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Government to work with transport sector for economic growth

Location: News

Government to work with transport sector for economic growth

Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has reaffirmed government's commitment to fostering a transport ecosystem that is agile, responsive and adaptable to the evolving needs of society and the changing global landscape.

“Transport plays a critical role in shaping the societal, economic, and spatial landscape of our nation. With mandates spanning across rail, road, civil aviation, maritime, public transport, and macro planning, the Department of Transport and its entities hold a significant responsibility in driving forward the country's developmental agenda,” Chikunga said on Tuesday.

She made these remarks during a strategic workshop for the transport sector, which served as a platform for strategic conversations and dialogue, fostering a shared understanding of mandates and a unified vision for the transport portfolio.

“From roads and highways to railways, airports, and seaports, a well-established transportation network not only facilitates the movement of goods and people but also acts as a catalyst for economic development.

“It is imperative that policymakers, businesses, and communities work together to prioritise sustainable infrastructure development that meets the needs of present and future generations. Only through concerted efforts can we build a transport infrastructure that drives inclusive and sustainable development for all,” Chikunga said.

The Minister outlined key priorities essential for driving the transport sector forward.

These priorities, spanning various facets of transport infrastructure and operations, underscore the government's commitment to enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility within the transport ecosystem.

She reiterated the importance of revitalising rail infrastructure and operations.

Key priorities in this domain include the recovery of rail major corridors, signalling system, implementation of the station modernisation programme, and expansion and modernisation of rolling stock.

“The recently launched National Rail Policy underscores the necessity for collaborative efforts aimed at fostering transformation and ensuring fair competition within the sector,” she said.

The Minister stressed the importance of finalising key policies such as the Roads Funding Policy and the Public Transport Subsidy Policy.

This being the last strategic workshop for the transport sector in the sixth administration,  the workshop undertook a robust review of the mandate analysis of the Department and its entities,  review of its achievements in the current term,  analysis of the legislative frameworks and the need for its modernisation as well as building of institutional capacity, governance and leadership.

The Minister underscored the importance of transitioning towards greener transport solutions.

Priorities in this domain include developing the Transport Just Transition plan, raising public awareness on the Electric Vehicles (EV) Regulatory Framework, and collaborating with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC) on implementing the Green Transport Strategy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:11

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Here’s how companies can support their employees’ mental wellbeing

Location: MyPR

South Africa’s workplaces are battling a silent mental health crisis and, according to Sapien Labs’ fourth annual Mental State of the World Report, South Africa has among the world’s worst mental wellbeing levels, ranking 69 out of 71 countries and with little improvement post the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses have a critical role to play in …

Read moreHere’s how companies can support their employees’ mental wellbeing

Smart Home Forecast: What’s in store for 2024?

Location: Business
CBI-electric: low voltage

Nowadays, the phrase ‘home is where the tech is' defines modern living, as South Africans increasingly (https://apo-opa.co/3TSowVR) adopt smart home innovations. These advancements are continuing to adapt and evolve in their capabilities which not only improve convenience and security but can also decrease energy consumption, contributing to cost savings.

This is according to Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage (www.CBI-LowVoltage.co.za/), who says that, in 2024, homes will become even more high-tech in terms of the efficiency, functionality, and personalised living experiences they provide. “We may still be a few years away from homes resembling those dreamed up by sci-fi movies, but we are already heading in the direction of smart technology becoming less of a luxury and more of a staple in modern homes.”

Below, he shares four trends that will help make South African homes smarter this year:

  1. Improved Internet Speed: In the early part of the year, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will hold another auction (https://apo-opa.co/43wkAO1) for radio frequencies including 5G. What the rollout of more 5G will mean for smart homes is lightning-fast internet speeds, instantaneous communication between devices, and the ability to connect even more gadgets within a smart home ecosystem for seamless integration and control. It will also allow for greater stability and reliability which will prove particularly useful when it comes to monitoring and controlling critical systems remotely in real time. Ultimately, the rollout of 5G is poised to elevate the capabilities of smart home technologies, making them even more intelligent and efficient.

In addition, WiFi-7 is set to roll out in the country this year which will improve internet connectivity to devices in the home, extend range and promises to deliver nearly five times the speed of Wi-Fi 6. This, however, is also reliant on the release of more spectrum and regulatory approvals.

  1. Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Leveraging its data analysis and processing capabilities, AI discerns user patterns, utilising these insights to anticipate and implement homeowners' future decisions and choices. By integrating AI into smart home devices, these products can learn and adapt to a user's habits and preferences, optimising efficiency, intuitiveness, and responsiveness. Consequently, homes become attuned to the unique needs and preferences of their inhabitants. A practical illustration of this is a smart lighting system employing AI to automatically adjust the lighting throughout the entire home in accordance with the time of day or the user's activities. AI will also assist homeowners who may not be tech-savvy by offering them the opportunity to implement advanced automation with their smart devices without the need for manual programming.

