Civil Society

9 September 2024

SA to attend the 2024 WTO Public Forum in Switzerland

Location: News

SA to attend the 2024 WTO Public Forum in Switzerland

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi will attend the 2024 World Trade Organisation (WTO) Public Forum taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 10 to 13 September 2024.

The theme of this year’s forum, which coincides with the WTO’s 30th anniversary, will be “Re-globalisation: Better Trade for a Better World”.

In line with the theme, this year’s forum will explore how re-globalisation can help make trade more inclusive and ensure that its benefits reach more people.

The WTO Public Forum is the WTO’s largest outreach event which provides a unique platform to interact with stakeholders from around the world, engage with the latest developments in global trade and propose ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system.

The annual events attract diverse stakeholders, including government policy makers, international organisations, business community, academia, parliamentary representatives, and civil society.

There will be almost 140 interactive sessions organised by various stakeholders and the WTO Secretariat covering various topics under the following sub-themes:
• Green policies to maximise the benefits of trade
• Services trade to build progress and enhance welfare
• Digitalisation as a catalyst for inclusive trade

The themes and sub-themes are in sync with the priorities that the department has embraced in pursuit of industrialisation, reindustrialisation and economic transformation.

They are also relevant to the priorities of the African continent as defined by Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Godlimpi’s programme will include engagements with key WTO members and courtesy calls to the heads of the WTO, the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and The South Centre, among others.

Godlimpi’s participation in the forum comes as South Africa gears towards assuming the Presidency of the G20 in December this year. The dtic will be leading the G20 Trade and Industry Working Group. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:32

130 views

8 September 2024

Vulture conservation comes under the spotlight

Location: News

Vulture conservation comes under the spotlight

South Africa is contributing to a situational analysis on vulture conservation across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which will inform a SADC Vulture Strategy.

In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) said the initiative is part of the Second State of Protected and Conserved Areas (SOPACA) Report, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to ensure the survival of vulture species and the continued provision of their essential ecosystem services.

“The goal is to reduce and ultimately stop the intentional poisoning of vultures and to work alongside traditional medicine practitioners to promote sustainable practices that will aid in the conservation of these vital species.

“Education efforts aimed at communities will continue, highlighting the critical ecosystem services and health benefits provided by vultures while fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural significance,” it said.

The department’s comments come as South Africa joined the global community in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD). The day is observed annually on the first Saturday of September.

IVAD seeks to raise awareness about the vital role vultures play in ecosystems and the urgent need for their conservation.

According to the DFFE, vultures are ecologically significant birds that are facing numerous threats, putting several species at risk of extinction.

“In recognition of their critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, International Vulture Awareness Day serves as a coordinated global effort to spotlight the conservation of vultures and the crucial work being done to protect them.”

Decline in vulture population

The African continent is home to 11 of the 15 species of Old-World vultures, with South Africa hosting nine species, seven of which are currently threatened with extinction.

These include the Bearded Vulture and Cape Vulture, which nest on cliffs, as well as tree-nesting species like the Hooded Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, and Palm-nut Vulture.

“Notably, the White-headed, Hooded, and White-backed Vultures are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Vultures are indispensable to the environment, acting as nature’s cleanup crew by swiftly and efficiently disposing of carcasses. This service prevents the spread of disease and contributes to the overall health of
ecosystems.

“However, over the past 30 years, African vultures have seen a dramatic decline due to factors such as poisoning, collisions with energy infrastructure, illegal harvesting for traditional medicine, and habitat loss.

The decline and threats faced by vultures vary across the continent. In Southern and East Africa, vultures often die after consuming carcasses intentionally poisoned by poachers targeting wildlife like rhinos and elephants or by those involved in human-wildlife conflict.

In Southern Africa, vultures are also deliberately killed for use in traditional medicine and as a result of direct persecution, often linked to the illegal wildlife trade.

”Research indicates that the situation is critical, with vulture populations declining rapidly across Africa. The loss of vultures could lead to serious ecological and public health consequences, such as the spread of disease from unprocessed carcasses and increased human-wildlife conflict, including the rise in stray dog populations and associated rabies cases.

