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Green Hydrogen programme makes progress 

Location: News

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress 

Since the gazetting of nine Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) by Infrastructure at a Capex value of R300 billion, the Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has attracted projects with the Capex value of over R800 billion with about 20% of the total investments at the bankable feasibility stage.

This is according to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, who was speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The gazetting of the SIPs was done by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2022.

According to Zikalala, most of these projects are at different stages of development ranging from prefeasibility to execution.

These projects include the Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) in Johannesburg which entails a fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng, the Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape, Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project driven by the Northern Cape provincial government.

Other projects include the Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape, Arcelor Mittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape and the Sasolburg 60MW H2 production in Gauteng.

Zikalala said South Africa only needed one percent of the country’s land area to support green hydrogen economy initiatives, creating jobs and improving the economy. He said this was unusable land for agriculture and human settlements.  

The Deputy Minster said ISA acted as one of the government enablers for the South African green hydrogen opportunity.

He said that by gazetting the GHNP as a SIP, ISA enabled projects to be placed on an expedited path to development with prescribed and shortened timeframes for various project approvals and authorisations.
‘The seventh administration has identified three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state," said the Deputy Minister.

He called on green hydrogen players to work with government in the creation of jobs in the green hydrogen economy.

“We look up to you to take a lead in facilitating green hydrogen manufacturing capability in a manner that localises the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Working together, South Africa can realise its potential to produce six to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives per year by 2050.  

“We reiterate that South Africa as a green hydrogen investment destination still offers substantial additional investment opportunities including green shipping, green fertiliser production, electrolyser manufacturing, pipeline development, green field port developments’, said Zikalala. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:26

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Education key for African children

Location: News

Education key for African children

Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has told a gathering of the Speakers of African Parliaments that the education of African children in the 21st Century is dependent on the ending of wars and instability on the continent.

Didiza was speaking at the Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments held at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand.

Leaning on the session’s theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century. Building resilient education system for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”, Didiza acknowledged the importance of education.

“While the African continent is relatively peaceful, there are still pockets of instabilities, terrorism and threats to peace in various parts of the continent. 

“Therefore, our success in educating the Africans fit for the 21st Century is also dependent on our success in silencing guns in order to ensure peace and stability, for there can be no proper education in volatile and war environments.

“The same obligation applies to development and economic prosperity, for there can be no development and prosperity without peace and education,” she said.

Furthermore, Didiza said the need for investment in education is “unquestionable”.

“The weaker economic and financial standing of our societies should not be the yardstick that determines whether their children should have access to quality education or not. 

“This presents us with an opportunity and positive challenge to rethink our budgeting processes and to allocate more funds to departments of education in our respective nations,” she said.

Peace in Africa and the world

Didiza told her counterparts on the continent that South Africa’s recent democratically held general elections and the consequences of that process bear testimony to how the country has embraced democratic processes.

“We hope our sister countries will also learn and embrace democratic processes should they face similar situations in future. Democracy remains the viable system of governance that can help us valorise our natural resources and build the resilience we need for prosperous economies in the continent.

“Embracing democratic processes is a golden route to peace, stability and prosperity,” she said.

Turning to events in the Middle East, Didiza reiterated government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“[The] attainment of democracy in South Africa against the barbaric apartheid system is a living proof that no challenge can withstand the will and might of the united global community. 

“As the product of international solidarity, we call upon the nations of the world, the African Union Member States in particular, to support the call and the birth right of the people of Palestine and all the oppressed people in the world for self-determination and freedom. 

“Our founding father, President [Nelson] Mandela left us with a message that South Africa will never be free until the people of Palestine are free,” Didiza insisted. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:06

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Read moreEducation key for African children

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

Location: News

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

A new PET (polyethylene terephthalate) processing facility, which can accommodate more plastic waste and is the first-of-its-kind technology for Africa, will come on stream in 2025.

This was announced on the sidelines of the International Solid Waste Association’s (ISWA) annual conference where South Africa’s efforts to build a circular economy for post-consumer packaging was thrust into the spotlight.

The ISWA’s annual conference saw the country’s most experienced producer responsibility organisation, Petco, and recycling partner, Extrupet, giving a site tour of the new PET processing facility.

The facility, which houses the new R300 million project, will bring PET bottle-to-bottle recycling capability to the Western Cape for the first time.

