MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The upcoming elections are a turning point in South Africa’s democratic journey and the high stakes pave the way for mis- and disinformation. The relaunch of Tales of Turning – which harnesses research, social media, and technology for good – comes at a crucial moment in the country’s history. Renowned peacebuilders, Geoffrey Mamputa and Stefan …
Electoral Commission ready to register inmates at correctional centres
In preparation for inmates’ voter registration this week, the Electoral Commission (IEC) and Department of Correctional Services have urged families of inmates to deliver identity documents (ID) to correctional centres.
The inmates’ voter registration week is scheduled for 30 January to 1 February 2024, ahead of the national and provincial elections.
The IEC said it acknowledged that many offenders do not keep ID documents in their possession and it is for this reason family members are requested to make the necessary arrangements by delivering any of the following forms of identification: green-barcoded ID, smartcard ID or temporary identification certificate (TIC) to correctional facilities.
“The commission has been informed that due to the transfer factor for inmates, correctional centres will also be accepting IDs for inmates serving sentences in distant towns or provinces. These identity documents will be transferred to the relevant facilities where inmates are incarcerated,” the statement read.
The Department of Correctional Services has indicated that it will put all necessary measures in place to ensure that IDs are kept safe.
“The South African Constitution states that every eligible adult citizen has the right to vote. Placement in a correctional facility does not abrogate this right exercised by inmates without exception since the general elections in 1999. However, a green barcode ID, a smart card ID, or TIC is a necessity for one to register as a voter,” the IEC said.
Eligible inmates will be permitted to apply for voter registration scheduled for 30 January to 1 February 2024 against the voting district where their home address falls.
“The Electoral Commission urges all eligible inmates to participate in the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections by updating their voter registration details or registering as voters.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 01/28/2024 - 07:35
President welcomes ICJ ruling
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Gaza genocide case against Israel.
This comes after the United Nations (UN) top court ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and do more to help Palestinian civilians, as Israel continues to wage war against Hamas militants.
In a landmark judgment, the ICJ determined that it was “plausible” that Israel has committed acts that violate the Genocide Convention.
“We have called Israel’s attacks on Gaza genocidal acts; acts for which Israel should and must be held accountable. Today the International Court of Justice has vindicated us,” President Ramaphosa said on Friday.
The country’s First Citizen was speaking to the nation in a televised address following the landmark ruling by the ICJ.
The war which began in October last year has already claimed more than 25 000 lives in Gaza, of which more than 16 000 of the dead are women and children.
The President cited the UN Children’s Fund, which labelled Gaza as a “graveyard for thousands of children”.
It is for this reason the President believes today’s judgment marks an important first step in the quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.
The President said South Africa stands on the side of freedom and justice for all.
“Thirty years ago, following our first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela declared, ‘Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another’.”
South Africa approached the ICJ in December last year, under the Genocide Convention, for alleged attacks committed by Israel in Gaza.
In its application, South Africa pleaded with the court to indicate provisional measures to “protect against further severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention”.
The country also requested the ICJ to ensure Israel does not engage in genocide.
Handing down the court’s unanimous decision, ICJ Judge President Joan Donoghue said it was necessary pending its final decision to indicate certain measures to protect the rights claimed by South Africa.
Donoghue also stated that Israel must per its obligations under the Genocide Convention take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention.
Acts of genocide named in the convention include the killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to the members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
“We firmly believe that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire and negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states,” said the President.
President Ramaphosa thanked the international community who have supported the country’s application and those who declared their intention to be part of the application.
“We will not waiver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less.”
He also thanked the World Court for holding those guilty of genocide accountable and thanked the lawyers and the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Justice and Correctional Services.
“It is our earnest hope and wish that this court order paves the way for an end to this crisis, for an end to the terrible loss of life and hardship, and for the crucial first steps to be taken towards reconciliation and a just, lasting peace.”
The transcript of proceedings can be accessed at https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-00-en.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 18:31
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) wishes all its member a productive and prosperous 2024, which is likely to be another busy and challenging year, with wage negotiations, general elections, load-shedding, high inflation, geo-political uncertainty and a volatile exchange rate just some of what we can expect. As the country prepares …
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
Over 18 469 South African citizens living in 101 countries around the world have started registering to vote using the Electoral Commission’s newly launched online registration portal system.