Additionally, the consumption of poisoned vulture body parts in traditional medicine poses a significant, yet underreported, threat to human health.”

National Vulture Task Force

In response to this crisis, the department established a National Vulture Task Force (NVTF), which developed a Multi-Species Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) published for implementation in March 2023.

The BMP aligns with the recently published White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity and emphasises the shared responsibility of conservation among various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, health practitioners, communities, and civil society. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 12:32

157 views

6 September 2024

Police making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile

Location: News

Police making significant progress in dealing with construction mafia, says DP Mashatile

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken significant steps to deal with construction mafia through a coordinated and multi-disciplinary response to criminal activities.

“Investigative capacity has been established to address extortion and violence at construction sites across the country, with a particular focus on KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and other areas where similar problems have been reported,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The Deputy President was engaging Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly on matters related to his delegated responsibilities.

In March this year, the Deputy President addressed the Criminal Justice System Review Conference where, amongst other important matters, criminality in the construction sector was highlighted.

“When delivering the keynote address, I stated the following: ‘Murderous construction mafia have brought many companies to their knees, and we must fight back to safeguard this industry’.”

Mashatile believes that a concerted effort from all is necessary to unravel the complex web of construction site disruptions, which endanger lives and impede government’s objectives of transforming the nation into a massive construction site that generates employment and expands the economy.

He told MPs that the police have partnered with various stakeholders, including State-owned entities (SOEs), government departments, private security companies and civil society to enhance their efforts in combating these criminal networks.

Mashatile reiterated government's, commitment to addressing this challenge through the introduction of policies that will curtail and eliminate mafia in the construction sector.

These include the National Infrastructure Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Programme, the Social Facilitation Programme, and the Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum.

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF), the Deputy President said, was another intervention that is yielding positive results in stopping criminal activities by the so-called “construction mafia”.

He explained that the IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment, and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

In addition, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, through the application of the Social Facilitation Concept which was approved by Cabinet in 2021 is conducting pilot projects like the Salvokop Precinct Strategic Infrastructure Project (SIP), which serves as a test case for integrating social facilitation into construction practices.

He explained that lessons learned will help further calibrate the framework.

“Given all the interventions I have outlined above, the challenge remains that the actual number of crimes committed by these mafias may be underreported, as witnesses and victims are often reluctant to come forward.

“It is crucial for communities, organisations, and businesses to work together with the South African Police Service to bring these criminals to justice.”

Meanwhile, he said top-class detective and crime intelligence work must be intensified to produce airtight prosecutions and see these crime bosses evicted, locked up and their proceeds of crime seized.

“The impact of these construction mafia on our nation’s development cannot be underestimated. The existence and activities of construction mafia significantly undermine the concept of a developmental State, as envisioned in the National Development Plan 2030.”

The Deputy President told Parliamentarians that these criminal organisations pose serious threats to public safety and the integrity of construction projects, which are essential for driving economic growth and development.

“As government, at all levels, we are committed to addressing this issue through independent investigations and partnerships with organisations like Business Against Crime South Africa, but most importantly with civil society organisations who live around and know these criminals.

“Let us stand together in the fight against these criminal organisations and work towards a safer and more prosperous South Africa for all living in it.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 09:58

306 views

5 September 2024

Partnership to transform access to sports programmes in schools

Location: News

Partnership to transform access to sports programmes in schools

Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed his excitement following the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube on Wednesday.

The partnership aims to progressively transform access to both sports and cultural programmes in schools, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive in sport and the arts.

McKenzie said the MoU marked a milestone in the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) vision to deliver equality of access for all young people, particularly those in rural, township, and underprivileged areas.

The signing of this MoU is a significant outcome following the 2023 School Sport Indaba with various stakeholders to develop school sport at grassroots level throughout the country.

The Minister said the agreement was a vital first step in unlocking talent and boosting transformation in both sport and the arts.

“The key to transforming South African sport is to ensure that as many schools as possible – from the townships to rural areas and other less fortunate communities gain access to similar kinds of facilities, coaching and equipment.

