Billions and Trillions: Understanding Large Amounts of Money
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DA Khakis the Water at Environment Ministry
The DA’s request to replace Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dion George, with the party’s national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, would place custodianship of South Africa’s environment directly in the hands of the wildlife breeding, trading, and hunting lobby.
The post DA KHAKIS THE WATER AT ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY appeared first on For Good.
Plan to Ram Tony Blair Down Gaza’s Throat Will Extend Violence and Hatred
South Africa could add Donald Trump’s America to its case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice after the US leader green-lighted Israel’s continued destruction of Palestine, should his plan to control Gaza meet with any resistance.
The post PLAN TO RAM TONY BLAIR DOWN GAZA’S THROAT WILL EXTEND VIOLENCE AND HATRED appeared first on For Good.
Malawi Can End Hunger After the 2025 Elections if Bold Steps Are Taken to Transform Food Systems
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Ruberto Scholtz, Sindiso Nyoni, Rowan Sakarombe and Botswana Metalheads From Southern Africa Join KFC Streetwise to Celebrate the Power of Influence and Inspiration
Cultural Creators from three of South Africa's neighbouring countries feature in KFC Streetwise's (https://Global.KFC.com/) new Original Feeds Original campaign, which celebrates the inspiration that feeds creativity.
Windhoek fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz, Harare visual director Rowan Sakarombe and the Botswana Metalheads feature in the campaign's epic TV commercial (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe), which stars Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. The commercial's soundtrack (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad) is a new song, the Originals Anthem, written and recorded by the rappers.
“Just as KFC's Streetwise brand takes its inspiration from the iconic taste of KFC's Original Recipe – while adding bucketloads of value for a new generation – the film depicts Khuli, Blxckie and 25K inspiring each other and those who will follow them,” says KFC Africa Chief Marketing Officer Grant Macpherson. “The Cultural Creators are part of the same powerful narrative.”
Scholtz, who made the suits Blxckie and 25K wear in the photoshoot scene in the TV commercial, is inspired by collaborations. “If you see someone who can do something well, why not work with them?” he says.
Sakarombe appears in the film shooting the Originals Anthem music video in the street with Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. He says he's inspired by the “raw experiences of life around me” and the vibrant energy, constant motion and diverse cultures of cities.
The Originals Anthem inspires the Botswana Metalheads – whose music often contains local influences and whose style reflects cowboy culture - to infuse their originality and give it a heavy metal angle.
The campaign, which launches on 04 March 2025 across SADC regions, also features a packaging collaboration between KFC Streetwise and Cultural Creator Sindiso Nyoni, a Bulawayo-born illustrator who has built a stellar career after being inspired by an “original” – his high school art teacher, a retired graphic designer.
Making a mark
Macpherson says it's a time when young people are hungry to share their unique signature with the world. “Who better to feed their hunger than the originals who came before them?” he says.
“We want the Originals Anthem and all the activity around it to inspire all the young Africans trying to make their mark through their creativity and individuality.”
Khuli Chana says that as one of the legends of South African hip-hop, he's passionate about inspiring new artists. “The reason I started Maftown Heights in 2009 was to help rappers from Mahikeng find their footing in Joburg with a sound and language that wasn't mainstream at the time,” he says. “It led to great things and it's still giving new artists a platform. I love inspiring musicians to find their original sound.”
Blxckie says his career and development has been built on collaborations, and every one of them keeps him original. “Musicians lift each other up,” he says. “They support each other and make each other better at what they do.”
25K was introduced to rap by artists such as DJ Mojava, Ghetto Squad, and old school hip-hop groups Dead Prez and Outcast, and became an original by rapping in S'Pitori, a mixed language spoken in Pretoria.
“I want to be remembered for that and I want to inspire kids,” he says. “When I'm no longer here, I want to feel like I left something that will make it easier for another kid to come out of Pretoria.”
Other Cultural Creators who appear in the Original Feeds Original TV commercial include Kind Kid toymaker Sanele Qwabe, “Nail Pimp” Nailed Ntswembu, the Island Gals skateboarders and custom car pimper Ofentse Mphatsoe.