“The Electoral Commission has enabled an online registration facility for the first time to allow South Africans outside the country to easily register for the 2024 National Elections,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Mamabolo said the commission hoped that the introduction of an online registration system will attract citizens from abroad.
Citizens living abroad must register as voters either online or in person at their nearest South African mission. South African high commissions, embassies and consulates will be open during working hours.
“Eligible voters are encouraged to check with their nearest mission on the registration dates and times. Registration requires a South African identity document as well as a South African passport.
“A special two-day voter registration event for South African citizens abroad will take place between 26 and 28 January 2024, depending on the configuration of weekend days.
“In countries where Friday and Saturday are weekends, the two special days designated will be Friday 26 January, and Saturday 27 January 2024,” Mamabolo said.
The countries with the most people registering online include the United Kingdom (5938), the Netherlands (1844), Germany (746), the United States (821), Ireland (675), United Arab Emirates (1068), China (515), Australia (588), New Zealand (314), Cuba (293), Portugal (284) and Belgium (280).
In the African continent, South Africans have begun to register in 28 countries, including Mauritius (316), Lesotho (224) Namibia (148), Botswana (170), Zambia (96), Zimbabwe (77), Kenya (73), Ghana (45) and Tanzania (40).
A full list of South Africa’s missions is available on the website of DIRCO at https://www.dirco.gov.za/webmissions/index.html.
The commission advised South Africans who are already registered to vote – either on the national or international segment of the voters’ roll - to check their registration status and to update their voters’ roll address if they intend to vote abroad in the 2024 National Elections.
Mamabolo said the commission has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that no one is left behind and that all citizens vote in the 2024 National Election.
“The upcoming 2024 National Elections offer an important opportunity for all South Africans to have their voices heard, regardless of geographic location,” he said.
The commission pleaded with businesses and organisations around the world to encourage their South African employees to register during this registration weekend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:03
Alleged fraudster appears in court
Nhlanhla Sizani (24) has appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on charges of fraud, alternative forgery and uttering after he was issued with a summons on 12 December 2023.
It is reported that during the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE), Sizani submitted a fraudulent letter with the United Nations (UN) insignia, requesting South African Police Service (SAPS) escort to polling stations for the duration of the elections.
Sizani is said to have misrepresented himself as a United Nations (UN) Ambassador/Diplomat and thus was escorted by SAPS Diplomatic Police Unit to various polling stations as an observer.
Through an investigation by the Hawks' Crime against the State within Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the UN confirmed that Sizani was not an Ambassador/Diplomat (observer) and the request for escort was not requested by them.
SAPS suffered financial loss as a result of the misrepresentation.
The case was postponed to 23 January 2024 for the accused to obtain legal representation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:06
Since 1994, South Africa has emerged as an African economic powerhouse with a healthcare system that was once the envy of the continent. However, the country is facing a significant medical brain drain at a time when there is clear evidence that South African medical professionals possess some of the best skills in the world …
Borrow money wisely this January, National Credit Regulator advises
January can be a difficult month, especially for those who did not budget and/or spend wisely over the festive season.
According to the National Credit Regulator (NCR), many people are paid earlier in December and they wait long until the next payday in January.
“This long wait leads to very empty pockets and many unpaid bills, as these consumers start the year on a tough note. Consequently, many are being forced into taking excessive credit as the only option to pay for necessities like rent or mortgage, food, school fees, stationery and so on,” the regulator said.
The NCR’s Education and Communications Manager, Poppy Kweyama, said in addition to the high cost of living, consumers might need to borrow excessively at this time of the year because of poor budgeting and last year’s reckless spending.
Citing the NCR’s statistics for the quarter ended September 2023, Kweyama said there has been an increase quarter-on-quarter of impaired accounts.
To avoid an impaired credit record, consumers are advised to borrow wisely and responsibly and restrict credit to only what is necessary.
She added that during this time of the year, some consumers are desperate for financial assistance and may take out loans recklessly, even from unscrupulous credit providers.
The NCR has implored consumers who find themselves in this situation to be credit-smart and avoid resorting to unregistered credit providers.