“For too long, South Africa’s national teams have relied on private schools as talent-feeders, which, while valuable, does not represent the full potential of this country,” McKenzie said.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to implement extracurricular programmes, including school sports programmes, throughout the country.

Importantly, the MoU envisions an approach where facilities are built in such a manner that numerous schools will be able to benefit from them and share them.

The Minister added that the agreement will encourage partners from every sector of South African society - from government to private businesses, commissions, foundations, trusts and NGOs, as well as civil society more broadly – to get involved and play a vital role in not just levelling the playing fields for young South Africans, but to ensure that those playing fields exist at all.

“This programme is an important first step in the right direction for us,” said McKenzie, who recommitted himself to Project 300, an undertaking that 300 athletes will be at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles to represent South Africa.

“We won’t achieve that if we don’t keep finding the other Bayanda Walazas in our schools.”

McKenzie underscored the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, highlighting how this agreement exemplified the unity of purpose that exists in the GNU.

“We are collaborating and working well and this GNU, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, is going to transform South Africa vastly for the better over the next five years,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:17

148 views

5 September 2024

Cabinet welcomes signing of second Presidential Health Compact

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes signing of second Presidential Health Compact

The quest for quality and affordable healthcare for all has moved closer with the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact.

This is according to the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Last month, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as Acting President, presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

READ | A nation's health, is a nation's wealth

The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system. It monitors and evaluates preparations for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The stakeholders include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.

“It seeks to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing the NHI,” Ramokgopa said.

The health compact also seeks to bolster the development of human resources, while improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and ensuring private sector engagement.

The Acting President told the delegates during the signing ceremony that a healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous.

“A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall wellbeing. As a result, providing quality healthcare is of the utmost importance to all of us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ramokgopa said Cabinet was appalled that some unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to defraud billions of rands from the State through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.

READ | Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners

“These wrongdoings were uncovered in a far-reaching investigation by the SIU [Special Investigating Unit] into alleged fraudulent medico-legal claims against the State since 2017.”

According to the Minister, the ongoing investigation revealed that some legal practitioners are helped by health practitioners working for the State to target the department.

In addition, she said matters completed by the SIU have resulted in at least R3 billion in savings for various provincial health departments. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:43

242 views

3 September 2024

How Philanthropy Can Heal South Africa’s Deep Wounds

Location: MyPR

As the world observes International Day of Charity on 5 September, Dr Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact at Stellenbosch Business School, urges South Africans to confront the pressing realities of giving in a nation scarred by its past. He challenges the public and private sectors to view philanthropy not as mere charity, but as …

29 August 2024

Call to place young people in critical infrastructure projects

Location: News

Call to place young people in critical infrastructure projects

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has emphasised that every project, from ideation to implementation, must include the upskilling, reskilling, and placement of young people, through emerging industrialist apprenticeships.

Chikunga was speaking at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) learning event on youth unemployment crisis and gender equity.

“The country is currently facing a situation where serious infrastructure projects, from small harbours development, rail, road, and rural bridge construction to human settlements projects, water sanitation projects, and energy, are in [the] pipeline. It is about time that we insist that no labour is imported for these projects while unemployed graduates are sitting at home,” Chikunga said at Thursday’s event.

Putting in place sustainable interventions

Chikunga underscored a need for strategies to cultivate all of the country’s resources in a coherent and purposeful effort and put forward interventions that can be sustained into the future.

The Minister argued that South Africa cannot have youth hopping from one learnership to another, and from one internship to another.

She emphasised the need for an emerging industrialist programme that reaches every corner of the country.

“These interventions should, in line with our DDM (District Development Model), be implemented at national, provincial and local levels by government, parastatals, organisations within civil society and the private sector working within the framework of reconstruction and development.

“In order to respond in a more purposeful way, we are called upon to transcend traditional boundaries and do away with siloed interventions and adopt a more integrated and coordinated approach,” Chikunga said at the gathering held in Sandton, Johannesburg.