Passing the torch
The commercial begins with Khuli starting to write the Originals Anthem and ends with him as the OG, welcoming Blxckie and 25K on stage and handing the mic to them.
“It's the story of my life and it's the story of KFC Streetwise,” says Khuli. “Passing the mic is like passing the torch, and that's how Original Feeds Original.”
Director Sam Coleman says the 90-second video portrays the endless cycle of inspiration, in which each creator is galvanised by the ones before and motivates those who follow. “It's an explosive mix of visual eye candy, entertainment, musical reward, style, and unique brand integration that instantly hijacks your attention and eyeballs,” he says. “Everything about it is engaging, surprising and fresh.”
And there's an extra twist to the campaign, says Macpherson. “Every time someone streams the Originals Anthem, the money it earns will go to KFC Add Hope. It will be used to feed malnourished children throughout South Africa.
“Among the kids who benefit from Add Hope are the next generation of Khulis, Blxckies and 25Ks and the Cultural Creators of the future. So, anyone who listens to the anthem will be helping them on their way.”
The Originals Anthem is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad), YouTube Music (https://apo-opa.co/4if2LsS) and Apple Music (https://apo-opa.co/43srwgO).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
30” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/4h9AfYu)
90” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe)
KFC socials:
KFC Eswatini
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ilOwlT
Instagram: @ kfc_eswatini - https://apo-opa.co/43mH322
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time. KFC Streetwise is a registered trademark.
KFC Celebrates Inspirational African Women Accelerating Action Towards Equality
Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster.
KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before.
The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.
The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender.
They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code.
Gender gap
“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa.
The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later.
“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.”
In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment.
Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa.
In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%.
Transforming franchising
Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent.
“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies.
“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.”
KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it.
“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.”
“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.”
“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.”
“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.”
Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.”
Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM
To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane:
Elmarie Swart
Phone number:
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za
KFC Socials:
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
Court Blocks Former Lottery Official From Receiving Money After Sale of His Luxury Home
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CPI increases in December
CPI increases in December
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has recorded an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), with data showing that inflation increased in December to 3%, from 2.9% in November 2024.
“At the end of each year, Statistics South Africa calculates the average inflation rate for the year. The average inflation for 2024 was 4.4%, down from the average of 6% in 2023,” Stats SA Chief Director, Patrick Kelly, said on Wednesday.
Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages ticked up to 2.5% from 2.3% in November.
Annual price increases for bread and cereal products was steady at 3.7%. Although prices dropped by 0.2% between November and December, a number of week based products showed monthly declines, including brown bread down 0.6%, macaroni 0.7% lower, instant noodles with a negative 2.2%, and cake flour with a 1.1% decrease.
The price index for meat softened by 0.4% in the 12 months to December, representing the lowest annual rate since May 2019 (-0.9%). Products that registered the largest annual declines included sausages (down 3.3%), pork (down 2.2%) and whole chicken (down 1.7%). Several products were more expensive, however, including beef extract (up 5.1%), bacon (up 4.8%) and ham (up 4.2%).
Hot beverages remains in the food and non-alcohol beverages category with the highest annual increase at 13.5%, up from November’s increase of 13.1%.
Instant coffee was 16.1% more expensive in December 2024 compared to December 2023.
“Housing rentals are measured every quarter. The annual rate for actual rentals was 2.8% in the fourth quarter of last year, down from 3.3% in the third quarter.
“Owners’ equivalent rent inflation decreased to 2.4% from 2.9% over the same period. These declines pulled an overall rate for housing and utilities category down to 4.4% from 4.7%,” Kelly said.
Vehicle inflation dropped steeply during 2024 after starting the year at 7.2% in January.
Used vehicles are on average cheaper than they were a year ago, recording an annual decline of 0.6% in December.
Fuel prices increased by 1.1% between November and December. However, fuel prices are 10.2% lower than they were in December 2023.
“Inflation for restaurants and hotels dropped to 4.2% in December, from 5.9% in November. This is largely a result of hotel room rates dropping by 4.2% between November and December, pulling the annual change for hotels down to 1.9% in December compared to 7.6% in November,” Kelly said.
