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District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

Location: News

District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, says the District Development Model (DDM) izimbizo are critical for ensuring that government serves the people and that no one is left behind.

She was speaking at the DDM Imbizo held at the Batlharos Sports Ground in Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

The imbizo is the 13th that has been held by the sixth administration lead by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

READ | President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

The izimbizo, which have been held in all provinces, allow members of communities to interact with leaders from national, provincial and local government on service delivery challenges that communities are facing.

“We are here to listen to you as the people who are supposed to receive government services. President Ramaphosa has come with Ministers, provincial leaders as well as councillors so that they can bring answers and solutions to all of the challenges you have.

“The President has come with his Cabinet so that you can talk to them,” she said.

The Minister told the crowd that the upcoming general election – expected to be held on 29 May – does not have any influence on why the DDM is being held.

WATCH | 

“We are not here because of elections. We are here because of COGTA that runs the Presidential Imibizo. It is not many Presidents that come in front of the people to answer. It is about delivery in action… Our intention is to leave no one behind,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 12:24

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Looking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Location: MyPR

Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …

Read moreLooking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the burning of the South African flag in a political advert saying it is “treasonous”.

“The flag of our country is sacred in the life of our country. It is that flag that unites all of us. It is despicable that a political party goes and burns the symbol of our unity, the symbol of our existence as a nation. I think it is treasonous,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President’s comments follow on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) election advert depicting the burning of the national flag.

Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening of the Department of Home Affairs’ offices in Mokopane, Limpopo, the President said those that were involved in the making of the advert should be ashamed of themselves.

“All we want is to build South Africa and unity … People died for the flag of the nation. People rally around the flag of the nation and it is about us. They are destroying that unity, that identity that we all have. It is totally unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a media statement issued by the Presidency later in the day, the President said he believes that the depiction of the burning flag “is desperate and inciteful” and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.

“All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.

“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.

“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice. 

“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.

“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections are free, fair and dignified.”

The President further called on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the DA.

The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.

READ | Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

-SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 20:46

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Read moreBurning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

Blu Flamingo Africa founder scoops major award as female entrepreneurship takes centre stage

Location: MyPR

On 29 May, South Africa faces one of its most important General Elections since 1994. At stake is not only the Presidency but the economic future of South Africa, as there is a desperate need to develop policies that will encourage entrepreneurship and the participation of strong entrepreneurs in economic development. At the recently held …

Read moreBlu Flamingo Africa founder scoops major award as female entrepreneurship takes centre stage

President Condemns Undermining of the National Flag for Party Political Gain

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns in the strongest terms a Democratic Alliance election advertisement which depicts the burning of the national flag.

The President believes this depiction is desperate and inciteful and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.

President Ramaphosa said: “All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.

“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.

“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice. 

“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.

“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections free, fair and dignified.”

The President calls on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Condemns Undermining of the National Flag for Party Political Gain

KnowBe4 releases 2024 Security Culture Report highlighting African organisations’ cyber readiness

Location: News
KnowBe4

KnowBe4 (www.knowbe4.com), the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Security Culture Report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a) for Africa, providing a detailed analysis of the intricate relationship between security practices and employee behaviours within organisations. Drawing insights from surveys conducted across thousands of organisations worldwide, the full report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng) offers a comprehensive five-year comparative view, highlighting significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape.

“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa. “This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”

There are noteworthy variations among sectors and countries, emphasising the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity resilience. “The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” explains Collard. “However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”

Africa, with its diverse cultural fabric and youthful population projected to dominate the global workforce by 2100, faces escalating cyber risks amidst rapid technological advancements. Challenges, including limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic constraints, marked the continent's cybersecurity landscape in 2023. “This shows the need to strengthen cybersecurity readiness given the critical development requirements.”

Kenya (76), Nigeria (75), and Ghana (74) lead the charge in cybersecurity readiness, showcasing robust strategies backed by local governments. Ghana's significant progress in cybersecurity, evidenced by its climb in the Global Cybersecurity Index, reflects the region's commitment to cybersecurity excellence.

“With a security culture score of 72, it's important to address the findings from a separate survey (https://apo-opa.co/44upwDi) on generative AI (GenAI) adoption by organisations in South Africa,” adds Collard. “That survey identified regulatory gaps and a lack of training in countering AI-generated misinformation, highlighting the need for regulations, training programmes, and partnerships to tackle cyber threats such as deepfakes, especially during the upcoming crucial governmental elections.”

