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In an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, organisations must prioritise their cybersecurity measures to protect their assets and data. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through vulnerability management. What is Vulnerability Management? Vulnerability management is a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and addressing security vulnerabilities in an organisation’s …
Science and technology are key to development
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor has highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation in the development of countries.
Speaking at the General Debate at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G77 + China, the Minister said that there “is no doubt science technology and innovation are strategic levers for development.”
“The struggle for the soul of the South and for unilateral global dominance has never been more intense and as the South, we must seize this historic moment to ensure we develop the ability to be free agents of a development agenda that will advance our battle against poverty inequality and unemployment,” she said.
Pandor was representing President Cyril Ramaphosa at the two-day Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 (G77) + China in Havana, Cuba. The Summit began on Friday.
“Effective support for science research, innovation and digital technologies has the potential to advance these objectives but it must be buttressed by effective organisation, coordination and well-crafted G77 science diplomacy. South Africa confirmed the efficacy of science diplomacy in our collaboration in genomic sequencing research that assisted us in combatting COVID-19.
“Increased attention must be given to ensuring we have a science and innovation ecosystem that can support our ambition,” she said at the debate on Saturday.
She said investment in research universities, increased graduation of science and technology researchers at PhD level, centres of excellence and the building of robust science councils are needed.
She also spoke of ensuring equal access to science and innovation for women and girls.
“Since the achievement of freedom and democracy in 1994, South Africa has increased investment in research, development, and innovation. Funding to create ninety Centres of Excellence has been provided as well as support for thousands of young people to study for PhDs in science, engineering, economics, humanities, and technology. The support has included investment in young women scientists.”
Government has also funded over 200 Research Chairs and attracted local and international talent to these chairs.
She added that science partnerships between researchers and university systems must be formed drawing on the successes of Cuba, China and India.
“Greater focus must be given to Africa expanding its science and innovation ecosystem and to using science to resolve our most intractable challenges.”
“Mr President science and innovation will provide the means to grow a green economy in the South, to increase productive capacity and high value addition to our mineral wealth.
“Alongside pursuing this important agenda let us also reinforce our commitment to effective reform of the United Nations mechanisms, especially the Security Council and also actively jointly advance the fundamental reform of international development finance institutions,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/17/2023 - 12:54
In the dynamic realm of property management and leasing, efficiency and automation have become indispensable tools. This blog explores a game-changing solution that is reshaping the industry, offering a complete and automated answer to property management and rental leasing. Discover how this innovative platform simplifies processes, its many advantages, and its transformative impact on property management and …
In the ever-evolving world of tech and gaming, enthusiasts have a wide array of choices when it comes to their favourite brands and products. From industry giants like Amazon, Google, Oculus, and Apple to niche specialists such as Bluetti, Ecoflow, and Gizzu, the options are limitless. Brands That Define Excellence Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge gadgets or gaming essentials, these brands have set …
Repairs to damaged Etwatwa water infrastructure underway
The City of Ekurhuleni says repairs to the damaged water infrastructure at Etwatwa in Germiston, is estimated to be completed on Saturday.
This follows the vandalism of the Etwatwa Extension 19 reservoir pump station on Tuesday, leaving residents without water.
The city’s spokesman, Zweli Dlamini said the incident was discovered by municipal workers on Wednesday morning.
Dlamini said, technicians are on site conducting repairs to the damaged infrastructure and the estimation is that “repairs will be completed on Saturday, 16 September.”
The areas affected by the incident include, Emaphupheni; Mandela; Citicon; Etwatwa East; and Etwatwa extensions 19 and 36.
“The city condemns such acts of vandalism in the strongest possible terms. Many innocent ratepayers are now feeling the pinch of this senseless act of thuggery. The cables that were cut were discovered at the scene, however, the electrical panel is extremely damaged hence the delay in the repairs.”
Roving water tankers have been provided to the affected areas, and updates on any developments will be communicated through the city’s digital platforms.
The city appeals to members of the public to protect municipal infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to 0860 54 3000.
