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Investment in rail critical for Africa’s socio-economic growth

Location: News

Investment in rail critical for Africa’s socio-economic growth

President of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), Hishaam Emeran, has called on the African continent to harness the potential of rail as it has a critical role to play in growing the economy and creating jobs.

“We must harness rail’s potential on the continent and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by embarking on ambitious programmes that will expand the role of both passenger and freight rail. These systems have the potential to contribute to our continent’s socio-economic prosperity,” Emeran said on Thursday.

Addressing the Africa Rail 2024 Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, he said investment in modern rail infrastructure could radically improve efficiencies in the sphere of moving of goods and people.

Emeran, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), said fixing and upgrading rail is an important goal, given the burden that Africa’s roads carry.

“There is excellent work being done in the logistics space, driven in South Africa by the Presidency. Our transport networks must receive this level of priority because the economic and social costs of a failing rail system, and that of the congested roads we see across the continent, far outweighs the costs of improving and modernising our railway network.

“Also given the high levels of unemployment across much of the continent, affordable, safe and reliable public transport, with rail as the backbone, is critical,” he said.

In 2023, the South African government established the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), which is chaired by the Presidency and brings together all of the relevant government departments to drive a coordinated response to the logistics challenges.

The committee has achieved steady progress. The Freight Logistics Roadmap was approved by Cabinet, enabling urgent reforms in the freight logistics sector.

A crucial reform is the development of a Network Statement, which sets out the process for rail operators to access the network.  A draft statement was released for public comment.  

The Freight Logistics Roadmap outlines a range of actions required to restore the efficiency and competitiveness of key industry supply chains, as well as ports and rail more generally. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:49

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Governance experts appointed to lead intervention in eThekwini

Location: News

Governance experts appointed to lead intervention in eThekwini

Two governance experts have been appointed to lead an intervention in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. 

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, says former eThekwini Municipality Manager, Dr Mike Sutcliffe, and former Director-General in the Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, were appointed as governance experts during an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting of the municipality, held on Thursday.

The intervention comes amid ongoing battles in the metro, including rampant crime, service delivery issues, and aging infrastructure.

The two have been appointed under Section 154 of the Constitution, which states that “The national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions”.

Buthelezi said the department aims to restore eThekwini to its former status as the jewel in the crown of KZN. 

“This action by the provincial government underscores the commitment to clean governance and accelerated service delivery, as pronounced by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli,” Buthelezi said.

The strategic support under Section 154 will entail building a clean, effective, efficient responsive and accountable local government; implementation of findings of investigation reports; addressing non-compliance with terms and conditions, including poor spending on allocated grants for various projects; and strengthening partnerships between civil society, the business sector and other critical role-players - to restore public and investor confidence.

Buthelezi said the appointed team will provide monthly reports to the MEC and will be in operation for 12 months, starting from 1 July 2024.

The Executive Committee has commended the MEC for the intervention and committed to work together with the appointed team. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 10:25

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Implementing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Classroom Learning

Location: MyPR

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have rapidly evolved from their nascent stages into powerful educational tools over the past few decades. As an Academic and the Teaching, Learning & Manager at Regent Business School, Bryson Pather has observed how these immersive technologies revolutionise the way we teach and learn. Initially limited to experimental …

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“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awardss to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.

Location: MyPR

“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awards to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO. The full list of awardees and reasons why they are recognised are listed below: Game – Changer Awards Mr Gregory Nott Greg is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his courageous …

Read more“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awardss to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.

Are financial officers human?

Location: MyPR

By Alwyn Pretorius, GM at Infinitus Reporting Solutions No, this is not another rant about AI taking jobs from finance professionals, topical as the subject may be right now. Rather, it’s a commentary on the finance industry at large and the increasingly and crucially central role that financial officers in particular play in businesses. We …

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PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains

Location: News

PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is making steady and significant progress in getting passenger trains back on track with 31 of the 40 rail corridors now operational, says Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Hishaam Emeran.

Addressing the Africa Rail 2024 Conference taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Emeran said PRASA has recovered almost 80% of passenger rail corridors after widespread theft and vandalism destroyed the country’s passenger rail system during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The resuscitation of the 31 corridors translates into the steady return of rail passengers. We are not where we need to be yet, but we are seeing significant progress. A year back, we had 15 million passengers and by the end of March this year, we reached 40million passengers. That’s nearly a 200% increase,” he said on Thursday.

PRASA has invested more than R12 billion in capital projects, creating some 4 500 jobs.

“Over the past 24 months, PRASA has achieved major milestones, and we can see a significant improvement; you can see a turnaround within the rail space in South Africa. That has been possible, in large part, to PRASA’s ability to execute on our capital programme.

