early childhood development and improving early grade reading, where we are already beginning to see progress.
“Moving early childhood development to the Department of Basic Education was one of the most important decisions as we were now able to devote more resources to early childhood development and ensure that through cooperative governance, various departments of government get involved in early childhood development augmented by the Department of Basic education,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa reflected that one of the worst injustices of apartheid was the manner in which education was used as a tool to perpetuate inequality.
Over the last 30 years, he said, the democratic government has sought to use education as a tool to create equality.
“Our basic education outcomes are steadily improving across a range of measures. The latest matric pass rate, at 82.9%, is the highest ever. And with each new year, learners from no-fee schools are accounting for more and more of the bachelor passes achieved. At the same time, fewer learners are dropping out of school.
“We have increased funding for poor and working-class students in universities and TVET significantly over the past five years,” he said.
Tackling poverty
Regarding efforts to tackle poverty, President Ramaphosa said government’s policies and programmes have, over the course of 30 years, lifted millions of people out of dire poverty.
“Today, fewer South Africans go hungry and fewer live in poverty. In 1993, South Africa faced a significant poverty challenge, with 71.1 percent of its population living in poverty.
“However, under the democratic government, there has been a consistent decline in these numbers. By 2010, the poverty rate had dropped to 60.9 percent, and it continued to decrease, reaching 55.5 percent in 2020, as reported by the World Bank. This progress has been made possible by extensive support to those in society who need it most,” he said.
Five years ago, government introduced a further measure to tackle poverty by introducing the National Minimum Wage as envisaged in the Freedom Charter.
President Ramaphosa said the decision by key role players, being business and labour and communities, to introduce the minimum wage immediately raised the wages of over 6 million workers. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:58
Tintswalo, a child of democracy
As the country marks 30 years of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to outline how government has impacted the lives of ordinary people over the past three decades.
Painting a picture of a child born in 1994, the President told a story of Tintswalo who grew up in a society that was worlds apart from the South Africa of her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.
“The story of the first 30 years of our democracy can be best told through the life of a child called Tintswalo born at the dawn of freedom in 1994. She grew up in a society governed by a constitution rooted in equality, the rule of law, and affirmation of the inherent dignity of every citizen.
“Tintswalo, and many others born at the same time as her, were beneficiaries of the first policies of the democratic state to provide free health care for pregnant women and children under the age of six. Tintswalo’s formative years were spent in a house provided by the state, one of millions of houses built to shelter the poor,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
He described her upbringing as being in a household provided with basic water and electricity, in a house where her parents were likely to have lived without electricity before 1994.
“Tintswalo was enrolled in a school in which her parents did not have to pay school fees, and each school day she received a nutritious meal as part of a programme that today supports nine million learners from poor families.
“The democratic state provided a child support grant to meet her basic needs. This grant, together with other forms of social assistance, continues to be a lifeline for more than 26 million South Africans every month.
“With this support, Tintswalo – democracy’s child – was able to complete high school. Through the assistance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, Tintswalo attended one of our Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and obtained a qualification,” the President said.
When Tintswalo entered the world of work, she was able to progress and thrive with the support of the state’s employment equity and black economic empowerment policies.
“With the income she earned, she was able to save, to start a family, to move into a better house, and to live a better life. This is the story of millions of people who have been born since the dawn of our democracy,” President Ramaphosa said.
Lifting millions out of poverty
Delivering the last SONA for the sixth administration at the Cape Town City Hall, the President said government’s policies and programmes have lifted millions out of dire poverty.
“Today, fewer South Africans go hungry and fewer live in poverty. In 1993, South Africa faced a significant poverty challenge, with 71.1 percent of its population living in poverty. However, under the democratic government, there has been a consistent decline in these numbers.
“By 2010, the poverty rate had dropped to 60.9 percent, and it continued to decrease, reaching 55.5 percent in 2020, as reported by the World Bank. This progress has been made possible by extensive support to those in society who need it most,” the President said.
Five years ago, government introduced a further measure to tackle poverty by introducing the National Minimum Wage as envisaged in the Freedom Charter.
“The decision by key role players, being business and labour and communities, to introduce the minimum wage immediately raised the wages of over 6 million workers,” the President said.
He said today, nearly nine out of every ten households live in a formal dwelling.
“One of the most visible, impactful and meaningful achievements in the first three decades of freedom has been in providing homes to the people. Today, nearly nine out of every ten households live in a formal dwelling.
“Where there were once shacks and mud houses, there are now homes of brick and mortar. These are homes with water to drink and to wash with, homes with electricity for lighting and cooking.
“At the end of apartheid, only 6 out of 10 people had access to clean drinking water. Today, that figure has increased to nearly 9 out of 10 South Africans,” the President said.
South Africans living longer than ever before
“Life expectancy has increased from 54 years in 2003 to 65 years in 2023. Maternal and infant deaths have declined dramatically. We have built more hospitals and clinics, especially in poor areas, providing better quality care to more South Africans.
“Today, 95% of persons diagnosed with HIV know their status, 79% of those receive antiretroviral treatment, and 93% of those are virally suppressed. New HIV infections among young people have declined significantly,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 20:55
Guests begin to arrive for SONA 2024
As the moment grows closer for President Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver the State of the Nation Address this evening (SONA), guests have begun streaming in for the much anticipated event at the Cape Town City Hall.
Preparations are on track for the SONA which coincides with the opening of Parliament.
Speaking on the red carpet, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, said: “[I am looking forward to] everything that the President will talk about, giving an account of the work that we committed to when he delivered last year’s SONA and what it is he’s going to bring for this financial year especially because we are in the last year of the [sixth] administration”.
For his part, Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, said: “All I can say is, let’s allow the President to report on our behalf as the Executive. Only then will we able to elaborate as the different Executive Members on the statement of the President to the nation.”
Deputy Minister of Health Sibongiseni Dhlomo was more pointed and said he hopes the President will “hint” as to when the National Health Insurance Bill will be signed into law.
“I can only be territorial and speak about what one would like to see on health. Last year, you had the National Health Insurance Bill going to the two Houses. In June last year, it was passed in the National Assembly and in December it was passed in the [National Council of Provinces].
“That Bill is now at the desk of the President and the excitement is that the President will hint, not give us a day, that he will be signing this Bill into law,” Dhlomo said.
A very special guest at this evening’s proceedings is praise singer or imbongi, Senziwe Hatty Maliba, also known as Nkosatane Nziwe.
The 24-year-old is tasked with ushering in the President as he enters the chambers to deliver the address.
“I am excited. It is a great honour to be here and it is a great platform as well. I have been preparing ever since they told me that I have been chosen to usher in the President with a poem. The poem is about everything…society,” she said.
The President is expected to deliver his address from 7pm. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 17:28
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