The city has also urged residents to put an end to illegal dumping and report it on 086 453 000. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 12:29
Mostly young people stand in line for hours
All September SASSA grant payments will be made, assures Minister
Government and its agencies, the Postbank and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), have assured social grant beneficiaries that they will get their payments for the month of September 2023.
The Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, along with Postbank and SASSA held a joint media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday where they extended their sincerest apologies to social grant beneficiaries who have encountered difficulties accessing their grants this past week.
“Government assures South Africa and social grants beneficiaries that all social grants beneficiaries that have not yet received their social grants payments will be paid their money in full.
“Postbank and SASSA staff will be in communities this entire week to assess progress in the delayed payment of grants and to assist recipients who may require further guidance and assistance,” Minister Gungubele said.
On Tuesday, 5 September 2023, and Wednesday, 6 September 2023, Postbank experienced intermittent system challenges at ATMs and retailers, leading to failed withdrawal attempts by some grant recipients for the old age and disabilities grants.
Gungubele explained that the system challenges led to the transactions of some beneficiaries resulting in ‘transaction incomplete errors’ because of the system’s communication timeouts.
He said the ‘transaction incomplete errors’ are common payments systems errors within the banking space, however, normally go by unnoticed due to automated reversal functionality.
“The system challenges that affected Postbank unfortunately impacted the availability of the auto reversal functionality. Regrettably, this resulted in some social grants beneficiaries that were due to be paid on the 5th and 6th of September 2023 not receiving their social grants payments on time.
“We would like to reassure our social grants beneficiaries, the public and all stakeholders that the system challenges were as a matter of fact resolved on the morning of the 6th of September 2023. The Postbank system has been working optimally since the afternoon of 6 September 2023,” he said.
Gungubele confirmed that the payment of all other social grants - which involves a much bigger clientele number - was concluded on 7 September 2023 without any challenges across all National Payments Systems (NPS) channels including ATMs and retailers.
He said that more than four million individuals were paid their social grants money by Postbank through the SASSA Gold Cards on 7 and 8 September 2023.
However, the Minister acknowledged that there might be a few beneficiaries who have not yet received their social grants.
“Unfortunately, though, due to the automated reversal not working on the 5th and 6th, a number of clients, mainly the elderly, were unable to access their funds for a prolonged period of time as a manual process had to be implemented to credit their accounts.
“This is what Postbank is now contending with which is the source of the understandable nationwide concerns relating to the September 2023 social grants payments and the issue that as Ministers we saw the need to address,” Gungubele said.
The Minister announced that originally this affected approximately 600 000 beneficiaries, which translates to around 10% of the 5.3 million beneficiaries that are paid their social grants via Postbank’s SASSA Gold Cards monthly.
“We would like to confirm to South Africa that the majority of these accounts have now been corrected and clients have been able to access their money,” he said.
Postbank has completed more than 500 000 funds reversals to date and the affected beneficiaries have gotten their social grants payments.
However, the Minister said it is important to acknowledge that due to the manual processes involved, the process is time consuming and has taken a longer than desirable.
Clients who are still encountering challenges with accessing their grant money and require support have been encouraged to contact the Postbank call centre on 0800 53 54 55 or email to PBbalancingSaswitch@postbank.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:28
Over 600,000 beneficiaries were affected by last week’s system failure, Ministers confirm
In today’s fast-paced digital era, the concept of a home has evolved beyond four walls and a roof. Modern homes are now integrated with technology, offering residents unparalleled convenience, security, and entertainment. But what exactly is in a fully smart home? Let’s delve into the world of home automation and discover the wonders of a …
Postbank’s legal dispute with “payment switch” software provider sheds light on ongoing technical troubles
12 September 2023: KFC made history during the KFC T20 International Series against Australia by executing the first ever delivery by drone. The famous 21-piece KFC bucket was delivered to Proteas player, Dave Miller through this innovative and groundbreaking way during the live match. The memorable experience was one of the ways that the KFC …
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible IT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, delves into why cloud power remains undefeated by load shedding. As load shedding continues to challenge businesses and individuals alike, there emerges a beacon of hope and efficiency: cloud computing. …
MANCOSA looks to address the AI skills shortage as it offers a South African first In line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the movement from localised job markets to a global job market, technology is having a significant influence on the future world of work, with artificial intelligence taking centre stage when it comes …
Digital technologies have created new spaces for interaction and enabled new ways to connect, share experiences, work and build communities. It is estimated that by 2030 in Sub-Saharan Africa alone more than 230 million jobs will require digital skill sets. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has always been a male-dominated industry. In 2022, …
Introduction The digital world is ever-changing, and in this landscape, the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can’t be overstated. SEO helps businesses rank higher in search results, thereby increasing visibility and potentially boosting customer engagement and sales. If you’re wondering what an SEO agency does and how it can help your business, you’re in …
Hostex 2024, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, is gearing up to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. With just months to go, Hostex has announced a significant milestone – an impressive 50% of the exhibition floorspace has already been sold, indicating the industry’s support and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Hostex 2024 …
SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the world's leading telecoms technical customer support vendor, today reveals new research on the South African market, providing key insights into the online habits and customer support expectations of South Africans.