The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expects an increase in cyber attacks targeting important infrastructure and government bodies in the coming weeks until South Africans go to the polls. “This highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect both public and private sectors, communities, and national economies,” says Collard. “As organisations adapt to the changing cybersecurity environment, promoting a culture of awareness, education, and proactive risk management will be vital in enhancing cyber resilience throughout Africa.”

The security culture score is a global measure used to evaluate organisations based on their approach to security, explains Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4. “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture. In today's interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective,” adds Malik. “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential not just for creating laws but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions,” Malik concludes.

For the full security culture report covering Africa, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a). For the comprehensive report covering Africa and five other global regions (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania), click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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KnowBe4
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Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery

Location: News

Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government is making strides in the delivery of the energy plan unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022.

Ramokgopa’s remarks comes as the country marks 40 consecutive days of no load shedding.

Ramokgopa attributed this to improvement in structural changes within Eskom, which has seen last year’s anticipated unplanned capacity loss factor reduced from 15 000 megawatts to 14 000 megawatts during the same period. 

“Eskom, by its own admission accepts that the kind of improvement that we have seen is so enduring that we can say to the country that we have clocked back 1000 megawatts compared to the same period of the previous calendar year,” he said.

Updating the media on the progress of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa noted the aggressive rollout of solar photovoltaic (PV) by both industry and households on the back of incentives provided for by the National Treasury. 

READ | Requirements for solar panel incentive explained

“[Due to] the kind of reforms that have been introduced, we are seeing greater numbers of households and industry that are taking up the opportunity to roll out solar PVs behind the meter intervention,” Ramokgopa said.

He also noted that on the back of the fiscal support received from National Treasury, Eskom has been able to invest a significant proportion of time into planned maintenance.

“When we went to December of 2023 transitioning into January 2024, we experienced about 18% of the total generating capacity taken out for planned maintenance, unprecedented in the past three years, as a result of this fiscal support. These concerted efforts are beginning to bear fruits,” the Minister said.

He said the biggest enemy is to ensure that the entity addresses the issue of unit failures, including unplanned capacity loss factor, and efficiency of the units.

Ramokgopa said during the same period in May 2023, unplanned capacity loss factor moved from 16 800 megawatts to about 18 000 megawatts. 

“This recovery and the clawing back of the 7 000 megawatts is something that has been experienced over a period of time [and] in this instance, over a 24-month period. All indications suggest that we will continue to improve on this number,” Ramokgopa said.

To date, unplanned outages from 26 April 2024 have been reduced by about 4 400 megawatts from 15 500 megawatts experienced some time ago.

Upcoming elections

Meanwhile, Ramokgopa disputed the accusations that the improvement in electricity has something to do with the upcoming National and Provincial government elections on 29 May 2024, saying “there’s no correlation between this performance and the date of 29 May."

“When the team was making these efforts; when we ramped up planned maintenance in December and January, little did we know that there would be a big date with a ballot box on the 29th of May.

“This is not staged [or] managed. It is an orchestrated effort, and an engineering feed by the team at Eskom.

“What we know is that UCLF [unplanned capacity loss factor] is tracking at 29% as of April of 2024, as opposed to 34 % of April 2023. We have recovered five percentage points over the period of the same period in April and a comparable period this year in April.

“You do not earn and recover that five percentage points suddenly because a date of an elections has been announced. It is as a result of process mapping in an engineering term; the stabilisation of management; ensuring that we use and deploy this fiscal injection, and identifying candidate stations that can give us the best returns in the shortest possible space of time.” – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 14:48

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Read moreGovernment notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery

IEC invites citizens to pray for peaceful elections

Location: News

IEC invites citizens to pray for peaceful elections

The Electoral Commission (IEC) will today participate in a National Day of Prayer ahead of the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

Organised by the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the IEC has called on citizens to join the prayer service that will take place on Sunday, 5 May 2024, at Grace Bible Church in Soweto, Johannesburg. 

The commission said the event is part of the ongoing partnership with different sectors of society to ensure a successful Election Day.

“The service calls for a powerful moment of unity and prayer as we seek divine guidance for peaceful and safe elections,” the SACC said. 

SACC Acting General-Secretary, Reverend Mzwandile Molo, said told the SABC that the council has committed to working hard to make sure the country’s elections are done peacefully and in a non-intimidatory manner since 1994.