The CPI release contains results of the monthly Survey of Consumer (Retail) Prices. The purpose of the survey is to collect and provide information regarding changes in the overall level of prices of all goods and services bought by the average household. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 11:46
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Over a Hundred Disabled and Elderly People Queue Outside Sassa in Khayelitsha
Monday was the first day for disability grant applicants to make medical bookings
BRICS Antitrust Authorities Turned against Covantis
At the 3rd BRICS + (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Arab Emirates, Ethiopia + partners) Digital Competition Forum, the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (www.BRICSCompetition.org) presented a new methodological approach to analyzing and regulating food markets that takes into account their accelerating digitalization. Specific tools that are being developed within the BRICS framework were also announced. One of the targeted tools will be the food market and restrictions on the activities of monopolists like Covantis.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, highlighted that digitalization strengthens the global power of large corporations, which, as a result, poses a threat of market monopolization. He urged BRICS antitrust regulators to pay close attention to a similar example of increasing market power through digitalization — the blockchain platform Covantis. The platform aims to digitize the entire agribusiness trade process, from contract management to final shipping. Founded by the largest agro-traders of the ABCCD group (ADM, Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus and COFCO) and Viterra, Covantis avoids antitrust scrutiny due to its structure. At the same time, the platform collects valuable commercial information about production from farmers and agricultural traders. The platform has already become a dominant player in grain trade. For example, in Brazil, 76% of grain exports go through the platform. In 2023, 53% of grain exports from the US, 34% from Canada and 51% from Argentina went through the Covantis platform. At the same time, the owners of the platform do not allow most of the local big players to enter. In essence, it is an exclusive platform, a quasi-cartel.
“Global food prices have reached the highest level in the last year and a half. Virtually all BRICS countries are currently undergoing antitrust investigations into the egg and chicken meat markets. Competitive agencies must take a new approach to regulating the food industry, not just by jointly analysing global food chains, but by analysing them taking into account all the implications of digitalization. This is the only way we will be able to tackle food security, which is particularly acute for the BRICS and partner countries. For example, the Covantis platform can be used by traders to share confidential information and vertical pressure on farmers. And of course the exclusionary behaviour of Covantis towards local players is of utmost importance. This should be the focus of attention of our countries' competition authorities” – Ivanov explained.
Based on the developed fair organized (exchange) trade in commodities and commodity derivatives within the BRICS framework, it is proposed to solve the problems related to market concentration and, as a consequence, insufficient consideration of the interests of small, medium and large enterprises, which will help to resolve issues related to the violation of the balance of interests of financial market players and producers and consumers of the real sector.
It is proposed to create within the BRICS framework representative indicators of exchange quotations and price indices for OTC transactions based on representative samples of actual transactions, reflecting the competitive composition of sellers and buyers and ensuring the use of universal means of delivery of traded goods. New approaches will contribute to the elimination of unproductive intermediation and increase stability in global commodity markets.
The development of a derivatives market based on reliable exchange and OTC cash commodity prices will create opportunities for BRICS economies to manage risks and pool resources, lead to positive consequences for business and society, strengthen cooperation and stimulate economic growth. Targeted subsidies and exchange mechanism will improve fiscal policy and infrastructure development.
Earlier this year, BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (BRICS Center) with the leadership of the Competition Policy and Assessment Center of the State Administration of Market signed a memorandum on long-term cooperation announced the launch and development of the Russian-Chinese exchange and trade platform in consumer goods and commodities which will become a basis for the further development of the universal exchange platform for all BRICS member-countries.
“If entrepreneurs of Russia and China work directly, through modern exchange mechanisms, which will not only allow to establish direct long-term ties, but also reduce prices for goods for end consumers, as it will eliminate the use of intermediary schemes. The task of experts and researchers in this regard is to develop a system of organizational, legal and economic measures and analyze the necessary conditions for the creation of exchange platforms and the development of exchange trade, including in the BRICS format” – Fu Hongwei, Director, Competition Policy and Assessment Center, SAMR; explained.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.