South Africans are spending increasing amounts of time online
The global shift towards digitalisation hasn't bypassed South Africa. Rather, as South Africans transition to the latest smartphones, they're spending more and more time online. According to a recent ProxyRack report, for example, the average South African now spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day online – making them the world's heaviest internet users.
A new study by Sweden's Subtonomy, provides unique insights into how South Africans are spending this time, revealing:
What all of these advanced data applications have in common, is that they require a robust, stable and always-available network, and this is precisely where customers say there's a big problem - with 7 in 10 admitting they're frequently experiencing problems with their connectivity.
Excellent customer support has become a critical decision point for customers
In addition to dealing with the demands of more complex services, and responding to changing customer needs, South African service providers have the added challenge of regular and unpredictable load balancing events to cope with. But while South Africans don't necessarily blame their service provider - indeed 8 out of 10 say they're doing a great job supporting them – disruptions to their service have become such a significant issue that customer support quality is now seen as a key decision point when deciding which network to use.
But what does excellent customer service look like to the average South African? Increasingly, they expect it to be fast, convenient, proactive and digital.
Fast, convenient, proactive, digital support is available today
The good news is that the type of fast, convenient, proactive digital support South Africans want has already been developed, tried and tested, and is now being routinely delivered in the advanced mobile markets of Scandinavia. South African service providers are now actively seeking to replicate this type of experience in order to meet customer expectations, drive down support costs, and deliver a world-class experience to customers.
“All networks experience both planned and unplanned problems at one time or another,” explains Fredrik Edwall, EVP Sales & Marketing, Subtonomy. “But what differentiates service providers is the ability to rapidly pinpoint exactly what's causing their customer's problem and then quickly resolve it, while at the same time keeping the customer informed and updated throughout.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.
Contact Tina Rosén to set up an interview: tina.rosen@subtonomy.com
Click here (https://apo-opa.info/48cLpc0) to download a full copy of Market Study 2023: Customer Attitudes to Support in South Africa.
About Subtonomy:
As the only telecoms vendor dedicated to technical customer support, Subtonomy isn't just a solution, we're at the forefront of a customer experience revolution - blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly tools to break down barriers, streamline and future-proof telecom operators' businesses.
To find out more about how Subtonomy is reshaping customer support and helping deliver stellar customer experiences today see Subtonomy's website (https://www.Subtonomy.com/).
The Pitch AgriHack (https://apo-opa.info/3Zaz0kE) 2023 results are in, capping an inspiring journey celebrating Africa's most exciting agritech visionaries. Applicants from 39 African countries went through a rigorous selection process until six winners were crowned at the Youth Innovation Awards on the final day of The Africa Food Systems Forum hosted at the Julius Nyerere ICC, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This year's Pitch AgriHack theme, “Unleash your Innovation,” resonated deeply with the entrepreneurs who demonstrated how technology can be harnessed to drive sustainability, improve productivity, and uplift communities.
