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Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual and irremediable loss of kidney function (kidney failure), affects up to one in eight South Africans, more than 850 million people worldwide, and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths (2019). Fundamentally, untreated kidney failure can be life threatening. Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death, …
PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has completed a study on the impact of hybrid work arrangements on service delivery in the public service.
PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says the COVID-19 pandemic forced most organisations, including government, to consider alternative working arrangements in order to limit human and physical interaction.
“This resulted in the introduction of hybrid workspaces and the working from home (WFH) option that was new for most employees, as only a few private companies offered this option pre-COVID-19,” Gxoyiya said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
The study focused on the shutdown period from March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gxoyiya explained that the purpose of the study was to investigate the actual and perceived impact that the introduction of hybrid work and work from home arrangements had on service delivery in the public service in selected departments, with a view to formulate recommendations that could assist the public service to adapt.
He said the study focused on six service delivery departments/institutions in the public service, which are Education, Employment and Labour, Health, South African Social Security Agency, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.
The report of the study makes the following recommendations:
• The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should benchmark with other countries to determine how the hybrid work arrangement was managed during the pandemic and how it is being taken forward as a basis to review relevant legislation, regulations, directives, policies and conditions of service for different categories of occupations and/or employees.
• The public service, led by the DPSA, National Treasury and the Department of Communications and Digital Services, must take the lead in digitising government operations and prioritising access to tools of trade that will enable the effective implementation of hybrid work arrangements, where feasible.
• Departments, in collaboration with the National School of Government, should incorporate continuous training programmes on new technologies that are necessary to facilitate remote work arrangements, online collaboration and remote access to centralised systems as well as other emerging innovations for employees to stay abreast of the new developments.
• National Treasury, in collaboration with departments such as the DPSA and Public Works and Infrastructure, must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing hybrid work arrangements for selected non-essential service departments in order to identify possible cost-saving measures and possible once-off cost drivers as a basis to generate resources to fund critical areas of need, including the rapid adoption of technology-enabled solutions and provision of other essential services to the public.
Gxoyiya noted that the findings of the study suggest that existing primary legislation and policies were and are still silent on the practice of working from home or hybrid work arrangements.
“During the lockdown period, the gap had to be addressed through the passing of new regulations, directions and guidelines to enable departments to put measures in place to comply with the COVID-19 regulations whilst still ensuring work continuity.
“The study documents a combination of positive and negative practices/experiences, including notable innovative measures that were put in place by public service departments, as well as the commitment of many employees who put their lives at risk in order to provide services to the public,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said there were challenges noted with regard to the implementation of the hybrid work arrangement which included, amongst others, capacity constraints; additional expenses that were not budgeted for; inaccessibility of some service sites when some staff members tested positive for COVID-19; inconsistent practices in granting employees permission to work from home between and within departments, and lack of appropriate tools of trade for some employees.
“Performance was managed differently according to the different departments and in some instances, it varied within the different units in the respective departments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:16
Non-payment of invoices has a huge implication for small business
The Public Service Commission (PSC) says the non-payment of suppliers’ invoices has huge implications for small businesses that rely on cash flow for survival.
“Therefore, there is a need for urgent and timeous payment of suppliers given the critical role of procurement in economic development and emancipation,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
At a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said the total number of invoices paid after 30 days by national departments amounts to 33 394 to the value of R1 billion, whereas in the first quarter these departments recorded 26 223 invoices to the value of R1.2 billion.
He said by the end of the second quarter, all national departments submitted their 30 days payment reports to the National Treasury as required with an average timeous submission rate of 89%.
“This represents a decline of 2% when compared with the average timeous submission rate of 91% achieved in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year,” Gxoyiya said.
Goxoyiya said it should be noted that payment after the required 30 days constitutes non-compliance.
“Out of 40 national departments, only 17 departments fully complied with the requirement on timeous payments in Quarter 2, which is an improvement from 15 departments in Quarter 1 of the 2023/24 financial year.
“Although the number of invoices and the value cannot be determined with information at the PSC’s disposal, the departments are encouraged to maintain this performance and pay all legitimate invoices from suppliers within 30 days as required by the Public Finance Management Act and its related prescripts,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya expressed concern at the remaining 23 departments that were unable to comply with the timeous payments of invoices.
“In terms of the provinces, the total number of invoices paid after 30 days by provincial departments amounted to 48 478 to the rand value of R5.9 billion, whereas these provincial departments recoded 90 935 invoices to the value of R9.9 billion in the first quarter.
“Although these invoices were paid, it should be noted that payment after the prescribed period constitute non-compliance.
“Although Government is under financial austerity measures, invoices for services rendered must be paid and Accounting Officers should apply consequence management where necessary to address these challenges,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:54
They want to be in-sourced and they want proper personal protective equipment
CAPE TOWN: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and KFC’s commitment to empowering women in sports is evident through their support of...
In an era where sustainable energy is not just a preference but a necessity, South Africa stands on the brink of significant energy transitions. This necessitates a robust legal framework and solid financing strategies to effectively navigate the complexities of energy project development. In this article we examine critical legal considerations and strategies pivotal to …
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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org)
South Africans don't want to breathe clean air in the dark. Energy woes are synonymous with South Africa right now.
As the country's fleet of mostly coal-powered plants struggles to keep up with electricity demand, South Africans are enduring daily power outages that last six to 10 hours a day.
With businesses and institutions struggling to function, and tension mounting among South Africa's people, the need for solutions is beyond urgent.
I say “solutions” because providing the reliable power that South Africa needs now, and ensuring that the growing country will have what it needs well into the future, will require multiple strategies.