She advised consumers to borrow only from registered credit providers and only as much as they need and only when they need to.
According to the expert, it is also crucial to plan how to repay the loans, and most importantly determine whether they can afford the repayments.
The NCR also encourages consumers to understand their credit agreements and the terms and conditions (Ts and Cs) before signing.
“Don’t sign if you don’t understand the Ts and Cs. Always ask for clarity and never pay an upfront fee.
“Never leave your ID or bank card with a credit provider in exchange for a loan. Not only is this practice illegal, but remember, to register and exercise your vote in the 2024 elections, you need to have your ID,” Kweyama cautioned.
Credit is expensive, said the NCR, and it advised people to familiarise themselves with the fees associated with the credit.
According to the National Credit Act (NCA), consumers can only be charged the following fees when taking up credit:
• Initiation fees – This is a fee that a credit provider charges a consumer for entering into a credit agreement. The credit provider must give the consumer an option of paying this fee separately and once off. In doing so, no interest may be charged on the fee. Initiation fees are regulated by the NCA. Standard initiation fees for credit facilities, short term credit transactions and unsecured credit transactions, per the NCA, is R165 per credit agreement plus 10% of the amount over R1 000 but the maximum initiation fee should not exceed R1 050.
• Interest rate – Interest is the amount that a credit provider charges a consumer on the outstanding balance of a credit agreement and is regulated by the NCA.
• Service fees – The fee that a credit provider charges for servicing and administering or maintaining the credit agreement. The credit provider can charge this fee monthly. Service fees can also be charged per transaction. The maximum monthly service fee under Section 105 of the NCA is R60.
• Credit Life Insurance – This is insurance which can be required by the credit provider when a consumer applies for credit. The insurance covers the debt due to the credit provider in certain cases such as retrenchment, disability or even death of the consumer. The insurance cover taken may not exceed the outstanding obligation to the credit provider.
• Other costs will depend on what you are purchasing as the consumer such as delivery costs. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:39
President congratulates DRC President-Elect
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the President-elect of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) , on his re-election as President of the central African country.
On 20 December 2023, millions of voters in the DRC participated in the synchronised general elections to choose national, provincial and local public representatives.
The outcome of these elections was announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) on 31 December.
Accordingly, President Ramaphosa strongly commended the people of the DRC for exhibiting maturity, a sense of calm and unity during the period of elections.
“The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have taken a solid step towards consolidating democracy in their country, and have expressed their desire for a peaceful, secure and prosperous future,” said the President in a statement.
The President has called for calm should any of the participants dispute the elections results and urges all parties to follow legal channels as set out in the constitution of the DRC.
South Africa is committed to enhancing bilateral relations with the DRC, and peace and security in the region. President Ramaphosa concluded a successful visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2023, where, together with President Félix Tshisekedi, co-chaired the Heads of State and Government segment of the 12th session of the DRC–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC). The BNC is aimed at enhancing and nurturing the existing bilateral trade and political relations. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 01/02/2024 - 12:50
Black women continue to break barriers across diverse industries, paving the way for future leaders with their resilience, intelligence and determination. The upcoming Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), scheduled for February 27, 2024 in Dubai, is set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black women, while connecting movers and shakers from across the global Black community.
Black women play a crucial role in transforming industries, leaving an undeniable impact from entertainment to business, science to politics. In Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Liberia's first democratically-elected female president – has garnered international acclaim for empowering women, winning the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize and today advocating for female political participation. Meanwhile, Mozambican social scientist Alice Banze boasts a 25-year career in civil society and government and is the Executive Director of the Gender and Sustainable Development Association. Elected to the National Elections Commission in 2020 with support from the Women's Forum, she exemplifies transformative female leadership in Mozambique.
Many women are rising through the ranks across industries by forging their own paths. One example is Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, the founder and CEO of DLO Energy Resources Group, who leads a Black women-owned renewable energy company that focuses on wind power projects in South Africa. Other figures like Oprah Winfrey, who has built a media empire, and Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company, show the strength and determination of Black female leaders.
