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Simple, convenient, and secure self-custodial wallet offers everyday users a seamless connection between Web3 and the Binance ecosystem South Africa , November 8, 2023 – Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to announce the launch of its Web3 Wallet. The product, which was officially unveiled …
Correctional Services has 12 months to revise the current policy
South Africans play a greater role in becoming scam victims than they care to admit The South African fraud landscape is becoming increasingly risky as fraudsters and scammers look to target individuals with highly sophisticated scams in an environment where it is becoming increasingly difficult for lawmakers and authorities to bring these criminals to justice. …
Cyber risks could derail the adoption of the Production Possibility Frontier Plenty of literature has been written about the challenges facing the South African economy and the fact that there are no immediate solutions to fast-track economic growth. The biggest challenges facing the South African economy are the Energy Crisis and the Logistics Crisis, a …
SA records over 7 400 malaria cases
South Africa has recorded over 7 400 malaria cases between January and October this year, with only 17% of these having been locally acquired.
This means that more people got infected while out of the country, while the country logged at least 66 deaths during the same period.
The Department of Health has since urged all people travelling to and from malaria-endemic or high-risk areas to take the appropriate precautionary measures to prevent possible infection, as the country enters malaria season.
“Summer season marks the start of the malaria period in South Africa due to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas,” the department explained.
Cases are starting to rise in some parts of the country, especially in high-risk areas.
Malaria symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and muscle and joint pain. The department advised citizens, who experience these signs, to visit their local health facility without delay for effective treatment.
“Late presentation to a health facility with symptoms is one of the contributing factors to increasing malaria morbidity and mortality rates,” the department said.
Malaria is defined as a life-threatening, but preventable and curable disease.
“Early detection saves lives,” the department stressed.
The department has since intensified its malaria response plan through screening and testing around borders in high-risk provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo throughout the year for early detection of imported cases.
The department is also embarking on public education campaigns and indoor residual spraying in high-risk areas every year from September until the beginning of the following year.
The department warned pregnant women and children under five years to avoid visiting malaria-endemic areas, unless they take extra caution.
As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observed Malaria Day on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said it continues to target public transport nodes, such as taxi ranks and bus stations, to heighten education among the public on prevention measures.
This comes as Gauteng hospitals reported 1 105 malaria cases and 10 deaths from January to September 2023, as a result of the life-threatening disease spread to humans by mosquitoes in endemic areas.
“The majority of people who were admitted and those who have demised as a result of the disease had travelled to Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola,” the GDoH said, adding that these countries are known to be malaria-endemic regions. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08
Nzimande conferred with honorary professorship
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has been awarded an honorary professorship by the Beijing Jiaotong University in China.
The awarding of the professorship is in recognition of his contributions to education, and is a symbol of strengthening ties between South Africa and China.
In his acceptance speech, Nzimande said he was deeply honoured and grateful for the honour bestowed upon him by such a prestigious institution.
“Professor YU Zujun, President of Beijing Jiaotong University and dear colleagues, it is with the greatest humility, cognisant of the significance of the award, and with gratitude for China’s friendship and support throughout my career, that I am privileged to accept the honorary professorship.
“This award is further evidence of the enduring friendship between South Africa and China, a strategic partnership in which the Beijing Jiaotong University could play an even more important role that I am determined to help facilitate,” Nzimande said.
The Minister said the university is a model of excellence in collaboration and innovation. This is demonstrated by the success in combining its capacities in transport systems, information and communication technologies, as well as the economics and management sciences, to support China’s progress in the development of one of the world’s leading rail networks for both passenger and freight transport.
“I am also eager to learn about Beijing Jiaotong University’s success in combining advanced scientific research and post-graduate programmes, undergraduate studies, as well as vocational training in a holistic manner.”
Over the past 120 years, the Beijing Jiaotong University has developed a comprehensive and coordinated education system, with strength disciplines in information and management, characteristic disciplines in transportation, and other diversified disciplines, including engineering, management, economics, science, liberal arts, law and philosophy.
The university's position in international rankings of world-leading universities and disciplines is steadily on the rise, maintaining its position in the top 500 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
Currently, the university has 16 888 undergraduate students, 2 763 Doctoral students, 9 933 Master's students, and 3 389 adult college students. The total number of international exchange students amounts to 1 142.