The facility will add an extra 15 000 tonnes per annum of food-grade recycled PET (rPET recycled polyethylene terephthalate) output capacity.

Extrupet Joint Managing Director Chandru Wadhwani said 64% of South Africa’s PET plastic bottles were currently collected for recycling.

“With this increased capacity, we will be able to accommodate more plastic waste and strengthen South Africa’s position as a circular economy leader in Africa and the world,” Wadhwani said on Monday in Cape Town.

Stimulating demand

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said the facility adds value to the country’s efforts to increase the collection and recycling rates for packaging materials, including PET.

“We view the facility as an opportunity to stimulate a demand for more PET materials and a supply of these by waste pickers and waste small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), thus creating stable markets for PET.

“The facility needs to be fed and the collection system needs to be improved in order to meet the demand of this facility.

“Waste pickers are an important contributor to the supply of the input material of plastic waste and we look forward to seeing the implementation of the waste picker service fee in order to continue to enable these waste pickers to do their work effectively and efficiently," Swarts said.

Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz said the additional capacity would assist in closing the loop for PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic polymer that can be turned into another food- grade product.

“So, this increase in capacity takes us another tangible step towards that circular economy, in which a bottle becomes a bottle over and over again and keeps that material in circulation at its highest possible value,” Scholtz said.

This year’s ISWA conference is taking place under the theme: “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future”.

As the host country, South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development with a focus on building a circular economy and the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that require producers to take responsibility for their packaging waste throughout its life cycle.

Partnership

Scholtz said, as a Producer Responsibility Organisation, Petco worked with government to contribute to policy development and the implementation of EPR legislation and helped its members to meet their legislated targets for collection, recycling and the inclusion of recycled content in their packaging, which increased year on year.

She said the key to success lay in building a sustainable value chain that could survive the economic peaks and troughs, by balancing collection with recycling capacity and stimulating.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight; it has been a journey. Petco and Extrupet have been working together for more than 20 years to build a solid foundation.

“Petco’s commitment of ongoing support to our 10 contracted recycling partners, like Extrupet, gives them the confidence to invest in the new equipment and infrastructure that is needed to recycle increasing tonnages of recyclable packaging.

“The support also enables recyclers to increase the gate price at which they purchase recyclable packaging, which stimulates collection on the ground by increasing the street value of this packaging and growing the local market for it, thereby making it easier for waste pickers to sell their collected packaging and earn an income from it,” Scholtz said.  

She said a strong relationship with government, especially the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, was equally important for the country to benefit as a whole.

“Having implementable regulations, strong compliance, and effective enforcement is vital. We partner with all tiers of government to support sustainable waste management and diversion initiatives, and work towards meeting sustainable development and circular economy goals.”

Climate Change Bill

She said that the opening of the new plant also aligned with government’s climate change goals, as outlined in the newly signed Climate Change Bill.

The bill sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.

Wadhwani said Extrupet had established its first bottle-to-food-grade line in Johannesburg in 2009, with the second following in 2014.

“The third arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. And the fact that this is now the fourth line in what's, in essence, a 15-year horizon is just so gratifying for us,” Wadhwani said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:49

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Read moreSA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

Green Taxes to Enable Climate Justice on the Agenda at Global Conference

Location: MyPR

The use of environmental taxes to stimulate action to combat climate change and drive a just transition to cleaner energy that “leaves no-one behind” comes under the spotlight at the Global Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET) held for the first time in Africa and hosted by Stellenbosch Business School from 18-20 September. With the European …

Read moreGreen Taxes to Enable Climate Justice on the Agenda at Global Conference

Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation

Location: News

Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says automation and digital transformation is necessary to turn Home Affairs into a department that supercharges economic growth, delivers dignified civic services and secures national security.

“The inefficiency and corruption that has maligned this department can all be traced back to the fact that it still has manual and paper-based processes,” Schreiber said.

Speaking at the RMB Morgan Stanley Investor Conference, Schreiber said Home Affairs sits at the heart of national security apparatus and has much work to do to restore internal security after decades of neglect and institutional vandalism.

He said securing immigration and civics systems through automation and digital transformation will deliver an immediate boost to confidence in South Africa’s ability to re-establish law and order.