“So, if there’s anybody who incites violence, that person needs all of us to ask them to refrain from that because the scars of violence that is caused by politics are too deep and they have not healed right now. We all want to make sure that we do not remind ourselves of the violence of the past,” said Molo. 

The SACC is an association of affiliated Christian churches and organisations that come together in action for social justice.

As an instrument and servant of its members, the council said it was committed to expressing, through proclamation and programmes, the united witness of the church in South Africa, especially in matters of national debate.

“Let’s come together as one nation in prayer,” the SACC added.

For citizens who cannot be there physically, the service will be streamed live on the SACC Facebook page from 2pm or they can tune in to Radio Pulpit or Radiokansel. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 12:35

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IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

Location: News

IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is finalising preparations for the 78 092 South African citizens who applied to cast their special vote abroad. 

Working with the Department of International Cooperation and Cooperation (DIRCO), the IEC said it has begun shipping voting materials. These include voting booths, ballot boxes and papers, stationery packs, and all the relevant lists. 

The commission said voting out of the country will take place in 111 foreign missions. 

South African citizens in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh and Tehran will vote on 17 May. 

The rest of the 102 missions will make their mark on Saturday, 18 May 2024. 

The voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm, allowing 78 092 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.

“In respect of the mission in the United Kingdom, the commission has determined two days of special voting. These are Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 May 2024 from 7am to 9pm.”

The IEC explained that the extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters registered to cast their vote at the mission. 

“Similarly, extended voting hours have been prescribed for the mission in Washington DC and New York. The voting hours are 7am to 9pm.”

As per IEC, the largest international voting stations by population are London (24 535), followed by Hague (6 659), Canberra (3 674), Dubai (3 266), Dublin (3 040), Wellington (2 292), Abu Dhabi (1 825), Washington DC (1 799) and Berlin (1 476). 

Voters will need to be present in person at the mission where they are registered or where they successfully applied for by VEC 10 notice.

“After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a source channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents presenting contestants.” 

The IEC has since thanked its stakeholders, staff and employees from DIRCO for tirelessly working to ensure that registered voters make their mark in the upcoming elections. 

“The commission is aware that voting is not possible in some countries for security reasons. DIRCO has confirmed that the missions in Sudan, Tel Aviv and Kyiv remain closed. Unavoidably and regrettably, voters registered at these missions will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections if they were not able to make arrangements by the 22 April deadline to vote at another mission.”

Meanwhile, IEC said it will operate extended hours on both voting days abroad to assist voters with queries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 13:09

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Read moreIEC finalising preparations for voting abroad

The Pioneering Spirit of Software Companies in the South African Context

Location: MyPR

In the evolving tapestry of the global technology landscape, software companies in the southern hemisphere, particularly within South Africa, are forging a distinctive path. These organisations are not only adapting to technological advancements but are also shaping them, demonstrating resilience and innovation in a competitive domain traditionally dominated by North American and European giants. The …

Read moreThe Pioneering Spirit of Software Companies in the South African Context

Innovative Open-Source Platform #MyCandidate Empowers Voters for South Africa’s 2024 Elections

Location: MyPR

Innovative open-source platform MyCandidate South Africa ( #MyCandidateSA), spearheaded by Open Cities Lab (OCL), is reshaping voter engagement in South Africa’s upcoming 2024 elections. By leveraging technology to provide accessible and transparent information, #MyCandidateSA empowers voters with the knowledge they need to make informed choices at the polls. During the 2021 Local Government Elections, #MyCandidateSA …

Read moreInnovative Open-Source Platform #MyCandidate Empowers Voters for South Africa’s 2024 Elections

Applications for special votes close Friday

Location: News

Applications for special votes close Friday

Applications for special votes will close tomorrow, 3 May 2024, says the Electoral Commission (IEC).

Persons who intend to vote by special vote must first apply or cause an application to be submitted on their behalf as follows:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za
  • By sending the identity number of the voter by SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visits only
  • By submitting an Appendix 1B form at the local office of the IEC for a voting station special vote
  • By submitting an Appendix 1A form at the local office of the IEC for a home visit special vote

The commission said in a statement on Thursday that it was important for the public to note that there are two categories of special votes affected by the deadline tomorrow.

The first relates to home visits for those registered voters who are infirm or have impaired mobility. These voters may apply to be visited at home or a place of confinement.

