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Rugby World Cup win demonstrates power of transformation
Rugby World Cup win demonstrates power of transformation
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) win has demonstrated the power of transformation.
“The Springboks are a potent symbol of just how far we have come as a people. That is why you have been so warmly embraced by South Africans of all races as their own,” President Ramaphosa said.
This was the fourth victory by the Springboks for the championship. All four championships have taken place during South Africa’s democratic years.
The President reflected on when former Boks captain Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at Ellis Park Stadium on 24 June 1995.
“Our democracy was just over one year old. South Africa had just been readmitted to World Rugby three years earlier. There was only one black player on the team, the legendary Chester Williams. It was a monumental, historic and deeply symbolic occasion. This win is also monumental,” he said.
The Springboks won the 2023 RWC against New Zealand at the finals in Paris, France, on Saturday, 28 October 2023.
Welcoming the Rugby World Cup champions at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, the President was joined by scores of Springbok supporters across different age groups and races, who filled the streets and cheered for the team.
They were in high spirits, proudly wearing their Springbok jerseys as they celebrated and chanted the names of their favourite players.
A large media contingent was also present to capture the Webb Ellis Cup parade, which kicked off in Pretoria. The world champions are embarking on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday, with the next stop being in Johannesburg and Soweto, concluding at FNB Stadium.
“Never in the history of the Rugby World Cup has any team lifted the trophy on four occasions. Until now. In doing so, you have lifted the spirits of an entire nation and filled us with pride.
“You have united the South African people. The words 'Amabokobo', 'Go Bokke' are being shouted from the rooftops by black and white, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, in all our national languages. Over the past eight weeks, this country has been a sea of green and gold.
“People who haven’t even followed rugby before or been interested in the game are now talking with confidence about scrums, rucks, drop kicks and tries,” the President said.
He said the performance of the Springboks in this year’s Rugby World Cup has captured people’s imagination and energised them in a way not seen in a long time.
“It has reminded us that even amidst our many challenges, there is always room for optimism and hope. I have said before that we do not make light of the challenges our country faces. We certainly do not imagine that a sporting victory can or will wish them away.
“Your journey to victory in France on Saturday night was as much about our journey towards nationhood as it was about sporting excellence. It was as much about the power of transformation,” said the President.
He said Amabokoboko are testament to the power of a dream.
“Every young boy and girl in this country today – whether they are black, white, Indian or coloured – now knows they don’t have to be content with dreaming of becoming like you. They know they can be you,” the President said.
The Springbok rugby team tour will continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed gratitude to South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament.
“We, as a team, chose to dedicate this World Cup to you because you are the reason we are where we are today. Your resilient spirit, how hard you work and the things that you go through to be where you are in life.
“Your support kept us going. We are very diverse and we wanted to show that diversity is our strength in South Africa. We need to use our diversity. It is a powerful force that many countries do not have and that we can use.
“When we work together regardless of our backgrounds, we put South Africa first and work for South Africa. That is what we did. We did it by playing rugby,” Kolisi said.
South African Rugby Union (SARU) President Mark Alexander said the team’s victory is a testament of the unwavering support and boundless passion of the millions of South Africans who supported the team.
“Your Tik Toks, YouTube and Facebook posts celebrating the victories played a role in motivating our team as they fought brilliantly on the field. Our team has achieved a historic fourth Rugby World Cup, an epic accomplishment that could not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our players, led by the coaching team,” Alexander said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 11:56
554 views
Raise the bar: The cocktail glassware guide
Hosting a cocktail party, whether it’s your first or hundredth, can be stressful – you want every detail to be just right, from the food down to the napkins. Selecting the right glassware is essential, not only for presentation, but for elevating your guests’ overall drinking experience. So, here’s a simple guide to choosing the …
Operalia Finalists Announced – The ‘World Cup of Opera’
Placido Domingo’s Operalia – the “World Cup of Opera” – has selected 12 (two of them South Africans) who will perform in Cape Town on Sunday 5th November 2023. In a closely contested semi-final round that played out at the Artscape Theatre yesterday, this year’s Operalia jury selected 12 singers, including South Africa’s Nombulelo Yende …
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Reforms can enhance GDP
Reforms can enhance GDP
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) prioritises reforms aimed at enhancing the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He was delivering the MTBPS in the National Assembly in Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday.