As I've written, because of the country's current reliance on coal to fire its power plants — and coal mines to fuel the economy — increased coal usage must be one of those solutions for the time being.
South Africa also will need to continue building its renewable energy sector, and it has committed to do so in alignment with global goals to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
But perhaps one of the most impactful solutions will be natural gas, which not only can power reliable electricity generation but also is a clean energy source – one that can be monetized and one that supports economic diversification as a feedstock for chemical and fertilizer factories.
It only makes sense for South Africa to harness its massive – and largely untapped – reserves of natural gas. As described in the new African Energy Chamber (AEC) report, “The State of South African Energy,” cumulative output for South Africa's large-scale Brulpadda and Luiperd natural gas discoveries, when developed, are estimated to be 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) of liquids and 125,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). South Africa must do what it takes to reach that point as quickly as possible.
During the 2023 African Energy Week in Cape Town, Gwede Mantashe, South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Stated, “In recognition of the continued role of the fossil fuels in supporting energy security and the fact that 82% of energy sources in the world are from these fossil fuels, Africa must intensify its efforts aimed at developing its oil and gas sector in order to benefit from the expected increase of natural gas market in global supply”. I agree, that's why South Africa should be encouraging ongoing oil and gas exploration through an enabling regulatory environment. Natural Gas financing and development again will be a key topic during African Energy 2024 scheduled for November 4th to 7th where I expect deals to be signed.
And we cannot forget the importance of natural gas projects in neighboring African countries, including Gigajoule's $550-million Matola Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project in Mozambique, which will supply South Africa with gas; the 865-kilometer Rompco Gas Pipeline from Mozambique to South Africa; and Renergen's Virginia liquefied natural gas project in South Africa. These projects need to be fast-tracked.
Natural gas, if directed toward domestic markets and gas-fired electricity plants, can help South Africa find its way out of its current power crisis. Natural gas can also help ensure energy security and economic growth while the country transitions from fossil fuels to renewables for power generation. South Africa must move decisively to accelerate its gas agenda and start realizing these benefits.
Renewables Alone Will Not Save the Day
I've heard repeated arguments that South Africa's energy crisis is proof that now is the time for the country to move, at lightning speed, to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
As I've said more than once, South African can and should embrace solar and wind, but it also must consider the intermittency issues that come with them. They can't be counted on to provide electricity around the clock.
South Africa does not need more power fluctuations. It needs baseload power sources that can generate dependable power capable of consistently meeting demand. And the only way to get that is from coal and natural gas.
We also have to be realistic about the financial requirements for a complete transition to natural gas. Yes, South Africa's Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) is an excellent program, but as of yet, the money generated is a drop in the bucket. South Africa has acknowledged that it will need about $99 billion to pay for a full transition to renewable energy. Currently, it has received commitments for about $8.5 billion.
So, as South Africa pursues renewable energy, the logical approach would be to embrace natural gas as well. It can serve as a reliable energy source for the country's current and future needs, and as it's monetized, it can help generate revenue for South Africa's energy transition.
I was pleased to hear South African President Cyril Ramaphosa express that logic. He has made it clear that, while the country does plan to replace coal with lower-carbon alternatives, those alternatives will include both renewables and natural gas.
South Africa has an Integrated Resource Plan in place that calls for gas technology generating 6,000 megawatts (MW) from combined-cycle gas turbines, including 3,000 MW from LNG-to-power, 726 MW from gas-to-power, and 1,500 MW from non-specified gas.
This is doable, and it aligns with the AEC report's forecast for South African power generation during the next decade and beyond. While coal currently accounts for about 80% of power generation, coal usage likely will decrease to 65% by the end of the decade, our report says. Gas and renewables, meanwhile, will see growth around the same time: Natural gas will account for 5% of power generation in 2031, while onshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV)-generated power will make up 17% and 7%, respectively. In the long term, natural gas, onshore wind, and solar PV are expected to increase to 15%, 30%, and 20%, respectively, making up 65% of total power generation.
It's Time for a Regulatory Rehaul
South Africa's commitment to pursuing these avenues is praiseworthy, but when it comes to harnessing natural gas, more work is needed.
I'm talking about government policies.
South Africa needs a regulatory environment that encourages ongoing investment and exploration by oil and gas companies. Consider the Orange Basin, where Namibia is seeing record-breaking discoveries that will ensure its energy security. But only 20% of the Orange Basin is in Namibia, while 80% of it is in South Africa. Now is the time to capitalize on the opportunity it offers.
Unfortunately, South Africa seems to be stuck: E&P is being hindered by unnecessary government red tape. We need to change that right away. Oil and gas companies already face tremendous pressure not to produce in Africa; this is no time to pile on the challenges.
The African Energy Chamber strongly urges South Africa to ease regulatory burdens on oil and gas companies. And we call upon South Africa to fast-track permit approvals for more drilling, seismic surveys, pipeline developments, and LNG terminal construction.
South Africa also needs to eliminate red tape that could slow the Brulpadda and Luiperd projects.
These steps will be critical for South Africa to start putting natural gas to work for its people, its businesses, and its communities.
Natural Gas Is a Reasonable Solution
Not surprisingly, if you consider the constant pressure Africa has faced in recent years to leave our fossil fuels in the ground, the prospect of pursuing gas-to-power projects in South Africa is being met with sharp resistance. “Dirty gas” is not the answer, environmentalists and Western voices insist.
I strongly disagree. We must be pragmatic: South Africa must harness every solution at its disposal, natural gas in particular, to address the country's energy needs.
Fortunately, President Ramaphosa has been pushing back against the anti-gas narrative as well.
