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Andrew Maren, founder and CEO of Fintech company ProfitShare Partners, is giving entrepreneurs who lack access to funding an opportunity to succeed by cutting through the red tape that so often leaves small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hamstrung. “The failure rate of start-up businesses is high,” notes Maren, with around half failing to make it …
In today’s fast-paced business world, managing and streamlining document processes is a top priority for organisations of all sizes. With the advent of technology, traditional paper-based document management is becoming obsolete, making way for more efficient and secure solutions. Document Management Systems and Document Management Software have revolutionised the way businesses handle their documents, and …
Introduction: Running a business comes with its fair share of risks, which is why insurance is a crucial part of safeguarding your investment. In South Africa, there are several insurance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. Whether you are looking to protect your business partners, key employees, or mitigate contingent liabilities, there …
Empowering women: Turning the tide on GBV
Throughout our history, organised South African women have proven to be a force to be reckoned with by rising above painful circumstances and empowering themselves to create a brighter future for our nation.
The powerful impact of women on our nation was demonstrated on the 9th of August 1956 when 20 000 South African women marched against discriminatory apartheid laws.
Thanks in a large part to the resilience of women, the pass laws were later abolished and it was proven that when “you strike a woman, you strike a rock”. Today we applaud the strength, determination and bravery of the women who came before us. Many were harassed, detained and died in their quest for freedom. Their selfless actions helped to pave the path for our democracy and its manifold opportunities.
Since 1994, we have made great strides in gender equality, inclusion and representation of women in all spheres of government, business and civil society. Successive democratic administrations have also sought to empower women through our Constitution, legislation and progressive policies.
Though we have accelerated opportunities for women, there is still much work to be done and one of the major challenges that persists and affects women is Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Considering the harmful effects of GBVF and the alarming rate of these cases, it prompts the question of what is being done to overcome GBVF.
The need to empower GBVF survivors led to the establishment of several Thuthuzela care centres across the nation. These centres are part of our toolkit and actions to help prevent, respond to and support rape victims.
Through these facilities, individuals can report rape cases, receive medical assistance and counselling, open a police case and prepare for court. In this way, these centres give power and hope back to survivors by prioritising their needs and helping them heal from past trauma.
Another government initiative helping victims rise from pain into power is the victim empowerment programme, which supports victims through shelters, counselling and life skills that facilitate behavioural change.
The victim empowerment programme is aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and children through a collaborative approach.
Given the complex nature of GBVF, government has been working to strengthen the entire criminal justice system. In this regard, President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022 signed into law three pieces of legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, promote accountability across the state and support survivors.
The pieces of legislation includes tightening bail conditions, strengthening parole conditions, ensuring consequences for contravening a protection order, as well as increasing the minimum sentence for perpetrators of sexual offences.
Through stricter legislation, enhanced policing powers that enable peace officers to arrest perpetrators without a warrant at the scene of domestic violence, and the collaboration of the NPA and courts, women are empowered to take action as we strive to bring perpetrators to book.
Government’s efforts towards tackling the scourge of GBVF continues and currently all avenues are being explored to make attaining protection orders easier.
Alongside government efforts, we also applaud the efforts of the private sector in tackling GBVF. Through the private sector GBVF response fund, we have raised millions to support GBVF prevention programmes, forums, shelters and welfare organisations.
We urge all entities and individuals to continue to work towards eradicating GBVF and to act when they see or know something. One of the ways individuals can assist is through the Bright Sky SA initiative (free mobile application), which helps assess whether someone may be in an abusive situation through completion of a risk assessment questionnaire, as an endeavour to protect them.
We call upon everyone to report GBVF cases to their local police station, toll-free Crime Stop number: 086 00 10111, or via the GBV command centre: 0800 428 428.
Together we can tackle the scourge of GBVF and build the society we want to live in.
*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Matona
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 15:51
In a ground-breaking development, and as part of the ongoing commitment of the Western Cape Government to bolster and ensure a strong climate-resilient future for the province, the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, yesterday, 7 November 2023, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the School for Climate Studies of Stellenbosch University.
The School for Climate Studies, which was launched in 2021, creates a transdisciplinary capacity to combine the climate-related knowledge systems of its faculties, the public sector's climate policies and initiatives, the private sector's climate redress and innovation capacities and the social impact mission of the university in both academic and applied ways – all in support of the just transition to a climate-resilient society and a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
According to Ministers Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell, co-leaders of Climate Change governance in the Western Cape, the signing of this agreement is testimony to the Western Cape government's drive towards climate change resilience.
