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NSRI are appealing to motor boaters to always ensure that their kill switch is in working order, attached and operational. A kill switch, also known as an engine cutoff switch – looks like a long keyring of sorts where a chord attaches to the skipper of the boat. It ensures that a boat’s motor will …
The Western Cape Government welcomes Earthshot Week 2024 to our province. This is the first time this illustrious event is being held in South Africa and on the African continent. “As a government that has closely aligned its priorities around making the Western Cape more climate change resilient, it is a great honour for the …
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided equipment to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, which continues its educational and research activities in South Africa.
TİKA provided equipment support to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, ranked among the world's top 200 universities in plant and animal sciences.
Through this project, a centrifuge machine, water purification system, spectrophotometer, plant growth chamber and lyophilizer were provided to support the cultivation of plants under controlled conditions, DNA analysis and the preservation of plants and extracts as required.
South Africa is home to 9,000 endemic plant species
South Africa hosts approximately 9,000 plant species, the majority of which are endemic. These plants, integral to the development of traditional medicine, have been used by local communities for medicinal purposes over centuries.
However, during the apartheid era the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 restricted this usage. Following the repeal of this law in 1994, academic research surged, allowing many native plants to be widely adopted in medicine and cosmetics.
Stellenbosch University is now dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge into academic research. To support this, TİKA provided the university with equipment to study the reactions of local plants to different production conditions, determine optimal cultivation and storage methods and conduct DNA-level analyses.
Handover ceremony organized
The handover ceremony was attended by Yonca Sunel, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Cape Town; Abdulkadir Abukan, TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria; Vim de Villiers, Rector of Stellenbosch University; Sibusiso Moyo, Vice Rector; as well as academics and students.
During the ceremony, Rector de Villiers expressed gratitude to TİKA for its contributions. Vice Rector Moyo emphasized the significance of international cooperation in enhancing the university's research capacity and provided information about the partnerships with universities in Türkiye.
Consul General Sunel noted that this program marked her first official visit since her appointment and expressed her pleasure in collaborating with the esteemed institutions of South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
The group had been living on the grounds since 2020 but the high court recently granted an order to evict them
South African non-profit organization, Outside the Bowl Africa (OTB Africa), recently held a successful outreach event at the Mickey Mouse Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Paarl, showcasing its ongoing commitment to providing nutritious meals to needy children. This special event, made possible through a partnership with Feed the Nation Foundation and Pick n Pay, …
As Cape Town gears up for the bustling festive season, the city transforms into a vibrant playground for both locals and tourists. With its iconic beaches, the majestic Table Mountain, and the ever-popular Kaapse Klopse Minstrel Parades to ring in the New Year, The Mother City becomes the heart of the celebration. This year, the …
Metrorail says 16 trains have been taken out of service for repairs
Stilbaai: 31 October 2024 The plight of South Africa’s subsistence fishing communities is increasingly receiving due attention from government and its agencies, but particularly with both the allocation of more fish species rights, as well as support in terms of enhancing fishing safety, according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE). This emerged … Continue reading Subsistence fishers boosted with safety gear in Eastern and Western Cape regions: SAMSA
Godongwana lauds GNU for working well
While there might be a difference of opinion on how to address the myriad of challenges facing South Africa, the Government of National Unity (GNU) agrees on the strategic task of fiscal consolidation.
Addressing the RMB-Sunday Times post-Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) dialogue, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said while working on the budget, there was a unity of purpose on fiscal consolidation, although parties in the GNU may disagree on the pace of the fiscal consolidation.
"Doing the budget under the GNU was easy. We have the Minister’s committee on the budget. The three major budgets are represented there. There was not a single descending voice because we agree on the strategic task of fiscal consolidation.
“We are working very well [together]. We may differ on some issues but on substantive matters, we are on the same page. Despite what the analysts say, the GNU will be here for five years because there is a commitment with those in government to make it work and deliver,” the Minister said on Thursday in Cape Town.
Godongwana delivered the first MTBPS on Wednesday to Parliament since the GNU was established in the seventh administration.
“In the run up to the elections, our society was fractured. We needed to build a unity of purpose, and I think we have achieved that. The positive sentiment that has come out as a result of the GNU is quite impressive,” the Minister said.
Growing the economy
Godongwana emphasised that South Africa’s big challenge was growing the economy.