“Over the last two years, PRASA has made a significant injection into the economy of our country. It has invested more than R30-billion over the last two years in projects, rolling stock manufacturing and other organisation elements within the rail space. That is a direct injection into the economy, which does not even take into account the knock-on effect of our investment,” Emeran said.

He said PRASA’s turnaround strategy – which has focused on corridor rebuilding, modernisation and safety – has yielded positive results for rail passengers and the country’s economy.

“The modernisation of the rail system is reaping rewards. It is creating jobs and revitalising an essential commuter artery. It is also boosting the manufacturing sector with the building of the new ‘people’s train’ taking place in Gauteng’s East Rand.

“Those trains are manufactured by Gibela and built here in South Africa by young men and women who are engineers, technicians, welders and so on. We have ensured that about 65% of the parts that go into that train are local content,” Emeran said.

With the production of 600 trains for PRASA at the Gibela factory, the agency is spearheading efforts to establish South Africa as the train manufacturing hub for the entire African continent, fully supporting the African Union's vision for South Africa to lead in this critical industry.

“Together with our sister company, Transnet, and our manufacturing company, Gibela, we are spearheading these opportunities for rail as part of the country’s broader economic recovery programme,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:37

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Famous Electricians of Colour

Location: MyPR

At the risk of using a ‘groan-able’ pun Straton Electrical says that this list of famous North American Electricians of colour may shock you into reality: There are several notable African American electricians and inventors who made significant contributions to the field: Granville T. Woods (1856 – 1910) was a prolific African American inventor known …

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Suspect accused of tampering with Eskom infrastructure gets five-year sentence

Location: News

Suspect accused of tampering with Eskom infrastructure gets five-year sentence

The Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court has sentenced John Tazvivinga to five years for tampering with Eskom infrastructure. 

According to Eskom, the conviction stems from an incident, which occurred between 2015 and 2016, where Tazvivinga falsely represented himself as an Eskom contractor to Marhambeni residents in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.  

“Under this pretence, he was hired by residents to connect electricity, for which he received R120 000.

“Tazvivinga unlawfully and intentionally tampered with essential infrastructure by illegally connecting electricity without authorisation from Eskom between 20 January 2016 and 15 April 2016,” an Eskom statement read.

The power utility said it suffered financial prejudice amounting to R231 000 as a result.

On Wednesday, the court found Tazvivinga guilty of contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015. 

Tazvivinga, who is a former consultant at Inkitha Royal Empire Construction, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence wholly suspended for five years, provided he did not commit a similar offence during the suspension. 

The company was ordered to pay a R10 000 fine.

Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, said the organisation strongly condemns and will not tolerate any impersonation of its business and staff by anyone.  

“We are thankful to the internal security investigations and the Specialised Commercial Crime Investigation teams for their collaborative efforts over the years. 

“While the sentence may not be as severe as Eskom had hoped, it serves as a reminder to potential criminals contemplating tampering with critical infrastructure and stealing electricity, contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, which could lead to a maximum prison term of 30 years,” said Sikhwitshi.

Sikhwitshi said the conviction contributes to the gradual improvement of convictions, which have doubled in the financial year 2023/24 compared to the financial year 2022/23, increasing from 11 to 22 recorded convictions. 

Eskom encourages members of the public to report unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales and connections, fraud, and theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and copper cables.

Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 15:22

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The Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, 27 June 2024: The natural environment is the foundation upon which our societies are built, providing us with essential resources such as clean air, water, and food. It is a source of beauty and inspiration, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance necessary for all life forms to thrive. However, …

Read moreThe Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations

Maximizing Your Trade Show Success with Quality Display Materials

Location: MyPR

Trade shows are a significant opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, network with potential clients, and solidify their brand presence. Success at these events hinges on the quality of your display materials. Investing in high-quality display materials not only attracts attention but also conveys professionalism and trustworthiness. Let’s explore the essential components for a …

Read moreMaximizing Your Trade Show Success with Quality Display Materials

KZN government recommits to rebuilding areas affected by devastating storm

Location: News

KZN government recommits to rebuilding areas affected by devastating storm

Newly-inaugurated KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to rebuilding the areas affected by the recent devastating storms and to implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future occurrences. 

Ntuli made the commitment during an oversight visit to uThongathi on Tuesday to assess government relief interventions.

UThongathi was hardest hit by the storms earlier this month, which left a trail of destruction in six district municipalities of the province with a cost estimate of over R1.3 billion.