In the future, generative AI will make smart homes even smarter. Soon, these tools will not only help to identify appliances that require preventative maintenance but also set up appointments with service providers for their upkeep based on the homeowner's schedule and availability.

  1. Smarter security: Technological innovations are becoming increasingly incorporated into various smart home security systems. Take, for example, the evolution of smart locks, which are now activatable through various interfaces such as fingerprint recognition, PIN codes, voice recognition, and phone apps. Blockchain is also set to play a crucial role in fortifying smart home security systems, rendering them more resilient and resistant to potential hackers. Additionally, AI has the potential to analyse residents' behavioural patterns, promptly notifying homeowners and their security companies if there are deviations or unusual activities within the premises.
  1. Energy optimisation: Anticipating a 20,200MW (https://apo-opa.co/43CvWQp) energy shortfall in 2024, homeowners are turning to smart home technologies like those in the CBI Astute Range (https://apo-opa.co/43yQJEu) of products to monitor and manage energy consumption. These technologies collect and analyse vast amounts of data, helping users identify areas for improvement. Plus, automation can assist them in adjusting their usage, even when they're not at home.

Additionally, as more South Africans embrace rooftop solar (https://apo-opa.co/3IUS6DT), smart technology enables the effortless integration of renewable energy sources to combat the impacts of load shedding while also ensuring that the power produced is used effectively and efficiently.

“In 2024, smart homes will become sanctuaries of innovation, enriching the lives of South Africans and heralding a future where homes understand, adapt and even pre-empt the unique needs of their residents," concludes Dr Dickson.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage.

For more information, go to https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3vvHgRW), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/43Cr9hY), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4atY8Y6), X (https://apo-opa.co/4aw8czw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3VBbqxv) or YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3IWb2Ce).

About CBI-electric: low voltage:

  • Established in 1949, CBI-electric: low voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. Previously known as Circuit Breaker Industries or CBI, the company specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of circuit breakers, residential current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and metering products.
  • Head quartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of renowned JSE listed industrial group Reunert (https://www.Reunert.co.za/), with international operations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and USA.
  • CBI-electric: low voltage can be found in almost every home and has firmly become a market leader over the last 72 years while supplying products to authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial property developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications.
  • In 2021, the brand launched its smart IoT (internet-of-things) home automation range, called the Astute Range.
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CBI-electric: low voltage
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From Financial Struggle to Financial Success – A Roadmap for Business Leaders

Location: MyPR

Money might make the world go round, but it also keeps entrepreneurs up at night. It seems as if there is never enough to realize all those big business dreams.  But solid planning and a finance team that knows what they’re doing will see financial struggles turn into success. The finance function as a whole …

Read moreFrom Financial Struggle to Financial Success – A Roadmap for Business Leaders

Proactive Financial Management For Your Business

Location: MyPR

Proactive financial management is more than just good business practice, it’s a strategic approach that involves anticipating future financial challenges and opportunities, rather than merely reacting to them. Proactive financial management involves a comprehensive approach, encompassing everything from budgeting and cash flow forecasting to strategic planning and careful risk assessment. Unlike reactive management, which deals …

Read moreProactive Financial Management For Your Business

Have your say in eThekwini service delivery plan

Location: News

Have your say in eThekwini service delivery plan

Residents of eThekwini are invited to submit their comments on the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2024/2025 financial year - a key city strategy that informs and guides all service delivery and development in the region. 

All planning, including budgeting, management and decision-making related to delivering services and development in the municipal area, is considered in this important city business plan. 

“The IDP considers the challenges facing the city and the strategic approach to resolving these as underpinned by city’s long-term development plan and informed by global, national and provincial policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Development Plan (NDP) and the provincial Growth and Development Strategy,” the municipality said in a statement. 
 
The IDP consists of eight plans that will help the city achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and liveable city. 

“These plans are all inter-related and include actions to develop and sustain our spatial, natural and built environment; develop a prosperous, diverse economy and create employment; and creating a quality living environment. 

“The IDP also takes into consideration building a socially cohesive environment, developing the skills of our communities, fostering good governance, ensuring a financially accountable and sustainable city,” the municipality highlighted.
 
The municipality added that each plan has a set of deliverables which informs the city’s budget and with which its performance is monitored. 

“A Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) is thereafter compiled to monitor the implementation of the various programmes and projects contained within each plan. The SDBIP provides both financial as well as non-financial performance indicators which are used to monitor and evaluate quarterly and yearly service delivery targets,” the municipality said, adding the document also forms part of the IDP. 