“If we had a growing economy, we would solve the issues of unemployment, poverty and the problem of debt. If we had a growing economy, we would have the capacity to service the debt. South Africa has to refocus on growing the economy. We have had a growth problem for more than a decade,” the Minister said.
To strengthen efforts to grow the economy, National Treasury has identified four pillars to lift the economy to a higher and more inclusive growth path.
The strategy is anchored on four pillars:
• Creating a conducive environment based on maintaining macroeconomic stability;
• Implementing structural reforms;
• Supporting growth-enhancing infrastructure; and
• Building State capability.
National Treasury has forecast a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 1.1% in 2024 domestically.
This is lower than the estimate of 1.3% in February. Over the medium-term, growth is forecast to average 1.8%.
“This underscores the need for higher inclusive growth to meet the aspiration of a better life for all. Pillar one is about a stable, transparent and predictable macroeconomic framework that creates a conducive environment for businesses and households to save, spend, invest and grow.
“The second phase will also introduce new focus areas that seek to strengthen local government, harness digital infrastructure and integrate urban environments to make cities more efficient.
“Pillar three is about effective infrastructure investment, to boost economic activity and enable higher growth over the medium term,” the Minister said.
Government is also implementing initiatives like early retirement, not to merely reduce the size of the workforce, but also to introduce younger talent to the public service.
“This is part of building a capable, ethical and developmental government. We will be harnessing digital infrastructure to roll out critical systems in the provision of service delivery,” the Minister said.
These initiatives include:
• Digitising and simplifying the application and disbursement process for social grants;
• Broadening access to employment pathways;
• Rolling out digital identification documents;
• Building a centralised and accessible website for all government services; and
• Digitising health records management for the rollout of National Health Insurance. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/31/2024 - 11:41
As global temperature records continue to be broken, cities need to move fast to protect residents from heat stress. Planting trees seems the simplest solution
On Wednesday the City gave the green light for the release of land in Brackenfell, Wesfleur and Belhar
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is encouraged by some aspects of the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), which was tabled today, 30 October 2024, by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana. “The WCG welcomes national government’s commitment to fully implement structural reforms, particularly in the logistics sector, through Operation Vulindlela,” stated Premier Alan Winde, adding, …
“Budget cuts kill education” protesters tell Minister of Finance
Reforms to attract infrastructure investment
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has announced reforms that will create conditions to attract greater infrastructure investment by private sector participation.
“Collectively, the infrastructure reforms will strengthen planning, appraisal, contracting, financing, and monitoring and evaluation. The outcome will be faster delivery of infrastructure that supports economic growth, the expansion of access to basic services and boosting job creation,” Godongwana said on Wednesday.
Tabling the 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament, the Minister said one of the strategies aimed at lifting the economy to higher and towards a more inclusive growth path is supporting growth enhancing infrastructure.
“Pillar three is about effective infrastructure investment, to boost economic activity and enable higher growth over the medium term. In this regard, we are implementing reforms that will create conditions to attract greater private sector participation,” Godongwana said.
The reforms include:
• Mobilising significant private sector financing and technical expertise to augment the limited public sector capacity and capability.
• We are amending the PPP regulations to simplify requirements for undertaking these projects.
• The amended Treasury Regulation 16 will be published before the end of November for implementation in 2025/26. The Municipal PPP Regulations 309 will be finalised by June next year.
“We are establishing dedicated capacity to plan, prepare and design programmes that will generate a credible pipeline of projects that can be taken to the market.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation’s Water Partnerships Office has two priority programmes for non-revenue water and recycling wastewater that require private investments.
“Similarly, the Department of Transport, Transnet and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa are finalising a list of priority projects that will be issued to the market in 2025/26,” the Minister said.
The resolution of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project has unlocked a project pipeline to the value of R85 billion for the non-toll network over the next three years.
The Minister said government is improving the capital budgeting process.
The Budget Facility for Infrastructure is being reconfigured into a centralized gateway for all large infrastructure projects that require fiscal support to advance.
From 2025, the facility will have a continuous evaluation process instead of one window per annum. The National Treasury will, in January 2025, publish a circular to guide the submission of proposals.
“Lastly, government is making a concerted effort to increase the pool of funders to diversify public infrastructure financing through new mechanisms and instruments,” the Minister said.
These include build-operate-transfer (BOT) structures and other concessions.
