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The Intersection of Tradition and Modern Brewing In the world of craft and commercial brewing, a niche yet significant market exists for kosher beers. What Makes Beer Kosher? Kosher laws, rooted in Jewish dietary laws known as Kashrut, dictate what can be consumed by those who observe these rules. For beer, being kosher primarily …
CSIR honoured for championing plastics pollution research
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) says it is proud to have been named one of the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth for its contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
The CSIR has been selected as a 2023 Champion of the Earth, honoured in the Science and Innovation category.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour.
“The Science and Innovation category recognises individuals or organisations whose groundbreaking work pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, with positive impacts on the environment.”
The Champions of the Earth laureates are selected by a global jury following a public nomination process and this year. The CSIR stood out among over 2 500 nominations.
“The CSIR is playing an important role in advancing plastic research, reflected in its multi-pronged approach to plastic research and development.
“This includes developing innovative technologies to enhance the industry, evidencing South Africa’s response to managing plastic waste, and where plastic cannot be avoided, developing innovative, high-value end-use markets that will drive a circular plastics economy, thereby keeping plastic out of the environment,” said UNEP.
CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, expressed his gratitude at receiving the highest environmental honour, saying it validates the calibre of CSIR researchers and the organisation’s drive to touch lives through innovation.
“The honour is a testament to the toil and commitment of our researchers to using science and technology to improve the quality of life. Tackling plastic pollution requires a collaborative and systemic approach as no one intervention will suffice, and neither will one entity have all the solutions,” said Dlamini.
He applauded the industry and government departments, especially the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) which, he said, continues to fund the development of alternative technologies that could help to alleviate pollution.
The #SolvePlasticsAfrica Hub, launched by the CSIR in November 2022, is an online hub that showcases the organisation’s capabilities in providing evidence-based solutions to addressing plastic pollution in Africa.
The CSIR said it aims to work with public and private sector organisations from across the continent to unlock opportunities and inform decision-making.
The institute also hosts Africa’s only laboratory equipped to test and verify imported or locally produced products that are being promoted as biodegradable.
“The UNIDO-funded testing laboratory is capable of establishing the conditions and timeframes for the biodegradation of materials. Tests can be performed under different conditions,” said CSIR Principal Researcher, Maya Jacob John.
John described this as critical to drive an evidence-based approach to plastics management.
“Several products are currently being marketed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Without evidence from testing and lifecycle analyses, businesses can misguide consumers. Industries can use the CSIR facilities for this purpose,” she said.
John added that as part of tackling the plastic waste pollution problem, the CSIR is developing materials for replacing single-use plastics that are not recycled.
These environmentally sustainable products are partially made from local biomass resources, like starch and cellulose.
In addition to the plastic-related research undertaken by the CSIR, the organisation also hosts the Waste Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap Implementation Unit on behalf of the department.
This unit supports the national system of innovation in undertaking relevant waste plastic-related research.
CSIR Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit Manager, Professor Linda Godfrey, said partnerships are critical to managing waste in South Africa.
“We must support businesses in adopting sustainable practices and driving a circular plastics economy, where waste is designed out and value is recovered. Working closely with the government in providing evidence to support policy development and implementation that will result in improved waste management and reduced plastic pollution,” she explained. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:14
Ransomware attacks are a global concern, with a shocking 40% increase in both frequency and severity over the last year. “South Africans are at significant risk due to the increasing use of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS),” warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA (www.KnowBe4.com). Using RaaS also increased by 40% (https://apo-opa.co/49Bynp3) over the last year. Threat actors now sell their sophisticated ransomware solutions and services, keeping up to 80% of the profits.
Ransomware attacks are rapidly posing a greater threat due to the availability of RaaS solutions on the dark web. These solutions can be purchased at varying prices, ranging from less than $100 to thousands of dollars. The ease of access to these kits, coupled with the fact that they often come with customer support, allows attackers to quickly set up and execute multiple ransomware attacks with little to no technical skill.