The municipality said public consultations on the draft plan will be taking place together with the draft budget.

“It is a critical opportunity for the public to provide input into the future development of the city and make sure that their community needs are raised.” 
 
The draft IDP is available on the municipality’s website: durban.gov.za. 

Comments can be sent to comments2021@durban.gov.za 

The closing date for comments submission is 23 April 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 10:07

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Read moreHave your say in eThekwini service delivery plan

Accelerating Growth with Visionary CFO Strategies

Location: MyPR

Traditionally, the Chief Financial Officer or CFO was seen primarily as guardians of the company’s finances, focusing on cost control, budgeting, and financial reporting. However, in today’s fast, digital business environment, the role of the CFO has expanded significantly, and they are expected to contribute to organisational growth, beyond just managing the financials. It involves …

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Mchunu tackles water shortage in King Cetshwayo District Municipality

Location: News

Mchunu tackles water shortage in King Cetshwayo District Municipality

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has raised concern at the high deficit of water supply to communities in the King Cetshwayo District Municipality and the management of debt owed to the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board. 

Mchunu raised his concerns at a meeting held with the leaders of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, including the Mfolozi and uMlalazi Local Municipalities, which fall under the district in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the 2022 Stats SA community survey, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality is home to 1 021 344 citizens and is one of the municipalities within KwaZulu-Natal that is faced with water and sanitation challenges.

The district is a Water Services Authority (WSA) and Water Services Provider (WSP) within its area of jurisdiction, except for the City of uMhlathuze Municipality, which has its own WSA status.

Mchunu noted that despite the interventions by the department and the district, there is a shortfall of 63 megalitres per day. 

To address this challenge, Mchunu said the department, together with the district, will have to build additional water resources infrastructure, including water treatment capacity and distribution infrastructure to augment the supply of water, which currently stands at more than 36 megalitres per day. 

The Minister said water supply schemes must augment water supply in the district in order to deal with the long-standing water shortage in the district. 

“This is a huge deficit, which is a challenge because it is more than the available water we have for the district at the moment. We need to close this deficit and ensure that there is enough access to water for the people,” Mchunu said.

The King Cetshwayo District Municipality performed poorly during the Blue Drop assessment, resulting in a significant decrease of the municipal Blue Drop score from 74.08% in 2014 to 41.06% in 2023.

Municipal debt

Mchunu raised his dissatisfaction at money owed by the district to the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, which manages and operates bulk water infrastructure, including abstraction, water purification plants and command reservoirs. 

The water board is also responsible for ensuring good quality water in line with SANS: 241, and to undertake maintenance related challenges, and manage and operate boreholes within district. 

“The district municipality debts to our water boards are a worrying factor and interferes with the capacity of the municipality to offer the services to the people. We, as the Department of Water and Sanitation, will be assisting municipalities and the water boards to deal with the issue of debt,” Mchunu said, adding this issue can only be resolved through cooperation between the affected parties. 

The Minister also called on the district not to compromise the services to the people, and to improve on its capacity and determination to ensure that members of the community have access to clean and fresh water. 

He said there should be cooperation between the district municipality and the Department of Water and Sanitation to deliver the services to the people within the district. 

King Cetshwayo District Municipality Executive Mayor, Thamsanqa Ntuli, said the municipality has attained a steady and notable improvement on access to water supply, with major attention on bulk water supply infrastructure. 

“The implementation of water infrastructure projects within the district is critical and will assist in addressing challenges of water rationing, and to eradicate the use of water tankers in the communities that are without water,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 12:09

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Read moreMchunu tackles water shortage in King Cetshwayo District Municipality

Increased deployments at the country’s borders this Easter weekend

Location: News

Increased deployments at the country's borders this Easter weekend

More Border Management Authority (BMA) resources are going to be deployed and operating times will be increased at the country’s ports of entry in anticipation of an increase in movements during the Easter long weekend.

“The BMA is compelled to properly plan and execute a deliberate plan in order to ensure smooth and secure border operations during this period,” BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said on Monday.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, Masiapato said there was a critical need for the authority to increase its deployment of resources in anticipation of increased movements at the borders, as this presents unique challenges.

“As a reminder to all the stakeholders, the BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movements of persons and goods across all our 52 land ports of entry, 10 international airports and nine seaports,” he said.

The facilitation of movement at the ports of entry is done across five key functional areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.

“During these facilitations, the BMA officials have to secure the ports environment against threats of illegal migration, smuggling, as well as trafficking of persons and goods.

“With this in mind, we have formulated comprehensive strategies and an operational plan to ensure that our deployments are responsive and ensure efficient port operations, with the requisite capability to deal with any security threats and/or risks, which may arise during the upcoming Easter period,” he said.