About the 3rd BRICS + Digital Competition Forum:
The BRICS + (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Arab Emirates, Ethiopia + partners) Digital Competition Forum, which is being held this year on the margins of the G20 Summit, brings together heads and representatives of competition authorities from all BRICS countries and partners, as well as researchers and visionaries in the field of digital regulation from around the world. The Forum includes the BRICS Working Group on the Study of Competition Issues in Digital Markets. This year's main topics include regulation of digital ecosystems, the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence brings to antitrust law, and the digitalization of global food chains.
The Forum is organized by the HSE University BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre together with the FGV University School of Law (Getulio Vargas Foundation) with the support of the Brazilian Competition Authority (CADE).
Reflecting on Dr Tito Mboweni’s life
Reflecting on Dr Tito Mboweni's life
Former Minister of Finance and Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Tito Mboweni has been remembered for his culinary skills, humour and as someone who was kind.
“What I will miss most about my father isn’t just his humour or resilience, it’s the small moments. The way he could listen, really listen when you needed to talk and the way his presence could fill a room with warmth.
“He made people feel seen and valued no matter who they were or what they were going through. He had a way of simplifying life’s complexities [and] reminding us that at the end of the day, all we really have is each other,” his son Sello Mboweni said.
This as the country bid farewell to the former Minister and Governor at his funeral held at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Limpopo on Saturday.
Following his passing last Saturday, the Presidency announced that Dr Mboweni would be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Saturday’s funeral at which President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy, featured ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
READ | Former Minister Mboweni honoured with Special Official Funeral Category 2
In his tribute, Sello spoke of his father’s quiet strength and wisdom.
“My father was a man who took life’s punches with resilience and humour. He was never one to dwell in the past or be held down by regrets, I think that is one of the greatest lessons he has left us. He believed that life was for living, for laughing, for forgiving , not just others but yourself as well,” said Sello who was flanked by his brothers Tumi and Pule Mboweni.
Credited with the ability of seeing the potential in others, the eighth Governor of the SARB’s love for cooking was also brought to the fore. The Governor often shared his prowess in the kitchen on social media platform, X.
“He even believed in himself to be the five star chef we all know him to be. He was a man who believed in possibilities, in second chances and in never giving up. These are lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
“What I admired most about him was his heart, he was kind to everyone. He made people feel valued, listened to and cared for, that is a rare thing in this world.”
Sello also spoke of his father’s love for the night sky.
“My dad always loved a sky full of stars and now when I look up, I know there’s one shinning a little brighter, a little closer to me. Among all those stars, I’ve got my own lucky star if you will, guiding me as dad always did.
You all know how dad loved his pilchards, the ones in that unmistakable red tin, whether it was for a quick snack or a full on dish, there was no question of his devotion,” the younger Mboweni said.
In delivering the eulogy, President Ramaphosa said Mboweni was known by many names.
“He was known by many names to many different people: Comrade Tito, Uncle Tito, Governor 8, erstwhile National Breadwinner, unpaid impresario for Lucky Star, The Duke of Magoebaskloof.”
READ | Dr Tito Mboweni remembered as a trailblazer
President Ramaphosa also spoke of Mboweni as someone who was “larger than life because he led such a big life and touched the lives of many people.”
“Who, but Uncle Tito, could have a chart-topping rap song titled with his name? Who, but the Duke of Magoebaskloof, could share tips with 1.5 million followers on the best curry powder to cook a chicken with and impart economic education at the same time?
“Our younger generation, many of his social media followers, have a delightful phrase: understanding the assignment. Loosely deciphered it means knowing what must be done and doing it well,” said the President. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 10/19/2024 - 14:39
245 views
Dr Tito Mboweni remembered as a trailblazer
Dr Tito Mboweni remembered as a trailblazer
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the late former Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni as a man who understood the assignment, describing him as a trailblazer who has left an enduring legacy in South Africa's public and economic spheres.
The President delivered the eulogy at Mboweni’s Special Official Funeral Category 2 at the Nkowankowa stadium in Limpopo on Saturday.
Mboweni, who was the first Labour Minister in democratic South Africa passed away last week following a short illness at the age of 65.
He was fondly known by names like Comrade Tito, Uncle Tito, erstwhile National Breadwinner, unpaid impresario for Lucky Star and The Duke of Magoebaskloof.
Acknowledging the deep pain of the loss, the President expressed the nation's shared grief with the Mboweni family stating “we are all feeling the pain together with you."