"Countries on the African continent need to be able to explore and extract oil and gas in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner," Ramaphosa said earlier this year
during an address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba. "These resources are important for energy security, for social and economic development, and for reducing energy poverty on the continent. And we do not see this trajectory as being mutually exclusive to our focus on moving towards ensuring that we reduce our carbon footprint… In our onward march towards a low-carbon future it is critical that our efforts are both realistic and sustainable.”
Well said!
I would add that many of the environmental groups trying to keep people in the dark in South Africa – and across our continent – don't have the same struggles with energy security. In fact, in a move that balances environmental stewardship with energy security, the United States just approved an $8 billion drilling program in Alaska. If it's acceptable for wealthy countries to perform this balancing act, there's no reason why Africa's most industrialized nation cannot do the same.
Having clean air doesn't mean we have to be in the dark.
To read the State of South African Energy 2023, visit https://apo-opa.co/3T7wR6K.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Dr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA
The Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Dr Phil Mjwara, has been honoured for his visionary leadership in promoting science in South Africa and abroad.
Mjwara received the Presidential Award during the annual South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Merit Awards in Cape Town on Thursday.
With 18 years of service as Director-General, Mjwara was lauded for having significantly contributed to the South African National System of Innovation (NSI).
Through these awards, the SAMRC said it acknowledges outstanding contributions to health research and recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen.
The awards recognise those who made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy to enhance the well-being of all South Africans.
Mjwara holds a BSc, MSc and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand and his academic career includes serving as a Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Pretoria, and physics lectureships at the universities of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and Fort Hare.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, SAMRC President Professor Glenda Gray said Mjwara had built a strong legacy in the country.
“In the late 1990s, Dr Mjwara led South Africa’s first national Science and Technology Foresight Exercise, which laid the foundation for the NSI,” the statement read.
Mjwara is also described as someone who is highly regarded in various global forums.
The Director-General is a senior member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) International Basic Sciences Programme and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory Council.
Mjwara has also been lauded for formulating the STI Decadal Plan, which has elevated STI to the presidential level, with the first Presidential Plenary held last year.
This Decadal Plan, according to Gray, focuses on using STI to address societal challenges and highlights the importance of health research in the STI environment in South Africa.
“Dr Mjwara has set the vision for all policy development in the science and technology sector in South Africa. He saw the need to create sustainable programmes, infrastructure and human capacity to ensure that South Africa achieves excellence in critical areas of science and technology," Gray said.
The SAMRC also honoured the DSI’s Director for Health Innovation, Glaudina Loots, with a special award for her support and leadership in health research in the country.
Loots is responsible for the implementation of the health components of the Bio-economy Strategy for South Africa.
She has been instrumental in the creation of the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships initiative at the SAMRC, which funds and manages innovation projects focused on the development of new drugs, treatments, vaccines, medical devices and prevention strategies.
Gray explained that medical research remains fundamental for transformation, innovation and collaboration in advancing scientific discovery.
“Celebrating medical research excellence not only honours the achievements of researchers but also inspires progress, fosters collaboration, and enhances the overall impact of scientific advancements on global health and well-being,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 14:25
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Collaboration between government and business bearing fruit
The partnership between government and business is yielding positive outcomes, such as decreased load shedding, enhanced efficiency in rail and ports, and a decline in security incidents affecting energy and logistics infrastructure.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who convened a meeting with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders on Tuesday on the partnership between government and business to address key challenges in energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption.
The objective of the partnership is to achieve more rapid economic growth and generate a significant increase in sustainable employment by urgently delivering on priority interventions in each of the three focal areas.
“We are beginning to see the tangible results of this collaboration in reduced load shedding, improved performance of our rail network and ports, and a reduction in security incidents targeting energy and logistics infrastructure.
“We are confident that we are turning the corner on our most urgent challenges, and are absolutely committed to building on this partnership as we work to grow the economy,” President Ramaphosa said in a joint statement between Government and Business.
Adrian Gore, co-convenor of the business delegation, said they have achieved real progress over the last nine months, and the partnership is gaining excellent traction.
“The private sector has contributed more than R170 million of support directly into this partnership, and has mobilised over 350 technical experts. We need to capitalise on the momentum and urgently implement the necessary reforms. This will help to improve societal and investor confidence in South Africa’s potential, and mobilize much needed investment to grow the economy inclusively,” Gore said.
As part of the support provided by business, the Resource Mobilisation Fund (RMF) was established to procure and donate resources to support the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. To date, the fund has raised approximately R100m, with R25m already having been drawn down to fund expertise to support the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM).
The joint statement said business is looking to scale this model to support the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) and the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption (JICC).
The meeting discussed the progress made over the last three months, as well as key priorities to accelerate progress in the next period.
Key updates since November 2023:
• Energy: Load shedding is roughly 61% less than the same period last year (80% less for stages 4 and above), and is starting to decouple from Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF), demonstrating the positive impact of alternative energy sources including rooftop solar.
• Transport and logistics: A 45% reduction in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban and a 36% reduction in the waiting time to anchor for container vessels has been achieved. Capable executive leadership has been appointed in Transnet to ensure stability and focused delivery.
• Crime and corruption: Collaboration between Transnet and business, including the provision of security on the rail network, has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor which is key to reducing the cancellation of trains.
Energy
The work underway within the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and the implementation of the Energy Action Plan is starting to bear fruit.
“Load shedding is down by 61% compared to the same period last year, with the return of units at Kusile power station as well as new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment having a positive impact.
“Reform of the energy sector is progressing, with an independent board appointed for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) and preparations underway for the new entity to commence trading,” the statement read.