“To this end, excluding interest, funding for capital projects remains the fastest-growing item by economic classification. Furthermore, we are introducing a new mechanism for improving the pace of delivery of capital projects,” he said.
The Minister was cheerful about the electricity sector’s “enormously positive transformation” due to reforms.
“We are reaping the fruits of our efforts to reform the electricity sector, including the easing of restrictions on self-generation and encouraging private investment in the area.
“At the same time, we recognise the potential loss of revenue due to private electricity generation, and the fact that traditional revenue models relied on by public entities like Eskom, face serious disruption.
“It is for these reasons that our electricity reforms are holistic, evidenced-based, and geared to find a balanced solution to our electricity supply challenges. They take into account not just a particular entity but the transformation of the sector as a whole,” he said.
According to the extended MTBPS, some of the major reforms in the energy sector comprise::
- Three projects under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, with capacity totalling 150 MW, will be ready for connection to the grid in November 2023.
- By 2025, nine projects with a total capacity of over 1 000 MW will be connected to the grid under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, with a further 1 000 MW expected in the next phase.
- In June, Eskom released interim rules to ensure fair and transparent allocation of limited grid capacity.
- In August, Cabinet approved an amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act (2006) for public comment. The amendment aims to establish an independent transmission system operator and a competitive electricity market.
Turning to the logistics system, the Minister said the system faces significant challenges which have cost “up to 5 percent of GDP in 2022, with losses in the region of R50 billion in the minerals sector alone”.
The extended MTBPS notes that the cost of rail inefficiencies last year is estimated at R411 billion.
“Given the scale of the challenges, the National Logistics Crisis Committee was instituted to broaden reforms in the sector and prioritise reforms aimed at resolving the immediate crisis, while also addressing the structural aspects hampering the sector.
“This approach is consistent with the key lesson from our reform of the electricity sector, that resolving these challenges must be based on transforming the sector, and not trying to save an entity,” he said.
Godongwana said a “dysfunctional” Transnet – which remains at the heart of the logistics sector and the movement of goods – has serious implications for business, people’s lives, the economy and the country’s global competitiveness.
“No modern economy can thrive and grow new industries if rail lines are beset by delays, and ports are unable to efficiently handle incoming and outgoing cargo. Transnet’s performance in this regard has been underwhelming and its operations have been strained by a worsening financial state.
“Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the National Treasury is working with Transnet and the Department of Public Enterprises to ensure that Transnet can meet its immediate debt obligations,” he said.
The Minister said in this regard, a Freight Logistics roadmap will guide reforms in the sector.
“The roadmap sets out a clear path for enhancing efficiencies, facilitating the introduction of competition and leveraging the financial and technical support of the private sector.
“Only once these three objectives are reflected in Transnet’s corporate and operational plans, will there be a conversation about whether and how government can provide financial support to transform the logistics sector,” Godongwana said.
Improvements in areas such as financial management and financial governance are being prepared.
“These reforms will respond to the recommendations of the Zondo Commission, the Mpati Commission, and the Nugent Commission.
“I will…table an Omnibus Bill for public consultation, which will include key amendments to various pieces of legislation, including the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (PFMA), Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003 (MFMA) and South African Revenue Service Act (SARS Act),” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:13
229 views
MTBPS2023: Public sector wage bill killing growth and hope
Responding to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), delivered by Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana today, Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, expressed their dismay at the lack of a clear and bold plan to drastically boost economic growth and job creation. “In-year cuts, meaning funding that had already …
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Don Julio rocks Daisies – Where luxury meets festivals.
[Cape Town, November 2023] — Get ready to dive into the epitome of festival opulence as Rocking the Daisies, South Africa’s unrivaled music fest, teams up with the legendary Don Julio tequila. From November 17-19, buckle up for an extraordinary ride into the realm of Tierra de Don Julio (the land of Don Julio)! Prepare …
President Ramaphosa to welcome rugby world champs
President Ramaphosa to welcome rugby world champs
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday morning welcome the Rugby World Cup Champions, the Springboks, to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The Springboks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand in Paris, France on Saturday.