Accompanied by MECs for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Keith Zondi and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi, amongst others, Ntuli evaluated the effectiveness of the government’s relief interventions. 

He also inspected the distribution of aid supplies and the provision of essential services, ensuring that the assistance reached those who are most in need.

Ntuli also engaged with community members who were affected by the devastating storm, where he offered support and listened to their concerns and needs.

He said the provincial government will continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy and improve the quality of life for all those affected.

“Plans include improving infrastructure resilience, enhancing early warning systems, and supporting community preparedness initiatives. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but together, we can rebuild stronger and more resilient communities,” Ntuli told the community.

The Premier also took the opportunity to speak with local leaders and community representatives to gain a deeper understanding of realities on the ground.

"Listening to the stories of those affected and witnessing the destruction first-hand has reinforced our resolve to support the communities in uThongathi and beyond. The resilience and strength of the people here are truly inspiring, and it is our duty to ensure they receive all the support they need to rebuild their lives," Ntuli said.

Ntuli expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all social partners for their invaluable contributions during this challenging time, and acknowledged the critical role played by Non-Government Organisations, donors, and volunteers in providing immediate relief and support to the storm victims.

He said the spirit of unity and cooperation observed in uThongathi, serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the KwaZulu-Natal community.

"The swift and generous response from our social partners has been overwhelming. Their efforts have provided much-needed relief and hope to those who have lost so much. 

“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved in these recovery efforts.," Ntuli said.

The Premier further emphasised the importance of collaboration between government entities, private sector partners, and community organisations to effectively address the aftermath of such natural disasters. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:56

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N Cape Premier says new administration will modernise province, grow economy

Location: News

N Cape Premier says new administration will modernise province, grow economy

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, says the seventh administration remains committed to modernising the province, boosting the economy and ensuring its success.

“This will be done with much greater speed and underpinned by the six priority areas of the 2024 ANC election manifesto,” Saul said on Monday. 

These priority areas, he said, include creating jobs, building industries for an inclusive economy, tackling the high cost of living, investing in people, defending democracy and advancing freedom, and building a better Africa.

The Premier was delivering his inauguration speech in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley.

The address follows the first sitting of the Provincial Legislature on 14 June 2024, where Saul was sworn in as the seventh democratically elected Premier of the Northern Cape. 

He outlined his vision and plans for this seventh administration in his speech. 

Progress

Saul believes government has made significant progress in delivering basic services to the poor.  

“Before 1994, many communities were deprived of basic services, which included clean running water, electricity, housing and education. Since the dawn of our democracy, we have reduced the backlog of basic services and have improved living conditions for many citizens.”

In addition, he said the total number of households in the Northern Cape with access to flush toilets increased to 73% in 2022. 

“This indicates a huge improvement in the provision of basic services. We have indeed improved the quality of public education and all indicators attest to that.” 

Meanwhile, he said, in his province, the proportion of people aged between five and 24 who attend an education institution increased from 64.2% to 70.3% in 2022. 

“This represents the largest increase in attendance observed in all provinces. The percentage of persons aged 20 years and older without schooling in the Northern Cape declined from 22.7% to 6.7% in 2022.”

Saul said he was glad that the country had surpassed three months with no load shedding, which he believes is a clear indication power cuts will become a thing of the past.

Unity

He acknowledged that the sixth administration was riddled with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of State Capture. 

“As a party and government, we have learnt from our mistakes and want to assure the people of the Northern Cape that we will do anything possible to close the trust deficit. We will do things differently – it won’t be business as usual.”

The next five years, he said, will require intensive engagement with political parties, civil society, the private sector, academia, and all spheres of government.

“The seventh administration will work tirelessly to bring all stakeholders together towards the realisation of the Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan Vision 2040 for the realisation of a modern, growing, and successful province. This plan outlines a bold and ambitious path to transform our province into one that provides opportunities for all.”

He also touched on the youth, who comprised about 60% of the population.

“They are crucial to the current and future development of our country, particularly this province. We should actively involve young people in the development initiatives of the province as co-creators. We should continue to give special attention to addressing the challenging circumstances our young people face.”

Last month, he said the province introduced the Labour Activation Programme through the Unemployment Insurance Fund of the Department of Labour.

This programme will offer skills development opportunities valued at over R545 million to benefit 23 000 unemployed young people in the province.

Government of national unity

The Premier believes that the government of national unity (GNU) marks a new era where diverse parties cooperate to improve the citizens' lives and foster national solidarity. 

“We are entering uncharted waters, with a capable captain, His Excellency President Ramaphosa, to take the country through this murky situation,” he told the attendees. 