Yet despite their notable accomplishments, Black women in leadership often encounter systemic challenges to representation. In the US, Forbes reports that only 4.4% of Black women hold managerial roles, and merely 1.4% occupy executive-level positions, despite comprising 7.4% of the American population. In contrast, in Africa, women are making significant strides in governance roles. According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, four African nations—Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa and Senegal—are among the top 15 countries globally for the highest representation of women in parliament. Rwanda leads with an impressive 61.3% of female parliamentarians, yet the sub-Saharan African average stands at 23.6%.
The intersectionality of race and gender amplifies challenges in the workplace for Black women, necessitating targeted efforts to address and mitigate specific barriers to leadership. Initiatives centered on diversity, equity and inclusion are crucial for dismantling these barriers and creating a more equitable playing field. To achieve this, companies and organizations must implement policies that recognize the unique value and perspectives of Black women in their respective industries, fostering a more inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for success.
Celebrating Black women in leadership requires creating a supportive environment for future leaders through mentorship programs, educational initiatives and networking opportunities. Investing in the next generation of Black female leaders contributes to a more diverse and dynamic future, which the upcoming GBIS 2024 will facilitate by providing a platform for engagement, inspiration and unity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About Global Black Impact Summit 2024:
The Global Black Impact Summit is an annual event that seeks to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, promote excellence and explore untapped potential across various fields. This year's summit is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities that encourage attendees to reach new heights.
To secure your spot at this prestigious gathering, register promptly at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com.
President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on his re-election as president of that country.
According to Egypt’s National Elections Authority, El-Sisi won his third term in office after receiving some 89.6% of the votes during the country’s elections held last week.
A Presidency statement said President Ramaphosa congratulated not only El-Sisi but also other candidates.
“The historic elections reflect the will of the people of Egypt in charting their future. The President also commends the other candidates for participating in the elections in a gracious and commendable manner.
“The President further wishes to congratulate the National Election Authority of Egypt and all national stakeholders for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted. The President also takes note of the observations of the AU-COMESA [African Union-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa] Joint Observer Mission,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Presidency reiterated government’s willingness to strengthen ties between the two countries.
“The South African government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the government and people of Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate together in consolidation of the African Agenda.
“The South African Government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Egypt,” the Presidency said.
South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong historical and fraternal bonds dating back to the era of the liberation struggle. South Africa considers Egypt a strategic partner that supported the liberation struggle. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:22
The South African property market is entering a critical year in 2024, poised to be shaped by economic recovery, election uncertainty and evolving buyer trends. While the economic outlook remains cautious, there are promising signs for both buyers and investors. Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property Group, takes a comprehensive look at South Africa’s property …
AGOA illustrates inter-dependence of Africa and the US
The African Growth and Opportunities Act exemplifies the growing inter-dependence between African countries and the United States of America.
“AGOA exemplifies the growing inter-dependence between Africa and the US. Don’t forget there are 40 million African Americans in the US,” says honourary Professor of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, John Stremlau.
The act is an initiative of the United States and is aimed at giving duty-free market access for producers in eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the Office of the United States Trade Representative, AGOA has been at the core of US economic policy as well as commercial engagement with the African continent. The Office of the United States Trade Representative further adds that by “providing new market opportunities, AGOA has helped bolster economic growth, promoted economic and political reform, and improved US economic relations in the region”.
South Africa hosted the 20th AGOA Forum in early November. The three-day session held in Johannesburg followed on the short, physical meeting held in Washington DC, in the US in December 2022.
One wouldn’t have been wrong to wonder how the meeting - which alternates between the US and the African continent annually - would pan out, given what appeared to be strained relations between South Africa and the US. This, following the Lady R matter in which US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, accused South Africa of having weapons intended for Russia, loaded onto the container ship that docked near Cape Town in December last year.
However, an independent panel appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa found no evidence that weapons had been loaded.
Despite the outcome of the panel, the seeds of doubt had already been sown and what followed was a wait-and-see game of how the meeting would unfold, despite Cabinet’s welcoming of the acknowledgement of US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, of the seriousness with which President Ramaphosa had addressed the matter. In a statement in October, Cabinet welcomed the affirmation of the strong relations between South Africa and the United States.
In October, Sullivan spoke to President Ramaphosa’s National Security Advisor Sydney Mufamadi and the two officials reaffirmed the strong relations between the two countries.