“But the role of Home Affairs as an economic enabler goes well beyond the realm of national security. In total, it is in the domain of Home Affairs that we have the potential to triple or even quadruple this country’s annual economic output.

“We can do all of this with very little additional demands on the fiscus, which is already overstretched. To achieve this economic impact, we must address both regulation and administration as a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said South Africa’s new remote working visa was a game changer.

“My message to remote workers all around the world is simple: there is just no place like South Africa. And with our new user-friendly remote working visa, there has never been a better time to come and spend your hard-earned salary in a beautiful country whose best days are yet to come.

“Even more exciting than the remote working visa, is the new points-based work visa. The points-based work visa is going to revolutionise the South African economy.

“Gone will be the days when highly skilled workers had no pathway to help build this country if their skills happened to not be included in an arbitrary critical skills list,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:32

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Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

Location: News

Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in Washington DC, in the United States on Thursday for a weeklong working visit.

South Africa enjoys strategic relations with the United States and has strong political, economic, and social ties. 
According to the department, bilateral cooperation with the United States covers various issues aligned with South Africa’s domestic priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP).

America is also the leading source of foreign direct investment, a market for value-added exports and agri-products, technology transfer, development assistance, investment finance, skills development, and tourism for South Africa. 

These investments, according to the department, make a significant contribution to supporting government efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

During the visit, which will conclude on Thursday, 19 September 2024, the Minister will participate in meetings and attend various events.

These include the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Roundtable where delegates will also discuss critical issues facing Africa and the diaspora solutions, and the United States policy toward Africa.

He is also expected to meet with the business stakeholders, including the United States Chamber of Commerce.
George Washington University will host Lamola for a panel discussion on United States-South Africa relations.

“There will also be an engagement with the Quincy Institute Responsible for State Craft and a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Minister Lamola believes that this working visit will deepen and strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:14

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Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change 

Location: News

Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change 

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Mayor, Gary van Niekerk has emphasised the need to advance understanding of climate change to mitigate the challenges the country faces, including floods and drought.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a stark reality that we face, with daily struggles such as floods and droughts that threatens the livelihoods of millions as agriculture is affected by this.

“We must advance our understanding of climate change in agriculture to ensure that we mitigate these challenges. Together we can build a resilient and prosperous future for South Africa,” Van Niekerk said.

The mayor made these remarks at the 61st Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference that was held at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha.

Held under the theme “Agricultural Economics Research for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Africa”, the three-day annual conference concluded on Wednesday.

The conference which got underway on Monday, was aimed at promoting training and research which will encourage advancements in agricultural economics research and education, among others.

The conference showcased cutting-edge research work on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on Southern Africa, as well as research on other topics of vital interest to agricultural economists, farmers, and relevant policymakers in the region.

Van Niekerk added that hosting the AEASA conference lines up with Eastern Cape metro’s broader goals to promote sustainable economic development as well as showcasing the metro’s business tourism infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, as well as NMBM Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe and Council Speaker, Eugene Johnson attended the third and final day of the conference. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:18

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President Ramaphosa to attend BMW ‘start of production’ event

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend BMW 'start of production' event

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the start of production event for BMW’s new generation X3 plug in hybrid model vehicle.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

During the South Africa Investment Conference last year, the company announced that it will pour in some R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane, Gauteng to build the next generation vehicle.

“The President is pleased that this vehicle will be exclusively built here in South Africa at the BMW Plant here in Rosslyn for the rest of the world.

“The President noted with appreciation BMW’s long history in South Africa and its footprint that has grown significantly over time. BMW’s investment in its Plant in Rosslyn dates back five decades,” Magwenya said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

The event is set to be held on 11 October. 

READ | BMW to invest R4.2 billion into its Tshwane plant

The spokesperson highlighted that some 95 000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by the company’s activities in the country. 

READ | President sets R2 trillion investment target

“BMW’s investment supports the South African government’s industrial and economic policy objectives of ensuring job creation, increased industrial output and export income, transformation, and the future sustainability.

“BMW Group announced a R4.2 billion investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023 as a demonstration of that commitment to South Africa and its people. This investment is now complete, and the President will be pleased to see the BMW state-of-the-art plant during this Start of Production Event,” Magwenya said.  – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:10

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Police Minister to attend global forum on public security challenges

Location: News

Police Minister to attend global forum on public security challenges

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is set to represent South Africa at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in China this week, where international leaders will come together to address key public security challenges.