The Easter operational plan is supported by various law enforcement structure,s such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Cross Border Road Transport Agency and various traffic authorities.

“Since our establishment, the BMA has intensified its working relationship with the Immigration Inspectorate, which has the mandate to identify illegal migrants who are already in the country and ensure their processing for deportation to their respective countries,” Masiapato said.

He said in this Easter period, they anticipate about one million people moving through the country’s ports.

“The numbers for this year’s Easter period could escalate further as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of our biggest churches in the region, is opening for the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria for the first time since COVID-19.”

Masiapato said the BMA has engaged their counterparts in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana, and they have agreed to extending operating hours at certain critical ports, which do not usually operate on a 24-hours basis.

The chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee on Border Management, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has approved the request to extend operating hours for selected ports.

Statistics for the 2023 Easter period showed that ports of entry, which facilitated the majority of the people were Beitbridge to Zimbabwe, Lebombo to Mozambique, Groblers Bridge to Botswana, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg to Lesotho, OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Oshoek to Eswatini, Kopfontein to Botswana and Caledonspoort to Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:47

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Specific Cloud Platforms For Businesses To Use In South Africa

Location: MyPR

SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores the unique offerings of specific cloud platforms and how businesses can choose the right one. “Chances are, if you’ve navigated the web or used an app recently, you’ve interacted …

Read moreSpecific Cloud Platforms For Businesses To Use In South Africa

Getting a Loan Against Your Car in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In today’s economic climate, South Africans are increasingly seeking flexible and accessible financial solutions to meet unexpected expenses or to capitalize on immediate opportunities. One such solution that has gained popularity is securing a loan against one’s car. This financial maneuver can be a strategic move for those in need of quick liquidity without the …

Read moreGetting a Loan Against Your Car in South Africa

Fight against TB gets $94 million boost

Location: News

Fight against TB gets $94 million boost

South Africa’s ongoing efforts to respond to Tuberculosis (TB) have been strengthened with funding of $94 million for the next five years.

“Just over R4 billion was budgeted in the 2024/2025 [financial year], meeting the projected needs for implementing the National Strategic Plan (NSP). Seventy-one percent of the TB budget is from domestic sources, 21% from Global Fund and 8% from United States government commitments,” Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla said on Sunday in Sedibeng.

The Minister was addressing South Africa’s commemorations for World TB Day, which is being observed under the theme: “Yes! You and I Can End TB”.

“We applaud the announcement by National Department of Health and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of the award of the Accelerate Tuberculosis Elimination and Program Resilience Activity (referred to as ACCELERATE) in the amount of $94 million for the next five years.

“As government, we welcome the generous support from Global Fund and the United States government and appreciate their continued support towards HIV, TB and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) response,” Phaahla said.

In addition, the TB Programme of the National Department of Health has developed a comprehensive TB Recovery Plan dashboard, which is used by provinces and districts to monitor the progress of the TB programme.

The department has also developed an HIV and TB dashboard in the Health Information Centre.

“The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Situation Room is a state-of the-art data consolidation and visualisation hub built at the SANAC offices in Pretoria but can be accessed virtually from anywhere in the world.

“There is an enormous quantity of data that is generated in many parts and entities of South Africa. It exists in silos and that fragmentation is due to the lack of a central data repository and management point.

“This has made monitoring and evaluation of the country’s efforts against HIV, TB and STIs rather difficult. These new data visualisation dashboards have been set up precisely to address that challenge,” the Minister said.

Progress in fight against TB

Although South Africa remains among the TB high burden countries, there has been notable progress in the country’s fight against the disease.

“A steady decline has been noted in the number of people diagnosed with TB each year since 2007 where the figure was 644 000 compared to 280 000 in 2022. TB-related deaths are falling, but at a much slower rate,” the Minister said.

At last year’s commemoration South Africa launched the NSP for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023 to 2028 with ambitious targets for TB and the other two epidemics.

“The National Department of Health has further developed a TB Strategic Plan, which lifts our very pertinent actions that must be taken to address the TB specific challenges as we go towards the end date. This TB strategic plan is fully aligned with our NSP for HIV, TB and STIs and it will inform the content of the annual TB Recovery Plans for the period 2023 to 2027.

“The successful implementation of the NSP relies on several critical enablers such as the proper implementation of the National TB Recovery Plan, which is one of the tools we have to mitigate against the impact of COVID-19 on the national TB programme.

“We must scale up the implementation, use, and rapid uptake of new tools and innovations – these include GeneXpert; shorter and oral regimens for drug-resistant TB, as well as routine testing of TB contacts and at-risk populations,” the Minister said.