In an interview with SAnews, Stremlau reflected on relations between South Africa and the US recalling how then US President Ronald Reagan in 1986 vetoed a bill that would have imposed sanctions on the apartheid government of the day. However, the US Congress overruled the President and sanctions were imposed.
“…South Africa is a really special case for America because of its own history of racism and South Africa’s history of racism… and the fact that you have Joe Biden in the White House now, who championed the overturning of the Reagan veto back in 1986 for the comprehensive ending [of] apartheid legislation that imposed sanctions on South Africa.”
He added that while there was a “sordid history” in which he was referring to “the tacit alliance between the Apartheid regime and successive US regimes during the Cold War era but also reflective of racism that was the sediments of slavery in the US that are ebbing but still pollute politics there,” the two countries “are moving on.”
“AGOA exemplifies the current complexity of the relations between the US and South Africa which have been good in the fundamental sense but strained over Russia and I suppose now the Israel –Palestine [matter],” Stremlau explained.
Enacted in 2000, the Act has been at the core of US economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.
“The point is that both for the US and for South Africa, this relationship is important and was reaffirmed by the US Special Trade Representative Catherine Tai when she came here for the forum and by [Trade, Industry and Competition] Minister Ebrahim Patel and everyone else in the government.”
In a recent Cabinet statement, government asserted that AGOA provides an opportunity for the US to strengthen its economic relationship with Africa.
“And even though the South Africans and the Americans agree to disagree on Russia, which is a peripheral issue, it’s not the peripheral issue for the Ukrainians or the United States… and I think that’s the maturity in the relationship that you can differ on particular policies but still maintain the overall relationship and for AGOA, South Africa is the most important country,” he explained.
Impact
Currently, 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have been designated as eligible for AGOA benefits and Stremlau shared his thoughts on whether the Act has lived up to expectations.
“For Lesotho’s textile exports, it’s been a boon. It may be a possible example of where China, the US and African countries can have a positive sum game going. The point is, some countries have benefitted a lot; other countries not so much.
“South Africa is the biggest economic partner of America in Africa with 600 US companies operating here and vis-a-vie exports of manufactured products particularly automobiles is vital, as evidenced by comments on both sides at the forum. I think you can safely say it depends on the expectation of the country involved.”
He added that overall, African trade with America is only at 1 or 2 % but has a big impact “on the development of a particular African country.”
“It boils down to jobs and the income of sectors. Governments should be free to negotiate that or try to get to a positive sum and in the case of the US, South Africa and AGOA, I think that they have got that positive sum.”
In his address at the forum, Patel said more African countries could benefit from AGOA while Tai reiterated her country’s commitment to strengthening the US-Africa trade and investment relationship to deliver real opportunities across societies.
Tai also announced that her country backs the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) under the US-AfCFTA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation for Trade and Investment.
This after the AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, and Tai signed the MoU during the US-Africa Leaders' Summit last December.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has reiterated US President Joe Biden’s commitment to extend the act beyond the expiration date of September 2025.
This comes after the US Congress in 2015 passed legislation extending the programme to 2025.
Extension
In his remarks at the forum, President Ramaphosa said an extension of the act for a longer period of time could act as an instrument to entice investors to pour more resources into the African continent adding that shorter periods of extension “impeded investment ambitions.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said that African trade ministers had prior to the forum, met and agreed on a common position calling on the US to extend AGOA for at least 10 years when it expires with all existing AGOA-eligible countries retained in the programme.
Stremlau said there are now discussions on improving AGOA going forward.
“Now that I’ve seen the draft bill that [US Democratic Party Senator] Chris Coombs is tabling that would extend the AGOA 16 years to 2041 and read the [Senator] Jim Risch’s (Republican from Idaho) letter that criticises South Africa’s relationship with Iran and Russia and I think on the Middle East too, I’m of the view that there’s only one sentence in Coombs’s bill about South Africa and it calls for the President - who would be Joe Biden at least until February 2025 - to within 30 days do a review. I think they will push for a renewal. I take [the] Coombs bill as a very positive sign, despite the fact that it calls for a Presidential review of South Africa. So long as Biden does it, South Africa has nothing to worry about in my view,” said Stremlau.