This accessibility to RaaS solutions has led to the evolution of ransomware, with cybercriminals focusing on enhancing its sophistication and capabilities. The aim is to create a product that is highly effective and profitable, catering to the demands of potential buyers in the cybercriminal market. They readily select their ransomware from a shopping list, pay the creators, and go. This represents the epitome of commodity attacks — a matter of utmost concern, especially for South Africa.
“One of the key factors contributing to South Africa's vulnerability to these types of attacks is the widespread use of English,” explains Collard. “Attackers often need to negotiate with their victims, which means they need to speak a common language. It is difficult to negotiate with someone whose culture and language you do not understand. As a result, Western countries are more frequently targeted because of a higher percentage of threat actors originating from Europe. South Africa, with its strong English speaking business culture, advanced digital infrastructure, and thriving financial services ecosystem, is consequently at risk of being targeted by these attacks.”
In South Africa, both the private and public sectors rely significantly on digital infrastructure for their critical operations. Companies are prioritising digitalisation efforts to maintain their competitiveness in the local and global markets. This strategic investment in digital technologies has proven invaluable, enabling companies to navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic and fostering remarkable innovation. In fact, South Africa was recognised as the most innovative country in Africa in 2022 (https://apo-opa.co/3SJXgJ8). However, this increased reliance on digital platforms has also exposed the country and its companies to vulnerabilities and risks.
“North America was the primary ransomware target for a long time but there has been a downward trend because the government has come down hard on these criminal organisations,” says Collard. “They have the resources, law enforcement, and probably the budgets to clamp down on cybercrime syndicates that South Africa does not. In short, countries like the United States have become more responsive to threats and so the bad actors are turning to countries that do not have these resources or systems in place.”
When we combine this significant change in targeting, as highlighted in the recent Cy-Xplorer 2023 report by Orange Cyberdefense (https://apo-opa.co/3R2aboD), with the swiftly evolving RaaS market, it is obvious why South African organisations need to stop and pay attention to the rising ransomware threat. It has been commoditised and simplified, turned into a solution as easy to use and implement as an app for a smartphone. Plug, play, steal.
“RaaS presents a very real and constantly evolving challenge to cybersecurity specialists and organisations,” concludes Collard. “The methods of attack, the approaches, the level of sophistication—it is very easy for anyone to be caught out. End users must remain vigilant to ensure that they do not become the reason a company falls victim to ransomware, and companies must continually train and remind employees of the risks to prevent complacency.”
User awareness is critical. If people can recognise threats, they will not click on links or make mistakes. If people are aware of how easy it is to be fooled by fake emails and sites, they will be cautious with their passwords and their information. If companies constantly reinforce these messages, they are protecting their data, their people and their systems from an onslaught of RaaS threats that are only set to get even better and more prevalent in the future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to Qatar
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Qatari counterpart His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani have agreed to expand the scope of economic relations between their two countries.
President Ramaphosa travelled to Doha for a State Visit from 14-15 November. The Republic of South Africa and the State of Qatar will in 2024 celebrate their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
During the State Visit, the President held a bilateral discussion with His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and deliberated on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world and ways to further strengthen economic ties.
“On bilateral trade, both leaders agreed to expand the scope of economic relations. In this regard, the State of Qatar will soon dispatch a delegation to South Africa that will assess potential investment projects,” the Presidency said.
The President and His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani deliberated on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for the international community to support efforts by the State of Qatar to end the devastating onslaught by Israel against the people of Gaza and to find a lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.
President Ramaphosa commended Qatar for its forefront position in mediating the release of civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a concerted de-escalation effort.
“The President and His Highness also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both South Africa and Qatar expressed related positions on the conflict, which is to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue, and negotiations, preferably facilitated through the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General. President Ramaphosa also briefed His Highness on the African Peace Initiative,” the Presidency said.
Furthermore, the two leaders deliberated on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the urgent need to make the organ reflective of current geopolitical realities and the pivotal role that Africa and other countries of the global south can play in global governance, peace and security matters.
Addressing the Qatari and South African business community, President Ramaphosa urged Qatari companies to explore more partnerships with their South African counterparts and invest in developmental projects in South Africa.