Pitch AgriHack (https://apo-opa.info/3Zaz0kE) 2023 was jointly organized by the African Food Systems Forum (AGRF), Heifer International, and Generation Africa. This year participants and supporters witnessed an impressive showcase of innovation. The competition underscored the power of technology-driven solutions in addressing pressing challenges across the agricultural value chain. Awarding a total prize pool of USD 45,000, the competition recognized and celebrated the brilliance of young minds that are reshaping the future of African agriculture.
"This competition serves as a dynamic showcase of sustainable practices and innovation that is set to define African agriculture. Beyond acknowledging inventive ideas, Pitch AgriHack underscores the steadfast commitment of our youth to revolutionize the sector. At Heifer International, we recognize technology's pivotal role in fostering prosperity for smallholder farmers and rural communities," said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President for Africa Programs. "We are deeply committed to investing in and enabling young individuals to create solutions that enhance the yields of smallholder farmers, and the agritech solutions presented not only address challenges within the agricultural value chain but also promote environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and long-term viability."
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA and Former Special Envoy to the UN Food Systems Summit, remarked, "The achievements seen at Pitch AgriHack 2023 truly celebrate entrepreneurial excellence in agriculture. These young innovators are not only shaping the sector's trajectory through their creativity and dedication, but they're also inspiring future leaders to consider impactful careers in agriculture and agribusiness. The technologies presented demonstrate the power of youth to drive practical and sustainable solutions, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous tomorrow."
The innovative solutions developed by the 2023 Pitch AgriHack finalists span a diverse spectrum. From turning waste into cooking gas and electricity, to ultra-fast composting with integrated nutrient analysers, these young entrepreneurs are finding value in nature-positive projects. Cost-saving measurement devices that analyse crop and soil health, providing recommendations that empower farmers, also impressed the judges. Artificial Intelligence integrations featured in several digital farming assistants. Drawing on massive data sets they optimize production, detect diseases, and generate recommendations for improved farming practices.
The entrepreneurs also presented game-changing inclusive finance solutions for women farmers and commodity-backed, post-harvest handling and storage for smallholders. With automated farm management and monitoring systems and behaviour modification solutions that reward farmers for following better practises, Africa's young innovators are determined to build a better food system.
“The multi-facetted technologies, environmentally-aware approaches, and thorough business models we saw here today indicate that our youth entrepreneurs are building more resilient businesses with more comprehensive offerings that in turn help their farmers become more resilient, too,” said Dickson Naftali, Head of Generation Africa. “It is exactly the type of transformation we need, at scale, for the responsible development of the African food system. Pitch AgriHack not only celebrates such innovation but also fosters networking, collaboration, and exchange among these enterprising youth, mentors, investors, and industry experts. It creates a supportive ecosystem that propels them to grow. We are excited to see how they benefit from this opportunity."
The Pitch AgriHack 2023 Winners are:
Early-Stage Winners:
Winner: Watson Matsa, Co-Founder and CEO of eSusFarm Africa, South Africa
eSusFarm connects with rural farmers via feature-phone USSD, allowing them access to value-chain services, markets, and credit providers. Their system helps small farmers build their track record by collecting farm production data, and monitoring produce quality. Connect with Watson's venture at www.eSusFarm.Africa.
Runner-up: El Mahdi Aboulmanadel, Founder and CEO of DeepLeaf, Morocco
DeepLeaf is an agricultural deep learning lab that is focused on leveraging the latest in AI technology to revolutionize the way we grow crops. Their intelligent farming chatbot, Morshida, uses deep learning to analyse plant images and assist farmers in disease analysis. With natural language processing, Morshida can communicate in 14 different languages and dialects. Connect with El Mahdi's venture at https://DeepLeaf.io.
Mature and Growth-Stage Winners:
Winner: Tunde Adeyemi, Founder and CEO of D-Olivette, Nigeria
D-Olivette builds Bio-Tanks, anaerobic digestors that transforms organic farm waste into fertilizer and biogas for cooking and electricity generation. Their solution is helping smallholder farmers to reduce operational costs, pollution, and CO2 emissions. Connect with Tunde's venture at http://D-Olivette.com.