According to the draft bill, which was released following the forum, the long-term extension of the expiration date would “provide businesses the certainty needed to invest in sub-Saharan Africa, supporting economic growth and development in the region.”
On eligibility, the bill notes that the current statute requires the President to undertake an annual review of all 49 AGOA eligible countries to evaluate their continued eligibility for the program. The AGOA Renewal Act would reduce that obligation, requiring a review of each country at least once every three years. It further adds that the “President would retain the authority to conduct an out-of-cycle review of the eligibility of any country at any time, and the bill requires that USTR [Office of the US Trade Representative] undertake an immediate out-of-cycle review of South Africa.”
On integration with the AfCFTA, the renewal act would “modify AGOA’s rules of origin to allow inputs from North African AfCFTA members to count toward the requirement that 35% of a product’s value originate in the region.”
On whether South Africa could be booted out of AGOA, Stremlau said he would be “surprised” if this were to occur.
“If you look at the Coombs bill, there is a provision for graduation where it requires middle income status [for a qualifying country] for five years before the review occurs even.
“The one thing we have to remember and one thing that is worth highlighting is that the bill is not a trade bill. It is an initiative by the US Congress so it has a lot of political conditions such as the rule of law, freedom of the press, periodic credible elections and South Africa passes all of those of course, even if it’s the most unequal country in the world,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 13:08
Here is how we’re doing on unemployment, murder, housing, life-expectancy and social grants
Remembering President Mandela
Cabinet has joined the nation in reflecting on the life and legacy of the father of the nation and the first democratically elected President of South Africa, Tata Nelson Mandela.
The former President passed away on December 5, 2013, with this year marking a decade since his passing.
“As we look ahead to the milestone of 30 Years of Freedom in 2024, along with our seventh National and Provincial elections, we can proudly say that our democracy remains strong,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
Tata Madiba, as he was affectionately known, died at the age of 95 at his Houghton home in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
In his address to the National Council of Provinces in Parliament last week, Deputy President Paul Mashatile honoured the former President and called on leaders to recommit themselves to the former statesman's vision of providing a better life for all South Africans.
“We do not only recall but rededicate ourselves to the vision of our founding President - that of building a better life for all,” said Deputy President Mashatile. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 12:23
Call for swift arrest in uMngeni Municipality Councillor’s murder
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has urged police to act swiftly to arrest the criminals behind the murder of uMngeni Local Municipality Democratic Alliance Chief Whip, Nhlalayenza Ndlovu.
Ndlovu was gunned down in front of his children at his home in eMpophomeni Township on Tuesday night.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has condemned the murder.
The Premier said this was yet another incident of violence shining the spotlight on the killing of political leaders in the province.
“We simply will not allow our province to become a killing field, especially of politicians and traditional leaders. This is a direct attack on the centre that holds our communities together which should serve as the last defence of all the people of our province.
“Those elected should be allowed the space and time to govern following elections. Attacks on politicians are invariably an attack on the very institutions which hold our democracy together, and should never be countenanced,” Dube-Ncube said.
Ndlovu’s murder comes after Police Minister Bheki Cele released a report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee tasked to probe all political killings in KwaZulu-Natal in September, which reported major advances against this phenomenon.
Given the arrests reported by the police, the Premier said government is making progress in ensuring that the perpetrators of political and traditional leaders end up behind bars.
“As we send our condolences to the family of Councillor Ndlovu, we want to state that we have no doubt that the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and his team will ensure that no stone is left unturned to locate the killers.
“As we go into the festive season holidays, we also wish to sound a stern warning to all criminals that there will be no place to hide, as all organs of the State working together with all the law-abiding members of our communities, will continue to narrow the space for all forms of criminality in order to make our province a safer place to live in,” Dube-Ncube said.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi said it was disappointing that incidents of killing democratically-elected councillors continues to occur.
“As a department, we condemn violence in the strongest possible terms as we strive for stability and peace in all our councils, and it is always a matter of great concern when a ward councillor is killed in this manner, instilling fear in the public and fellow councillors.
“We call upon the public members or anyone who may have information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators to work with the police to seek justice for councillor Ndlovu.