The President enumerated several features that make South Africa an attractive investment destination of choice for Qatari businesses.
“Key amongst these, is South Africa’s industrialised economy driven by well established companies, the development of greater market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the endowment of vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth and the far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnership between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa,” the Presidency said.
During the visit, three bilateral agreements were signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa and they covered cooperation in the fields of education, the empowerment of women and people with disabilities and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
President Ramaphosa congratulated the State of Qatar for the successful hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, an experience that is shared with South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 11:52
As we recognise World Diabetes Day, the 2023 “Know your risk, know your response” theme resonates profoundly in South Africa, especially considering the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to Aimee Wesso-Roberts, Head of Lifestyle and Wellness Management at the AfroCentric Group, the landscape of diabetes in our nation is intertwined …
SA, Qatar bolster relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deemed his visit to Qatar as significant, saying it serves as an opportunity to discuss and share views on the recent international developments.
“This visit is very significant, not only as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries, but also to share views on recent international developments.
“The events in Palestine, and the growing deaths of civilians, particularly children, grieves us all. South Africa supports all efforts to secure an immediate and full ceasefire, with talks on a political solution to address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was delivering remarks at the Qatar - South Africa Business Roundtable in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa is currently on a two-day State Visit in Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The visit occurs in the context of three decades of diplomatic relations. The two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024. This is President Ramaphosa's first visit to the State of Qatar as Head of State.
President Ramaphosa told the roundtable that while the political relationship between the two countries is strong, much more can be done with each other in areas of trade, investment and economic development.
“For this reason, I am particularly pleased that I have had an opportunity to engage with both the Qatari Business Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce earlier. I want to point to five features of the South African economy that offer us the opportunity to build and expand our economic relationship,” he said.
Firstly, the President highlighted that South Africa is Africa’s most industrialised economy with well-established companies.
He told the roundtable that many of these companies are active in the Middle East and Qatar. The President mentioned companies like Sasol in the petro-chemical sector with its advanced technologies and iconic consumer brands such as Nandos and Ocean Basket.
“South African has well developed manufacturing and services sectors. South African agriculture and agro-processing companies are world class, and we can support the Food Security Program of the State of Qatar.
“Beyond these, South Africa is developing its expertise in areas such as pharmaceuticals, the space industry and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Secondly, the President said South Africa is developing greater market access across the world.
He mentioned that the country has free trade agreements in place with the European Union and the United Kingdom and is about to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, uniting 54 economies into a large tariff-free market intended to cover 1.3 billion consumers.
In addition, South Africa currently has access to the US market on preferential terms through the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and preferential access to certain Latin American markets.
Thirdly, President Ramaphosa emphasised that the African continent has vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth.
With Qatar’s experience, technology and capital in the petrochemicals, natural gas and energy infrastructure, President Ramaphosa said government is looking to companies from Qatar partnering with South Africa as it implement its just energy transition.
Fourthly, the President highlighted that the country is embarking on far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnerships between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa.
He said the energy market is being restructured. The public electricity utility, Eskom, which faced severe challenges, has improved maintenance of its generation fleet and has received debt relief from the State to strengthen its financial position.
“Private energy generation, specifically in renewables, constitutes a growing share of total energy generated. Since the implementation of regulatory changes, the pipeline of private sector generation projects has increased to over 100 projects representing more than 10,000 MW of potential new capacity,” he said.
Fifthly, the President told the business roundtable that the country has a stable legal system, strong protections of property rights, a deep capital market with Africa’s largest stock exchange, and a growing pool of skilled employees.
“South Africa is ready to build partnerships for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth. South Africa is keen to deepen our bilateral relationship with Qatar. We look forward to partnering in sectors such as agro-processing, automotive, aquaculture, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, hospitality and tourism, to mention a few.
“I invite Qatar to join us in developing a portfolio of South African investments that your sovereign wealth fund and your private sector can participate in,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa commended the business delegations from South Africa and Qatar for their engagement, adding that he look forward to successful outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 15:20
CoGTA pushes ahead with councillors' code of conduct
Government is forging ahead with the reinforcement of the code of conduct for councillors in an effort to address challenges, strengthen local government and look into motions of no confidence.