The second category of special votes is available to any registered voter who wishes to vote early at their voting station.

The commission reiterated that there is no automatic age-based qualification for a special vote.

Special votes are available to all voters, but only upon application by the deadline date of 3 May.

Furthermore, the commission reported that over a million special votes applications have already been approved for these elections.

In terms of the election timetable, both categories of special votes will be conducted on 27 and 28 May, from 9am to 5pm.

Election Day will be held on 29 may 2024.

In the last hours before the applications deadline, the commission has called on registered voters who wish to vote by special vote to ensure that they submit applications as no late applications will be accommodated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:26

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Read moreApplications for special votes close Friday

Application for special votes closes this Friday

Location: News

Application for special votes closes this Friday

Applications for special votes will close tomorrow, 3 May 2024, says the Electoral Commission (IEC).

Persons who intend to vote by special vote must first apply or cause an application to be submitted on their behalf as follows:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za
  • By sending the identity number of the voter by SMS to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visits only
  • By submitting an Appendix 1B form at the local office of the IEC for a voting station special vote
  • By submitting an Appendix 1A form at the local office of the IEC for a home visit special vote

The commission said in a statement on Thursday that it was important for the public to note that there are two categories of special votes affected by the deadline tomorrow.

The first relates to home visits for those registered voters who are infirm or have impaired mobility. These voters may apply to be visited at home or a place of confinement.

The second category of special votes is available to any registered voter who wishes to vote early at their voting station.

The commission reiterated that there is no automatic age-based qualification for a special vote.

Special votes are available to all voters, but only upon application by the deadline date of 3 May.

Furthermore, the commission reported that over a million special votes applications have already been approved for these elections.

In terms of the election timetable, both categories of special votes will be conducted on 27 and 28 May, from 9am to 5pm.

Election Day will be held on 29 may 2024.

In the last hours before the applications deadline, the commission has called on registered voters who wish to vote by special vote to ensure that they submit applications as no late applications will be accommodated. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:26

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Read moreApplication for special votes closes this Friday

Government pays tribute to South Africa’s workers

Location: News

Government pays tribute to South Africa's workers

As South Africa joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Workers’ Day, government has paid tribute to all workers, especially frontline workers who continue to provide essential services on this public holiday.

Celebrated annually on 1 May, International Workers’ Day or May Day, pays tribute to the historical struggle of workers and their trade unions for solidarity and fair employment standards.

This year’s International Workers’ Day is commemorated under the theme: “30 Years of Freedom”.

This year also marks the 133-year anniversary of May Day, a testament to the enduring legacy of the labour movement.

In South Africa, the journey began with the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) in December 1985. The union’s demand for May Day to be recognised as a public holiday and renamed Workers’ Day was heeded by approximately 1.5 million workers.

The workers were joined by thousands of learners, students, taxi drivers, hawkers, shopkeepers, domestic workers, and self–employed and unemployed people.

Despite being banned in advance by the apartheid government, rallies were held across the country with the majority held in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging area, now known as Gauteng.

Workers’ Day has been officially acknowledged and commemorated in South Africa since the inaugural democratic government in 1994.

The Department of Employment and Labour said the day serves dual purposes – a celebration of workers’ rights and a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the struggle against apartheid.

“Workers’ Day in South Africa carries its unique cultural significance. The public holiday has come to symbolise not only the sacrifices made in an arduous journey towards fair employment standards but also the fierce battle against apartheid, where trade and labour played a crucial role,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Given that South Africa’s working classes were the most oppressed under apartheid, the department said the fight for improved working conditions and the battle to dismantle systematic segregation became inextricably linked.

“Prior to the 1994 elections, labour and trade groups frequently used Workers’ Day as a rallying symbol against segregation and oppression of the apartheid regime, organising demonstrations and fostering widespread resistance. This day serves as a testament to their resilience and determination,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/01/2024 - 10:29

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Read moreGovernment pays tribute to South Africa’s workers

Mashatile calls on leaders from all sectors to build SA’s economy

Location: News

Mashatile calls on leaders from all sectors to build SA's economy

Leaders from all sectors of society must join hands to build a resilient economy and fight corruption, says the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. 

“We must collaborate, with each playing a distinctive part, to generate employment and boost trade and investment between our nations, the continent and the world,” he told delegates during a dialogue on the role of leadership in fostering economic growth, hosted by the African United Business Confederation (AUBC).