The Departments of Higher Education and Training, and Science and Innovation have congratulated the Minister on his conferral of the honorary professorship. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08
Celebrating our teachers
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Most of us have stories about a teacher or teachers who have had a great influence in our lives. These teachers not only taught us in class but were instrumental in instilling good values and became our mentors and counsellors. Throughout our history, teachers have taken the lead in inspiring generations of students to be the best they can be and have contributed to building an informed society.
The hard work and important role played by teachers should be celebrated throughout the year and not only in October when we commemorate National Teachers’ Month. Currently thousands of learners are busy writing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, under the watchful eye of teachers, who have helped to prepare them for the final leg of their school career, and who continue to play a crucial part in government’s effort to reverse the legacy of apartheid education we inherited in 1994.
It is no secret that the apartheid government denied both black teachers and learners quality education and provided them with limited resources. Hendrik Verwoerd who was the architect of apartheid wanted black people to be made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" irrespective of their abilities and aspirations. The policies of the apartheid government affected not only learners but the quality of teachers as well.
As government, we are encouraged that we have since 1994 made progress in addressing the educational inequalities we inherited. We have successfully merged the racially separate education departments and ensured that both learners and teachers are provided with necessary resources to adequately prepare for the future.
We are encouraged that over 800 000, mostly full-time pupils in 2023, have registered for the NSC exams. The increase in the number of candidates did not happen by chance but as a result of years of planning and hard work by committed teachers who want nothing but the best for their learners.
Government salutes teachers who continue to go the extra mile and contribute in improving the quality of education in the country. We also wish the Class of 2023 well over the next few weeks and into the future.
Teachers are our greatest assets and as government we will continue to recognise them for their outstanding work. For instance, in October this year, we held the National Teaching Awards in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria where teachers received awards for their excellence and they represented the diverse nature of schools across the country in a variety of categories.
These included though not limited to, Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the important role teachers play in developing a society. “Educators play a critical role in building the foundations upon which every society exists.” He added: “The task of a teacher is manifold – not only are you imparting knowledge, but you are also shaping characters, instilling values, and crafting the future leaders of our country.”
The awards took place after the release of the country’s ten-year review on the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is our collective plan to build a prosperous South Africa as envisioned in the Constitution.
The review shows that South Africa has made notable progress in improving access to education and redressing the injustices of apartheid. We have expanded support for Early Childhood Development Centres, provided ICT equipment and connectivity that will prepare learners for the 4th Industrial Revolution and daily meals to over 9 million learners through the National School Nutrition Programme. This has resulted in close to 100 per cent attendance by children until at least the age of 15.
We have also exceeded the NDP target of 190 000 Bachelor level passes set for 2024. In 2021, 256 031 (36,4 per cent) learners obtained a Bachelor level pass. This achievement is thanks to hard working teachers who go above and beyond in their work and give their time without question.
Although the quality of education has improved when compared with other middle-income countries, the review reveals that we need to redouble our efforts in order to compete with the best in the world.
As government, we have given priority to some of the shortcomings highlighted in the review to ensure that we live up to our commitment to improve the lives of people through education. We are moving with speed to provide school infrastructure and ensure appropriate sanitation across the country.
Since 2018, 2 871 schools have been provided with sanitation facilities through the Sanitation Appropriate for Education programme, known as SAFE programme while 15,000 appropriate toilets were also constructed at 1,047 schools through the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative – ASIDI. About 511 schools are at various stages of implementation and DBE plans to provide these with sanitation facilities by end of the 2023/24 financial year.
We appeal to learners to look after infrastructure in their schools and to refrain from destroying, vandalising or burning schools. The destruction of educational infrastructure disadvantages our children and undermines the country’s effort to provide quality education.
We all have the collective responsibility to honour the legacy of teachers who ensure that every child is educated irrespective of background or circumstances.
*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Matona
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 15:39
Introduction The world of education is evolving at a rapid pace, and South Africa is no exception. With the increasing demand for personalised and accessible learning experiences, the roles of tutors, both in-person and online, have become more important than ever before. In this blog, we will explore the landscape of online education in South …
When your career starts at JAN in Nice, you know you are destined for great things. Yet Chef Tyron Gentry remains humble and calm amidst a career which can only be compared to a spectacular fireworks display. With roots in East London and a heart dedicated to the art of French-inspired fusion cuisine, Chef Ty …
Disability rights awareness: Making access a lived reality
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Since the dawn of our democracy, one of our nation’s priorities have been increasing accessibility for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
Today, in a democratic South Africa, the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, promoted and advanced through legislation and the Constitution, which leaves no room for discrimination on any grounds.