This is according to the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, who was updating the media on Wednesday on the state of local government.
“In the past two weeks, we’ve put in the code of conduct for councillors, this was as the result of what happened in the City of Tshwane and in the City of eThekwini where councillors physically attacked one another instead of sitting and debating about disagreements,” she said.
The code of conduct, according to Nkadimeng, zooms into measures that need to be applied jointly with the council if disruptions are the order of the day.
“We need to link with the thought of that we’re trying to micromanage but with the thought of instability. Because, if the meeting is disrupted, it means council can’t conclude on when the operations are supposed to be done and it gets to be postponed again and again,” she explained, adding that it was not only coalitions that are unstable.
The Minister has since called for political maturity.
“We also want to regulate on the motions of no confidence... There are critical areas on how they should come about, which are fraud, corruption and not providing service delivery. But it can’t be based on slight provocation, like not greeting and now you’re angry with party B.”
She shot down the view that government was trying to micromanage councils.
“From 2016 to 2021, Nelson Mandela Bay didn’t build a single RDP house. Not only that they didn’t have the money, they turned no less than R500 million back,” she said, adding that the metro had seen numerous mayors come and go within that period.
However, Nkadimeng said these interventions are driven by the desire to protect citizens.
“It's fair and well for the parties to win elections and govern how they want. But we need to protect citizens who were supposed to receive a house in Nelson Mandela Bay when funds were provided and were not utilised and no one was held accountable.”
According to the State of Local Government report, 64 municipalities were categorised as dysfunctional, 111 were at medium risk, 66 at low risk, and 16 deemed stable.
Infrastructure
Shifting her focus to infrastructure, she said 117 out of 144 Water Service Authorities’ bulk water and sanitation infrastructure has been assessed.
“The assessments report with recommendations are being implemented and used to prioritise projects identification and funding through own funding, private sector funding and conditional grants.”
In addition, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (Misa), deploys built environment professionals to municipalities to provide technical support throughout all infrastructure product life cycles.
To date, Misa has deployed 103 technical professionals, of which 86 of are professionally registered with statutory bodies as engineers and town planners.
Nkadimeng said the state was also pushing for all municipalities to have municipal managers and chief financial officers.
In addition, the Minister touched on the pillars that make a functional municipality.
These include putting people first, delivering basic services, good governance, sound financial management, building capable local government institutions and local economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 15:28
Zeitz MOCAA unveils two new exhibitions for summer, marking the start of an exceptionally busy season for the institution. Focused on lens-based practices, Self as a Forgotten Monument is a solo, survey exhibition by celebrated self-taught artist and photographer Mame-Diarra Niang while Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers is a group exhibition. The shows and accompanying programming solidify …
To succeed in the future, entrepreneurs must embrace technology, social imperatives, and adaptability. With advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainability and decentralised finance, the business landscape is shifting rapidly. With this, entrepreneurs need to integrate cutting-edge technologies and adopt ethical and sustainable practices. Digital transformation and changing regulations have redefined traditional business operations, making geographical locations …
To lay a foundational understanding of the so-called Fintech Revolution, it is important to delineate the terms blockchain, fintech, and cryptocurrency from the outset. Blockchain technology stands as a decentralised and tamper-resistant digital ledger, which securely documents transactions across a vast network of computers. Fintech, short for financial technology, encapsulates a number of innovative digital …
Private capital takes centre stage at universal access to water summit
Enabling private capital and mobilisation will take centre stage as stakeholders in the water sector gather for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa Leadership Summit on universal access to water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
Hard on the heels of the week-long 7th Africa Sanitation and Hygiene Conference held in Namibia last week, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, is participating in the Eastern and Southern Africa Leadership Summit on universal access to Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The two-day summit, taking place from 14 - 15 November 2023, will focus on enabling private capital and mobilisation, and will promote critical, tangible inputs on strategies, actions and policy reforms to boost private sector financing and participation of the water and sanitation sector.