According to the Minister, a lack of industrial dynamism, youth unemployment, the high cost of living, economic inactivity, violent crime, and a lack of social cohesion, are all multidimensional challenges that require what economists refer to as a “Mission-Oriented Approach” to development.

“We are required to set ambitious goals; foster creative public-private collaborations; approach the state as a patient investor-of first resort; and develop dynamic capabilities to adapt and steer the mission as it evolves.

“The NYDA, for example, must be transformed into a capability that is able to gather market and economic intelligence about the future of industry and work; identify emerging strategic opportunities; measure (cross sectoral) impact of policies; enhance our ability to spot risks/opportunities; increase our ability to anticipate and adapt; and support new agents of systemic socio-economic change.”

Research capability

She also challenged the NYDA to have a well-resourced research capability that is able to provide situational awareness.

“[The NYDA] must address the questions such as: in light of the youth question, where are we, where should we be going, and what is likely to get in our way [both threats and opportunities], as we navigate to that collectively desired destination.

“What adjustments, if any, do we need to make to deal with the threats and make the most of opportunities? Through knowledge management, we must be able to anticipate, respond, and navigate uncertainties and potential crises,” Chikunga said.

In efforts to attract manufacturing, promote beneficiation and drive industrialisation, Chikunga stressed a need to ensure that women and youth have access to land for agricultural purposes and related value chains. She also stressed the need for an emerging industrialist fund to turn young people’s ideas and innovation into productive economic activities.

She also spoke of a need to engage with all unemployed graduates, listening to their experiences, understanding their needs, and working with them to pursue sustainable opportunities; as well as a need for a cap on the minerals that leave as unprocessed rocks.

‘We need to leverage public procurement to provide off-take for youth and women owned business. We can only do this if we leverage our convening powers as government,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 13:52

281 views

26 August 2024

Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally

Location: News

Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally

As South Africa transitions towards a low carbon economy, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, says the benefits of energy renewable projects should be shared equitably with communities.

Addressing the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of addressing potential job losses in the coal sector.

South Africa’s plans for the just energy transition will focus on the transition of the energy sector, as it navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy.

“It is essential that we approach this transition with humanity, providing support, training, and creating new opportunities within the renewable energy sector. A holistic approach is required, one that embraces clear and comprehensive national renewable energy policies sets defined targets and provides a roadmap for the transition.

“Community participation and ownership in renewable energy projects must be a cornerstone of this policy, ensuring that the benefits of this transition are shared equitably,” Singh said on Monday.

While necessary, he said the just energy transition does come with its set of challenges.

“Acknowledging our current economic growth's stagnation, the reliance on coal for energy, and the coal industry's role as a significant employment sector, we understand the complexities involved.

“Moreover, the challenge of making renewable energy technologies affordable and accessible cannot be overlooked. We need innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that clean energy solutions are within reach for all South Africans, especially those in low-income communities.

“As we chart our course forward, it is clear that no single solution can address the multifaceted challenges we face,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said for South Africa to truly succeed, it needs more than just policies and roadmaps.

“…We need action and commitment from every sector of our society. From all spheres of government to the private sector, from civil society to every citizen, we must unite in our efforts towards a sustainable future. Now is the time for us to harness the incredible potential of renewable energy, to innovate, to build, and to grow together.

“Therefore, our call to action as a responsible, interdependent, and interrelated government is not just to listen but to participate actively in this transition. Let us collaborate, innovate, and implement the solutions that will power our nation forward.

“Let us build a future that aligns with our environmental, economic, and social imperatives. A future where sustainable energy drives our progress, where no one is left behind, and where we stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of global challenges,” Singh said.

He stressed that local government is at the coal face of the country’s efforts, as this is where policy legislation and regulation turn into action.

“We must be focusing on a back-to-basics approach, getting the basics right with respect to our daily deliverables. More than half of the battle will be won if every local sphere of government gets the basics right. Innovation and consistently good service delivery are what will carry the day,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said electricity is the backbone of progress, an enabler that unlocks industrial growth, drives the economy, and promotes inclusivity.