While our laws and policies have been enacted to promote people with disabilities, they should not be viewed by the private and public sector simply as a compliance issue.
Equality for people with disabilities must become a lived reality to enable a societal shift that will ensure people with disabilities fully contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth and development.
As we mark National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December, it is a time for introspection on how we can advance the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated in every area of our society.
Government remains unwavering in its commitment to uplift and improve the lives of disabled people. To facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities, public spaces are being equipped according to the needs of those with disabilities, for example wheel chair-friendly environments.
These spaces improves the quality of life for people with disabilities by enabling their participation and improving accessibility. This supports social cohesion priorities of government and promotes the rights of disabled people.
The recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Through the enactment of the SASL, the language needs of people with hearing impairments are met, helping increase their access to economic and learning opportunities. Moreover, it ensures they have equal protection and benefit under the law.
Learning for children with hearing difficulties is being facilitated through the use of sign language in teaching and learning by the Department of Basic Education. This initiative is helping empower and equip these children to develop their lives beyond their circumstances.
Government is working towards creating economic opportunities for people living with disabilities to enable them to actively participate in the economy and provide for themselves and families. These economic opportunities also give them a sense of fulfilment.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities together with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have collaborated to accelerate inclusion for women, youth and persons with disability in the agricultural sector.
The SASSA disability grant enables over 1 million people with disabilities to live integrated lives in communities.
Whilst government strives to improve access for people with disabilities, we urge organisations, Non-Profit Organisations and civil society to work with us in creating an enabling environment for people with disabilities.
These include spaces with wheel chair ramps, assistive devices, incorporating sign language facilitators for deaf people and braille materials for the blind.
Everyone can lend a helping hand to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. It can be through helping a disabled person cross the road, volunteering at shelters or learning sign language.
Our actions are inspired by our former President Nelson Mandela who advocated for the rights of disabled persons. Madiba said: “The new South Africa we are building should be accessible and open to everyone... Only then will the rights of the disabled to equal opportunities become a reality”
While we have come a long way in breaking some barriers of access and entry for people with disabilities, more needs to be done to move disability issues into the mainstream. Together we can further advance our democracy by improving access for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.
*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 09:58
Fire leaves 250 people homeless
Over 200 people have been left homeless after a fire broke out at the Plastic View informal settlement, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department said.
The incident happened on Saturday morning.
“One patient was treated for smoke inhalation and moderate injuries, and three [others] were treated for minor injuries on the scene but refused transport to a medical facility. Two hundred and fifty people lost shelter and personal belongings because of the fire,” said the department.
A total of 45 shacks were gutted.
Emergency services arrived at the scene to find shacks on fire at the settlement located east of Pretoria. The fire was contained and subsequently extinguished.
“The Tshwane Emergency Services Department will intensify public awareness campaigns at this informal settlement as part of continuous education to the communities on fire safety and disaster risk reduction. The department calls on residents to use paraffin stoves with extreme caution, never leave open fires without adult supervision or unattended, or overload electrical plugs with appliances. Illegal electricity connections are a fire and life hazard, which residents should always be aware might lead to emergency incidents,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Tshwane Emergency Services Department, together with the city’s Community and Social Development Department, are coordinating relief efforts for those affected by the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 18:17
CPFs are not just there to help cops do their jobs
Government on course to manage expenditure
The sixth administration is on course to prudently manage government expenditure while retaining the focus on infrastructure, health, education and policing as critical areas of growth and development.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Leader of the opposition party (Democratic Alliance), John Steenhuisen asked the President the reasons for the drastic budget cuts to government departments, which will have an impact on government’s delivery of frontline services at a time when citizens are being battered by the cost-of-living crisis.
The President highlighted that the Minister of Finance tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, which outlined the country’s fiscal position and provided information on government’s spending priorities over the next three years.
“Among other things, the Minister of Finance indicated in the MTBPS that we are resolved to stabilise public finances while maintaining support for the most vulnerable and protecting frontline services.
“At the same time, we are fast tracking growth-enhancing reforms, which includes a new financing mechanism for large infrastructure projects. Work is underway to reconfigure the structure and size of the state, while strengthening its capacity to deliver quality public services,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa told Members of Parliament that the cost containment guidelines issued by the National Treasury give advice and guidance to government departments to ensure a sound and prudent management of public finances in the context of significant constraints.