On the downside, however, Eskom plant performance remains unreliable with an unacceptably high level of unplanned outages. Under the leadership of its new Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, Eskom is working to ensure full delivery on its recovery plan.
The joint statement highlighted that Eskom and business are finalising a Mutual Cooperation Agreement to establish a sustainable framework through which to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support Eskom in this regard.
“The aim for 2024 is to increase generation capacity from multiple sources by up to 11.5 GW, which will enable a significant reduction in the severity of load shedding by the end of the year.
“This includes improved plant performance as a result of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, additional private investment in rooftop solar and utility-scale projects as a result of policy and regulatory reforms, and projects from previous bid windows connecting to the grid,” the statement said.
Initiatives are also underway to unlock increased grid capacity, successfully conclude Bid Window 7 and open further bid windows for gas-to-power and battery storage will contribute to additional generation capacity in the medium term.
Finally, government is working to accelerate reforms in the energy sector, including the promulgation of the ERA Bill, the establishment of the NTCSA, the finalisation of a national wheeling framework, and the development of financing mechanisms for transmission infrastructure.
Transport and logistics
Government and business emphasised that challenges in the logistics system are receiving urgent attention, with the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) focused on stabilising and improving rail, port and road operations.
Business is supporting a number of the NLCC workstreams with technical, security and operational expertise.
“Green shoots include a 45% reduction in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban and a 36% reduction in the waiting time to anchor for container vessels. A major success has been the provision of security by business on the rail network on an interim basis, which has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor, reducing the number of trains cancelled. Work is currently underway to ramp up the deployment of SAPS resources to secure network infrastructure in the longer term,” the statement said.
It further highlighted that progress was achieved with the approval of the Freight Logistics Roadmap (FLRM) and the Private Sector Participation Framework, which together outline clear actions and timeframes to ensure a more efficient logistics network that encourages private investment and competition in operations.
Implementation of the roadmap is now underway, with key milestones included in conditions attached to the R47 billion guarantee recently extended to Transnet.
“Despite this progress, continued poor operational performance and inefficiency costs the economy R1 billion per day, with recent announcements of retrenchments in the mining industry illustrating the urgency of reform in the logistics sector.
“Transnet is focused on improving performance through clearly defined and agreed measures such as rebuilding internal capacity, implementing operational excellence centres for strategic corridors, and drawing on private sector technical resources.
"The recent appointment of permanent executive leadership at Transnet will assist with the necessary focus and delivery mindset, and the urgent implementation of the Transnet Recovery Plan,” the statement said.
Crime and corruption
Steady progress has also been made in the crime and corruption focal area, including the establishment of the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption.
The private sector is continuing its support to strengthen law enforcement through providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime.
The statement said support has also been provided to modernise the 10111 helpline, with a pilot project initiated at the main call centre in Midrand.
“Passing the NPA Amendment Bill within the current Parliament will strengthen the independence and investigating capacity of the NPA and will enable the establishment of additional infrastructure to support the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity, including a dedicated Forensics Laboratory.
“A key focus is to secure South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, with the aim of achieving this by June 2025,” the statement said.
Next steps
The next meeting will be held in May to assess progress on the three focal areas.
Government and business reaffirmed their commitment to communicating regularly on progress, and identifying areas where further work is required.
“We are finalising our targets for the end of 2024, and aligning on the critical paths to achieve these. These plans will be communicated publicly, and reported on regularly. This will build confidence in the process and will enforce accountability. As partners, we are absolutely focused on delivery,” Chair of the B4SA Steering Committee, Martin Kingston said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/06/2024 - 12:43
SA ranks number 1 in Africa for safety systems in aviation
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has rated South Africa’s safety oversight system at 91.11% thereby placing it at number one in Africa and number 18 in the world, alongside Norway.
Addressing a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector on Tuesday, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said the ICAO also did not raise any significant safety and security concerns in both the safety and security audits, which happened within eight months of each other.
In the past two to three years, South Africa has participated in four key international safety and security audits and assessments by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the United States safety and security regulators namely, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“I am elated to announce that South Africa performed very well in all these audits and assessments. The US-Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognised South Africa's safety oversight system as meeting ICAO’s safety standards and recommended practices and therefore confirmed that South Africa retains its Category 1 status with the standards of the United States International Oversight Safety Audit (IOSA) Programme.
“The Transport Security Administration granted South Africa’s cargo security system permanent recognition following an assessment of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). South Africa still holds the European Union (EU) recognition for the States cargo security system,” Chikunga said in Pretoria.
The Minister said these outcomes do not only validate the quality of South Africa’s global aviation footprint, but it also confirms that South Africa's systems are competing favourably with the best in the world of aviation.
“South Africa is proud of the continued 0% fatal accident rate held in the commercial airlines sector for nearly four decades. Our target is to maintain this record for decades to come. One of the current administration’s strategic targets is to reduce accidents in the general aviation sector by 50%.
“At the end of the previous 2022/23 financial year, the number of accidents had decreased from 147 to 113 accidents, which translated into a 23% decrease from the 2021/22 period. The fatal accidents decreased from 12 to 9 fatal accidents, translating into a 25% decrease with the number of fatalities decreasing by 29.4%,” the Minister said.
During the 2021/22 period at the height of COVID-19, South Africa recorded a spike in accidents in a non-scheduled private flying space. This has been attributed to pilots being “out of practice” caused by a lack of refresher training during the hard lock down periods of the pandemic.
“As we head towards closing off this 2023/24 financial year, we have recorded 97 accidents to date. While we are projecting these numbers to marginally be lower than the previous reporting period, the number of fatal accidents has increased to 13, which is four more than data from the 2022/23 financial year.