“Yet, the sustainability of our progress hinges on our ability to shift towards clean energy. The spectres of poverty, inequality and unemployment cannot be exorcised without robust GDP [gross domestic product] growth, which in turn demands a stable and sufficient energy supply.

“However, our journey is compounded by the environmental cost of our past reliance on coal. This has left us with a legacy of environmental degradation and health issues, making our commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources crucial for our environment and the well-being of our communities,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 14:30

27 views

26 August 2024

Municipalities must be at “driving seat” of clean energy

Location: News

Municipalities must be at "driving seat" of clean energy

Municipalities are at the centre of government’s efforts to move towards clean energy and fulfil the country’s commitment to global climate change.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was addressing the opening ceremony of the Municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) Conference held in Johannesburg on Monday.

The President highlighted that South Africa’s 257 metropolitan, district and local municipalities “own and operate approximately half of South Africa’s electricity distribution grid and facilitate universal access to electricity”.

“One hundred and sixty five municipalities are electricity service providers. Through the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant, municipalities are responsible for addressing the electrification backlog.

“Municipalities therefore need to be in the driving seat when it comes to providing clean, affordable energy to communities, businesses and industry,” the President highlighted.

WATCH |

In this regard, South Africa’s Cabinet approved the JET Investment Plan, which has a dedicated municipal portfolio roadmap with three areas of focus.

These are:

Providing access to affordable clean electricity;
Sustainable financing for electricity infrastructure, and
Strengthening the capacity of municipalities to manage the transition.

On the first area of focus, the President said the recent promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment “paves the way for a new, competitive electricity market.

“The reforms contained in the law must help to speed up decarbonisation. But more than that, they must result in a better deal for households and businesses.

“The national climate change effort must not come at a higher cost for electricity users. South African households, like many around the world, are battling with the rising cost of living, including the cost of energy.

“We must therefore ensure that the energy transition does not contribute to energy poverty. It must not deepen inequality,” President Ramaphosa insisted.

In terms of sustainable financing for electricity infrastructure, he said municipal grid system needs to be upgraded, modernised and extended.

“The energy generation of the future requires systems that are fundamentally different in terms of design, capability and operation.

“Smart metering will have to accommodate the increased penetration of renewable energy at different scales. It will need to facilitate wheeling and feed-in by small-scale embedded generation.

“Massive investment is needed to ensure optimal grid control, safety and energy storage. This investment will need to draw on both public and private sources of capital,” he said.

Turning to how the capacity of municipalities can be strengthened, President Ramaphosa said extensive training and upskilling of officials will be the order of the day.

“New systems will be required to identify human resource, technical capacity and other needs within municipalities, and plan and budget accordingly.

“Municipalities will need to adopt best practice when it comes to the design and implementation of programmes and projects,” he said.

The President told conference delegates that the country’s drive towards a lower carbon intensive economy does not only reside with government.

“A just energy transition is about promoting economic diversification, transformation and industrialisation in the renewable energy sector that empowers workers, marginalised communities and black businesses.

“The achievement of defined just energy transition outcomes at a municipal level requires supportive policies and leadership, good governance and a coordinated effort among all relevant institutions.

“As government, business, labour and civil society, let us deepen our collaboration to achieve an energy future that is secure and sustainable for all,” President Ramaphosa said.

READ | SA committed to meeting climate change undertakings

– SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:13

220 views

25 August 2024

Tshwane to host weather early warning system workshop

Location: News

Tshwane to host weather early warning system workshop

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Bernice Swarts, is expected to address the opening of the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) to be held in Tshwane from Monday.

The agenda of three-day workshop will include:

The review of the current state of Early Warning Systems in South Africa and the evaluation of the progress in implementing the four pillars of EW4All.
The exploration of the linkages and alignment among ongoing and upcoming initiatives and the consolidation of key stakeholder commitments to strengthen early warning services.
The establishment of a national coordination mechanism / affirmation of existing national coordination mechanism to guide efforts to scale-up early warning programming across the four pillars and linking national and local engagement.
The identification of gaps in national Early Warning Systems, with respect to the minimum core capabilities checklist tool provided by the EW4All initiative.
The provision of initial inputs towards a multi-year, multi-stakeholder, focused and actionable EW4All National Roadmap, around which all actors can marshal resources, technical assistance, and long-term support.