The roundtable dialogue held on Tuesday focused on the role of leadership in economic growth.

The Deputy President said he believed that effective leadership significantly affects the economic landscape of nations and societies. 

“We are convinced that to build our economy, leaders from all sectors, including business, politics, government, and civil society, must work together,” he said.  

“Our roles are all important, and if one lags behind, it will affect the growth of our economy. It is our duty as political leaders in government to formulate policies that promote an environment conducive to economic growth.”

The country’s second-in-command said effective economic policies can stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and drive innovation. 

“As you may have observed, since the advent of democracy, we have created political stability by promoting free and fair elections, which will continue to be the case in the upcoming election on 29 May 2024.” 

The Deputy President said a stable political environment is critical for investor confidence and economic growth. 

He told the private sector leaders that they have a responsibility to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, both of which are vital to economic expansion and job creation. 

In addition, he said, the private sector is key to enhancing the competitiveness of the South African economy. 

“Together, as leaders, we possess the foresight to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and make strategic decisions that drive sustainable economic development.”

He acknowledged that despite attaining political freedom and substantial advancements since 1994, South Africa is yet to realise economic freedom and an economy that adequately provides for the majority of its population. 

“As present-day leaders across various sectors of our society, we must set aside our differences and concentrate on fully rousing the potential of South Africa’s economy. 

“We must proactively address socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, inequality and corruption.” 

Corruption

He added that in order to reach the goal of ending poverty and boosting economic growth set out in the National Development Plan, “we must all work together to fight corruption and support accountability, openness, and good government”. 

The fight against corruption should be multifaceted, involving both the public and private sectors. 

“We have to strengthen anti-corruption partnerships, intensify efforts, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to corruption led by capable leaders, who are resilient, highly adaptable and willing to implement bold reforms to surmount our challenges and transform the economy.” 

Inclusion

In addition, he called on leaders across sectors to be intentional in their inclusion of women, youth and other marginalised groups in economic reform efforts. 

He also touched on the Red Tape Reduction Team introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further stimulate business development. 

“The team focuses on reducing red tape in priority areas such as mining rights, tourism operator licenses, travel visas, work permits, and the informal sector, aiming to create a competitive and vibrant economy.” 

In addition, he said government has also reduced regulatory hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives, reduced VAT refund processing time from 15 weeks to four to five weeks and reduced the corporate income tax audit process from 32 weeks to 17 weeks.

“We have a collective role to play in paving the way for future generations of leaders to contribute to the transformation of our economy. Through strategic leadership, we unlock the countries’ potential, drive innovation, and create a better future.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 12:32

387 views
Read moreMashatile calls on leaders from all sectors to build SA’s economy

Apply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday

Location: News

Apply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday

The deadline is looming for those who wish to apply for a special vote in this year’s National and Provincial Elections (NPE). 

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), all applications for special votes for home and voting station visits opened on 15 April 2024 and will close on Friday, 3 May 2024.  

Home visits are intended for those voters who cannot travel to voting stations, while special votes at voting stations are for citizens unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. 

Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day - on 27 and 28 May 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Voters can apply as follows:

• Using the IEC’s secured online application at www.elections.org.za. 

• By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.

• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.

• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special vote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, and someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.

Meanwhile, the IEC has distanced itself from a widely circulated message claiming that it has granted permission for everyone over the age of 60 to cast a special vote on 27 and 28 at the polling station where they are registered. 

“This is not a message from the Commission. The Electoral Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.” 

However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on Voting Day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and must identify the voting station where they wish to cast the vote. 

Known as Section 24A notices, the IEC explained that these are live at www.elections.org.za and will close on 17 May 2024. 

South Africa will hold its elections on 29 May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declared Election Day as an additional public holiday in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 10:08

183 views
Read moreApply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday

SA heads to the polls in a month’s time

Location: News

SA heads to the polls in a month's time

With one month to go, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is in the final stretch of preparations for the seventh democratic elections, which are believed to be the most contested in the history of the country.

South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to the elect the leadership for the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.  

In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures.

“The finalisation of the list of candidates contesting seats in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) means that the Commission can now go ahead with the printing of ballot papers for the elections. The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.

“In consort with the provisions of the election timetable, the Electoral Commission has also published the list of addresses of the 23 292 voting stations that will be used in these elections. The route for mobile voting stations has also been published,” the IEC said recently.