“To curb these accidents which happen in a non-scheduled private flying space, the SACAA has developed and implemented a General Aviation Safety Strategy in consultation with the industry where we are employing reputable safety strategies to attain a reduction in both categories - accidents and fatalities,” she said.
SACAA has been on an automation journey migrating their internal business processes to ensure a paperless entity.
In the last year, the regulator has launched an eServices portal where operators can submit their certificate renewal applications online and also pay online.
“In August 2022, the South African National Blood Services was licensed to deliver blood and essential medical samples, using drones in what became a ground-breaking achievement for the country. The value of this initiative is understated, more so when we consider that 32% of South Africans live in rural, and in most cases, hard-to-reach destinations.
“Blood delivery to local clinics that may not be accessible by road transport is now possible and has now been made easier and much faster to access. This is an innovative step in the history of blood transportation. Every second you gain in saving a life is critical,” the Minister said.
International Air Service Licensing
As of 1 February 2024, the regulator is administering the domestic and international air service licensing councils.
“This means that all administrative support will include developing effective systems that will enable the smooth processing of air service license applications and Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) and includes the issuance and storage of related information thereof.
“The Department of Transport will still be responsible for the budget allocation to the respective Councils for each financial year, and such allocation shall be used towards the activities and functions of the Councils,” the Minister said.
Since this decision took effect from 1 February 2024, SACAA launched an automated system, which is done in a phased approach.
“The first phase, which commenced from 01 February, saw the processing of foreign operators permits through a newly developed system. The next phase, which is currently in progress, is to automate the submission and processing of domestic and international air service licences. In the interim, the SACAA has given clarity to the industry in how the applications for air service licence will be processed until automation is implemented,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 12:20
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
The eThekwini Municipality has obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees, including the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) members, who are taking part in the ongoing illegal and unprotected industrial action.
The interdict prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the city's activities, services and operations.
In a joint media briefing held on Monday to update the public on the ongoing strike, which started on 27 February 2024, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube issued a firm warning that lawlessness will not be allowed to prevail.
Dube-Ncube noted that while one of the rights in the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practice; right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union and the right to strike, the Constitution is also clear on the limitations of rights.
“It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said the violent nature of the strike has resulted in essential municipal services being severely impacted, as some employees are fearing for their lives after seeing their colleagues being attacked and infrastructure being vandalised.
She said the strike action came at a time when the municipality was making progress in repairing the infrastructure that was damaged by the consecutive severe disasters over the past five years, including COVID-19, July 2021 civil unrest, 2022 and 2023 floods.
Noting some of the damage caused by the strike, the Premier said there has been continued intimidation and attacks on non-striking employees, resulting in the city’s failure to respond to faults and restore basic services, including water, refuse collection and electricity in the entire city.
“Access to primary healthcare services has also been hampered by the intimidation of health workers in various municipal-run health facilities, putting the lives of ordinary citizens in danger. In the case where the public cannot access the city’s health facilities, we are redirecting them to the provincial clinics.
“We have observed with great concern the attacks of city employees at service delivery sites. Some have been shot while attending to service delivery complaints and a number of water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, including vehicles, have been damaged or completely destroyed,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier condemned the cruel actions inflicted by strikers on patients and ordinary citizens, which has seen blockages of access to State buildings, including several clinics, potentially endangering the lives of innocent patients.
Dube-Ncube warned that the provincial government will no longer tolerate the atmosphere of fear, trespassing on premises and forceful removal of staff from their work posts, denial of patients' rights to gain access to healthcare facilities, including vandalism of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity.
“Communities who have been without water and electricity for several days are bearing the brunt of this unlawful strike action. Scenes witnessed over the past few days are pure criminality, economic sabotage and tantamount to treason.
“Government is extremely concerned and upset about the violence accompanied by intimidation and extensive damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The municipality is currently conducting an assessment on the impact and financial implications of the strike,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:45
In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting public sector entities, IT News Africa (www.ITNewsAfrica.com) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3uWOYEh) on April 3, 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Our central theme, "Public-Private Collaboration: Strengthening Cybersecurity through Strategic Partnerships," underscores the critical importance of unity and shared strategies to fortify our defences against relentless cyber adversaries.
The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness in the Public Sector
Recent ransomware attacks on prominent entities like the City of Johannesburg, Transnet, and the Department of Justice underscore the urgency of our collective response. In the spirit of collaboration, our discussions will focus on fostering partnerships, sharing threat intelligence, and developing joint strategies to bolster the overall cybersecurity posture in the public sector.
Why Attend the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit
To ensure the summit's success, an esteemed advisory board has been assembled, featuring distinguished individuals such as Abdul Kader Baba, CIO, Infrastructure South Africa; Jabu (Hugh) Hlatshwayo, CIO, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJCD, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO, University of the Witwatersrand.
Become a Sponsor
The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit presents a unique opportunity for cybersecurity vendors and solution providers to connect with a targeted audience of senior IT decision-makers from government departments and State Owned Enterprises. Showcase your cybersecurity expertise, build brand awareness, and generate leads by becoming a sponsor (https://apo-opa.co/4c4slP8).
Register Now
Registration (https://apo-opa.co/48IhcR5) for the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit is now open. Secure your spot at this essential event and join us in exploring the critical role of public-private collaboration in building cyber resilience.
For more information on the Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit, please visit the event website at www.PublicSecurity.co.za.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
events@itnewsafrica.com
SANDF deployment not done without planning
By Siphiwe Dlamini
The deployment of a contingent of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the SADC Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the subsequent tragic deaths of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono have provided plenty of grist to the opinion mill.
It should. We are a democracy and this is a people’s defence force – and its role and its use should be debated.