The President spoke movingly about Mboweni’s enduring legacy, describing him as a servant leader whose contributions to South Africa spanned his roles as a freedom fighter, businessman, central banker, and politician.
“Comrade Tito, you understood the assignment. As we bid you farewell my brother, my comrade, my fellow fly fisherman, your legacy is of a successful transformation from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker and politician. You were a true servant leader, admired and loved by the people. You delivered on what was required of you,” the President said.
As South Africa's first black Reserve Bank Governor and former Minister of Finance, Mboweni's contributions to economic transformation and fiscal discipline were transformative, President Ramaphosa noted.
“He oversaw the modernisation of the Reserve Bank, introduced inflation targeting, and convened the bank’s first monetary policy committee meetings. He championed economic transformation, just as he championed fiscal discipline and evidence-based policymaking.
“To keep the citizenry abreast on economic policy matters, he introduced a televised monetary policy statement. Later, as Minister of Finance, he undertook one of the most difficult of roles. It requires someone of mettle. It requires an ability to take difficult decisions and to withstand extreme pressure,” the President said.
Mboweni's legacy also extended to his groundbreaking work as the first Minister of Labour, where he played a key role in passing labour laws that restored dignity to workers. The president acknowledged that these policies fundamentally transformed the labour relations landscape in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa fondly recalled Mboweni's use of a potted Aloe Ferox plant during his budget speeches, a symbol of South Africa’s resilience in difficult times.
“We remember how he would dramatically bring a potted Aloe Ferox plant to his Budget speeches to illustrate his approach to fiscal discipline. Through the Aloe Ferox he sought to illustrate that like our country, the Aloe Ferox survives and thrives when times are tough.
“We continue to admire how he always sought to demystify matters of the economy for our citizens. He insisted that government must communicate with the people on how the economic decisions we take impact their lives.”
As Finance Minister, Mboweni faced numerous challenges but remained steadfast in his commitment to pragmatic fiscal management while advancing economic reforms through initiatives like Operation Vulindlela.
Connection with the youth
Mboweni’s remarkable connection with the younger generation was also highlighted, with the President pointing to his popularity on social media and the release of a chart-topping rap song named after him.
“Who, but Uncle Tito, could have a chart-topping rap song titled with his name? Who, but the Duke of Magoebaskloof, could share tips with 1.5 million followers on the best curry powder to cook a chicken with and impart economic education at the same time?” President Ramaphosa remarked.
The President noted that the younger generation, some of whom were his social media followers, “have a delightful phrase: understanding the assignment.”
“Loosely deciphered it means knowing what must be done and doing it well,” he said.
READ | Reflecting on Dr Tito Mboweni's life
Serving with dedication
The President underscored Mboweni’s dedication to integrity and service, saying that his reputation remained untarnished despite holding high office.
“You acquitted yourself with dignity and with honour in the ANC [African National Congress], in government and beyond. You depart this world with that dignity, that honour and that reputation intact.
“You did not disgrace or betray your movement or the people of this country. You were a credit and an asset to both. This is the most we can hope for as leaders. This is the highest we should aspire to.
“Like Tito, we should strive to be true servant leaders. We should each aspire to do everything that our country asks of us. Fare well, Mkonto. Rest in eternal peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sat, 10/19/2024 - 15:05
83 views
Government’s “Headless Chicken Approach” to the Billion-Rand Shoddy National Police Headquarters
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit at the Telkom Towers complex on Thursday
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A Guide to Kosher Restaurants in Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant city with a diverse culinary landscape, including a variety of kosher dining options. Whether you’re in search of traditional Jewish dishes or contemporary kosher cuisine, Montreal’s kosher restaurants cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. What Makes a Kosher Restaurant? Kosher restaurants follow Jewish dietary laws, ensuring all …
Makro Expects Consumers to Take Advantage of Heritage Month Specials and Bulk up on Meat Products
Makro has positioned itself as the bulk shopping destination in its meat category for several years, appealing to both household shoppers and small business customers alike, due to the retailers’ focus on negotiating directly with the producers and locking in favourable bulk rates that enable it to maintain affordability. “As these customers prepare for Heritage …