The event, which is co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Ethiopia and the World Bank, seeks to help identify and seize opportunities to increase private and public funding, and implement the necessary sector reforms to serve all Eastern and Southern African residents still lacking access to WASH.
The discussions at the summit will centre on three strategic actions of systems change, including policy and institutional reforms that promote efficient use of public and private resources; investments that are pivotal for the transformation of the water sector, and country and regional platforms for collaboration.
The summit will build on previous discussions and will advance the dialogue on country plans to accelerate access to WASH, and further provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions to understand the implications of implementing systems change.
The event will serve as an interactive platform for stakeholders, including water sector ministers, finance ministers, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Phillips said the discussions at the summit will focus on what it would take to reduce existing inequalities in WASH services worldwide and will promote critical, tangible inputs on strategies, actions, and policy reforms to boost private sector financing and participation.
“The high-level ministerial and technical discussions will help identify and seize opportunities to increase private and public funding and implement the necessary sector reforms to serve all Eastern and Southern African residents that are still lacking access to WASH.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation welcomes this initiative by the World Bank to advocate for private funding programmes that will advance the WASH objectives. As you know, South Africa has also committed itself to achieve goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on the right to water and sanitation services for all,” Phillips said.
The WASH initiative encompasses 18 countries, ranging from fragile and conflict-affected States to middle-income countries.
While the world is progressing towards SDG 6, one of the 17 United Nations SDGs, which advocates for availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all, most African countries are lagging to achieve this goal.
The sub-Saharan Africa is the only region sliding backward in terms of WASH. Over the last 20 years, access to basic water supply and sanitation has declined, resulting in 37 million more people without basic water supply and 247 million more without basic sanitation.
Despite all efforts being made, these gaps are continuously growing.
The DWS said the implications of limited access to basic water supply and sanitation were discussed at previous events, such as the UN (United Nations) Water Conference in March 2023 and the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in April 2023.
“During these high-level events, the African Ministers of Water and of Finance embraced a strategy to effect change that will grant universal WASH access. The ministers have also committed to establish and monitor regional platforms to track progress of the initiative,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:53
In a world where electricity outages can disrupt daily life, Geewiz emerges as a trusted ally, offering a comprehensive range of load shedding solutions that cater to a diverse array of needs. With a commitment to keeping homes and businesses powered up during challenging times, Geewiz presents an impressive array of categories that encompass everything …
NSFAS improves data exchange processes
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is improving its data exchange processes with institutions to ensure seamless data integration and the registration of students onto its new direct payment systems.
Giving an update on the disbursements for October, NSFAS said it has successfully disbursed allowances to 143 423 beneficiaries at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, with a total amount of R681 051 078.
The scheme reiterated that it continues to review all its processes, operations and its disbursement model.
“Tuition and allowances disbursement for university students were initiated on 25 October. However, there was a delay in payments of allowances at some universities which did not finalise their university reconciliation, which is very critical information to ensure that NSFAS disburses allowances correctly to the institutions for tuition and living allowances to students.
“This is an important measure to ensure that NSFAS accounts for each and every disbursement it makes to properly account for using public money. It is also important to note that NSFAS is working with all institutions to improve its data management systems to ensure that allowances are paid on time to all beneficiaries,” it said.
To date, the total tuition disbursements to all universities amounts to R1 602 289 873, and the scheme is currently engaged in the process of doing mop up payments for universities where there were exceptions.
Appeal process
On the appeal process, the scheme said this process is almost at the final stage for university students who submitted their appeals.
However, the scheme noted that the appeals process is a continuous process for TVET beneficiaries, because of the alignment of their academic year which differs from the universities’ academic year.
A total of 1.3 million students are currently funded for the 2023 academic year, following an unprecedented surge in the number of applications received.
“The entity has been working tirelessly to ensure that it improves on its processes for applications and ensuring quick turnaround times on funding decisions,” NSFAS said.
Crisis
Meanwhile, the scheme has refuted the South Africa Union of Students (SAUS) allegations that it is in a crisis.
