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The ninth regional Committee of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Africa (UN-GGIM:Africa) will be held in Cape Town, South Africa from 13 to 18 August 2023.

Organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the Executive Board of UN-GGIM:Africa and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, the meeting will be held in conjunction with the 31st International Cartographic Conference (ICC 2023).

UN-GGIM: Africa's mission is to facilitate the coordination of African geospatial development and support ECA Member States in realizing a comprehensive geospatial vision, utilizing the potential of geospatial technology to address emerging global challenges and various socio-economic sectors in Africa.

The primary objective of the upcoming meeting is to evaluate progress made on the recommendations and actions stemming from previous Regional Committee gatherings. Additionally, it will provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and the exchange of best practices in geospatial information development across Africa.

Participants will also explore the manifold advantages of employing geospatial data for sustainable development and discuss policies, measures, and strategies to ensure successful implementation of an integrated geospatial information framework in the region.

The outcomes of this significant gathering are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the global vision of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management, fostering substantial progress throughout the African continent. The meeting aims to consolidate the consensus surrounding the Regional Committee while critically assessing its structure, functions, and operations, with particular attention to defining its funding mechanism.

The strategic decision to hold the ninth UN-GGIM: Africa meeting alongside the International Cartographic Conference 2023 further enriches the event. Participants from Africa will have the unique opportunity to attend plenary sessions and engage in numerous scientific and technical discussions. This collaborative arrangement will foster interaction, networking, and the cross-fertilization of ideas among delegates from the global geospatial information community.

As the meeting draws near, expectations are high for meaningful outcomes that will further advance geospatial development in Africa, unlocking its potential to tackle pressing challenges and drive sustainable progress across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

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Mireille Wenger, provincial MEC of Finance and Economic Opportunities, spent the morning at the I-CAN Centre in Elsie's River which is a flagship and pioneering community-based centre, developed in partnership with the City of Cape Town, which provides digital skills programmes and has had more than 94,000 visitors to date, after opening in 2015.

MEC Wenger said, “As we celebrate President Mandela's legacy today, and specifically, his commitment to empowering our youth who are our future, I am thrilled to be part of the launch of the Makerspace Lab. This space has been created to encourage young entrepreneurs to use their entrepreneurial skills to develop prototypes for display, ultimately to gain exposure to generate income.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing young people from Phillipi, Khayelitsha, and Elsie's River who are currently studying at I-CAN and who shared with me the opportunities for networking they have had access to through the programmes, and how design thinking helped them to realise that they can adapt to any situation.”

In 2014, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism provided the funding needed for the setup and operations of the I-CAN Centre, in partnership with the City of Cape Town, who is the owner of the premises and property.

The I-CAN Centre, run by Genesis CITI, officially opened to the public in September 2015, with the aim to empower individuals with digital skills and entrepreneurship, and provides services that bring together various stakeholders, such as government, private companies, potential entrepreneurs, and non-profit organisations, to drive transformational change through access to technology.

The I-CAN Centre offers both entry-level and vendor certified vocational digital skills training and has also received accreditation from the MICT SETA for two ICT qualifications.

As of September 2022, the centre had welcomed a total of 94,426 citizen visits and 13,627 training opportunities had been delivered.  These are a combination of free, donor-funded, and paid courses, providing opportunities and value for money to those who choose to learn at the centre.

“I am particularly impressed with how the I-CAN Centre provides a safe space with technology-enabled services so that citizens can access digital resources. This is particularly important for primary and high school students who rely on internet access to complete assignments, as well as for unemployed individuals, who have access to free internet to look and apply for jobs and develop their skills.” said MEC Wenger.

“We have recently launched our new and ambitious economic strategy, Growth for Jobs, which has at its heart the understanding that it is the private sector, and particularly, citizens, entrepreneurs and SMMEs, that create jobs, and it is governments' job to provide the foundations of this economic growth, to enable this. A critical part of enabling this growth is making sure that citizens have the skills they need to succeed, which is why we will continue to investment in programmes like the I-CAN Centre so that our residents have access to the tools and skills they need to grab hold of opportunities,” concluded MEC Wenger.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities, South Africa.

South Africa, a land of unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, celebrates a remarkable double triumph at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards. The country has been honoured with the prestigious title of "Best Country," while its iconic city, Cape Town, has claimed the coveted title of "Best City in the World." These exceptional accolades, voted for by 27,000 passionate readers, are a testament to South Africa's undeniable allure and the enduring impact it has on travellers.

The Telegraph Travel Awards, a distinguished platform within the travel industry, recognizes destinations that captivate the imagination and leave an indelible mark on visitors. South Africa's resounding success in winning both the "Best Country" and "Best City in the World" categories underscores its unparalleled natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural experiences.