The welcome ceremony at the Union Buildings for the national team signifies the start of the Rugby World Champions’ National Trophy Tour.
The team touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday to a rousing welcome from the public.
The Webb Ellis Cup parade will kick off on Thursday in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto, concluding at FNB Stadium; and proceed to Cape Town on 03 November 2023; Durban on 04 November 2023 before the tour ends in the Eastern Cape (East London) on 05 November 2023.
Members of the public in Pretoria are welcome to witness this event from Government Avenue, Arcadia.
President to update Parliament
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa will on Thursday afternoon engage with Members of Parliament (MPs) on diverse national issues when he responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.
Among issues MPs have raised with the President are:
• the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and its accountability to Parliament;
• commissions of inquiry established by the President;
• combating violence against women and children;
• insights gained from the Census 2022 for macro-economic policy;
• fiscal discipline within Government.
The President will also discuss the state of readiness of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
Parliamentary Questions for Oral and Written Reply are one of the mechanisms through which Parliament holds the Executive to account.
The questions session will start at 14:00. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 09:40
51 views
Call for a realistic 2023 MTBPS
Call for a realistic 2023 MTBPS
North-West University Business School Professor Raymond Parsons has called for a realistic and sound Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), given the additional fiscal and economic challenges facing the country.
“The National Treasury has already warned of the tough decisions that will need to be taken in the medium-term budget. A shortfall of about R100 billion is now widely forecast. Unless remedial steps are taken, the risks of another 'fiscal cliff' for South Africa will rise,” Parsons said.
He said the latest Monetary Policy Review also emphasised that a lack of fiscal sustainability would keep interest rates elevated for longer.
His appeal comes ahead of Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s MTBPS, which will be tabled at the National Assembly in Cape Town today.
“It is now generally recognised that the combination of low growth, less-than-expected tax revenues, and continued high government spending means that the economic and financial assumptions on which the 2023 Budget projections in February were based are no longer valid.
“Several of the fiscal risks outlined in the main Budget have materialised. These factors have now severely reduced available fiscal space, necessitating a realistic approach to a less favourable set of circumstances. If the medium-term Budget is not credible in its actions, it will be assumed that there will just be more borrowing or big tax rises to come later,” Parsons said.
He identified government bailouts to struggling state-owned enterprises as a persistent problem.
“Transnet recently asked government for financial support – which is basically a bailout – to implement its turnaround plan. The Bureau for Economic Research has warned that Transnet’s request comes at an inopportune time for the fiscus.
“How the National Treasury decides to respond to Transnet’s need for further assistance will be seen in the MTBPS. South Africa is already at the outer boundary of what it can reasonably do to contain its debt burden and stabilise its public finances. Reducing the deficit inevitably now means recalibrating the broad dynamics of its public finances,” he said.
With the debt-to-GDP ratio now over 70% and expected to increase further, Parsons said South Africa's rising debt bill is already absorbing too large a share of the budget at the expense of other major social spending and infrastructure.
“A long-range fiscal plan is, therefore, now needed to steadily wind down spending and debt and bring them under control in a way that establishes clear priorities for the future.
“Fiscal policy will inevitably have to be pragmatic and realistic to deliver sensible trade-offs in order to project a credible medium-term Budget that offers more predictability and certainty.
“This fiscal balancing act will, therefore, require a skilful but level-headed revised Budget ‘mix’ and projections. It requires successfully managing multiple spending pressures at a time when political elections are pending in 2024,” he said.
Credibility
Parsons emphasised that the medium-term Budget must be a credible fiscal plan that does enough in challenging economic circumstances to placate nervous markets and not allow excessive borrowing to 'crowd out' the private sector.
“It is apparent that, whatever other steps may be needed to 'balance the books', all roads eventually run through inclusive growth if South Africa wants fiscal sustainability in the longer term. And if, through job-rich growth, South Africa can also move more citizens out of welfare and into work, a lowering of the quantum and risks of welfare dependency will also improve the fiscal balance.
“The number of countries that have grown successfully out of large debt is really quite small, whereas the number of economies that got into major fiscal difficulties that ultimately ended in inflation and other economic distortions is quite large.