“The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is not in a crisis; it is however an organisation which is in a process of realignment and modernisation to meet the demands of the more than one million students that it is currently serving.
“Since it’s established by government in 1999, NSFAS provided financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries who qualify for post school education and training. As a scheme, NSFAS represents one of the most progressive efforts by the government to systematically break the legacies of inter-generational social inequality in access to and outcomes of, post school education and training.”
Since 1991, NSFAS funding has grown from disbursing R21.4 million to almost R50 billon to fund children of the working class and the poor seeking to further their studies in public universities and TVET colleges. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 11:40
Chikunga receives specialised agency to audit SA’s marine operations
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has officially welcomed the International Maritime Organisation audit team who are in the country to conduct a mandatory audit under the IMO’s Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
Speaking at Monday’s opening meeting in Cape Town, the Minister described the gathering as a milestone as the country forges ahead with upholding international standards and compliance in maritime operations.
The International Maritime Organisation, which South Africa became a member of in 1995, is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for regulating and promoting responsible shipping on a global scale.
South Africa’s participation in the IMO, enables the country to contribute to the development of international maritime policies and standards, mainly related to maritime safety, pollution prevention and the welfare of seafarers.
“South Africa also benefits from IMO initiatives that support capacity building, technical assistance and development in the maritime sector.”
The IMO’s audit scheme has created a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and implemented. It also promotes a safe and secure environment and efficient and sustainable shipping.
During this audit, the Minister said key areas will be scrutinised, ranging from ship safety and security to environmental protection measures.
“South Africa’s focus is on fostering compliance with the international maritime conventions and how it meets those obligations, ensuring that our practices align with global standards set by [the] IMO.”
Legislation
South Africa has since reviewed the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy, while some key pieces of legislation are under review and will soon be enacted.
These include the Merchant Shipping Act, the Marine Pollution Bill and the Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation Bill.
The Minister believes that the legislative process is critical to giving full effect to the convention by accelerating adoption, incorporation into national laws, and development of regulations to mainstream implementation and enforcement of IMO instruments in South African territorial waters.
Audit
The commencement of the IMSAS audit comes after it was postponed due to the aftermath impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The audit will begin with preparatory work by all entities with the mandate on maritime policy, legislation and operations.
“A pre-audit questionnaire and an exercise were completed to collect and verify documents and all that is left is for the auditors to satisfy themselves on the audit requirements and completeness of South Africa's compliance to international rules and standards.”
This will be followed by a preliminary audit outcome report, expected to be submitted at the end of the week-long undertaking.
The team will audit the Department of Transport and its implementing agency and the maritime administration, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA.
They will also assess the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre supported by Telkom on radio communications, Transnet National Ports Authority, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, the South African Weather Services and the South African Navy Hydrography Office.
“Together, we can ensure that the outcomes of this audit catalyse positive change as we strive towards excellence,” she said.
The Minister is of the view that compliance is not merely a regulatory obligation.
“It is a commitment to the wellbeing of our oceans, the safety of our seafarers, and the sustainability of maritime trade, crucial to the export-driven economy of South Africa.
“By working together, we strengthen our capacity to address challenges and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.”
In addition, she said the feedback will assist in the regulatory process of the IMO to help make measurable improvements in the effectiveness of the international regulatory framework for shipping.
“I cannot over-emphasise the importance of this audit, a window of reflection of our work as a maritime nation, quality assurance and continuous standards improvement for safe and secure and environmentally sound South Africa’s plus or minus 3 000 kilometres of diverse coastline.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:43
“What we are left with is a high level of impunity for sexual violence that affects a large segment of women in South Africa.”
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, participated in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) on Thursday, November 10 in Marrakech, Morocco. Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Copyright-free video B-roll and images are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.co/478tDFH
Watch the video of the entire fireside chat: https://apo-opa.co/3SB1zq5
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest.