Minister Meyer said, “Climate change modelling shows that annual temperatures are rising, and the number of colder days will decrease. Droughts, floods and heat waves will become more regular, and these trends highlight the need for a coordinated response from government, tertiary institutions, private sector and the whole of society to mitigate the impact of climate change.”
“The MOA underscores the value of partnerships and collaboration to advance the Western Cape as a leading province in job creation, economic development and capacity building across disciplines. Guided by the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and the SmartAgri plan an effective response to climate change amidst global and local disaster events is now urgent,” continued Minister Meyer.
Minister Bredell highlights that the MOA will provide an enabling platform to pursue local and international research and capacity-building opportunities (including joint projects) to build the climate change knowledge base in the Western Cape.
Minister Bredell commented, “Climate change projections for the Western Cape suggest a likelihood of more frequent and more intense extreme weather events which threatens food security and economic growth in South Africa and the Western Cape. The MOA will enable the exchange of scientific and institutional expertise within the partnership and with global partners to drive a more rapid transition towards climate change adaptation and mitigation and a climate-resilient province”.
At the signing ceremony, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, SU said: “The signing of this MOA highlights the important role of the university in the continuous development of the province. Research conducted by the School for Climate Studies will be pivotal in the development and application of climate-related solutions and technologies that address issues on the broader social agenda, which include job creation, skills training, poverty alleviation and inclusivity.”
“The Western Cape Government is looking at climate change's impact on its three strategic priorities, namely, jobs, safety, dignity and well-being. By doing so, we are mainstreaming climate change in the business of the Western Cape Government. The goal is a green, low-carbon and climate-resilient province by 2050”, concluded Minister Meyer.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.
Court freezes R29m in assets of alleged Eskom electricity voucher syndicate
The Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been granted an order to freeze properties and cash worth R29 million belonging to a syndicate that allegedly stole from Eskom.
NPA Regional Spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, explained that a former employee of Eskom, Mothelli Theletsane, allegedly stole a Master Vending Unit from the company, which dispenses electricity coupons for consumers.
“Theletsane, who has since passed on, was employed at Eskom on a contract basis and worked in the pre-paid environment, supporting Eskom’s pre-paid vending system. He operated as a supervisor in his role and therefore obtained intimate knowledge of the operations of machines, and he also acquired technical expertise on the ins and outs of the Credit Dispensing Units (CDU).
“[He] also acquired, unknowingly to Eskom, a Master Vending Unit (MVU), that can generate limitless prepaid electricity vouchers and a few CDUs which he concealed after his exit from Eskom. It was discovered that Theletsane was allegedly running a ghost vending operation, whereby he illegally generated electricity vouchers to the value of over R36 million and sold them to the public for his benefit,” Mahanjana said.
She said following Theletsane’s death, the illegal “business” was allegedly taken over by Theletsane’s wife, Thandi Theletsane and her three sons, Papi and Tebello Theletsane and Sibusiso Migal.
“The business became so lucrative that it was expanded throughout all the nine provinces. Through the syndicate, the Theletsane family and the company, Mothelli Theletsane Holdings and Investment (PTY) Ltd, managed to acquire 27 movable and 39 immovable properties worth over R23 million from the proceeds of crime,” Mahanjana said.
The family members are standing trial together with 10 other suspects, namely: Petrus Mohapi, Donald Rammusi, Victor Mdlalose, Joseph Mdlalose, Florence Mdlalose, Daniel Moleko, Xolani Dube, Lebohang Thabanyana, Raymond Mohapi and Sebabatso Mbele.
“This matter does not only highlight the effective cooperation and collaboration between various crime-fighting agencies within the NPA, as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), but shows determination and commitment by the NPA to ensure that money stolen from the state is returned,” Mahanjana said.
The criminal case is expected back in court on 15 November. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:24
Cabinet affirms value of AGOA
Cabinet has welcomed the confirmation by both the United States Administration and Congress of the intention to extend AGOA, which brings certainty to the investment community in eligible countries.
“Cabinet has always asserted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA] provides an opportunity for the United States of America to strengthen its economic relationship with Africa and thus it must be extended for a meaningful period, enhanced to make it impactful and attractive,” said Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday.
The 20th AGOA Forum was hosted in Johannesburg last week and it concluded on Saturday.
The forum, held from 2 - 4 November 2023, brought together participants from 32 Africa countries from government, business, civil society and organised labour, for the first time, including representatives of the United States government.
BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting
Cabinet has also welcomed the successful conclusion of the 2023 BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Cape Town, which committed member nations to deeper cooperation and to promote intra-BRICS tourism, develop routes for better tourism mobility and connectivity among the member countries.
Ntshavheni said this will further strengthen South Africa’s tourism sector, which is already showing signs of recovery.
“For the first eight months of 2023, the country saw 5.5 million arrivals, which represented a 63.4% increase from the same period in 2022,” the Minister said.
Held in Cape Town on 24 October 2023, the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of information and experiences, as well as deepening cooperation among BRICS members to reach consensus on key policy priorities for a balanced tourism recovery.
To ensure continuity and to leverage on the combined strength of BRICS member States, South Africa’s theme for chairing the meeting was: “Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery”, which aligns to the overall theme of SA’s chairship. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:21
Calls for Palestinian human rights to be respected
Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of children
Cabinet has raised concern on the spate of food poisoning of children from eating expired and contaminated foodstuff from spaza shops and street vendors.
This follows the recent death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops, which were reported in Gauteng and North West provinces.
“Cabinet is encouraged by the law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a post Cabinet briefing on Monday.
Ntshavheni reported that during the recent International Migration Workshop, some of the key outcomes included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities.
The workshop was hosted by the Home Affairs Department and joined by the Departments of Small Business Development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements, as well as traditional leaders and mayors from metropolitans and district municipalities. It focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops.
“There will be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by the Departments of Labour, Health, Small Business Development and Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws,” Ntshavheni said.
The workshop also decided that an audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities, will be undertaken.
The Minister said there are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities.
“Business licensing legislation is being amended to support all those who wish to trade in the informal sector.”
Police commended for dealing with international drug syndicates
Meanwhile, Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for dealing a massive blow to international drug syndicates.
This follows the discovery of cocaine valued at R80 million, which was seized at a warehouse at Dube Trade Port, within the King Shaka International Airport, on 20 October 2023.
Two days prior to the seizure, another R70 million worth of cocaine was seized from a container at the Durban Harbour.
“Cabinet applauds the SAPS for their work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to our communities and the nation. Operation Safer Festive Season is already yielding results, with police arresting over 140 suspects, including an alleged illegal mining kingpin, and seizing unlicensed firearms,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:05
October 2023, Johannesburg – This September, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) launched their inaugural Health and Safety Magazine. The publication was launched during FEM’s annual Safetember Conference, an event aimed at shining the spotlight on occupational health and safety. The FEM Health & Safety Magazine is an initiative that emphasises …
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, Mr Herbert Mensah, will discuss the business of sport in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) on Thursday, November 9 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest. The event brings together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of rugby across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa. In June, President Mensah delivered a keynote speech on treating rugby as a lucrative business venture at the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa 2023 event in Marrakech, Morocco.
Watch the video on the Bloomberg Website: https://apo-opa.info/466rOcr
The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will commence on Wednesday November 8 to Friday November 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
This was the question on everybody’s mind at the AI Expo Africa 2023. The panel of experts included Bridget Chipungu from Center for AI Research, Hina Patel from Accenture, Celina Lee from Zindi, and Nicoli Koorbanally from Mlab. The discussion started with Bridget Chipungu giving an overview of the current state of women in AI. …
Patel supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, has thrown his weight behind the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as swiftly as possible and with refinements that do not require lengthy discussions.
Patel was delivering closing remarks at the three-day 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum held at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
“One idea that's come up from the discussions is whether we should consider, if needed, a two-stage programme. But the first stage firmly focused on reauthorisation as rapidly as possible, maybe with a modest package of refinements that does not require lengthy discussions.
“The second stage with further and perhaps deeper improvements that require more time and further study, and that can be done fairly shortly thereafter. We are particularly keen to get the reauthorisation in the earliest part of 2024, so this will be very helpful.
“These are ideas that we want our friends in the United States to think through and consider. We are also reflecting a little bit on these weighing up the pros and cons,” the Minister said.
The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with sub-Saharan Africa.
The Minister said that discussions at the forum also looked at a graduation system once countries reach a particular level of advancement, adding that they can be even considered a "constructive conversation about the matrix of that level of advancement".
Patel also emphasised that there are policy areas that need to be relooked, adding that polishing existing policies would make room for more African products to make it to the international market.