As the Premier, he committed to lead with honesty, empathy, and hard work. 

“Following the national goals that the President has set forth, we will work together to give economic growth, job creation, social welfare, infrastructure development, and good governance priority.”

He pleaded for support and vowed to work with the provincial administration to create a better future for the people of the Northern Cape. 

Saul also outlined improved outcomes in education and health as key priorities. 

“Let us continuously collaborate, motivated by the spirit of progress and solidarity that characterises our country at this critical moment.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:58

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Complainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

Location: MyPR

The Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance (OLTI) and the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) have published their last joint annual report for 2023, as they have now been incorporated into the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO). From 1 March 2024, the NFO, an industry ombud scheme, commenced operations with the merger of four separate …

Read moreComplainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

African Development Bank expands urban support program to six new cities

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The African Development Bank's (www.AfDB.org) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (https://apo-opa.co/4exYmAh) has expanded its African Cities Program to cover six new cities across the continent. The expansion, approved by the Fund's 13th Oversight Committee, will help bolster urban development and address critical challenges faced by rapidly growing African cities.

The newly included cities are:

  • Kolwezi, the Democratic Republic of Congo: mining town grappling with rapid urban growth and environmental issues.
  • Grand Nokoué, Benin: an economic hub with over two million inhabitants.
  • Buffalo City, South Africa: a coastal city prioritizing climate resilience.
  • Joal, Senegal: A medium-sized city focusing on integrating environmental and social issues into economic development.
  • Juba, South Sudan: Prioritizing essential services for a growing, vulnerable population;
  • Nouakchott, Mauritania: Planning to combine projects on climate resilience, urban mobility, and sustainable energy.

The Bank launched the UMDF in 2019 in response to growing demand from countries and cities for urban development support. It receives contributions from the Nordic Development Fund and the governments of Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency.

The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to national and local governments for improving governance, planning, and to prepare investments in sustainable urban development for more climate resilient, resilient, liveable and productive cities, underpinning national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

UMDF will provide funding for each of the six cities over several months, including a detailed analysis of the strengths and vulnerabilities, especially regarding economic, social, climate, and gender issues. The goal is to identify transformative infrastructure projects that can attract public and private sector investments.

The committee also reviewed the Fund's progress and approved its 2024 work program, allocating over $4.7 million to identify and develop urban infrastructure projects and bring them to maturity.

Mike Salawou, Director of the African Development Bank's Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, committed to strengthening the Fund's operational effectiveness and capacity to mobilize more funding and partnerships for greater impact.

“The question of urban development is at the heart of the Bank's new ten-year strategy for 2024-2033, of which the Urban and Municipal Development Fund is a strategic implementation mechanism,” he emphasized. The Bank ten-year strategy 2024-2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3L73NIF) includes data and research from publications (https://apo-opa.co/3XEbJbS) financed by the Fund and its partners.

It is hoped that the Fund will act as a catalyst in boosting access of African municipalities to public and private finance, a priority defined by the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, at the Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) 2023 Market Days in Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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Brand South Africa’s Sithembile Ntombela wins Marketing Leader of the Year Award

Location: MyPR

The 2024 Future of Leadership Summit took place on the 16th of May at Wanderer’s Stadium. The Forum, designed to inspire and promote sustainable leadership in South Africa played host to many high-profile captains of industry. Some took the stage with keynote addresses and others joined panels that discussed futurism in all aspects of South …

Read moreBrand South Africa’s Sithembile Ntombela wins Marketing Leader of the Year Award

Enhance Your Home’s Security and Style with Vinyl Frosting from Window Art

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa — Home security is a priority for many homeowners, yet finding the perfect balance between maintaining security and preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home can be challenging. Window Art, a leading vinyl frosting company with over 18 years of experience, offers an ideal solution that enhances security without compromising style. Improved …

Read moreEnhance Your Home’s Security and Style with Vinyl Frosting from Window Art

Parliament begins setting up internal structures

Location: News

Parliament begins setting up internal structures

With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President done and dusted, the seventh Parliament will now shift focus to establishing internal structures necessary for Parliament to function.

Among the activities that will unfold are the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meetings.

“These committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function. They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee.

“Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, setting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused,” Parliament said.

Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President as the committees exercise oversight over each government department.

Parliament said committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate, and ensuring accountability.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

“The OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two Houses that marks the official opening of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the State of the Nation Address that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans, and it marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term,” Parliament said.

The joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction.

The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the Parliament precinct.

Programme of the new Parliament

Once all the structures of the two Houses are established, the Joint Programming Committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme.

“The Joint Programming Committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new Parliament. The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities,” Parliament said.