“We are developing a blended finance risk-sharing platform that includes a credit guarantee vehicle that will help de-risk public-sector projects while reducing government’s contingent liabilities. Fiscal support is proposed for the projects evaluated in the 2024 BFI window,” the Minister said.
This includes, but is not limited to: two hospital projects, including a district hospital in Limpopo; landside capacity expansions at the Cape Town Container Terminal; capacity upgrades on the rail network from Watloo to Gqeberha; rehabilitation of water infrastructure in eThekwini; and Student housing accommodation at six higher education institutions.
“A request for proposals will be issued this year for funders who are interested in supporting these projects, as well as projects for urban rail revitalisation, disaster relief and metropolitan trading services. Funding for these will be separated from broader sovereign borrowing and be accounted for separately,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:49
City of Cape Town expresses disappointment at the slow pace of change
VFS Global (www.VFSGlobal.com) are proud to announce that residents of South Africa, travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VFS Global's new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres located in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.
Effective 22 October 2024, customers applying for a UK visa will be directed to VFS Global to book an appointment to complete their visa application. Customers will also have the option to choose additional services designed to make the application process easier.
Commenting on the launch of the new Centres, Mr. Alok Singhal, Head- Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here in South Africa. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from South Africa our best-in-class services.”
UK visa customers can now choose from a range of optional services offered by VFS Global to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made.
Customers can also submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service. VFS Global's Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers to keep their passports once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customer will only need to re-submit their passport when a decision is reached.
The services can be booked in advance on https://apo-opa.co/4f4Yw1G or at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the appointment. These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.
As a partner to the UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries before the new contract and has now been awarded the contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide. In the African region, VFS Global will provide Visa Application Centres for the UK in 31 countries, from October 2024.
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UK Visa Application Centres in South Africa Cape Town: 2 Long Street, 9th floor, nr 2 on Long Street, 8001 Port Elizabeth: Greyville House, 3rd Floor, Greyville House Building, Corner of Ring Road, Caper Road & Greyville Road, Greenacres Durban: Glass House, 309 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Johannesburg: Rivonia Village, 3rd, Cnr Rivonia Boulevard and Mutual Road, Sandton, 2128 Pretoria: The Podium at Menlyn - 4th Floor, 43 Ingersol Rd, Lynnwood Glen, 0081 |
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Website: https://apo-opa.co/4f4Yw1G Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri, except public holidays) Application submission: 9 AM to 4 PM (Mon to Fri, except public holidays) Passport collection: 12 PM to 3 PM (Mon to Fri, except public holidays) Primetime submission and collection: 8 AM to 9 AM & 4 PM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri, except public holidays) |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
georgec@vfsglobal.com
communications@vfsglobal.com
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 297 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
If you’ve heard a lot of buzz about artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics but felt like it’s only for tech experts, think again! The truth is these tools are no longer reserved for large companies or IT wizards. AI and data analytics are becoming easier to use, offering powerful ways to improve your business …
Pledge to improve working conditions in the construction sector
A nationwide pledge aimed at creating safer, healthier working environments for those working in the construction sector is set to be signed this week.
The Department of Employment and Labour said the Decent Work in Construction Pledge will be signed at roadshows in Cape Town on Wednesday and in George on Friday.
Wednesday’s roadshow will take place at the Aspired Country Manor in Philippi and Friday’s roadshow will take place at the Protea Hotel King George.
“Each roadshow stop will feature informative presentations, interactive sessions, and the opportunity to sign the Decent Work in Construction Pledge.”
The department and its partners, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) and the Compensation Fund (CF), have united to support labour rights and ethical business practices in the construction sector.
The partnership focuses on advancing labour rights, eliminating exploitative practices and enhancing productivity in a sector that is vital to the country's economic growth. The recently signed Construction Health and Safety Accord plays a vital role in advancing the decent work agenda in the sector.
This agreement between government, organised labour and organised business aims to create safer, healthier working environments.
It also promotes collaboration among all parties to prioritise workers' safety while enhancing business efficiency.
“The construction sector is one of the largest employers in South Africa, generating thousands of jobs annually. However, it is also an industry where decent work challenges, such as safety risks, informal labour practices and wage exploitation, are prevalent,” the department said.
“The objective of this initiative is to change this narrative by promoting fair, compliant, and fulfilling work conditions for construction workers, while simultaneously boosting productivity for businesses.