He said the collective counter-response to TB must focus on strengthening early case detection through targeted testing initiatives, particularly among vulnerable populations like men.

“There has been demonstrable will and desire by this government to use all innovations and technology to confront this challenge. As we all know, South Africa has been and remains the world leader in the introduction of new tools to test TB and to treat TB.

“The introduction of the new World Health Organization (WHO) approved Rapid Diagnostic tests for TB has been done as early as 2010. To date we are looking forward to targeted new generation sequencing.

“The introduction of new and repurposed TB drugs has helped significantly improve the proportion of cured drug resistant (DR-TB) patients. We have rolled out shorter regimens with better drugs for the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis, with the notable launch of the bedaquiline-pretomanid-linezolid-levofloxacin (BPAL-L) programme in September 2023, that has almost 2,000 patients on a six-month DR-TB regimen,” the Minister said.

South Africa has been part of a vaccine development programme, which is conducted by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

“This gives us hope that indeed, we will end TB, by working with all role players, opinion makers, scientists, academics, politicians, and general population,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 03/24/2024 - 15:12

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Read moreFight against TB gets $94 million boost

Opinion Piece – The Notion Of A Black Industrialist Requires A Complete Review If The Program Is Going To Have The Desired Transformational Impact

Location: MyPR

by Elais Monage the President of the Black Business Council Reflecting on the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference hosted by the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) this week one is left with mixed feelings that while the aspirations of the program are noble, not enough is being done to push the boundaries and …

Read moreOpinion Piece – The Notion Of A Black Industrialist Requires A Complete Review If The Program Is Going To Have The Desired Transformational Impact

Large players pull out all the stops to keep Africa connected

Location: News

Workonline Communications
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With only three of the ten undersea cables that connect South Africa to the world still in operation, it is quite remarkable that the region remains as well connected as it is.  This is the view of Workonline Communications (www.Workonline.Africa/), one of the leading providers of wholesale IP transit services in Africa, commenting on recent disruptions to internet connectivity across the continent due to multiple undersea cable faults.

“The cable breaks on both sides of the continent have highlighted the issue of the lack of capacity to support Africa's burgeoning internet requirements,” says Edward Lawrence of the Workonline Group. “There are 574 active and planned submarine cables across the globe, yet South Africa only has 10 that connect it to the rest of the world, and seven of these are currently out of action.”

In February 2024, three vital cables—AAE-1, EIG, and SEACOM—connecting the east coast of Africa to Europe were disrupted, allegedly due to vandalism by the Houthis. Then, on March 14, 2024, four out of the five west coast cables—SAT3, WACS, ACE, and MainOne—were affected, reportedly by an undersea rock fall near Ivory Coast. These incidents have significantly impacted internet connectivity, not only in South Africa but across the entire continent.

The capacity constraints are further complicated by the time it takes to not only repair submarine cables, but also to lay new infrastructure. Lawrence explains that it can take 18 months or longer to plan for new cables, and a further two years or more to actually build and commission them.

“We're fortunate that due to our investment in Africa and abroad we are able to be more nimble than most and can increase our undersea capacity at speed. We've designed our network to be as resilient as possible, acquiring capacity on the most stable routes we can find. Incremental capacity, or augments as they are referred to, require us to acquire hundreds of Gbps of capacity at a time, so we rely on our deep relationships which we've developed across the industry.”

Through strategic partnerships and investments in mega Points of Presence (PoPs) across Africa, Workonline remains at the forefront of delivering high-quality IP transit services to meet the evolving needs of ISPs and CDNs in Africa.

"We understand the critical importance of internet connectivity in today's digital age," added Lawrence. "As such, we are committed to proactively managing network disruptions and minimizing downtime to provide our customers with the continuity they need to thrive in a competitive landscape."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Workonline Communications.

Follow Workonline Communications on:
X: https://apo-opa.co/4ariq4x
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4crXCeG
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3Vt33UF

About Workonline Communications Group:
Workonline (AS 37271), founded in 2006, is one of the largest IP transit networks in Africa. The company operates mega PoPs across South, East and West Africa, Europe, and Asia, and is continually expanding its infrastructure across the African continent.

Workonline (AS 37271) is one of the largest and the fastest growing IP transit networks in Africa. The company is focused on providing highly scalable, high quality, and flexible service options to meet the needs of carriers, Internet Service Providers, content providers, and mobile operators.

Website: www.Workonline.Africa/news
Email: bizdev@workonline.africa

Read moreLarge players pull out all the stops to keep Africa connected

S Africans urged to participate in the upcoming elections

Location: News

S Africans urged to participate in the upcoming elections

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, has urged South Africans to vote in the upcoming elections.

“Your vote is not merely a mark on a ballot paper; it is a voice – a voice that speaks volumes, resonating with the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our society. 