There are major and justifiable concerns about budget implications. The lack of sufficient air cover for the mission and that this deployment might be fatally overstretching the SANDF’s capacity has been raised by some as a concern.
None of these are new concerns; successive chiefs of the SANDF have raised these precise issues in the past, along with their chiefs of service.
But these concerns ignore the reality that this deployment was not done in haste, nor without the requisite planning. There have been numerous discussions at the highest echelons of government about the need to support the SANDF in all its needs, including funding. There is a real commitment to do this.
We should also not forget three critical points in the current discourse, well intentioned or otherwise, about the SANDF.
The first is that the mission in the DRC is not solely a South African tasking but a request from the greater Southern African Development Community to ensure the stability of the region as the United Nations began its well-publicised drawdown of Monusco, its 20 year-long mission to stabilise the DRC, in December last year.
Secondly, there are other countries that will be also contributing to this mission, some of whom will be able to directly address the issue of air cover through the capabilities of their own air forces.
Thirdly, the SANDF has been part of Monusco since its inception, commanding the mission and regularly providing commanders for the smaller three-battalion strong multinational Force Intervention Brigade, the only UN force mandated to use force offensively.
The biggest issue of all though is peacekeeping. SA is a continental leader and has never shied away from the often onerous responsibility to lead these processes, participating from the front, if necessary, putting its money and its troops where its mouth is.
This is not an easy decision and it is not without risks, all of which weigh very heavily upon our commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa; the political head; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise; and chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, before deploying these national assets.
These soldiers are not conscripts, they are volunteers, but all of us know the risks that they will face in the field – and the sacrifices they may well be asked to make – to keep this peace.
It is easy for the keyboard warriors to argue that our horizons should be limited to our land, sea and air borders, but the reality is that the beating of a butterfly’s wings in Kivu or Goma could very well create an unstoppable tsunami in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
It’s too late to deal with an insurgency not just on your doorstep but within your borders. This is part of the rationale for the SANDF’s participation in the SADC Mission in Mozambique (Samim) to keep the insurgency in Cabo Delgado at bay.
That is the apex threat – of war and terror in our cities and countryside, but there are other threats, too, of even more refugees seeking a better life in SA, potential economic and criminal risks which put further strain on our law enforcement agencies, the home affairs department, the department of social security and, indeed, our fiscus.
It is said that a stitch in time saves nine. It doesn’t help to just create nonporous borders, where the SANDF is already performing a yeoman and unheralded service as part of the ongoing Operation Corona.
We have to try to resolve issues and create the conditions that are crucial to allowing a sustainable and enduring state of peace on the continent that could otherwise threaten the way of life we aspire to, even though they are not our direct neighbours.
It is this philosophy that has guided the SANDF ever since the days of our first commander-in-chief Nelson Mandela, when he worked tirelessly to bring peace to the Great Lakes Region.
*Siphiwe Dlamini is Head of Communications at the Department of Defence.
**This article first appeared in The Citizen on 1 March 2024.
Janine
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:54
Success in the digital payment space will hinge on the ability of new players and incumbents to converge the physical and digital experience into a seamless continuum for the customer. Extending the digital solution to a cash-based customer requires a “phygital” approach, writes Juan Seco, Chief Growth Officer at Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com).
Digital wallet use, especially in Africa, makes sense when so many people live in rural areas where there isn't easy access to another way of accessing money, such as through ATMs. Bank of America predicts that (https://apo-opa.co/49Y1X7z) by 2026, digital wallets will be used by more than 5.3-billion people, which is more than 50% of the world's population. Other estimates suggest this number may even be as high as two-thirds of the world's population, growth that is being driven by emerging markets, particularly African economies.
Globally, the main driver for digital products was COVID-19, which forced people indoors and encouraged the use of digital products. This, says Bank of America, was particularly prevalent globally among older customers and those who had previously stuck to traditional ways of purchasing goods or banking.
In Africa, the local e-payments market is likely to see revenues gain by around 20% percent a year, according to McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8). This means that the market will be worth about $40-billion by 2025. By comparison, the global market is expected to grow at 7% a year over the same time.
However, cash is still king. McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8) says that while digital is growing rapidly as a payment form, cash is still used for 90% of all transactions on the continent, adding that because cash still dominates, offline channels and large cash network points such as Mukuru's 320,000 access points where people can interact with cash at a booth or through an agent are still vital.
It is also important to recognise that not having a smartphone or access to 4G shouldn't be a limiting factor for financial inclusion, which is why making use of USSD and WhatsApp (which consumes less data) is often a critical factor determining whether a financial service provider will be relevant in many African markets.
Convergence and continuum from cash to digital
As eWallets have evolved, they have moved on from being a cash-in and cash-out system to a system that enables and unlocks financial inclusion digitally. The transition happened organically because trust was built over time on the ability to move and store cash seamlessly, making life easier for cash-based customers. As trust grew, more digital financial products have been offered to customers. As customers transact, they build a financial record that can unlock multiple products, as well as access to credit.
At Mukuru, we have remained focused on this layering of services, underpinned by trust and market education. As customers have become more digitally savvy, we were able to offer insurance and then loans, leveraging the customer's transaction history to assess their credit capacity.
McKinsey calls this Wallet 2.0 and points out that there is now a move to Wallet 3.0, which is an offering that adds in-app shopping.
Mukuru customers can access multiple billers through digital channels, such as airtime, utilities or DSTV, and more services will be added in the future. The objective is to enable the other side of the equation, so to speak, by empowering merchants whose customers have more solutions and options to use their digitally stored money.