“Decent Work advocates for employment that respects the dignity, safety, and rights of all workers. It defines decent work in the construction sector as employment that is fulfilling, compliant with regulations, and free from exploitation,” the department explained.
Establishing a foundation for meaningful transformation within the construction sector, the Decent Work in Construction campaign promotes:
“By signing, businesses and individuals commit to promoting fair, safe, and compliant working conditions. Workers and the public are also urged to report any instances of exploitation, non-compliance, or unsafe conditions to their nearest labour centre,” the department said.
These reports will help identify and address unfair practices, ensuring workers' rights are upheld.
The department said the benefits of decent work extend beyond individual workers, helping businesses thrive, reducing turnover, and enhancing overall industry productivity. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/29/2024 - 10:07
Ikamva Labantu releases new research on elder abuse in Cape Town’s townships finding women are abused more frequently and experience a wider range of abuse compared to men. The study emphasised the vulnerability of older people in townships due to their socio-economic status and the loss of traditional respect for elders. This is the first …
100 days in office: Labour Minister focuses on job creation, improved services
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says her first 100 days in office signify not an "endpoint" but rather the beginning of numerous initiatives aimed at better serving clients and the country as a whole.
In addition, Meth said her department was consumed by fulfilling the mandate of job creation and protection of vulnerable workers.
The Minister was speaking at the Cape Town Labour Centre, where she was unpacking the first 100 days in office following the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“We are seized with the mammoth task of changing the trajectory of our economy into one that resonates with the resolve of the GNU to nudge actions that will advance the three priorities.”
These, she said, include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental State.
Meth said they hit the ground running with the Deputy Ministers getting acquainted with the department, and strengthening cooperation with organised labour, organised business, social partners and civil society.
The leaders have also been participating in parliamentary processes, and ensuring accountability to the Portfolio Committee, Cabinet and Cluster Committee meetings.
The last three months have also been characterised by the Strategic Plan 2025/2030 of the department, which sets out the GNU strategic priorities and principles espoused by the statement of intent of the GNU.
Inspections and enforcement activities
Meth took the time to delve into the role of inspection and enforcement, saying these were critical to safeguarding workers' rights, ensuring compliance with labour laws and upholding fair practices.
According to the Minister, the department has jointly conducted more successful inspections, leading to 81 arrests of employers and undocumented immigrants.
The high-impact inspections and compliance raids targeted the hospitality, road and freight, textile, car manufacturing, and farming sectors, as these have high non-compliance with labour laws.
“During these inspections, we addressed non-standard employment practices that render workers vulnerable. We contributed to job preservation by ensuring that employed individuals enjoy the protection of their rights, which in turn enhances productivity and economic growth,” Meth said.
She announced that 17 662 national inspections were conducted during this period.
Out of the 17 662 inspections, 12 195 workplaces were compliant, while 5 494 workplaces were found to be non-compliant, with enforcement notices issued as a result.
TERS budget
Meth said during this period, there was an increase in the budget for the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS), from R400 million to R2.4 billion for the current financial year.
“This significant boost aims to shelter companies in distress and prevent employee layoffs amid unstable economic conditions.”
Meth was of the view that the increase in the TERS budget was a proactive response to volatile economic trends that threaten the livelihoods of impoverished workers and the sustainability of businesses.
“Our goal is to preserve jobs and support companies facing financial difficulties. Furthermore, increasing the scheme's capacity aims to reduce the risk of further retrenchments and support economic stability.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, R65 billion was made available for TERS.
Meanwhile, Meth said Phase 3 of the “Follow the Money” project started in October 2024.
The project aims to verify the payment of R65 billion to 215 companies under the COVID-19 relief scheme.
To date, Meth said the project has recovered R1.2 billion since inception.
“Initially, the aim was to verify 50% of the amount paid, and now we want to verify the entire amount. Consequently, 27 audit firms have been appointed, and Phase 3 commenced in October 2024."
Ninety-six fraud cases were identified, 40 were presented to the court, and all were finalised. The highest conviction was 20 years of direct imprisonment. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/29/2024 - 15:17
“We’re not retrenching teachers. We’re reducing posts,” says WCED head
The largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the African continent is gearing up to welcome global and African energy stakeholders for five days of dialogue and deals. African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 – dubbed the premier event for the African energy sector – will take place from November 4-8 in Cape Town, South Africa. The foremost platform to sign deals and further the agenda towards making energy poverty history by 2030, the conference will feature seven stages, including five content stages, two technical hubs and a full day of pre-event workshops.