“It is a symbol of your commitment to the principles of democracy,” she said. 

Nkadimeng was addressing a conference on the impact of the upcoming General Elections on intergovernmental relations at the University of the Western Cape. 

The National Research Chair organised the Multilevel Government, Law, and Development event at the Dullah Omar Institute.

The conference addresses critical questions regarding governance, particularly concerning the challenges posed when different parties or coalitions govern at various levels of government. 

Nkadimeng used her platform to call on South Africans to unite in their diversity and go to their designated voting stations with purpose and conviction.

“Regardless of your political affiliations or beliefs, your vote is a precious right – one that countless individuals have fought and sacrificed for throughout our history. 

“It is a privilege denied to many worldwide yet bestowed upon us as South Africans. Let us not take this privilege for granted, but rather cherish it and wield it wisely.” 

This as the country is set to go to the polls on 29 May 2024.

Coalitions 

Nkadimeng touched on the instability caused by coalitions since the local government elections have underscored that some political parties are struggling to cope with the delicate demands and dilemmas of coalition politics. 

She highlighted the complexities involved and emphasised the importance of cooperation and coordination among government spheres, acknowledging the strain caused by conflicting agendas and ideologies.

These include “unscrupulous manipulation” by smaller parties to have governance by a small unrepresentative group of individuals and bribes with little thought on the impact of the same on the municipality and its ability to deliver services. 

Another hurdle, she said, is the infighting in councils characterised by walkouts, leading to an inability to adopt budgets, resulting in an administration that cannot spend its budget to address service delivery backlogs. 

The Minister spoke of the lack of due diligence when making key appointments, which results in compromised individuals appointed in critical positions.

“Yet, it is precisely during these moments of divergence that the resilience of our intergovernmental relations system is put to the test. 

“How do we navigate the waters of political pluralism while upholding the principles of cooperative governance? How do we bridge the divide between divergent political entities to ensure the seamless delivery of services and the pursuit of shared objectives? These are questions that demand thoughtful consideration and innovative solutions.” 

She also discussed lessons learned from the 2021 Local Government Elections, emphasising the need for coalition regulation to maintain stability.

Nkadimeng stressed the significance of legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and fostering dialogue and collaboration.

She reiterated the constitutional principle of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations, regardless of electoral outcomes, emphasising its importance for effective governance.

Central to the notion of intergovernmental relations, according to Nkadimeng, is the recognition of the interdependence among the three spheres (national, provincial and local) of government. 

She explained that each sphere possesses distinct powers, functions, and institutions, yet they are inherently interconnected. 

“Therefore, all spheres of government have to respect each other's autonomy while keeping one another informed of new policies and developments.”

Intergovernmental relations extend beyond mere cooperation. However, according to Nkadimeng, they encompass a complex network of interactions involving government institutions and civil society.

Effective coordination of public policies among national, provincial, and local governments is essential for ensuring coherent and impactful governance.

Regardless of the electoral outcomes when the South Africans go to the polls, she said she believes that it is important for all political parties to adhere steadfastly to the principles outlined in the Constitution of the country.

“Upholding the ideals of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations is not contingent upon political affiliation but is a shared responsibility integral to the fabric of our democracy.”

She concluded by outlining measures to maintain resilience in the face of political changes, including promoting continuity, trust, cooperation, and building institutional capacity within the intergovernmental relations framework. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:07

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Read moreS Africans urged to participate in the upcoming elections

A New Era: CliffCentral Pivots to Birth Two New Podcasting Platforms

Location: MyPR

After a groundbreaking decade at the forefront of podcasting in South Africa, CliffCentral.com founders Gareth Cliff and Rina Broomberg are embarking on an exciting new chapter. One on One Productions, the visionary force behind CliffCentral, is proud to announce two strategic pivots which marks the launch of Podcast Party and The Real Network. The Real …

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Unlocking the Secret to Smooth Drives: Moreleta Service Centre Advocates for Timely Clutch Maintenance

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, South Africa – As any vehicle owner can attest, unexpected car repairs can be a nuisance and a financial strain. Among the many components that demand attention, the clutch often remains overlooked. However, Moreleta Service Centre, a stalwart in the automotive service industry with over 25 years of experience, is on a mission to …

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Emphasis placed on investing in climate-resilient infrastructure projects

Location: News

Emphasis placed on investing in climate-resilient infrastructure projects

While South Africa has taken meaningful steps to invest in infrastructure projects, Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, says the fiscus cannot afford to financially support the amount of investment required for climate-resilient infrastructure.

“We therefore need to discuss other innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and carbon credit to fund these climate-resilient infrastructure projects,” Masondo said on Monday in Johannesburg.