The highest number of voting stations will be in Kwazulu-Natal (4 974), then the Eastern Cape (4 868) and Limpopo (3 216). All voting stations are now contracted with lease agreements concluded with landlords or owners.

A list of the voting stations can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.

Special votes

For those who would like to apply for special votes, for the purposes of home visits and voting station visits, there is still time to do so as the deadline for applications is on 3 May 2024.

“Home visits are intended for those voters who are unable to travel to voting stations whilst special votes at voting stations are for everyone who is unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day, on 27 and 28 May 2024,” the IEC said.

Special votes may be accessed using one of the following modalities:

  • Using the secured online application form found at www.elections.org.za.
  • By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.
  • By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.
  • By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special vote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, but someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.

Special votes will also be administered at South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad to service 58 000 registered voters. These voters will be provided for at the diplomatic missions of the Republic.

Security plan

Government has, meanwhile, assured citizens that the elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.

“As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and will put them behind bars. We want to assure the public of the readiness of the JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster to execute its mandate of protecting the public, our country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said.

Government also urged members of the public to report any crime related to elections to their nearest police station or IEC offices.

“A protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes.

“Prosecutors stand ready to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political party and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officials as well as forcing anyone to vote,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:36

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Read moreSA heads to the polls in a month’s time

Security plan in place for upcoming elections

Location: News

Security plan in place for upcoming elections

With just 30 days left until South Africans head to the polls, government has assured citizens that the seventh National and Provincial Elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.

“As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that the law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and will put them behind bars,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said on Sunday in Pretoria.

Addressing a media briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, the Minister emphasised that no one has a right to intimidate and prevent others from exercising their Constitutional right to vote for a party of his or her choice.

“We want to assure the public of the readiness of the JCPS Cluster to execute its mandate of protecting the public, our country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” the Minister said.

The 2024 General Elections are believed to be the most contested in the history of this country. Overall, 70 political parties are contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52.

In total, there are over 14, 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures.

“Our approach as the JCPS Cluster is to ensure coordinated and intelligence-led planning and operations pre-, during, and postelections where multi-departmental teams work together to ensure that all South Africans exercise their Constitutional rights without fear of intimidation or violence.

“This coordination is managed by National and Provincial JOINTS [ Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] structures of the JCPS Cluster and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Inter-departmental Priority Committees were established in 2023 at both the National and Provincial levels to safety and security planning.

“Our law enforcement agencies have led in developing the national security plan which has been approved by the Ministers of the JCPS Cluster. NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] has done a thorough threat and crime pattern analysis to inform the development of a security plan and they want to ensure that nothing is left to chance,” the Minister said.

Fit-for purpose

Based on the threat and crime pattern analysis, NATJOINTS has recommended a fit-for-purpose deployment plan that will deal with any potential threats of crime and violence in and around voting stations and national and provincial results centres.

“We have also put measures in place to protect all public facilities that will be used for voting, national key points and other essential infrastructure that might be targeted by criminal elements. In addition, the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015 states that any person who tampers with or damages essential infrastructure is guilty of a criminal offence and he/she can be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years if found guilty

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) Ministry and SAPS management have conducted several oversite roadshows in all provinces where they met with the station commanders of all police stations and district commissioners to assess the SAPS state of readiness and preparedness to ensure safety and security.

“The management of SAPS and Ministry are satisfied with the level of readiness of all the provinces and districts to provide policing services pre-, during and post-the elections,” Modise said.

The elections will be policed within the relevant prescripts and laws and police officers will enforce the law accordingly.

“We want to reiterate that the security plan will be constantly reviewed as the situation changes and we will adapt as required. As the JCPS Cluster leadership, we want to send a clear message to the public that no incitement to violence, lawlessness, destruction of infrastructure, or barricading of roads will be tolerated. Anyone who participates in any form of criminal activity will be dealt with.

“We therefore reiterate to all South Africans that political rights for citizens are guaranteed and should not be violated. The JCPS will ensure that all the rights enshrined in the Constitution are not violated,” she said.

Among these rights are the rights to freedom, security, and protection from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.

“Although the Constitution allows all citizens to participate in protests, pickets and present petitions, those who participate in these activities must do so peacefully and not violate the rights of those who do not want to participate. Anyone who is found to have contravened these critical provisions of the Constitution during this period will be met with the full authority of the state,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 04/28/2024 - 11:18

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Read moreSecurity plan in place for upcoming elections