In the discussion, Rugby Africa President encouraged the investment of sport across Africa, emphasizing the importance of investment opportunities emerging from the continent itself.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
He added, “With South Africa emerging triumphant as the World Champions in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the world once again witnessed the vast potential of Africa. To invest in rugby across Africa, is to invest in a continent of 1.3 billion people, utilizing the sport as a catalyst for both economic development and empowerment of the youth.”
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
The 2023 Africa Investment Forum brought together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will conclude on Friday August 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has called for the appointment of the Chief Defence Reserves to drive the strategic implementation of the decisions taken at the Reserve Force Indaba II. The committee remains of the view that the Reserve Force plays a critical role in the further development of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and without a permanent leader to drive the strategic role of the reserves might negatively impact decision-making as the SANDF makes decisions about the future.
“The SANDF is currently undergoing a review process on the role, cost and rejuvenation of the reserve force and this process should have included the ideas and foresight of a permanent Chief Defence Reserves to ensure that in the medium to long terms the incumbent implements a strategic outlook they would contributed to shaping,” said Mr Cyril Xaba, the Co-Chairperson of the committee.
The committee remains concerned that the average age for the reserves is 46 and is ever-increasing, which require strategies to ensure rejuvenation and enhance viability. Also concerning to the committee is that the reduction in budgets will lead a further decline of the reserves over the medium term. These concerns would best be driven and solved by a permanent Chief Defence Reserves.
Meanwhile, the committee appreciated the announcement that the Reserve Force Indaba II has sat and engaged to develop the reserve's strategic role and direction in delivering on the SANDF's mandate. The committee has requested that the final product to be adopted at the Reserve Force Indaba III be tabled to enable the committee to make its own contribution.
The committee has also called for the SANDF to urgently determine the status of the ±7 500 members who have not been called up in the past five years, as identified in 2018/19. The current number of reserves not called up stands at 5 233 but the committee has emphasised the need for the Department of Defence to work with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the PERSOL system is functional.
The committee also is aware of the reserve's critical importance, make especially their surge capability and in the provision of specialist skills to the SANDF.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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SA to host men’s conference on positive masculinity
South Africa is to host the 3rd African Union (AU) Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity later this month, which will provide an opportunity to consolidate bold continental efforts that Heads of State and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) in Africa.
Convened under the theme: “Consolidating Commitments Towards the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls,” the conference is expected to take place in Johannesburg on 27 and 28 November 2023.
It will provide an important platform to assess progress made by male leadership across respective sectors and to articulate specific priorities to decisively end violence against women and girls on the continent.
Building onto the critical work undertaken in the previous conferences, the 3rd Men’s Conference will deepen the understanding of structural drivers to take firm actions towards addressing them.
A focus on deepening an understanding of structural drivers of violence against women and girls on the continent is four-fold, including:
• It serves to emphasise the importance of harnessing law and policy as instruments to accelerate changes that protect women and girls from violence and uphold their rights to life, security, freedom, dignity and physical and emotional integrity.
• It makes the strategic linkages between the lack of economic and financial inclusion with vulnerability to violence and as a form of structural violence itself.
• It develops an African compendium of evidenced-based interventions to prevent violence against women and girls.
• It provides a framework to deeply explore harmful social norms relating to masculinity and violence that have resulted in the normative character of violence – permissive societies across the continent.
It is envisaged that deepening the interlinkages between violence against women and girls, and the wider development challenges African societies face, drawing on both historic and current factors that shape these expressions, provides a deeper foundation from which Africa itself can craft relevant policy and programming responses.
The African Union High-Level Presidential Response to End Violence Against Women and Girls, was established in 2020 with a view to mobilise political commitment and action at the highest level of the AU leadership and decision-making to prevent and end violence against women and girls in Africa.
The 3rd Men’s Conference is co-hosted by 2023 AU Chairperson, President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros and President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa was unable to host the first conference during his chairmanship of the AU in 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic.
During his tenure at the helm of the AU, President Ramaphosa highlighted violence against women and girls as a critical challenge impeding development across the continent, and called for the adoption of an AU Convention. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 11:55
Home Affairs extends hours ahead of Voter Registration Weekend
To ensure that citizens are able to collect their IDs and passports ahead of the upcoming Voter Registration Weekend, Home Affairs offices will open this coming Saturday, 11 November 2023.