Orientation programme for MPs

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will also undergo a structured orientation programme from 2 July to 5 July to induct them into their new roles.

The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the Rules guiding the operations of each House, and those that guide Joint Sittings.

“Following the success of the first sittings of the two Houses, the seventh parliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that Parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation,” Parliament said.

Meetings and activities scheduled for this week are as follows:

  • On Wednesday, both Houses will hold their respective Rules Committee meetings. The NCOP Rules Committee meeting will start at 10:00, and the NA Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for 15:00.
  • On Thursday at 14:00, the NCOP will convene a hybrid plenary to elect various office bearers for the seventh Parliament, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Rotating Deputy Chairperson, the Programming Whip, the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight, the House Chairperson for Parliamentary Diplomacy, the House Chairperson for Internal Arrangements and Members Support, and several other critical positions.
  • During the same session, the Council will also hold elections for the NCOP Permanent Delegates (MPs) to the Pan-African Parliament. Additionally, they will designate members to serve in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. The Council will also consider and deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill.
  • On the same day the Council will convene in the morning and hold the Programming Committee at 08:30. The Programming Committee considers Bills before the House, committee reports and plans the business of the House and the programme. On Friday, the NA at 10:00 will hold its programming meeting.
  • The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene its first of the two annual Plenary Sessions from 24 June to 5 July 2024 at the PAP precinct in Midrand. Among the critical items for discussion and consideration is the budget for the PAP to enable the institution to function optimally.

- SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:02

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Every effort must be made to ensure the GNU succeeds

Location: News

Every effort must be made to ensure the GNU succeeds

President Cyril Ramaphosa says every effort must be made to ensure that the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people.

“South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country,” President Ramaphosa said.

In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said the formation of the second Government of National Unity (GNU) was a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy.

“The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together,” President Ramahosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the first GNU was established in 1994 to promote nation building and inclusivity from a racially divided past during a period of political transition.

“Giving effect to the principles of that Constitution and the Bill of Rights must be the overriding focus of this GNU. This will be done by pursing a common programme to eradicate poverty and build a more equal society, to create jobs, and to make government truly work for the people.

“The GNU Statement of Intent provides a solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum who have signed up of their own accord.

“The Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism, accountability, transparency and community participation in government, evidence-based policy and decision-making, professionalisation of the public service integrity and good governance,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the parties to the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration and that at the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.

“It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is underway to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice.

“These reforms are necessary to resolve longstanding challenges in key industries and create more jobs and opportunities. We will need to build on the progress that has already been made, while accelerating the pace of reform,” the President said.

President Rmaphosa said the fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives an encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward.  

“Emanating from the priorities outlined in the Statement of Intent, the parties will further refine the GNU’s programme, including through the proposed National Dialogue process.

“We remain committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government. At the same time, we are all keenly aware that South Africans expect action, implementation and results,” he said.

The President said the country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU.

“Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander. South Africans are watching.

“We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country’s progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:17

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Read moreEvery effort must be made to ensure the GNU succeeds

Agency welcomes efforts to fight cross-border crimes

Location: News

Agency welcomes efforts to fight cross-border crimes

The Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) has welcomed the recent 53-year conviction of cross-border vehicle hijacker and smuggler, Sipho Mhlanga.

Mhlanga was sentenced to 53 years by the Mtubatuba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 19 June.

The CEO of the C-BRTA, Lwazi Mboyi, said the agency notes the progress registered by law enforcement authorities in the country in the fight against cross-border crimes.

“This is a step in the right direction because cross-border crimes and related syndicates frustrate South Africa’s efforts to improve and build a healthy trade between the country and neighbouring countries. It is for this reason that we commend the work that has been done thus far, and we would like to wish the South African Police well in their efforts to eliminate cross-border crimes,” Mboyi said in a statement on Sunday.

Mhlanga’s arrest and subsequent conviction followed “sterling work” by the South African Police Service (SAPS), who were deployed to the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal to clamp down on cross-border criminality.

“The C-BRTA, as the facilitator of the commercial transportation of passengers, goods and services across borders, welcomes and commends the SAPS for the work they have done in fighting and combating cross-border crimes in KwaZulu-Natal and in the country in general,”  the agency said.

The C-BRTA is a statutory body operating in a commercial environment, with government represented by the Minister of Transport being the shareholder.

The agency facilitates the unimpeded flow of freight and passenger cross-border movements and plays a critical role in the implementation of cross-border road transport agreements and issuing of cross-border operator permits. - SAnews.gov.za

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Mon, 06/24/2024 - 09:23

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