“The increase in fiscal constraints is mainly due to reduced revenues. The cost containment guidelines target non-critical spending items such as travel, catering, accommodation and capital items that have not yet commenced,” he said.
Turning to the discussions that the President and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have had with Ministers on an ongoing basis, President Ramaphosa said the meetings are focused on how programmes and activities undertaken by departments advance economic growth, social development and service delivery.
“Ministers and their departments engage with National Treasury on how best to implement any budget restructuring and delay projects where necessary without compromising the needs of communities,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 09:10
SANCO has stepped in to intervene and leaders have now escalated the matter to the authorities
• MAHLE South Africa has received international recognition by winning the IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence • The Award was handed over at a glittering Gala Dinner in Barcelona Spain. • MAHLE’s continues to be committed advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects in underprivileged communities. MAHLE South Africa, a subsidiary of the MAHLE …
Rising government debt servicing hinders social spending
The servicing of government’s rising debt is “crowding out” social spending in the country, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
The Minister on Wednesday delivered the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament, where he explained the challenge posed to spending on social services.
“It is important… to point out that our debt levels and rising debt service costs are not problems in and of themselves.
“Our challenge is that rising debt service costs are crowding out important social spending, and our economy has not grown fast enough to support increasing expenditure or our current debt levels. Therefore, this policy statement sets out our strategy for avoiding a fiscal crisis and preventing the build-up of systemic risks to the economy,” he said.
This strategy will include reduced spending and reprioritisation “while also taking concrete steps to support growth”.
“None of these decisions are taken lightly. They are taken with the short- and long-term viability of public finances in mind, and in the interests of balanced and inclusive growth,” Godongwana said.
He explained that over the past 15 years, government’s spending has exceeded revenue, with government expected to borrow an average of some “R553 billion per year over the medium term”.
“As a result, gross debt rises from R4.8 trillion in 2023/24 to R5.2 trillion in the next financial year. By 2025/26, it will exceed the R6 trillion mark. We now expect gross government debt to stabilise at 77% of GDP by 2025/26. This is higher than the level we forecast in February.
“Over the next three years, debt service costs, as a share of revenue, will increase from 20.7% in 2023/24 to 22.1% in 2026/27. The cost, or interest of this debt, for next year alone, amounts to around R385.9 billion. Over the MTEF [Medium Term Expenditure Framework], interest costs amount to R1.3 trillion,” he said.
Tightening purse strings
The Minister said in this current financial year, spending has been brought down by some R21 billion, with further reductions of R64 billion and R69 billion contemplated for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.
“The implications of these adjustments will be partially offset by departments implementing the cost containment guidelines issued by National Treasury.
“It will also be offset by implementing control measures on payroll systems, in line with the directive issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration, as well as implementing the recommendations from the spending reviews conducted in the past two fiscal years.
“Government has made a strategic decision to allocate funds to sectors that are personnel heavy, such as Health, Education and Police Services,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:06
COVID-19 social grant extended until 2025
Government has extended the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) until March 2025 while it considers social security policy reforms and a funding model.
The grant was introduced to support low-income individuals affected by the lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delivering the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) to Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said R34 billion has been allocated to extend the grant by another year.
“Over the medium term, a provisional allocation is retained while a comprehensive review of the entire social grant system is finalised. The 2023 Budget indicated that the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant was only funded until March 2024.
“Government proposes that the fiscal framework make provision for funding for the grant for 2024/25. Beyond this, a comprehensive review of the entire social grant system by the Department of Social Development and the National Treasury is required,” Godongwana said.
Over the 2024 medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) period, 61% of consolidated non-interest spending goes to the social wage — combined public spending on health, education, housing, social protection, transport, employment and local amenities.
“Of this amount, R945.9 billion will be spent on social protection transfers, including the old age grant, the child support grant, the disability grant and the COVID-19 social relief of distress grant. South Africa’s social protection expenditure programme, measured as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), is one of the largest among developing countries,” he said.
The 2019 MTBPS noted that by 2040/41, social assistance beneficiaries – excluding the temporary COVID-19 social relief of distress grant – were projected to increase to 22.5 million, necessitating spending on social grants amounting to 3 % of GDP annually.