The conference, themed: "Win-Win Cooperation under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security", will take place from 8 to 11 September 2024, in Lianyungang City, China. 

During his visit to China, Mchunu will hold a bilateral meeting with the Chinese Minister of Public Safety, Wang Xiaohong. 

“The two leaders will engage on critical issues, including the use of advanced technology in policing to enhance law enforcement capabilities. The discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in tackling transnational crime, cybercrime, and the development of innovative strategies for crime prevention.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) delegation accompanying the Minister will actively participate in 13 sub-forums that address various aspects of public security governance. 

“These forums will cover a range of topics, including cyber security, counterterrorism, and urban safety, providing an opportunity for the delegation to share experiences and gain insights from global counterparts,” said the police in a statement.

In addition to the conference, Minister Mchunu will visit the Public Safety and Security Technology Expo where cutting-edge advancements in public safety technology will be showcased. 

The visit will allow the Minister to explore new technologies and innovations that could enhance the SAPS' capacity to ensure public safety in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:20

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Minister George weighs in on future of circular economy in Africa

Location: News

Minister George weighs in on future of circular economy in Africa

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George says the circular economy has the potential to address some of Africa’s “environment complexities”.

The Minister was speaking at the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) Ministerial briefing dinner held in Côte d'Ivoire.

The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.

“The circular economy holds the potential to address many of the environmental complexities we face, including the issues related to the theme of this AMCEN [African Ministerial Conference on the Environment] 10th Special Session — drought resilience, land degradation, and desertification. 

“Circular agriculture, for instance, offers solutions for regenerating degraded soils and reducing water stress. By utilising organic waste as a resource, we can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and restore ecosystems,” George said on Friday.

He emphasised that tackling plastic pollution, “which continues to degrade our lands and rivers”, is as important. 

“The ACEA must play a prominent role in providing technical knowhow on [the] circular economy and extended producer responsibility implementation in processes such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. 

“In addition, the recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that agricultural soils may receive greater quantities of microplastics than oceans, affecting both the quality of our soils and our food systems. This is where a circular economy can play a key role in mitigating and addressing plastic pollution,” the Minister explained.

Taking the lead

George told the gathering that Africa – with all of its rich natural endowments – must be at the forefront of change.

“Africa must take the lead in developing sustainable alternatives, promoting recycling technologies, and integrating circular economy principles into the plastics value chain. Moreover, we must consider the role and governance of critical minerals, which are essential for the global green energy transition. 

“Africa’s mineral wealth is unparalleled, but we must extract and manage these resources in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. A circular approach can ensure that we maximise the value of these materials while minimising environmental and social harm. 

“This includes developing frameworks for ‘materials as a service’, extending the lifecycle of products, and fostering technological innovation to reduce the need for new extraction.”

The Minister highlighted that land has a “critical role” to play in Africa’s future circular economy.

“Africa’s rich biodiversity and vast landscapes are both our greatest asset and our greatest responsibility. The Abidjan Legacy Programme, launched at the UNCCD [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification] COP15 in May 2022, provides a clear roadmap for advancing towards Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030. 

“I believe that integrating circular economy principles into this programme will not only help us restore degraded lands but will also contribute to building resilient communities and achieving food security.

“We have the opportunity to redefine our economic model, not only for the benefit of our environment but also for the future prosperity of our people. Let us seize this moment, using the power of circularity to combat environmental degradation, create jobs, and build the sustainable Africa we envision in Agenda 2063,” George concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 13:06

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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

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

Exploring Office Solutions in Marietta, GA

Location: MyPR

Finding the perfect workspace that suits your business needs is essential, especially in bustling hubs like Marietta, GA. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or a remote worker looking for flexible office options, there are plenty of choices that cater to different working styles and preferences. Let’s explore some of the top office …

Read moreExploring Office Solutions in Marietta, GA

Public Service Month to kick off on a high note

Location: News

Public Service Month to kick off on a high note

Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has outlined a series of activities his department will spearhead as part of this year’s Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).

Activities will kick off on Thursday and will feature among others, roadblock inspections, service delivery site spot checks and an imbizo which will be led by the Minister.

Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria on Monday, Buthelezi said during the course of the month, government will introduce the Ethics Committee Procedure and provide training on Lifestyle Audit Investigations and Discipline Management. 

This is aimed at reinforcing the ethical foundations of the public service. 

“In collaboration with The Ethics Institute, we will conduct an independent survey to assess the state of ethics in public administration,” the Minister said. 

September marks public service month in South Africa. The IPSM serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the impact the government has, especially around issues of service delivery. 

As part of  Public Service Month, public servants are expected to roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service delivery points and unblock the bottlenecks and red-tape in the delivery of services, among others.

On Thursday,12 September, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will host a dialogue focusing on enhancing services for persons with disabilities. The dialogue is aimed at improving the lives of those living with disabilities and informing policy recommendations.

The Service Delivery Monitoring Week will be held from 16-22 September.

The Minister explained that the initiative will emphasise the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure effective service delivery and this will include visits to key facilities which include:

   • Presidential Hotline visit in Centurion on 17 September at 9 am
   • Site visit at Maponya Mall Thusong Centre on 18 September at 9 am
   • Bronkhorstspruit Hospital on 19 September at 9 am

Also as part of the IPSM, Batho Pele Week (hybrid events) will be held.

These include: 
   • Dialogue on Public Service Charter (Gauteng) - hybrid event on 25 September.
   • Batho Pele – Walkie Talkie – physical event in Rustenburg on 27 September.
     
The final week of the IPSM week will include:
   •  International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) four-day conference in Gauteng – physical event from 1-5 October 2024
   • Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Hackathon weekend in the Northern Cape - physical event from 4-6 October 2024
   • GEMS Big Walk for all government employees – Sunday, 6 October 2024

Buthelezi said the wellbeing of public servants remains a priority and that government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing integrated mental health strategies. 

“As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders to join us in our efforts to strengthen the public service and restore trust in our institutions,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:30

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Read morePublic Service Month to kick off on a high note

President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China this week where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

The State Visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.

President Ramaphosa is expected to be flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.

The delegation will also include the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as well as senior government officials. 

President Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in Tshwane, cementing 25 years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries have enjoyed since establishing formal diplomatic relations.

“China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023,” the Presidency said in a statement.

On Monday, President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.

Ahead of the bilateral engagement, the President will lay a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.

South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

“South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.

“On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa’s economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit,” the Presidency said.

On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.

On Thursday, the President will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.

“The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning, the High-Level Panel Seminar on Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernisation,” the Presidency said.

South Africa’s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa’s position on development as outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.

A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued at the conclusion of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 09:22

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

President Ramaphosa Leads South Africa Delegation to China for State Visit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will at the invitation of His Excellency President Xi Jinping undertake a State Visit to the People's Republic of China and participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

The State Visit and FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in the City of Tshwane, cementing twenty five years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries enjoy since establishing formal diplomatic relations.

China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China's number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.

On Monday, 2 September 2024, President Ramaphosa's State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Ahead of the bilateral engagement, President Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the Monument to the Peoples Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.

South Africa and China's  bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) level, underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of  human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.  

On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa's economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit. 

The President will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.

On Thursday, 5, September 2024, President Ramaphosa, will participate  in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”. 

The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning , the High Level Panel Seminar on “Accompanying Africa in Industrialization, Agricultural Modernization and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernization”.

South Africa ‘s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa's position on development as outlined by the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes. 

A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued as the outcome documents of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. 

The Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy ; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education ; Agriculture are accompanying the President to the China State Visit and FOCAC along Premiers of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo province as well as senior government officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Leads South Africa Delegation to China for State Visit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit

BIWA to Host Groundbreaking International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation.

Location: MyPR

Gqeberha, South Africa — The Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA) is proud to announce the International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation, set to take place from October 2-4, 2024, at the prestigious Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha. This landmark event will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from across the globe to …

Read moreBIWA to Host Groundbreaking International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation.

Season Two of NBA Africa’s “Born & Bred” Original Content Series Featuring Raptors’ Ulrich Chomche and Jazz’s Babacar Sané Premieres on the NBA App

Location: Sport

Second Season Tells the Stories of Five Current and Former NBA Academy Africa (www.NBA.com) Prospects from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal; All Five Episodes Will Be Available on the NBA App with One Episode Releasing Weekly Throughout September. 