With over 125 million barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant opportunities in solar, wind and green hydrogen, Africa has the potential to become a global hub for energy. African energy demand is projected to more than double by 2050, with fossil fuels anticipated to account for up to 60% of the continent's energy mix by 2040. As such, this year's conference promises to drive a new wave of investment across the African energy sector, with industry experts and thought-leaders, African governments and national oil companies (NOCs), and energy investors leading discussions on the challenges and opportunities found on the continent.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Africa's energy industry is both the backbone of the continent's economy and a catalyst for sustainable growth worldwide. As such, the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference will feature a series of pre-event interactive workshops, providing an opportunity for companies to share in-depth knowledge and exchange ideas with a targeted group of delegates. The workshops, hosted by companies such as Rystad Energy, NCDMB, CLG, Energeo Alliance and S&P Global Commodity Insights, will cover various topics including energizing Africa amid the global energy transition; legislative and regulatory context for promoting investment in exploration; and facilitating investments and mergers and acquisitions across the continent.
A high-level opening ceremony will kick off at the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC) on the first day of the event. The opening ceremony will feature addresses from Angola's Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Diamantino Azevedo and South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and discussions with the likes of Dr. Omar Farouk, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization and Chairman and CEO of upstream oil company Kosmos Energy Andy Inglis. The AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 opening will kick off a week of intense dialogue on the future of the African energy industry. The opening will also feature a number of panel discussions focusing on the vital role Africa plays in addressing global energy security, as well as keynote addresses from the heads of some of the largest energy companies in the world.
Representing the entire energy value chain from oil and gas to renewable energy to power and infrastructure, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will feature a massive slate of regional ministers with the aim of unpacking the continent's strategies to make energy poverty history by 2030. Ministers from Libya and Algeria are poised to showcase North Africa's ambitious production targets while aiming to plug Europe's energy gap and enhance domestic energy access. Southern Africa's ripe opportunities in energy and mining will be put on display by ministers from Mozambique, Angola, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia while West African ministers from the MSGBC region, Nigeria, Ghana and Burkina Faso will provide updates on ongoing projects. With major producers such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo (ROC) inviting investors to support diversification efforts in production and refining, regional ministers from Central Africa will share insight into available opportunities in oil and gas, mining and infrastructure. Meanwhile, as a frontier market, East Africa is incentivizing exploration in both on- and offshore basins while driving infrastructure and field development projects forward and will be represented by energy and mining ministers from Ethiopia, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Africa is accelerating the pace of upstream projects with the aim of boosting production and intra-African petroleum distribution. Across both mature and emerging hydrocarbon markets, investment opportunities continue to emerge, and as such, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will feature a strong lineup of VIP speakers from energy supermajors Eni, bp, Chevron and TotalEnergies. The event will also feature representatives from some of the continent's most important energy players including Azule Energy, ReconAfrica, Etu Energias, Africa Oil Corp., Wood Mackenzie and Adarco Energy, among many more. The oil industries of African countries will be represented by NOCs from Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, among others.
With two technical hubs on the exhibition floor of the CTICC, the conference serves as a prime platform for companies to provide presentations on various industry-leading technical themes. The AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 technical track features a dedicated stage for asset owners, engineers and technology innovators to present projects, provide deep insights into cutting-edge solutions, and share best practices to foster knowledge. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future of energy and learn about ground-breaking projects while discovering new opportunities for collaboration and investment. An exclusive exhibition-only pass grants delegates access to both the innovative exhibition floor and the technical track.
Rounding off AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024's strong program, a series of technical excursions and site visits across Cape Town offer participants the unique opportunity to gain insight into ongoing projects and developments in South Africa. A guided tour of the Hydrogen Project at the University of the Western Cape will focus on industry technology and development. The tour will also take delegates to the South African Renewable Energy Technology Center at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which stands as the country's inaugural sustainable energy development technology facility. The excursion will feature a tour of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, which stands as a promising landmark in Africa's energy landscape while showcasing advancements in sustainable energy solutions, economic development and innovation. Rounding off the site visits, the tour will also take participants to the Eskom Palmiet Power Station, a hydroelectric pumped storage facility that plays a key role in stabilizing the national power grid.