Runner-up: Reem Nafea, Co-Founder and Business Development Director of BioMasr, Egypt
Biomasr's new Rafik app is a hub for organic agriculture in Egypt. It connects farmers to ecological waste management, clean energy production, and organic fertiliser suppliers, while also empowering women farmers to grow and sell quality organic produce. Connect with Reem's venture at https://BioMasr.com.
Women-led Agribusiness Winners:
Winner: Priscilla Wakarera, Co-Founder and CEO of Rhea, Kenya
Rhea helps smallholder farmers make the right decisions by providing affordable, convenient soil testing for smarter farming. Their IoT device does moisture testing, NPK measurements and soil PH tests before sending AI generated recommendations for fertiliser, pH adjustments, irrigation, and crop recommendations. Connect with Priscilla's venture at www.Rhea.Africa.
Runner-up: Solape Akinpelu, Co-Founder and CEO of HerVest, Nigeria
HerVest is about inclusive finance for African women. They provide easy access to target savings, impact investments and credit financing for smallholder women farmers and women-owned/led SMEs in Nigeria. Connect with Solape's venture at https://www.HerVest.ng.
The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges that included experts and leaders in agriculture and technology. Pitch AgriHack contestants were honoured to get invaluable advice and guidance from this highly-respected judges group consisting of:
This year's Pitch AgriHack applicant breakdown mirrors Africa's youthful dynamism. 79.3% were early-stage startups, embodying the innovative pulse of the competition. Mature/growth-stage agritech ventures represented 20.5%, underlining the sector's growth.
The innovation showcased at Pitch AgriHack 2023 is a strong affirmation of the commitment of AGRF, Heifer International, and Generation Africa to nurture innovation, create job opportunities, and enhance food security across the continent. Through this dynamic competition, the partners seek to inspire a new generation of agritech entrepreneurs who will not only revolutionize the agricultural landscape but also empower smallholder farmers to overcome challenges and embrace sustainable change.
For further information and updates, please visit the official Generation Africa website: https://GenAfrica.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Pitch AgriHack.
Contact:
Jane Machigere
jane@jsmcommunications.com
www.GenAfrica.org
About Heifer International:
Since 1944, Heifer International has worked with nearly 43 million people around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Working with rural communities across Africa for nearly 50 years, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income. Heifer is currently operating in 19 countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas. For more information, visit https://www.Heifer.org.
About Generation Africa:
Generation Africa is a thematic platform of the AGRF, whose mandate is to strengthen the ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector across Africa. From its start in 2019, Generation Africa has brought together industry leaders, government institutions, NGOs, NPOs, and community platforms to collaborate on ecosystem development, curation and support of agribusinesses, research and advocacy, and the inspiration of young people to embrace opportunities in the agrifood sector. Find out more at https://GenAfrica.org.
About the AGRF:
The AGRF is the world's premier forum for African agriculture, bringing together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African agriculture forward. Under AGRF's current strategy, the Forum is particularly focused on driving progress of the Malabo Declaration by 2025 as the priority set of commitments African Heads of State and Government have made to strengthen agricultural development at the centre of the continent's overall development and progress. The AGRF is organised by the AGRF Partners Group, a coalition of institutions that care about Africa's agriculture transformation. For more information visit https://AGRF.org.
Rideshare Mechanic Revolutionizes Convenience with Online Vehicle Inspections for Uber and Lyft Online Car Inspection Service Offers a Hassle-Free Solution for Rideshare Drivers United States of America (USA), 11 September 2023 – In a rapidly evolving world where convenience is king, Rideshare Mechanic emerges as a game-changer in the ridesharing industry with its innovative online …
Sandton, Johannesburg – Southern Sun Sandton was abuzz with excitement on the evening of Saturday, 9 September as it played host to the prestigious Miss Earth South Africa 2023 winner’s announcement gala dinner. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, the event saw finalists from across the nation coming together, alongside esteemed judges, Zizo Tshwete, JJ …
Founded in 2019, Black Elegance is the brainchild of Simone Jules. She’s a woman on a mission: she has wanted to run a company since she was a child, but she’s also clear that her ambition would not stop there. “I wanted my own company so that I could make my mark in the call …
Call to support Springboks
As the three-time world champions, the Springboks, face off against Scotland in their first game at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, South Africans have been encouraged to support the team.