NBA Africa announced the return of its first original documentary series “Born & Bred” which will premiere its second season on the NBA App today.  The docuseries returns with five episodes telling the stories of current and former NBA Academy Africa student athletes from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal as they pursue their basketball dreams at the academy and beyond. 

Season two of “Born & Bred” features the first NBA Academy Africa prospect drafted to the NBA Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), former NBA G League Ignite players Babacar Sané (Utah Jazz; Senegal) and Thierry Darlan (Central African Republic), and current NBA Academy Africa prospects Ali Assran (Egypt) and Modou Fall Thiam (Senegal). 

Chomche became the first prospect from one of the three NBA Academies around the world to be drafted directly to the NBA when he was selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft.  During his time at NBA Academy Africa, he was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp and participated in the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club (REG BBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police in 2022. 

The first episode, “Small Village. Big Dreams”, features Chomche and is available to watch today on the NBA App.  All five episodes will be available to stream on the NBA App, with one episode releasing each week throughout September.

Descriptions of each season two “Born & Bred” episode are included below:

  • Episode 1 (Aug. 29): “Small Village. Big Dreams” features Ulrich Chomche, an 18-year-old forward from Bafang, Cameroon, who is set to make his NBA debut later this year during the 2024-25 NBA season.  Chomche joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019.  He represented Team World at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon in April, before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft.  He became the seventh Cameroonian to be drafted, joining Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (NBA Draft 2001), Luc Mbah a Moute (NBA Draft 2008), seven-time NBA All-Star and 2022-23 Kia NBA MVP Joel Embiid (NBA Draft 2014), two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (NBA Draft 2016), Christian Koloko (NBA Draft 2022) and Yves Missi (NBA Draft 2024).

  • Episode 2 (Sept. 5): “Birth of Young Ossoko” features Babacar Sané, a 20-year-old forward from Ziguinchor, Senegal.  Following his breakthrough performances during the BAL's second season, he spent two years with NBA G League Ignite, before going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft and signing with the Jazz earlier this month.  

  • Episode 3 (Sept. 12): “Breaking Ground” features Ali Assran, a 17-year-old forward from Cairo, Egypt.  Assran represented the U17 Egyptian national team at the 2024 FIBA Basketball World Cup and joined the NBA Academy Africa in 2023.  The episode follows him as he continues to discover his passion for basketball while channeling his struggles into determination and finding solace on the court.

  • Episode 4 (Sept. 19): “The Quiet Leader” features Modou Fall Thiam, a 19-year-old from Senegal who joined NBA Academy Africa in 2023.  Hailing from Yeumbeul, the athletic dunker faced an early injury which saw the young point guard sidelined in his second year at the academy.  Thiam details his journey of playing in several international tournaments, participating in the BAL's third season as a BAL Elevate member of Nigeria's Kwara Falcons, and the adversity of dealing with an injury as a young athlete.

  • Episode 5 (Sept. 26): “Against All Odds” features Thierry Darlan, who as a 20-year-old guard from Bangui, Central African Republic became the sixth NBA Academy graduate and third from the NBA Academy Africa to sign with NBA G League Ignite.  Named the MVP of the 2022 BWB Africa camp in Egypt, Darlan also led the academy team to a championship at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Georgia the same year.  Following his BAL debut with Angola's Petro de Luanda in 2022 as part of the BAL Elevate program, Darlan returned to the BAL in 2024, making his professional debut during the Nile Conference for Central African Republic's Bangui Sporting Club.  

“Born & Bred” season one (https://apo-opa.co/4e2kQbl) premiered on the NBA App last November, featuring current and former NBA Academy Africa prospects Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu, Egypt's Seifeldin Hendawy, South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, Senegal's Khadim Rassoul Mboup, and Angola's Aginaldo Neto, spotlighting each prospect's basketball journey, including the communities where they were raised and the moments that have shaped them as players and young men. 

NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent.  Since its launch in 2017, more than 40 male and female participants have committed to NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. or signed professional contracts.

The NBA App is free to download here (https://apo-opa.co/3T9WrZA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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Read moreSeason Two of NBA Africa’s “Born & Bred” Original Content Series Featuring Raptors’ Ulrich Chomche and Jazz’s Babacar Sané Premieres on the NBA App