“As the department, we extend our condolences to the Ndlovu family, who have lost a father, to his friends, colleagues, and the entire uMngeni community, who have lost their representative in the council,” Sithole-Moloi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/08/2023 - 12:03
Call to deal with corruption
Corruption has become so pervasive that the same vigour used to fight apartheid should be used to combat the scourge.
This is according to the Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner, Prof Somadoda Fikeni, who was speaking on Friday at this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day at the ZK Matthews Great Hall at Unisa in Pretoria.
International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on 9 December in recognition of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which was signed in Mexico in 2003.
South Africa is one of the signatories to the Convention having ratified it in 2004.
Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the passing of the global statesman Nelson Mandela, Prof Fikeni said Madiba led with cohorts of successful leaders of their time.
“The struggle and the mission of their time was apartheid. That was the biggest challenge of their time. But today, after all the revelations to the Zondo Commission, we realise that the biggest challenge we face is corruption.
“Apartheid was the rule of law that took from the majority and gave to the minority. And corruption is the minority rule that takes from the majority and gives to the minority,” he said.
He believes that it should not matter whether corruption happens is in the public or private sector, religious institutions or non-government organisations.
Fikeni called South Africans to wage war against the scourge.
“During apartheid, we had iconic figures who died like Hector Pieterson and today, the whistle-blowers like Babita [Deokaran] are the Hector Pietersons of the struggle of today and many other whistle-blowers who died to save the country have become the Sharpeville Massacre victims of today.”
He said collaborative effort is needed to fight corruption.
“Government alone, accountability institutions alone, civil society alone, academic institutions alone and private sector alone can no longer combat this scourge. We need a coordinated effort,” he said.
South Africa, according to Fikeni, is rich in producing policies and frameworks but tends to be challenged with implementation.
It is for this reason that the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day’s focus is on uniting against corruption and how to better collaborate and improve implementation and impact.
“When we leave this place and years pass, no one will remember what we said, what we were wearing, what venue we were in but what concrete steps do we take to combat corruption,” he said to the packed hall.
He said it was not right that whistle-blowers have to go into “exile” because they do not feel safe.
According to the Prof, the PSC is also working on the lifestyle audits of officials and collaborating with Chapter 9 institutions to ensure the oversight eco-system is strengthened.
“This is a generational mission of our time to say that corruption is a new apartheid that we should all combine forces. It shouldn’t be a football for any election but an all-time struggle and something we talk about and pursue beyond elections.”
Good governance
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the attendees that both the public and private sectors needed to unite against unscrupulousness to maintain good governance.
The country’s second-in-command said Madiba played an integral role in advocating for a Constitution based on the principles of social justice, inclusion, accountability and decisive leadership.
“It was through his leadership and those who led with him that we learnt the values of selflessness and putting people first. Corruption on the other hand is based on selfishness and a lack of concern for the majority that one leads.”
It is on this basis that the Deputy President said government should be vigilant in how it deals with corruption, especially in the public sector.
“It is a persistent problem that inhibits development, fairness and inequality in our society.”
He also called for a united front dedicated to getting rid of corruption and dealing harshly with those partake in it.
In the past 29 years of democracy, he said the State has developed framework law, strategy, and institutions mandated to combat corruption.
These, the Deputy President said, include the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-2030 and the Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
The strategy, he said, also aims to ensure that officials and those in positions of power act with integrity, respect the rule of law and promote zero tolerance for corruption.
The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 intends to provide for the strengthening of measures to prevent and combat corruption and corrupt activities and to provide for the offence of corruption and offences relating to corrupt activities, among others.
The Deputy President is of the view that accountability, transparency and the rule of law are important tools to rid the country of crime and corruption.
“As public servants and office bearers, we must safeguard the preamble of our Constitution and constantly remind ourselves that our purpose is to serve our people and not to satisfy our stomachs.
“Our priority should be those we have sworn to serve and protect.”
He also announced that government was also in the process of implementing recommendations contained in the State Capture report.
“We need to ensure that such activities should never happen ever again,” he said, adding that the State is looking at tax avoidance and illicit financial flows. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/08/2023 - 13:22
The 2024 General Election in South Africa is an important moment for the nation, especially for young South Africans who have the opportunity to make their voices heard by participating in the democratic process. Here are five positive and upbeat reasons why young South Africans should register to vote for the first time in the …