“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa said.
South Africans can watch the clash of the Springboks against Scotland on Sunday at 17:45 on SuperSport, SABC 2 and SABC+.
The World Cup fixtures runs from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October.
“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.
“The current Springboks represent this country's diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances,” the Minister said.
He made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
Earlier this week, SuperSport announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.
“This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels. This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.
“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” the Minister said.
MultiChoice and the SABC reached an agreement on the matter on Thursday.
“Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.
“I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find ourselves in this situation before major sporting events,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 09/10/2023 - 12:37
Economic recovery measures improve economy
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has attributed the growth in gross domestic product (GDP) to the economic recovery measures that were implemented by government to support the economy.
Stats SA reported that the country's GDP grew by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2023 while it grew by of 0.4% in the first quarter.
These measures include financial support for distressed businesses, infrastructure investment, and job creation initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), implemented as the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) across all nine provinces.
“Between April and June this year, at least 135 000 earning opportunities were secured by young people through the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative’s National Pathway Management Network.
“Some 108 061 of these were accessed through the SA Youth platform, with 27 088 opportunities scored through the Department of Employment and Labour’s Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) website. We are adamant that if PYEI can receive more funding, it will reach more young people,” Mashatile said on Saturday in Johannesburg.
Addressing the Forty Under 40 South Africa Awards Ceremony, he called on young people to take up the opportunities available in digital sectors and others to combat the high youth unemployment rate.
“Our government believes that entrepreneurship is part of the remedy for the massive youth unemployment. In partnership with the private sector, we have launched several youth business funding opportunities to help youth start and maintain their businesses. This includes the Youth Challenge Fund (YCF), the Youth Pipeline Development Programme, and the Youth Technology Innovation Fund (YTIF).
“While these measures have helped stabilise the economy, we must remain vigilant and adaptable to emerging challenges. Moreover, we have also gained some pace by implementing the structural reforms for the reconstruction and recovery plan, Operation Vulindlela,” Mashatile said.
Since Operation Vulindlela was launched in October 2020 as part of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, government has implemented 35 priority structural reforms identified for their impact on economic growth and job creation.
“We have made progress in energy, our logistics network, digital communications, and the reform of the visa regime to enable businesses to attract the skills they need to grow. Eleven reforms have been completed, while 14 are on track or progressing well.
“Regarding the energy challenge that has remained a top priority in our country, we have amended Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act to remove the licencing requirement for generation projects of any size,” the Deputy President said.
More than 100 projects are at various stages of development, representing over 10 000 megawatts of new generation capacity and over R200 billion in private sector investment.
“Additionally, three projects from the risk mitigation programme have been constructed, with five projects expected to reach financial closure this quarter.
“We approved the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill in March, which has been tabled in Parliament. This Bill will establish a competitive electricity market, enabling multiple generators to compete on a level playing field. These are essential to ramping up energy generation in the short and medium term,” the Deputy President said.
He said government’s efforts in investing in young people means redirecting efforts and resources in a number of critical areas, including the skills revolution and education, providing quality health care, investments in new technologies as part of 4IR and artificial intelligence as well as investments in infrastructure for ease of business and movement of goods allows entrepreneurs to flourish.
“Investing in youth participation is not just a trendy concept but a necessity for our collective future. It goes beyond just financial resources. It requires a mind-set shift and a collective commitment to nurturing talent and empowering individuals,” Mashatile said.
Taking advantage of opportunities on the continent
The Deputy President urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“In this regard, South Africa is a significant member of this trade revolution that will shape the continent's future by stimulating innovation and value-chain growth and boosting industrialisation and job creation across industries. The AfCFTA has 54 signatories, making it the largest free trade area in terms of the number of member states, second only to the World Trade Organisation.
“As part of Agenda 2063, we must dismantle the barriers that hinder youth participation in the economy. We need to break free from the cycle of generational exclusion and embrace an intergenerational approach where the knowledge and experience of our elders are combined with the fresh ideas and perspectives of today's youth,” he said.