In practice, we have found that most merchants still prefer cash due to its immediacy and perceived lower cost of business — they have to pay to accept card or mobile money and sometimes that payment is not received until several days after the transaction.
The International Monetary Fund (https://apo-opa.co/49D6NaB) says that the informal economy is a large part of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa. This sector accounts for between 25% and 65% of GDP, and between 30% and 90% percent of all non-agricultural employment. This situation is not likely to change any time soon and so merchants would do well to offer both digital and cash options, in other words take a phygital approach, to take advantage of the growth opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Transforming a cash-based economy into a digital one requires multiple actors in the economy to act in unison, but when done deliberately, it becomes an extension of people's natural behaviour, taking them from cashing out transfers to the realisation they can store money digitally, transfer it to another person or seamlessly pay for any goods or services.
However, without understanding that cash still plays an important role in this process, those who only operate in the digital space will be confined to a niche market and be left behind in Africa's fast-paced digital revolution.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/48HwI0k), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Further information can be found at www.Mukuru.com.
As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the …
Progress made in reforming the public service
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in his weekly newsletter to the nation, touched on the recent progress that has been made in reforming and professionalising the public service.
“Several important milestones have been reached in the last week as part of the work underway to reform and professionalise the public service. These developments are vital both to advancing the goal of a capable developmental state and give effect to recommendations of the State Capture Commission,” he said.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said the National Assembly had passed two important pieces of legislation that will improve the functioning of the public service, strengthen accountability and increase efficiency.
These bills, the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill will now go to the National Council of Provinces for consideration.
Also, the Department of Public Service and Administration published a new directive to guide departments in implementing the framework for the professionalisation of the public service.
“This directive, together with the draft legislation, will have a far-reaching impact on the functioning of the public service. They give effect to some of our most important tasks.
“Firstly, these reforms will help ensure that the best people are appointed to the public service and that they are given support to perform effectively,” the President said.
He highlighted that the directive, for example, requires that a person can only qualify to be appointed to senior management in the public service if they have successfully completed the pre-entry programme known as Nyukela.
The course, which is provided by the National School of Government and takes about 120 hours to complete, aims to ensure that all applicants to senior management positions have the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed. The course aims to ensure that prospective senior managers are grounded in the values of good citizenship, ethical leadership, and developmental public administration.
All shortlisted candidates must undertake two pre-entry assessments – a practical exercise that tests their competencies, and an integrity assessment that establishes their grasp of ethical principles and ability to take ethical decisions.
All new employees must undergo a compulsory induction programme within six months of appointment, and all current public servants must attend a compulsory re-orientation programme once every five years.
“To ensure continuous learning and development throughout a public servant’s career, every department must spend at least 1% of their wage bill on training. To support this effort, the draft legislation currently in Parliament establishes the National School of Government as a national department to provide education and training to employees in all spheres of government, including municipalities and public entities,” he said.
National School of Government
During the State of the Nation Address last year, President Ramaphosa announced that the National School of Government will work with the Human Sciences Research Council to undertake a skills audit in selected infrastructure and frontline services departments.
The first phase of the project has now been completed, giving valuable insights into potential critical skills gaps in these departments.
In infrastructure departments, for example, the report highlighted the need to improve knowledge of modern engineering practices, sustainable construction methods and environmental impact assessment.
“The results from the frontline services departments will support the work being done to improve the administration of public services and the quality of services provided. These skills audits have been well received and will help us to get the best that each public servant can offer.”
Work experience
Another important part of the most recent directive is that the requirement of work experience has been waived for entry level posts in the public service.
This must be accompanied by in-service training and support such as coaching and mentoring. Departments are also instructed to establish graduate recruitment schemes to attract young people leaving higher education institutions into the public service.
Political interference and delineation of powers
“Secondly, the reforms contained in the draft legislation will significantly reduce the potential for undue political interference in the administration of government,” President Ramaphosa said.
He further highlighted that the Public Service Amendment Bill makes a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials, such as Ministers, and professional public servants, such as Directors-General or Heads of Department.
The elected officials, legally defined as the Executive Authority, provides strategic and political direction, while heads of department are granted full administrative powers to run their departments.
“This clear delineation of powers will make for a more professional and efficient public service. It will also help to prevent the kind of undue political interference in the administration of the state that the State Capture Commission found sometimes enabled corruption. Another important change proposed in the legislation is to prohibit a head of department or an employee directly reporting to them from holding political office. This is to strengthen the distinction between political and administrative roles.”
Thirdly, the President said these reforms will improve coordination and accountability.
Among other things, the draft legislation will enable the transfer of public servants between national and provincial governments and municipalities.
This will help to ensure that people with technical and scarce skills and capabilities can be moved to where they will have the greatest impact. This is important for supporting municipalities, which often suffer from a shortage of skilled employees.
The draft legislation also assigns additional functions to the Director-General in the Presidency, in line with the National Development Plan, to create an administrative head of the public service to whom Directors-General would report on operational, organisational and administrative matters.
Corruption
Fourthly, the President emphasised that these reforms will strengthen the fight against corruption.
As part of the draft legislation, public servants who leave government may not, within 12 months of leaving, accept employment or appointment to the board of a service provider to which they were involved in awarding a contract.
They may not perform any paid work or receive any other payment. Service providers or employees who contravene this provision would have committed a crime and could be fined up to R1 million.
To improve accountability and tackle corruption, an inter-departmental task team has developed a central register to track all dismissals and resignations with disciplinary cases pending in national and provincial government. This register currently has over 12,000 records.
“Work is underway to include information from local government and public entities. This will prevent public servants with disciplinary records being appointed in another part of the State.