He made these remarks during the second in a series of Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) policy dialogues entitled “Financing infrastructure development in the context of climate change”.

“In South Africa, we feel the negative impact of climate change in important sectors such as agriculture, water, and energy. The frequency of natural disasters and the results thereof are felt every day in our country.

“Investments in renewable energy sources, water conservation systems, and sustainable urban development are key to mitigating and adapting to climate impacts,” the Deputy Minister said.

Masondo said the Infrastructure Fund is a testament to South Africa’s commitment to stimulating infrastructure investment and blending public and private financing to build a better, more sustainable future.

“The Infrastructure Fund stands out as a pivotal move, designed to stimulate investment across various critical sectors. This approach seeks to mobilise public and private resources, mitigate risks for private investors and foster an environment where collaborative financing models can thrive.

“Such measures are part of a broader effort to ensure that infrastructure development not only supports South Africa's immediate economic needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and progress.

“Yes, challenges exist such as securing funding. However, ensuring sustainability, and integrating the latest technologies are other additional challenges. These challenges should be treated as opportunities for innovation and forging robust public-private partnerships. This is also an opportunity for leveraging the power of technology in our infrastructure development goals,” Masondo said.

He said the groundbreaking research produced by the SA-TIED program has shed light on critical areas like water, and energy, and the broader connections between them.

“It is this type of research that directly shapes our infrastructure strategies, informing decisions to maximise impact and create the conditions for sustainable growth. The research informs our policy decision-making. It is this type of research that directly shapes our infrastructure strategies, informing decisions to maximize impact and create the conditions for sustainable growth,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said infrastructure development is the cornerstone of any thriving economy.

“Infrastructure fuels productivity (e.g. people arrive late to work because public transport is poor). Infrastructure also enhances the quality of life for our citizens (clean air, and clean water are important for our health) and lays the foundation for long-term growth.

“Our government recognises this. We have made significant investments in critical infrastructure. These investments are not just about roads and bridges. They are also about creating jobs, reducing poverty, and making South Africa a competitive player in the global economy,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:36

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Driving tech integration to accelerate business growth

Location: MyPR

In today’s digital-first landscape, businesses across diverse sectors from B2B enterprises to healthcare, retail, and e-commerce are ardently seeking technological synergies that not only streamline operations but also carve a path for competitive superiority. Does that sound like a business? How intelligently any chain links together dictates its strength. There isn’t the space for weak …

Read moreDriving tech integration to accelerate business growth

Transport infrastructure foundation for economic development in Africa, says Mashatile

Location: News

Transport infrastructure foundation for economic development in Africa, says Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has described transport infrastructure as the cornerstone of economic expansion in Africa. 

“We must make sure that we use the discussions and deliberations of the symposium to bring tangible collaboration on bi-national projects that will strengthen the continent and its economy,” he said on Monday. 

The Deputy President was speaking at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town. 

He said he was confident that the gathering would establish more strategic collaborations with the other African leaders. 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement remains an important platform for us as a continent to strengthen regional integration at both an economic and cultural level.” 

The gathering is a platform that brings together critical role players in the infrastructure investment space to accelerate an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan.

The symposium also sets the tone for collaboration and cooperation within the continent.

Meanwhile, the country’s second-in-command said he was also looking forward to the launch of the construction book, which is a repository of projects going into procurement or construction in the 2024/25 financial year. 

The Deputy President believes that this will serve as an important indicator to the market that the pipeline of projects is realisable.

“We also look forward to the announcement of the 12 infrastructure project priorities for the 2024/2025 financial year that will replenish the pipeline and receive project preparation funding from ISA [Infrastructure South Africa],” he said. 

He also reflected on the success of the Infrastructure Investment Plan adopted by Cabinet in 2020. 

The Deputy told delegates that the three central themes that anchor the plan have remained consistent throughout the sixth administration. These include quality infrastructure for development, recovery, and inclusive growth, which were all spearheaded by the government through policy development and implementation.

“When we say development, we mean both the development and delivery of infrastructure, and the development of our people through infrastructure delivery. When we say recovery, we mean the recovery of our economy through a large-scale infrastructure programme, led and championed by the government.” 

Mashatile defined inclusive growth as the redressing of spatial imbalances between urban and rural areas through infrastructure delivery programmes, which ought to address gender, racial and other inequalities. 

“The entire population should be included in the benefits associated with infrastructure investment and subsequent gross fixed capital formation," he said. 

While challenges are restraining the fast pace of delivering quality infrastructure, the Deputy President called on the symposium to display some of the progress and successes that serve as a foundation for the incoming seventh administration. 

“In the last five years, we have put specific focus on the strategic integrated projects that have the highest GDP [gross domestic product] impact, high employment absorption capacity, and localisation potential.”