“Those colleagues who’ve been enjoying our fruits, SA citrus fruit from the region, which can be available in larger quantities, we can resolve those things. Matters we constructively engage in, for example relating to steel and aluminium, these are practical solutions we believe can unlock the value of trade. In different parts of the continent, in West Africa, there are constraints in accessing the American market. In East Africa, there are different products we need to refine.”
Patel highlighted that the discussions also looked at the idea of small businesses to small business partnership between the African continent and the United States.
“We looked at the product scope. Is there appetite to increase the number of products covered by AGOA? By way of illustration, we shared with Congressional representatives, an example of 10 products where Africa has capacity, and where Africa has fantastic products, some of which you've tasted in the last few days,” he told delegates.
“We recognise we need to balance the level of our ambition on extending the product list against the concerns about the time that may be required to reach consensus in Congress on these factors. While we would obviously prefer as much as possible, we want to avoid such a broad review that we delay reauthorisation,” he said.
Mineral beneficiation
Mineral beneficiation on the African continent was also under the spotlight.
“We said we don't want to be the exporter of rocks. We want to be the exporter of consumer and capital goods… and the producers of electric vehicles. And it raises the question of a moment of a grand bargain between Africa and its friends elsewhere in the world, where there's a partnership around critical minerals, but also with processing of critical minerals on the African continent,” he said.
The Minister believes that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a game changer.
He explained that AGOA on its own gave the continent significant access on a range of products to the world's single biggest national consumer market.
“What the AFCFTA will add to that is that the combined weight of access to African markets and access to the US market will give us the scale to draw investment, and scale is what investors look at. They want to be able to see that the size of the market justifies the investment.
“We also said that AFCFTA is helping to foster value chains. It is a critical driver to help industrialise and so more and more countries will now begin to have these value chains, so those value chains will then enable better utilisation of AGOA,” he said.
Impact
The United States of America Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, also addressed the closing ceremony and emphasised that AGOA remains the cornerstone of the U.S. economic partnership with Africa.
“Let us not forget the real impact AGOA has had on real lives, real people: the woman entrepreneur seeking to expand her macadamia nut processing business; the small business owner making apparel and handicrafts, and the countless students and youth, waiting to make their mark on this ever-changing continent,” she said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the opening of the forum on Friday. In his address, the President said an extension of AGOA for a longer period of time could act as an instrument to entice investors to pour more resources into the African continent.
“We would like you to look at the extension or renewal of AGOA for a sufficiently lengthy period for it to act as an incentive for investors to build new factories on the African continent,” said the President.
The purpose of the forum is to discuss ways to expand trade and investment relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, and the implementation of AGOA, including encouraging joint ventures between small and large businesses. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 19:43
US reiterates commitment to strengthen relations with Africa
United States of America Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, has reiterated her country’s commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationship to deliver real opportunities across societies.
Tai was delivering remarks during the closing ceremony of the 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Johannesburg.
She told delegates that she would summarise the interactions that were held over the last three days with the word “commitment”.
“Commitment to strengthen the U.S.-African trade and investment relationship. Commitment to craft a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive tomorrow across the continent. Commitment to partner with one another to make AGOA stronger and more effective,” she said at the session held on Saturday.
The three-day forum explored the intersection of trade and competition policy and what that means for a fairer economy in Africa and elsewhere. It further discussed how small businesses and women-owned enterprises could be equipped and empowered to succeed and thrive.
The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with sub-Saharan Africa.
Tai also highlighted the need to make the AGOA programme more effective and relevant to today’s challenges, and to explore additional areas of cooperation to complement the programme.
Impact
Tai emphasised that AGOA remains the cornerstone of the U.S. economic partnership with Africa.
“Let us not forget the real impact AGOA has had on real lives, real people: the woman entrepreneur seeking to expand her macadamia nut processing business; the small business owner making apparel and handicrafts, and the countless students and youth, waiting to make their mark on this ever-changing continent.
“So, when we say that AGOA is the cornerstone of our economic partnership, we do not mean it in the abstract. It has been a bedrock to improve the livelihoods of so many people across Africa and it has the potential to do so much more. But we can make it even better,” she said.
Tai reflected on the discussions held over the last three days, saying most of the issues discussed were precisely on this topic.
She said this made the programme more effective and relevant to today’s challenges, such as growing inequality and the climate crisis.
Furthering cooperation
“As we discussed during the session on ‘What’s Next in our U.S.-Africa Trade Relations’, we must also explore additional areas of cooperation and other trade tools to complement our AGOA relationship.