“All of these reforms will contribute to building a more effective and efficient state that is responsive and accountability. They will enable public servants to do their work without interference and with the necessary support. And they will provide impetus to our collective efforts to build a capable state that is better equipped to fundamentally transform and develop our society,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:30
Celebrating 30 years of human rights
The year 2024 coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.
“South Africans from all walks of life will be participating in the seventh National Elections since the dawn of democracy and the country, in April, will be celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa,” the Minister said on Monday in Pretoria.
He was addressing the launch of Human Rights Month, which is taking place under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect For and Promotion of Human Rights.”
Human Rights Month is observed to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy.
“Overall, Human Rights Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to uphold and protect human rights for all individuals worldwide. It encourages reflection, action, and solidarity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
“From 1994 to date, South Africa underwent a radical transition from the oppressive apartheid regime, with its system founded on parliamentary sovereignty, to a constitutional democracy committed to the creation of a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” the Minister said.
Outlining the programme for Human Rights Month, he said the commemoration of the National Human Rights Day is planned for 21 March 2024 at the George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville.
“The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises government’s commitment to honour sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our liberation in Sharpeville and other townships across the land. It makes sense that we take the commemoration of the day to the place where it originated.
“On 21 March, the national Human Rights Day is commemorated to honour the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police. The Sharpeville massacre stands as a potent symbol of the brutal realities of apartheid.
“Sharpeville's historical significance extended beyond its national borders, receiving global attention, which culminated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council passing a resolution condemning the killings and calling for the South African government to abandon its policy of apartheid and the UN General Assembly declaring apartheid as a violation of the UN Charter,” the Minister said.
Six years after the massacre, the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“The Sharpeville massacre galvanised the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and internationally. It energized resistance efforts and led to increased solidarity among activists and organizations working towards the dismantling of apartheid.
“The massacre served as a catalyst for global awareness of the oppressive nature of apartheid and prompted increased international pressure on the South African government. Over the following decades, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s.”
Activities
The Minister called on all South Africans to participate in the activities planned for Human Rights Month.
“This year’s National Human Rights Day will be preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government departments, to assess progress on the advancement of human rights since 1994.
“The Conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from the 18th to 20th of March 2024 and is premised on the department’s core mandate to uphold and administer the Constitution, deepening constitutional democracy, and promoting the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms,” the Minister said.
Through this Conference, South Africa will conduct critical assessment of its state of human rights almost three decades into its constitutional democracy.
“There will be other activations across the country, amongst others, the Social Cohesion Dialogue to be hosted by the Eastern Cape province in Gqeberha on the 20th of March.
“Panellists in this programme include leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to building bridges across diverse communities. Amongst them will be Dr Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of IEC and Dr Bonisile John Kani and Ms Rochelle de Kock from [the] Herald Newspaper,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 12:12
Nzimande condemns student killing
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande has condemned the killing of a University of Johannesburg (UJ) student in Braamfontein, last week Thursday.
The student was killed in a crossfire while travelling from the university to their residence in the Johannesburg central business district (CBD).
Nzimande has also raised his concern about the well-being of another student, who was also shot in the same incident, and remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The Minister sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased student and wished the injured student a speedy recovery.
As part of the initial response, the department said, Nzimande will contact the head of the affected academic institution, with the view to ensure that the affected students and their families are given the necessary support.
“Further to this, the Minister will also contact the Minister of Police to assess this disturbing incident and jointly implement the necessary measures to avoid a repeat of this dastardly act.
“The Minister condemns this cruel act of lawlessness and believes that as a country, we must not tolerate what seems to be a growing culture of impunity on the part of criminal elements and a blatant disregard for human life,” the department said in a statement.
Nzimande is expected to visit the families of the victims on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:47
Another step forward for digital skills building in SA
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele has launched the Digital Skills Forum (DSF) to lead, oversee and coordinate the implementation of the national digital skills programme.
“A critical function of the DSF is to provide strategic direction on the implementation of the digital skills programme; prioritise and coordinate areas of focus; mobilise resources in the form of expertise; funding and institutional support and monitor performance,” the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) said in a statement.
The DSF will also advise on the reconceptualisation and structuring of the digital skills development ecosystem in support of digital skills building.
On 5 August 2020, Cabinet approved the National Digital and Future Skills Framework, as developed by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
The strategy provides a framework for the prioritisation of critical digital and future skills, as well as to ensure a coordinated and integrated implementation across government and various sectors.
“South Africa has made strides towards embracing digital technology. Government has recognised the importance of developing digital skills and has taken giant steps to bridge the digital divide.
“As such, DCDT developed the implementation programme through partnerships and collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Labour Organisation, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“The National Digital and Future Skills Strategy is intended to provide a framework for the prioritisation of critical digital and future skills as well as to ensure coordinated and integrated implementation across government and various sectors,” the department said.
The National Digital and Future Skills Strategy recognises the importance of leadership and governance to ensure successful digital skills generation and development.
“The strategy proposed the establishment of the Digital Skills Forum as an institutional mechanism that will ensure a coordinated implementation of the digital skills programme.
“This is also echoed in the recommendations of the diagnostic report of the Presidential Commission on the 4th Industrial Revolution (PC4IR), which acknowledges that the skills development ecosystem is characterised by a silo mentality and expresses concerns about the speed at which entities are able to adapt and change curricula to accommodate the needs of the workplace,” the department said.
The Digital and Future Skills Strategy states that the Digital Skills Forum will provide technical digital skills support to the broader work of the Human Resources Development Council (HRDC) and ensure coordinated implementation of the digital skills programme, with secretariat support from the DCDT.
The roles and responsibilities for DSF members are as follows:
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 10:03