“The workshop, which will be hosted by the South African Weather Service, comes as South Africa continues to rank among the Southern African countries that are vulnerable to hazardous weather events including severe floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, storms, and heat waves.

“Among the participants at the workshop will be the SAWS; the National Disaster Management Centre; the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Communication and Digital Technologies; the Council for Geoscience; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa; and provincial, district and local government representatives.

“Also participating in the programme will be the UN and international organisations active in Early Warning Systems; civil society organizations, including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) active in early warning services, climate and disaster risk information; and the private sector, including the mobile network operators and the insurance industry,” the department said.

The DFFE said the EW4All is a United Nations initiative, which seeks to “ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027”.

It rests on the pillars of Disaster Risk Knowledge and Management, Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis and Forecasting, Warning Dissemination and Communication and Preparedness and Response Capabilities.

“According to the UN, Early Warning Systems have helped decrease the number of deaths and have reduced losses and damages resulting from hazardous weather, water or climate events. However, major gaps still exist, especially in small island developing states and least developed countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 08/25/2024 - 13:05

96 views

23 August 2024

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

Location: News

Tsakane community hopeful Imbizo will bring change

From water challenges to seeking better opportunities at making a living, residents of Tsakane, in the East Rand of Gauteng, on Friday gathered to make sure their voices get counted among those heard by the country's First Citizen.

As the first Presidential Imbizo of the 7th Administration got underway earlier, many community members told SAnews they were hopeful government will bring change to their communities.

Sylas Mazibuko, from Duduza, said he wants President Ramaphosa to ensure that there is water in Duduza and more job opportunities are created.

“We are struggling with water and to make matters worse, there is a high unemployment rate in our area. I just want the President to hear our concerns and intervene,” Mazibuko said.

Mazibuko said government must also deal with the crime rate.

“Crime is getting out of control. We are even afraid of starting our own businesses because of crime. Criminals are targeting businesses in the township. We no longer walk freely in our streets,” Mazibuko said.

Echoing the same sentiments was Willy Nkanyane, who said they are experiencing water shortages in Tsakane.

“We don’t have water. We walk long distances to get water and we spend most of the times without electricity,” Nkanyane said.

Nkanyane’s wish is for their concerns to be attended to, and for more job opportunities.

Grace Mabale, from KwaThema, also wants to see reduced crime rates

"We are even afraid to send our children to the shops because of these criminals. I also want [government] to provide us with proper houses,” Mabale said.

The issues of water, electricity, houses and unemployment were shared by many at the Imbizo.

Some of the commitments of the new administration include further entrenching accountable and transparent governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, the professionalisation of the public service, integrity and good governance.

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

The DDM aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with focus on 44 Districts and 8 Metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation.

Under the DDM, all three spheres of government coordinate and integrate development plans and budgets and mobilise the capacity and resources of government and civil society, including business, labour and community, in pursuit of inclusive growth and job creation.

President Ramaphosa is accompanied at the Imbizo by ministers, deputy ministers and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:32

178 views

22 August 2024

A nation’s health, is a nation’s wealth

Location: News

A nation's health, is a nation's wealth

South Africa’s health system is too essential to development to be weakened by mismanagement, funding crises, and other problems.

“We expect all stakeholders to bring solutions and work with the Departments of Health and Science and Innovation to implement them,” said Acting President Paul Mashatile on Thursday.

The Acting President was speaking at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he presided over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact, an initiative established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

The health compact is a framework for cooperation between critical sectors and stakeholders to strengthen the health system and monitors and evaluates preparations for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI).

The stakeholders include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia, and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.

Its pillars range from the development of human resources, improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure and private sector engagement.

It also zooms in on quality healthcare, public sector financial management improvements, governance and leadership, community engagements, and information systems to pandemic preparedness.

The Acting President told delegates present that implementation was the foremost priority of the country's seventh administration.