“This includes collaborating on AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area] implementation and better using the multilateral trading system to benefit more people, particularly underserved communities,” she said.
The US Ambassador acknowledged that while there is a lot of work ahead, she leaves optimistic and hopeful.
Equitable future
Tai said each of the African perspectives was a powerful reminder to her that trade can and must help craft a fairer and more equitable future for Africa.
“Driving inclusive economic growth. Empowering workers. Delivering real opportunities across all segments of societies, including women, youth, the African Diaspora, and other underserved groups. You all believe that our work has a critical role to play in building this future, and that communal commitment will allow us to accomplish more than we can as individuals.
“It is an understatement to say that this is a partnership. I am honoured to have each of you as colleagues and teammates to use trade as a force for good and to spur a race to the top,” Tai said on the last day of the forum.
The Ambassador urged delegates to stay committed and devoted to the cause.
“Let us be devoted to our cause. Let us not be satisfied with the status quo. Let us continue to build from here, to write the next chapter of our story together -- to make AGOA a beacon that shines for years to come,” she said.
Tai used her speech to extend appreciation to South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel and the South African government for the warm and welcoming hospitality and immense effort taken to make the forum a success.
She further sent a big thank you to her fellow Trade Ministers and their delegations for the productive dialogue and engagement. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 18:20
Patel outlines vision for prosperous Africa united in trade
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has used his address at the 2023 Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum to galvanise the message of a united Africa that is earnestly at work to reclaim its place in the world.
The 20th AGOA Forum is currently taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the heart of commerce and trade in South Africa. The forum brings together a large contingent of African Trade Ministers and their delegations, and over 300 delegates from the United States business sector, including the US Chamber of Commerce. Delegates from Business Unity South Africa (Busa), the Black Business Council, Business Leadership South Africa and labour representatives are also in attendance.
Patel told the gathering that Africa is embracing new ideas and ways of doing things, primarily introduced by the evolution of trade.
“For many years the continent was characterised by a network of trade routes that were used to facilitate the flow of goods among Africans trading in any products including gold, salt, beats and ivory.
“African traders crisscrossed the many lands searching for markets for their goods. Africa has strong leads with other regions, particularly the middle East. The AGOA Forum is an opportunity to renew, refresh and strengthen relationships,” Patel said.
With the advent of many innovations, including the establishment of AGOA, which promotes economic growth by fostering a stronger trade partnership between the United States and African nations, Patel said now is the time for Africa to cement its position in the world economy.
“Our trade investment project is aimed at forging economic unity of all Africans to addressing colonialism that has left Africa a small, divided nation.
“Trade is about reclaiming Africa’s place in the world. Trade has played a role in our history. It has connected and linked communities to new ideas and ways of doing things,” Patel said.
The theme for this year’s forum is, ‘Partnering to Build a Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Agenda to Support Economic Development, Industrialisation and Quality Job Creation’.
Patel urged young people, some of whom are exhibiting their businesses and wares at the forum, to take up the opportunities brought on by AGOA. On the eve of the forum, Patel said about 520 firms were expected to exhibit their products at Nasrec.
He said more African countries could benefit from AGOA. Currently, 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have been designated as eligible for AGOA benefits.
“AGOA is a market access arrangement with the US Congress put in place for sub-Saharan countries, and we’ve seen trade with the US being a significant part of our trade with the world,” he said.
To qualify for AGOA, a country must first be eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme. The GSP applies to 3 400 products from designated beneficiary countries, plus a further 1 450 products from least developed countries. AGOA supplements the GSP with an additional 1 835 products.
Only Sub-Saharan African countries are eligible for AGOA. The US determines whether countries have met these requirements of eligibility in Section 104 of the Act.
In order to qualify, countries must already be GSP beneficiary countries – though GSP eligibility does not imply AGOA eligibility. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 12:30
US Secretary reiterates President Biden's commitment to extend AGOA
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated President Joe Biden’s commitment to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond 2025 when it expires.
“President Biden fully supports the reauthorisation of AGOA. But we don’t just want to extend AGOA – we want to work with the United States Congress to make it better. And that’s what this week’s dialogue is about,” he said on Friday.
Blinken was addressing delegates through a video speech at the three-day AGOA Forum at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.
“Last year, I travelled to South Africa to lay out the United States strategy to sub-Saharan Africa and to its core, it’s about partnerships -- what the United States can do with African nations and not for African nations.”
Blinken believes that AGOA is critical to realising this vision as thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa have benefited in the past two decades.