“The service to be rendered on 11 November 2023 is exclusively the collection of smart ID cards and passports,” said the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on Thursday.
Home Affairs offices will be open from 8am until 1 pm. This as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s Voter Registration Weekend will be held from 18-19 November 2023.
To register to vote, you need a South African identity document – either a green barcoded ID book, an ID smartcard, or a valid temporary ID certificate.
According to the commission, all South African citizens aged 16 years or older can register to vote, but to vote you need to be 18 years or older.
In addition, to ease pressure on its clients, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows. This will help in reducing queues.
Clients can now book collection appointments before visiting the offices, using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS) which is available on the DHA website – www.dha.gov.za through this link: https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.
The department also allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as walk-ins and will be assisted to collect their IDs and passports.
ID services will also be available at all Home Affairs offices during the Voter Registration Weekend of 18 and 19 November 2023.
In this regard, operating hours at Home Affairs offices will be aligned with those of the IEC in order to assist voters who need to collect the IDs they have applied for or to apply for Temporary Identification Certificates.
With these documents, eligible voters will be able to register for the 2024 national and provincial elections. Temporary Identification Certificates are issued on the spot.
“We would like to urge all our clients who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience on Saturday 11 November 2023 or on the weekend of 18-19 November 2023,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 11:58
SA a good place for investment, says Zikalala
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, has assured investors that South Africa has put in place systems, structures and policies that are investor-friendly and is easing ways of doing business.
“As South Africa, we are a story of economic growth, hope and resilience to investors and social partners,” he told investors.
The Minister is on an official working visit in the United Kingdom, where he and a delegation are on a mission to promote South Africa as a preferred infrastructure investment destination.
“We are open for business and we guarantee your return on investments in a country that is continuously eliminating red tape, has economic stability, improving the ease of doing business and where the rule of law is jealously guarded by our democratic institutions and our courts,” Zikalala said in his address to over 500 global investors in London.
The Minister presented to investors a plethora of infrastructure investment opportunities in areas such as energy, water, transport and digital infrastructure.
He assured investors that President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the charge for a corruption-free government which honours agreements and contracts with investors.
“The investor environment is one characterised by a commitment to ethics and running a corruption-free administration. An ethical state is essential to assuring investors that their investment is safe from abuse. In addition, we are very clear about the rules of engagement with no other hidden agendas.
“Despite our recent challenges which we are working hard to overcome, such as load-shedding, our economy remains resilient and has enhanced reforms, especially on financing large infrastructure projects where we have opened up space for public –private partnerships. We are mobilising private sector financing and skills to work with the government of South Africa to fast track delivery and improve contract and project management,” he said.
Policies
At Wednesday’s session, the Minister faced gruelling questions around some of the country’s transformation policies such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), localisation and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which some perceive to be too bureaucratic and impacts on investor confidence.
The Minister responded by saying that the policies are critical in redressing South Africa’s economic disparities induced by the pain of its history which left many languishing on the fringes of the economy.
“The South African government is creating a new economic landscape and architecture which is premised on economic inclusion of most of the population.
“Our quest to address the socio-economic imbalances of the past should be no threat to investors but should be part of building a united and democratic South Africa that benefits all its citizens.
“This is a consensus that we have built as a country what we want to be non-racial, non-sexist and democratic with a prosperous population,” said the Minister.
Meanwhile, investors expressed excitement about the vast opportunities available in infrastructure investments.
The Minister invited the investors to visit South Africa and share the country’s major investment platforms such as the Presidential Infrastructure Investment Summit 2024 and the South Africa Construction Week and conference to be announced soon.
He believes the Global Africa Trade Conference is a lucrative opportunity to rebuild South Africa’s economy in the wake of a disruptive pandemic of COVID-19.
Zikalala is confident that the new frontiers of economic partnerships have been cemented. The Minister will be in the UK until Friday. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 08:57
Commission on Gender Equality report has harsh words for police