Cape Town, often hailed as the "Mother City," has long been celebrated for its picturesque beauty, world-famous landmarks, and warm hospitality. The city's win as the "Best City in the World" is a resounding affirmation of its status as a global tourism gem. From the majestic Table Mountain and stunning beaches to the captivating Cape Winelands and vibrant neighbourhoods, Cape Town offers an abundance of experiences that appeal to the senses and nourish the soul.

“We are thrilled and immensely proud that South Africa has been recognized as the 'Best Country' at the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards, and our vibrant city of Cape Town has been crowned the 'Best City in the World.' These accolades are a testament to the remarkable experiences our country offers and the unwavering dedication of our tourism industry. South Africa's diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and warm hospitality continue to captivate the hearts of travellers from around the globe. We extend our deepest gratitude to the 27,000 Telegraph readers who voted for us and invite everyone to come and experience the magic of South Africa firsthand,” says Kgomotso Ramothea, Acting Hub Head for UK and Ireland Hub.

In 2022, South Africa welcomed 303,848 arrivals from the UK and Ireland. January to May 2023 arrivals from the UK now stand at 164,232 which is a 50.2% increase when compared to January to May 2022 arrivals of 109,372.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Tourism.

For South African Tourism:
Thandiwe Mathibela
GM: PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Email: thandiwe@southafrica.net  Or mediaq@southafrica.net

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The multiparty delegation of Parliament's Rules Committee kicks off its benchmarking visit to the UK Parliament's House of Commons in Westminster today. This three-day visit is a significant step in the ongoing consideration of establishing a parliamentary oversight mechanism over the presidency. The delegation seeks to gather essential information that will assist in making an informed decision regarding the necessity and structure of such a committee.

The Rules Committee has been diligently examining the question of how best to strengthen parliamentary oversight over the presidency. This follows the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State, which proposed that Parliament assess the desirability of establishing a committee to oversee acts or omissions by the President and Presidency that are not currently overseen by existing portfolio committees.

Of the 19 recommendations made by the State Capture Commission specifically related to the scope of Parliament's work, procedures, practices, and conventions, 11 have already been implemented, while the remaining 8 are currently being processed. The benchmarking visit to the UK Parliament serves as a crucial opportunity to enhance Parliament's understanding of international best practices and gain valuable insights to inform the ongoing consideration of an oversight mechanism for the presidency.

Extensive research has been conducted by the Rules Committee in preparation for this benchmarking exercise. Comparative research of 12 parliaments with similar mechanisms has been undertaken, allowing Parliament to learn from global experiences in parliamentary oversight. Furthermore, the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) has conducted research and analysis of the presidency budget vote to identify areas that currently lack sufficient scrutiny. The PBO's findings emphasize the importance of strengthening parliamentary oversight over the Presidency, drawing on insights from international practices, including those employed in the UK's Office of the Prime Minister.

During their visit to the UK Parliament, the South African parliamentary delegation will engage with political representatives and procedural experts from Westminster. The delegation aims to explore various aspects, including the general procedures and conventions relating to oversight mandates in the House of Commons, the accounting responsibilities of the Prime Minister as the head of the Government, the composition and proceedings associated with the national budget in relation to the Office of the Prime Minister, and the operational structures employed within Westminster to scrutinize the Office.

On the first day of the visit today, the meetings of the multiparty delegation will, amongst others, focus on financial scrutiny and the budget process, discussions on the structure and processes of the Procedural Committee of the House of Commons (equivalent to our Parliament's Rules Committee), as well as an examination of the work of the Liaison Committee and the House of Commons Committee on the Prime Minister, including their practices and procedures.

Parliament recognizes the significance of this benchmarking exercise in informing the decision-making process regarding the establishment of a committee to oversee the presidency. The insights gained from the visit to the UK Parliament will provide valuable information to assist the Parliament in making an informed and effective decision that ensures improved oversight and accountability of the executive arms of the state.

Parliament remains committed to addressing the recommendations of the State Capture Commission and enhancing good governance practices in South Africa.

The Members of the multiparty delegation is led by House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight & ICT, Mr Cedric Frolick and includes Mr Qubudile Dyantyi, Mr Hope Papo (both from the African National Congress), Dr Annelie Lotriet (from the Democratic Alliance), Mr Narend Singh (from the Inkatha Freedom Party), and Dr Cornelius Mulder (from the Freedom Front Plus). The delegation is being supported by the Secretary to the National Assembly, Mr Masibulele Xaso, and three other officials, including the Director of the Parliamentary Budget Office, Dr Dumisani Jantjies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.