Mashatile said unlocking the demographic dividend will spark a wave of growth and progress that will benefit the youth and the entire continent.
“We need greater collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to achieve this,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 09/10/2023 - 10:05
SA celebrates women in science, technology, innovation
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the South African Women in Science (SAWISA) Awards 2023 are premium awards to celebrate women who are contributing immensely to the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector.
“The industrial revolutions are epochs in our social and economic history that are based on disruptions in innovations and technological developments, leading to advanced forms of production and service delivery,” Nzimande said.
Speaking at the SAWISA Awards 2023 event held in Durban on Friday, Nzimande said patriarchal attitudes, systematic barriers and certain practices and norms have defined women out of the research, scientific and technological developments that are engines of the industrial revolutions.
“We therefore have seen successive industrial revolutions having effects of disrupting or changing the lives of societies and economies,” Nzimande said.
Nzimande said with each industrial revolution, whole industries were adjusted or disrupted, new ones were created, and existing occupations and job families went through fundamental changes, with far reaching consequences for societies.
“Our (2019) White Paper on STI engages with the pivotal changes brought by the modern technology in promoting inclusivity, transformation, the development of human capabilities, knowledge expansion and innovation in ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are enjoyed by all South Africans.
“The measures aimed at greater gender inclusion in our recently approved STI Decadal Plan (2022-2032), our ten-year plan, include the STI Transformation Framework, and the STI Gender Strategy that is aligned to the government-wide gender responsive planning and budgeting framework,” the Minister said.
This year’s glittering awards were attended by among others, members of Parliament, students and international guests.
SAWISA is an annual countrywide event profiling distinguished women researchers and scientists, as well as younger women who are emerging as excellent researchers.
The awards also provide registered Masters and PhD students with fellowships to support their studies, in areas ranging from indigenous knowledge systems to astronomy.
Harnessing technological change and innovation
University of Witwatersrand Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, congratulated the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for introducing the awards 20 years ago.
“Harnessing technological change and innovation, starts with ensuring access in the remote areas of our country, it’s about ensuring affordability by the most vulnerable, providing quality education with digital access in all our schools especially the township and rural schools, addressing inherent biases and social-cultural norms that are a hindrances to women and girls’ access,” Dlamini said.
Dlamini said the gender digital divide that still exists, especially for black rural women, has to be addressed.
“Women are under-represented in the ICT jobs, men are four times more likely than women to be ICT specialists,” she said.
Running since 2003, SAWISA also awards registered Masters and PhD students.
The theme for this year’s awards was, “Harnessing technological change and innovation to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls”.
Award categories
In honour of the late climate-change activist and science champion, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) called the fellowships the DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships.
Mcunu was the founder of Black Women in Science (BWIS).
The late Mcunu facilitated developmental training for more than 400 postgraduate students in business and entrepreneurship skills, research skills, scientific writing, project leadership, science communication and research career preparation.
During her life-time, Mcunu achieved numerous accolades, including being named a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, receiving an honorary awards at the KZN Young Achievers Awards in the Science Research and Entrepreneurship catergory and winning the Gagasi FM Shero Award in the Science and Technology catergory.
In the catergory of DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships: Masters’ Awards, the finalists were Nyleti Precious Mabaso from Stellenbosch University, Modjadi Rebecca Letsoalo from the University of Venda and Gizelle Roque van Niekerk from the University of Pretoria.
In the catergory of DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships: Doctoral Awards, the finalists were Munira Hoosain, University of Cape Town, Alletta Nortjie, Stellenbosch University, Boitumelo Makgabutlane, University of the Witwatersrand, Thendo Gertie Makhado, University of Venda, Bambesiwe Mbesi May, University of South Africa, Carlo Dodd, Nelson Mandela University, Lusani Mamushiane, University of Cape Town, Bettie Sebati, University of Johannesburg and Nicole Richardson from the University of Cape Town.
Other categories include awards for Distinguished Young Women Researchers and Distinguished Woman Researchers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 09/09/2023 - 10:36