“Effective policy implementation means we can take the right actions and follow through with the plans, leading to successful outcomes. I have full confidence that implementation is the priority of all of us gathered here today.

“On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, it is my privilege to sign the second Presidential Health Compact today.”

He said he believed that a healthy nation is more economically productive and prosperous.

“A healthy population enjoys higher life expectancy, better quality of life and overall wellbeing. As a result, providing quality healthcare is of the utmost importance to all of us,” he added.

Universal healthcare coverage

He said Africa is committed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of “ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages”.

“This is a bold commitment to achieve universal health coverage. It is a commitment to provide access to affordable medicines and vaccines for all. If our nation’s health is truly to be our nation’s wealth, we must fix our healthcare system.”

He said fixing the healthcare system will effectively protect the population against public health emergencies, such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, or Mpox.

The Acting President also outlined challenges that prevent government from providing decent and quality healthcare to all South Africans.

Lack of funding and collaboration

He also touched on healthcare funding challenges due to budget cuts and a constrained fiscal environment, compounded by inefficiencies, mismanagement and corruption in resource allocation.

However, the Acting President said budgeting in the health sector is steadily improving to ensure a more equitable allocation of resources.

“Less money is being lost to litigation. This is thanks to the hard work of the Health Sector Anti-Corruption Forum, which continues to expedite prosecutions and recover stolen funds.”

With greater collaboration, he said the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors can be brought to bear to serve those who need healthcare most.

However, some progress has been made as well with 149 new primary healthcare facilities being completed by November 2023.

In addition, 30 new hospitals are either opened or under construction.

The Acting President also took the time to applaud the private sector for the crucial role it plays in strengthening health systems.

“Our experience with COVID-19 showed how we could deepen public-private partnerships. With greater collaboration, the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors can be brought to bear to serve those who need healthcare most,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:43

279 views

22 August 2024

DPSA Minister calls for “mission oriented” approach to public service innovation

Location: News

DPSA Minister calls for "mission oriented" approach to public service innovation

Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has called for the adoption of a mission oriented perspective that embraces complex challenges with diverse solutions.

“The key term in this theme is 'mission', which therefore means that our efforts must transition from the outdated, siloed approaches that address singular problems with singular solutions.

"We must strive for a mission oriented perspective. This mission orientated approach must embrace complex challenges with a range of solutions,” Buthelezi said.

The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the 18th CPSI Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday.

The two-day conference, hosted by the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), is being held under the theme: “Accelerating Transformation through Mission Oriented Innovation”. It is being attended by at least 350 delegates, 60 System Developers and more than 15 speakers.

The conference serves as a critical platform that will effectively advance the creation of a government-wide enabling environment required for innovation to thrive.

The objective of the conference includes exposing government officials and strategic partners, such as the youth, civil society and academia, to robust engagements and discussions around international trends and topical issues on public sector innovation and its unparalleled potential.

The conference is also aimed at presenting an ideal opportunity to assess the role and impact of mission oriented innovation as a tool for enabling the public sector to meet its targets of, amongst others, tackling poverty, unemployment and inequality in order to achieve Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It further aims to explore key elements for successful implementation and sustenance of missions to enhance service delivery, facilitate the sharing of innovative perspectives and practices that respond to government priorities for replication and mainstreaming, and demonstrate how high impact, award winning projects have positively impacted on service delivery.

Buthelezi told the conference that the term "mission" will guide their path as they address issues within the public service.

He said this approach resonates deeply with him, his office and the entire public service because every government department has its mission, which is guided by the UN SDGs, the African Unions’ Agenda 2063, the National Development Plan (NDP) and government's priorities, as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP 2024-2029).

With a clear mission, a set vision, and aligned goals, the Minister emphasised that government is committed to driving inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and addressing the high cost of living.

“Most importantly, we aim to build a capable, ethical and developmental State.

“This conference arrives at a crucial time. As we implement the 7th Administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan, aligning our work with a mission oriented approach will help us confront public service challenges effectively. While our term is limited to five years, we must strive to achieve ambitious goals swiftly.