“This emphasises why there can be no complacency about the immediate medium-term Budget challenges and no doubt about the National Treasury's determination to keep the fiscal situation manageable,” he said.
Parsons said the 2023 MTBPS which is also known as the mini budget, must reinforce the overall message that the trajectory of South Africa’s GDP growth (and potential growth) will, eventually, be driven mainly by the pace at which structural reforms materialise, especially on the energy front.
“The medium-term Budget needs to reflect a renewed commitment to do what is necessary to help reduce South Africa's risk premium by strengthening the pillars of fiscal sustainability,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 10:30
135 views
Kolisi dedicates World Cup win to all South Africans
Kolisi dedicates World Cup win to all South Africans
With the melting pot of different cultures in the Springbok team, Captain Siya Kolisi has attributed winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup to the champions working together in pursuit of inspiring the nation.
Addressing a media briefing upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport from France, Kolisi thanked South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament and dedicated the win to people who want to achieve their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
“We wanted to make sure that this win was for the people of South Africa because of the diversity in our team. We all come from different walks of life and different races. This trophy is for people who come from tough circumstances and disadvantaged areas… who want to make something out of their lives. This is for you because we also come from those environments. We want people to get a reference point to see how they can make it from their situation. It is also for people who come from rich homes,” Kolisi said on Tuesday.
The national team was welcomed at the airport by scores of jubilant South Africans donning the Springbok colours with hopes of getting a glimpse of the world champions. This is after they triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis Cup once more.
“As a team we had to learn [to work together]. We knew our cultures were different and that comes with differences amongst ourselves. We had a coaching staff who knew how to align us as a group; who knew how to put us together so we can focus towards a common goal, which was the Springboks and the people of South Africa.
“Our coaches taught us about taking care of each other and reminded us about our painful past, which some people have not healed from. We speak about it honestly amongst our team and talk about transformation. It is important to talk about healing from our past. We need to know the way forward; how do get better as South Africa,” he said.
Kolisi said transformation is about people changing internally; understanding each other’s cultures and taking care of each other.
“I know this win is going to inspire the country but it will not change people’s circumstances. For us as players, it will give us a platform that can open opportunities through the work that we do with our foundations,” he said.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said the victory paid homage to President Nelson Mandela who had the vision that sport has the ability to unite.
“Your performance both on and off the field has represented you well as ambassadors of the country of our dreams, united as defined in the preamble of our Constitution,” he said.
South Africans will get the opportunity to see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy in person when the Springboks embark on a four-day tour from Thursday.
The tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby and on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 13:55
290 views
Hundreds march in the rain in Durban to demand municipal jobs
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Communal toilets overflowing with faeces due to extortion
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Springbok supporters await arrival of their champions
Springbok supporters await arrival of their champions
Scores of jubilant South Africans donning the Springbok colours have arrived at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the world champions back home after their victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The national side triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis Cup once more.
The supporters, who have braved the cold and rainy weather to get a glimpse of the team, are in high spirits, singing and dancing. The team will address the nation at a media conference that has been scheduled upon their arrival from France on Tuesday.
Boks head coach Jacques Nienaber, Captain Siya Kolisi and other squad members are expected to attend a media briefing at 12pm.
The team arrives in South Africa on Tuesday (10:55am) and will commence a four-day trophy tour to major regional population centres from Thursday.
The tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 10:09
216 views
DHL Stormers touring squad heads north
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Springboks to embark on a four-day trophy tour
Springboks to embark on a four-day trophy tour
South Africans will get an opportunity see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy when the Springboks rugby team tour the country this week.
The world champions will embark on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday. The team arrives back in South Africa on Tuesday (10:55am) at OR Tambo International Airport and will commence the tour 48 hours later.
This as the national side triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 09:34
1537 views
B-well Collaborates with CANSA to create the Smart Choice Cookbook, Packed with Cancer-Preventing Recipes
Cape Town, October 2023 – In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, small changes in your diet can make all the difference. By changing something as simple as your cooking oil, you may reduce your risk of getting certain cancers. Throughout the month of October, in alignment with Cancer Awareness Month, B-well took an even …
Why the Western Cape’s industrial property sector is booming
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