“This is in line with current grants spending, excluding the temporary grant. If that or a similar type of new grant is made permanent, beneficiaries are projected to expand from 27.3 million in 2023/24 to 40.4 million in 2040/41, which will cost 3.8 % of GDP in 2040/41 and require a corresponding permanent source of funding, such as additional revenue measures,” he said.
Education
Although additional funding has been provided to implement the 2023 public-service wage agreement, provincial education departments are constrained in hiring additional teachers.
The Minister warned that this could lead to larger class sizes and higher learner-teacher ratios, possibly resulting in weaker educational outcomes.
“To mitigate this, the sector will improve the approach to allocating teachers to schools, ensure that learner and teacher support materials are used cost-effectively, manage infrastructure projects more tightly and focus on plans to catch up on lost teaching time,” Godongwana said.
Institutions in the post-school education and training sector, including the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, will need to bring their student enrolment and bursary allocations in line with their budgets.
Planned infrastructure spending will be brought in line with institutions’ ability to spend.
Continued health services
The Minister said the health sector is aiming to maintain service delivery amid budgetary constraints.
“While additional funding is provided to cover wage increases, baseline reductions are being implemented as part of fiscal consolidation. To minimise negative effects, the sector will need to improve efficiency in areas such as overtime payments, medical supplies and security services, and to delay infrastructure projects.”
The South African Law Reform Commission is finalising a report on legal reform to manage medico-legal claims, which constitute a significant financial risk.
“To address funding fragmentation for oncology services, allocations will be shifted from the national health insurance grant to the national tertiary services grant.
“A single grant is also proposed to consolidate the existing personal and non-personal services components of the national health insurance indirect grant. Funding is also redirected towards the Office of Health Standards Compliance to strengthen the Health Ombud,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:07
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announces extension of Covid-19 grant
Fiscal consolidation needed to ensure good financial health
Government will adopt a “prudent fiscal stance” which will aim to balance spurring economic growth, supporting society’s most vulnerable groups, stabilising public finances and reducing economic and fiscal risks.
This tough balancing act was revealed in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) released on Wednesday.
“A balanced fiscal stance will…also support higher levels of private-sector investment and employment. In the context of limited resources, this requires prioritisation. Over the next three years, the fiscal framework supports strong control of the public-service wage bill, protecting crucial frontline services and implementing efficiency measures.
“Government’s commitment to restoring the health of the public finances means that the debt-to-GDP ratio is still forecast to stabilise in 2025/26 – although at a higher level than projected in the 2023 Budget,” the document read.
The MTBPS laid out how it will implement fiscal consolidation measures including reduced spending, “efficiency measures across government and moderate revenue increases”.
“The proposed fiscal consolidation measures will be targeted, leaving some functions with funding levels similar to the 2023 Budget, and will also maintain the social wage. Over the medium term, these measures will include the reconfiguration of government, with the merging or closure of public entities resulting in a reduction in transfers to such entities.
“Together, these targeted measures are expected to result in savings and long-term gains from improvements in the efficiency of public spending and budget allocations. This is key to managing the public finances in a prudent and responsible way, and will also support longer-term economic growth.”
The key elements of government’s medium-term fiscal strategy as set out in the MTBPS include:
NeoB
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:09
Government forges ahead with restructuring the State
Work is underway to reconfigure the structure and size of the State as part of government’s efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.
“This Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) supports measures to lift our growth prospects over the medium term and restructures the State to become more effective,” Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday while delivering the MTBPS in Parliament.
Government is preparing a joint plan to rationalise departments, entities and programmes over the next three years
The Presidency, National Treasury, Department of Public Service and Administration and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation are formulating high-level recommendations on programme and entity closures.
“A dedicated technical team, consisting of the appropriate legal, financial and human resource expertise has been created to facilitate implementation. Over the last three years, the National Treasury has conducted a series of spending reviews.
“In many cases, these reviews have highlighted deficiencies in policy choices and programme design, scale and cost. They have also revealed shortcomings in planning and implementation, which result in overlapping mandates and functions, and duplication of effort. Government considers these inefficiencies to place a further drag on the economy,” the Minister said.
The following criteria will be used to determine whether a department or entity should be closed or merged:
“The Department of Public Service and Administration, the National Treasury, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Presidency will, over the medium term, review and reconfigure executive functions to address duplication of functions, close ineffective programmes and consolidate departments and institutions.