“AEW 2024 stands at the center of African energy and provides an unparalleled platform to forge partnerships, share knowledge and drive progress in the continent's energy sector. It is our collective responsibility to prioritize energy poverty alleviation and sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for all Africans. We look very much forward to kicking off this exciting event and welcoming hundreds of delegates from all over the world to drive Africa's energy needs,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference, delegates will be exposed to project updates, industry highlights, investment opportunities and strategies that address the continent's goals for eradicating energy poverty and promoting environmental sustainability. With one week to go, the conference is already stacking up to become the foremost energy event of its kind once again on the African continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
This is a response to the article published in GroundUp News on 23 October 2024 : Disability Grant applicant collapses in long queue at SASSA office SASSA Western Cape requested a right of reply as they were never contacted for official comment. Furthermore, the article fails to include essential context. In the article, it is …
Deputy Minister calls on South African thought leaders to drive solutions
Social Development Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks has urged thought leaders and stakeholders to move beyond posing questions and instead contribute viable solutions towards fortifying South Africa’s social protection systems.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at the official launch of the Social Security Review Volume 2 held at the HSRC Head Office in Cape Town on Monday.
Held under the theme “Social Security in the Time of COVID-19,” the gathering in Cape Town brought together influential figures from government, academia, research, and civil society to reflect on the pandemic’s impact on social protection and discuss innovative ways to address the ongoing challenges.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the collective efforts behind the publication, which is the result of collaboration among the Department of Social Development, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and independent experts and researchers.
Applauding their dedication, the Minister emphasised that the Social Security Review serves as a platform for independent critique and the examination of government interventions on crucial policy matters.
“Your work is essential for building an informed society that can hold policy decisions to account and ensure that they benefit every South African,” the Deputy Minister noted, urging them to continue their contributions.
Since its inaugural release in February 2022, the Social Security Review has become a critical resource, providing insights into the gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic brought social protection to the forefront globally,” the Deputy Minister said, highlighting the world’s largest mobilisation of social protection measures seen to date.
However, he pointed out several gaps in South Africa’s own systems, including sparse coverage and data management for vulnerable groups, particularly unemployed adults, seasonal workers, and informal sector employees. These issues, he added, affect women most profoundly, as they are predominantly represented in insecure, informal work.
Hendricks underscored the urgency of addressing these gaps, given the clear benefits that an inclusive, comprehensive social protection system can offer. He argued that the experiences from COVID-19 made a compelling case for more lofty policies, including the Universal Basic Income Grant.
“Now is the time to begin serious national discussions on overdue policy choices, and this publication is essential as we work toward a resilient social security system,” he said, linking this to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s strategic focus on poverty reduction and managing the cost of living.
The Deputy Minister noted that evidence-based decision-making must guide social security reform, especially as South Africa looks towards its National Consultative Dialogue scheduled for December 16, where a united vision for the country’s social protection framework will be on the agenda.
“The capacity of social protection to reduce inequality and manage poverty is foundational to our nation’s stability,” he said, underscoring the important role of social security in promoting social cohesion and renewing the social contract with South Africans.
Highlighting the tangible impact of social assistance programmes, the Deputy Minister lauded South Africa’s achievements in poverty reduction since the dawn of democracy.
The country currently provides income support to over 18 million vulnerable individuals, including children, older persons, and people with disabilities. This was supplemented by the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, which began as a temporary measure in 2020 to aid over 8.5 million unemployed adults affected by the pandemic.
Hendricks said this network of social assistance acts as a lifeline in times of crisis and that “one cannot imagine the depths of poverty our people might have faced without these protections”.
The Deputy Minister shared that climate change and the economic aftershocks of COVID-19 are prompting a re-evaluation of South Africa’s social protection framework.
“We must build a modern, comprehensive, and shock-responsive system,” he said, adding that social protection reform is not just policy, it’s a constitutional mandate.
South Africa’s Constitution enshrines democratic values, social justice, human rights, and a commitment to quality of life for all citizens. Hendricks expressed optimism that continued collaboration with experts and academics will drive progress in these areas.
Hendricks extended his appreciation to the authors, editors, and reviewers whose contributions made the Social Security Review Volume 2 possible.
Their work, he said, will stimulate robust dialogue and help shape policies that support a more equitable future for South Africa. Officially launching the publication, he declared it a must-read for legislators, scholars, and all invested in South Africa’s prosperity. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/29/2024 - 10:59