“AGOA has meant new jobs, new skills, new connections and new investment. It has meant less corruption and greater human and labour rights.”
The piece of legislation, according to the United States Secretary of State, has translated into partnerships to advance new solutions to shared challenges from the climate crisis to food insecurity, to supply chain disruptions and vulnerabilities.
“More inclusive, sustainable growth is good for Africa and good for America and good for the world,” Blinken said.
In addition, he said America was dedicated to December’s African Leaders’ Summit commitments, which are essential to creating economies and societies where trade and investment can flourish.
Through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, Blinken believes his country is lending a helping hand to finance projects like the Lobito Corridor between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Angola, which will enhance connectivity and make it easier to do business in and with Africa.
In addition, the United States, Blinken said, is mobilising US$8 billion in private and public investments to bolster climate resistance and advance women’s economic empowerment.
“We remain the single biggest country investor by far in food security and public health in the region and we’re working on new efforts like our VACS initiative to strengthen African seeds and soils,” he said, adding that they will support elevating African voices in global diplomacy.
Blinken welcomed the African Union joining the G20 and International Monetary Fund, which is working to expand sub-Saharan representation on its Executive Board.
On the other hand, he said the United States remain committed to reforming the United Nations Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa.
“This flourishing partnership between the United States and Africa gives me tremendous hope. And through gatherings like this, we continue to shape a future where workers and businesses are equipped and empowered, where governments are transparent and accountable, where all our people can thrive, and where our nations can come together for the good of our people and the world.”
AGOA is a United States Trade Act enacted on 18 May 2000 as Public Law 106 of the 200th Congress.
The AGOA legislation has been renewed on different occasions, most recently in 2015, when its period of validity was extended to September 2025.
The legislation significantly enhances market access to the United States for qualifying sub-Saharan African countries by allocating special programme indicators to about 6 800 tariff lines in the American tariff schedule.
This allows United States importers to clear goods sourced from eligible African countries duty-free under AGOA. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:06
CPFs are not just there to help cops do their jobs
KZN entrepreneurs to showcase wares at Intra–African Trade Fair
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, has commended entrepreneurs based in the province that have been selected to showcase their products and services at the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, Egypt.
IATF is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The Intra-African Trade Fair is a trade show that provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.
The IATF will take place from 09 to 15 November 2023 will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the AfCFTA.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony held at Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN) in Durban, Duma said the 21 entrepreneurs from the province were subjected to a gruelling selection process.
“By and large, the selection process was designed to ensure that we market our products and services from all corners of our province – especially the townships and rural areas. This is in line with our “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. We are happy that today our entrepreneurs gathered at Investment House for a well deserving send-off.”
He noted that through TIKZN which is an agency of government , the department has for a long-time, hosted International Expo Week, as part of creating a demand for local products produced by the province’s entrepreneurs.
“As the previous host of the 2021 IATF Trade Show 2021, we believe that this year’s event will put our entrepreneurs on the pedestal and augment the “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. Critically, we are encouraged by an integrated approach involving the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
“Collectively, we have made it possible to deploy resources to cover logistics and other necessary expenses for our entrepreneurs. This is in addition to the enduring partnership between TIKZN and Transnet Port Terminal. This partnership has helped many entrepreneurs under the export capacity-building programme,” Duma said.
The MEC added that the department is confident that as more entrepreneurs export their products, “we will see a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings.”
“We are saying to our entrepreneurs – the “Sky is not the Limit”. Go there - establish contact with prospective distributors and buyers - ascertain the market demand and trends and promote the Zulu Kingdom,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:06
Africa has products for the global market
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says what African producers seek is increased access to markets.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Johannesburg on Friday.
The Minister explained that producers on the African continent seek even greater access to markets in order to thrive.
“We’ve got a lot of production that is coming from Africa and what we are seeking is more access to markets. There’s been a tendency – and business and organised labour, and also civil society, raised this concern – that the largest trade in AGOA is taking place in minerals and raw products instead of getting the beneficiation.
“We need to get the beneficiation. We need investors to invest here. But there are products from SMMEs, who are now given certification in terms of rules of origin, that they are done on the African continent and therefore they must have access to market there.
“Our agricultural products, for example, were part of the issues that were raised… We’ve got a lot of products not only for the US market but for the global market from the African continent,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for an extended period of extension for the AGOA initiative.