“Measures will be proposed based on spending reviews conducted in 2020/21 and 2021/22, which suggest a general need to ensure that programmes are designed to be affordable and avoid overlapping policy mandates,” Godongwana said.
The changes are expected to lead to reduced executive responsibilities, higher fiscal credibility and savings in non-interest expenditure
Public sector wage bill
The 2023 public service wage agreement included higher-than-budgeted remuneration increases.
As such government has made a strategic decision to allocate funds to sectors that are personnel heavy, such as health, education and police services.
“Additional funding of R24 billion this year and R74 billion over the medium term will be used to fund the 2023/24 wage increase and the associated carry-through costs in these sectors.
“Since the 2023 Budget, several fiscal risks have materialised. Corporate tax collections – primarily mining sector revenue – underperformed and the revenue outlook weakened. The 2023 public-service wage agreement increased the cost of compensation of employees,” the Minister said.
He indicated significant trade-offs and claw-back mechanisms are being implemented to mitigate the impact of these higher costs on the fiscal framework and to contain the budget for compensation of employees.
“Government has issued a directive to national and provincial departments to implement control measures for creating and filling vacant posts, including restrictions on recruitment for less-critical posts. Government is assessing further controls on personnel budgets, including by providing incentives for early retirement,” the Minister said.
Godogwana said the presidential employment initiative will be extended for another year through repurposing of a portion of funds from existing public employment programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Works Programme.
“A comprehensive review of public employment programmes is underway,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:10
This month Regent Business School reached a remarkable milestone – celebrating its 25th anniversary. This momentous occasion is a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in higher education, particularly in the domains of distance learning and private education. As we celebrate this landmark, it is an opportunity to reflect on Regent …
Since 1985, Crocworld Conservation Centre has established itself as a landmark on the Mid-KZN South Coast, with visitors coming from all over to meet this tourist attraction’s iconic and charismatic residents. But even die-hard supporters will be interested to learn some of the fun facts about Scottburgh’s conservation centre. “We have been welcoming visitors through …
31 October 2023 – This World Food Month, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), in partnership with Tiger Brands, proudly announced the champions of the EduPlant Finals Competition, an occasion that celebrates the outstanding achievements of schools in the realm of permaculture food gardening for food security and environmental education. As advocates for sustainable living …
First day of Matric exams goes well in Gauteng
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is pleased that the first day of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which began on Monday, went well in the province.
In a statement, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said that a majority of its districts had no issues in facilitating the writing of English Home Language Paper 1 and English First Additional Language Paper 1 on Monday.
The GDE said that most candidates were present and honoured all rules and regulations as expected.
“We have noted a few instances of absenteeism among full-time candidates in our districts. In Tshwane West, a majority of full-time candidates attended.
“However, about eight candidates approached officials, stating that they were not ready to write; two other candidates did not write due to unknown whereabouts, which is concerning. Three other candidates were also hospitalised due to health issues, and were unable to write,” the GDE said.
In Ekurhuleni South, most full-time candidates also wrote their exam. However, one candidate was caught with a cellphone in the exam centre, which is not allowed. In such an instance, the GDE said the candidate might not be resulted on the subject in question, which is disadvantageous towards their final results.
The GDE explained that they also recorded a concerning rate of absenteeism among part-time candidates from all districts as well.
To this end, the department has re-emphasised the commitments which candidates vowed to fulfill by having signed the NSC pledge. Candidates are discouraged from transgressing their pledge. Candidates are urged to always adhere to exam rules and regulations to maintain the integrity of the examinations and their future.
The GDE further emphasised that all candidates must honour their exams and regulations, as outlined in the pledge. Therefore, unwarranted absenteeism is unacceptable.
The department expressed its deep sadness at an incident where a full-time candidate from Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, tragically took her life by allegedly poisoning herself on Sunday, 29 October 2023, a day before the exams.
Candidates are reminded of the Mental Health pledge they signed, urging them to reach out to the support structures and resources that have been made available in instances where they might be facing internal difficulties during these exams.
Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialing 116; and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG -- 080 045 6789), which is available on all telephonic and online platforms.
“Despite the first day of exams having went smoothly in Gauteng, we are devastated by the loss of one candidate, who took her own life just before her first exam. We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to her family and the school community at large.
“Learners are urged to use our available structures to express any issues they are facing. Our officials are more than happy to help. Candidates are also encouraged to honour their commitments to these exams and refrain from being absent,” Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 14:48