He is of the view that these projects have the potential to crowd in private sector investments due to their multiplier effect. 

“We are proud to say that of the pipeline that we gazetted both in 2020 and 2022, almost R10 billion worth of projects have completed construction, R233 billion worth of projects are currently in construction and R170 billion worth of projects are currently in procurement.” 

Some of the completed projects include Vaal Gamagara Phase 1, the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, student accommodation across different universities, transport projects like the Musina Ring Road, national routes and the construction of social housing.

Of these, Mashatile said significant work was done within the energy portfolio of projects. 

The energy project pipeline comprises more than 100 projects amounting to R240 billion. Some of these projects have a value of over R100 billion – spanning from transmission, gas, and renewables to green hydrogen.

The Deputy President said they have also noted the gap in the readiness and preparedness of projects for the market. However, he said in 2023, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) received its first tranche of funding to support projects with project preparation. 

“This has proven itself a game changer as some projects show great potential but do not always have the fiscal allocation for technical support, legal support, or even capacity building.” 

According to the Deputy President, the project preparation funding allows ISA to support projects that otherwise would stay dormant for many years.

“It is important to note that of the first R200 million tranche received, 37 projects will already be receiving project preparation support.” 

Meanwhile, through coordination and support of various departments and government stakeholders, Mashatile noted that ISA has unblocked 195 permits for 47 projects. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:50

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African Ministers Discuss Infrastructure Cooperation at Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) Leaders Meeting

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

South African and regional ministers convened to pinpoint key infrastructure priorities both within South Africa and across the continent during a Leaders Meeting at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium (SIDSSA) 2024 on March 18 in Cape Town.

The discussion, which was led by South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, underscored the importance of project preparation, engagement from both the public and private sectors, maintenance and the implementation of sustainable facilitation methods as crucial elements in fostering investment and promoting regional harmonization within the infrastructure sector.

Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit www.SIDSSA.org.za..

“The purpose of this forum is to identify areas of priority on infrastructure and ensure that we integrate efforts to implement those projects,” Minister Zikalala stated.

The establishment of Infrastructure South Africa aims to serve as a point of entry for infrastructure planning in the country. The organization is a one-stop shop that catalyzes the country's infrastructure target set out in South Africa's National Development Plan, providing best practices in project preparation, planning and technical and financial support for projects.

“We have been established as a bespoke infrastructure development agency in the country,” stated Infrastructure South Africa Head Mameetse Masemola, adding, “We deal with matters around private sector-led infrastructure projects, which require authorizations, permits, licenses and normal bureaucracy around getting projects to be implemented. We unlock these restrictions.”

Meanwhile, it was noted that cross-border collaboration between countries in Africa is a requisite to creating the conditions conducive for the private sector to participate in the continent's infrastructure development. A number of MoUs between South Africa and its neighboring countries – including Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe – have served to promote regional integration in the infrastructure sector.

“Our main role for the continent is to ensure that we invest in critical infrastructure so that we put in the building blocks that ensure that our nations prosper and that we grow together,” stated South Africa's Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille.

A number of efforts introduced by South Africa's Department of Transport have worked to facilitate the ease of movement from the country's ports and air space. By liberalizing the continent's air space and maritime territories, Africa will be able to harmonize the implementation of favorable regulatory frameworks that promote integration.

“We have introduced a number of efforts in trying to bring about this harmonization between our countries,” stated South Africa's Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga, adding, “For instance, in South Africa, we have introduced Cross Easy, which ensures that when a truck arrives at a port, it is already processed and reduces its travel time.”

The participation of the Premiers of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces showcased how South Africa can further integrate the country's infrastructure systems. It was noted during the discussion that South Africa's economy relies on the efficiencies of its ports, rail network and aviation network and that it is imperative for the rest of the continent to benefit from the modernization of the country's infrastructure industry.

“We share borders with countries such as Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, amongst others, and this puts us in a strategic position in terms of ensuring our infrastructure planning and the integration of our infrastructure maximizes the potential of the African continent in terms of moving goods,” stated KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

International ministers from Liberia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Seychelles and Equatorial Guinea also participated in the Leaders Meeting, making a case for investment in their respective countries' infrastructure space.

“We have come to share with you, to learn with you and to communicate with you. We find that rapid technological advancement is significant and cannot be overstated,” stated Liberia's Minister of Ports and Telecommunications Sekou M. Kromah, adding, “As we experience the competitiveness of the digital age, it is imperative that our digital infrastructure is able to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.”

“The heads of infrastructure departments must always gather to discuss and help other countries that haven't been developed yet,” concluded Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Public Works, Housing and Town Planning, Don Pascual Ondo Nze Oyana.

SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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