“Time is of the essence, and our mission timeline should deliver results within the first two years. Though this is a significant challenge, I am confident that with the expertise [we have], we can accomplish remarkable results quickly,” he said.

Room for innovation

The Minister told the conference that the importance of innovation in improving service delivery cannot be overstated.

“With the CPSI at the core of government innovation, we can make a substantial impact in addressing service delivery backlogs and delays that undermine public trust in government,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that isolated work within government departments must come to an end.

“The days of isolated work within government departments must end. We cannot have some departments advancing while others lag behind. It is unacceptable that service quality varies based on location.

“Our mission is to align Cabinet with our department’s mission, driven by the CPSI, to accelerate transformation through innovation in the public sector. Innovation must start at home, beginning with the Department of Public Service and Administration. We should use our department as a testing ground for new ideas before broader implementation,” he said.

Buthelezi called for the acceleration of all innovations and a close monitoring of their implementation.

He said the goal is to lead in public sector innovation by adopting a more integrated approach to addressing complex challenges. This, he said, will ensure that South Africans have a government that delivers effective service and a public sector dedicated to providing high quality services.

Buthelezi highlighted that historical innovations like the CAT scan (that now saves millions around the world), the Dolosse (which holds back ocean swells at harbours), the Kreepy Krauly (a system which cleans millions of pools around the world), and the first heart transplant in Cape Town are a reminder of the impact of creative solutions born from dedication to solving problems.

“By emulating these pioneers, we can achieve great things through collaborative problem solving. Dr Christiaan Barnard’s success with the first heart transplant was a result of teamwork and collaboration. Similarly, our mission to enhance service delivery through innovation cannot succeed in isolation.

“Collaboration with the private sector and civil society is crucial for sustainable solutions to poverty, inequality and unemployment. Although no single solution will address all issues, many innovations from public servants may offer answers to our challenges,” the Minister said.

Buthelezi declared the conference a success, calling for joint effort to ensure that government serves all people effectively. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 11:18

120 views

22 August 2024

August must be used to condemn acts of violence against women

Location: News

August must be used to condemn acts of violence against women

Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Lydia Sebokedi says it is imperative to use the month of August to condemn all acts of violence against women.

“We need to unite as a nation to fight gender-based violence in our society,” Sebokedi said.

Speaking at the 18th Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, Sebokedi said there will be no freedom for any woman in this country until the scourge of gender-based violence against women is decisively dealt with permanently.

“As we all know, in our country, August is a month dedicated to us, women. We look back with immense pride and sincere reverence, to those women and matriarchs of our nation who led a march in the 50s against the unsavoury laws that were in place then thus shaping our destiny as a country,” Sebokedi said.

Many of those women never lived long enough to experience freedom.

“At the same time, lest we forget, we are in a society which has practically declared a cruel war against its women, where gender-based violence and femicide have reached a pandemic status.

“Let us all take a stand and say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls,” Sebokedi said.

She called on the conference delegates to engage on ways to integrate innovation and innovative thinking in order to improve public services.

“Let us also use this platform to network and forge working partnerships for innovation,” she said.

Sebokedi told the delegates that the CPSI has been sustaining various innovation platforms and initiatives to capacitate government institutions to improve service delivery to citizens.

“This work was deeply rooted in our belief as an institution, that innovation is a pivotal catalyst that enables us to meet the needs of our citizens.”

She said there was a need to find innovative solutions and approaches to deliver services better.

“There is a call for strong inter-governmental relations and the denouncement of silo mentality within government departments.”

Sebokedi said there was also a need to forge cross-sectorial partnerships with business, academia, civil society, particularly the youth, to allow for mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in innovation.

“We come together to explore new and innovative solutions to service delivery, this time using mission-oriented innovation.

The CPSI reports to the Minister of Public Service and Administration and was established with a mandate of nurturing innovation in the public sector. It was established in 2001 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration as a Section 21 company. In 2008, the CPSI became the first Government Component listed in the Public Service Act. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:25

752 views

21 August 2024

August musts be used to condemn acts of violence against women