“[During the forum] there were readouts from the various sectors… the private sector, organised labour, civil society, women representatives and the trade ministry and all of them collectively have reiterated the need to make the AGOA extension not a short extension but a longer extension, with a proposal of a 20-year extension so that it can be what the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] deemed the long haul.
“That gives certainty to investors and you can then look in the longer term and a bigger investment. That’s the gist of us being here and we are happy that despite the challenges, the 20th edition of the AGOA Forum is taking place in South Africa,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that Africa is on a growth path that will lead to a strong future.
“We are determined as the African continent that we are going to work together to make sure that Africa is the hub of development. Africa, by 2030, will be the continent with the largest population, therefore it will be the largest market for any global goods and services and therefore, we are going to rely on ourselves,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister responded to questions related to perceptions of “shaky” relations between South Africa and the US.
“South Africa-US relationships are not shaky. We have South Africans who speak very loudly and express their views, and the Americans also do the same. But the relationship between South Africa and the US has always been solid because they are one of our largest trading partners and we are one of their largest trading partners on the African continent,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:32
Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) President Zingiswa Losi says the federation has thrown its weight behind the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and for its renewal as the country continues to fight joblessness.
“As a trade federation movement, our responsibility is towards ensuring we protect jobs and that is why we have always had support for our government.
“But beyond that, we continue to advocate and request our sister federation in the US to be our voice on that side that the United States of America and the Biden administration will be able to renew AGOA for the next 10 years before they go for their elections next year,” she said on Friday.
Losi was speaking during a media briefing on the sidelines of the AGOA Forum, which is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.
She reflected on the impact of the piece of legislation, which has created 450 000 jobs linked to the United States-Africa trade in different sectors. Losi said the mining, manufacturing, auto manufacturing, clothing, agriculture and jewellery industries have benefited from the legislation through exports.
The Cosatu President said the federation supports South Africa’s continued AGOA membership.
“It is also important that that unaligned role is strengthened when we deal with the geopolitics and it’s critical for government and business to simultaneously expand the trade and investment with other large trading partners such as the European Union, China and Japan and as you know we’re also part of the BRICS Trade Union Forum.”
Diversification, Losi believes, will ensure South Africa is able to trade with all countries to address the 42% unemployment rate, of which 60% of those are youngsters.
“Importantly, for us to do that we need to address issues of energy in the country, crime and corruption and also the issues of rail and infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s main address, he said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.
President Ramaphosa said he hopes the forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future and that more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help unlock AGOA’s opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:36
Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings hope to West Coast
The resuscitation of Clanwilliam Dam engineering work has sparked optimism among the West Coast corridor communities.
This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction work underway at the dam site on Thursday.
The R4 billion project, situated on the Olifants River near the town of Clanwilliam in Cederberg Local Municipality, is one of the biggest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape.
The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 metres. A total of R400 million has been allocated for the current financial year to implement the project.
The project includes extension of the dam wall on the downstream side, and raising it to a higher level by 13 metres.
The additional yield of water will provide an opportunity to develop resource poor farmers to promote food security and decent employment through inclusive economic growth.
During the visit, Mchunu said, unlocking the bottlenecks that caused the collapse of the project and seeing it to its completion is the biggest priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Mchunu said the yield from the extended infrastructure will bring a lifeline to many livelihoods in this region.
“What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish. The dam currently yields about 123 million cubic meters of water and when the project is completed, it is expected to yield 343 million cubic meters of water, thus bringing into the system almost double the current yield,” Mchunu said.
Addressing stakeholders and residents that converged at the town’s local church hall, Mchunu said government is committing many resources to building projects across the country, and that through projects like Clanwilliam, the department strives for quality water to flow to South African households.
“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end. The revival of the project is a hit for the Western Cape province.”
Mchunu said government is aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years, and assured that with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets and specifications.
Among the direct benefits associated with the project, include more than 500 job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and the development of skills and learning opportunities; and new business opportunities for the locals.
Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who joined Mchunu during the visit, said the province welcomed the resuscitation of the dam project, noting there is a long history associated with the project.
“We welcome that work has commenced and interventions by stakeholders to unbundle the hindrances. This will now further accelerate the hydro-energy projects planned for the West Coast corridor and bolster the agricultural sector.
“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” Simmers said.
Francois Swaartbooi, a local businessperson, said the project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast, and they are happy it is being revived.
Swartbooi said they have established a business forum to ensure that local small medium enterprises benefit from the project.
The current work at the construction site includes excavations to prepare platforms for the drilling and blasting operations; blast proposal and design by the Drill and Blasting sub-contractor, and geologists to inspect the vertical faces of the excavation to determine the rock anchor details. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:03
Young farmer gets a shot in the arm from government
When he started farming vegetables in 2021, Sihle Maseko only had one hectare of land to grow his produce, but his hard work and determination to be successful has resulted in the creation of jobs for others.
Armed with a Diploma in Agricultural Science, the 29-year-old farmer from Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape produces a variety of vegetables, including cabbages, butternut and green mealies on 15 hectares of land.
The 15 hectares of land include five hectares, which is owed by his family and a 10-year lease from the community.
With 10 people employed on the farm, Maseko’s market has extended to other District Municipalities, including Chris Hani and OR Tambo.
Maseko has also managed to establish regular buyers in Middledrift, Alice, Keiskammahoek, East London, Peddie and other areas in the Amathole District.
Thanks to the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) support, Maseko will now be able to produce more and expand his business.
On Thursday, DRDAR MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over a tractor and its implements to Maseko which will help him to grow and become a commercial farmer.
“I want to be able to create more jobs for my community and inspire more youth to join this sector. The youth should realise that they can make a good living out of this sector,” Maseko said.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Pieters said, government aims to ensure there are black commercial farmers, who through the support provided, are able to improve their businesses to make more profit, and be able to create jobs.
“We don’t want farmers that are always emerging and waiting for handouts from government. Agriculture is a business and it should not be practiced leisurely, especially with the investment from government - we want to see returns. Government cannot afford to be always pumping money to farmers that are not growing, you need to graduate," Pieters said.
The MEC also urged the youth to follow in Maseko’s footsteps.
“We are here today to assist a young farmer to produce more and excel in farming. If Sihle can do it what prevents other young people to get up and do something for themselves?” she said.
At the event, the MEC also handed over cropping inputs that included maize seeds and fertiliser to Keiskammahek community projects. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:17
Gqeberha, 2 November 2023: The spotlight was on excellence and dedication last night as the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Event Awards (NMBBEA) 2023 took place at the magnificent Running Waters Exclusive Venue. This prestigious event, now in its third year, brought together the city’s finest in the business events industry, providing a platform to recognize …
Request for proposals for the Tourism Equity Fund opens.
The Department of Tourism together with the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), an agency within the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is pleased to announce the opening of the application process for the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) starting from Monday 6 November 2023.
Following the Cabinet's approval in September 2023 for the revised TEF to be implemented, we are delighted to announce that the Request for Proposals for funding from the TEF is now open to businesses.
The R1.2 billion TEF aims to increase growth, and transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the targets of the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes. The TEF is intended to address the funding challenges faced by Qualifying Small Enterprises and Emerging Micro Enterprises in the tourism sector.
The TEF will be implemented by:
sefa will implement, execute, and manage the Fund through a Fund Management Agreement signed with the Department of Tourism. The Department will support and monitor the implementation of the TEF on a monthly basis.
The TEF places significant emphasis on providing support to tourism enterprises that meet the qualifying criteria, including a minimum of 30% Black ownership either before or after the financial support. The TEF is exclusively dedicated to investing in various sub-sectors within the tourism industry as prescribed in the Tourism B-BBEE Sector Codes.
The Department of Tourism is committed to enhancing transformation in the tourism sector, and the TEF aims to contribute towards achieving transformation goals in this important sector of our economy.
“The funding structure comprises grant funding, and debt financing, to meet the distinct needs of tourism enterprises that are either seeking equity acquisition, investment in new developments, or expansion of their existing businesses,” Minister de Lille said.
The TEF is backed by formidable public-private partnerships, which support the participation of private, commercial, and non-commercial banks, and various developmental funding institutions.
“The collaboration between public and private entities serves as a notable example of successful cooperation in advancing a more inclusive and prosperous tourism sector,” Minister de Lille added.
Minister de Lille concluded: “As stated before. the Department of Tourism remains committed to advancing the transformation agenda through creating equitable opportunities to realise an inclusive and revived tourism economy.”
With consideration of Regulation Gazette No 11067, Volume 697, No 49018 published on 25 July 2023, withdrawing Regulation Gazette No 11241, Volume 668 of 19 February 2021. No 44172, all applicants (including previous applicants) are encouraged to submit new applications that will align with the new qualifying criteria of TEF.
For more information on the Tourism Equity Fund and the application process, please visit the Department of Tourism's website: https://apo-opa.info/3QIzYSG
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Small Business Development, Republic of South Africa.