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Every entrepreneur who has put in the time to build their business from an idea to a thriving reality, wants things to run smoothly. From people to financials, process automation is key. We always recommend Fintech solutions as a starting point to a streamlined business that saves time and money where possible and runs like …
The Gas Motorshow, held earlier this month (15 & 16 June) at Suncoast Casino in Durban went off with a bang, drawing a 30 000-strong crowd of automotive enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. The event showcased performances that kept attendees on the edge of their seats. International stunt sensation DiDi Bizzarro wowed the audience with a …
AgriSA welcomes new Agriculture Minister
AgriSA says it is looking forward to a collaborative and productive relationship, working together with the newly appointed Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, to advance the agricultural sector in South Africa.
AgriSA extended its sincere congratulations to Steenhuisen on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Mzwanele Nyhontso as Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development in the seventh administration.
“These appointments come at a critical juncture, and we are confident that under these Ministers’ leadership, the agricultural sector will thrive and continue to be a cornerstone of the national economy,” AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé said in a statement on Monday.
Kotzé said AgriSA is committed to playing its role in supporting the new government of national unity (GNU) by actively engaging with all stakeholders to foster a cohesive and collaborative approach to addressing the sector’s challenges.
In line with this commitment, Kotzé said AgriSA is focused on addressing three critical areas that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of the nation.
“Firstly, AgriSA recognises the importance of ensuring food security for all South Africans. By improving agricultural productivity, sustainability and profitability, we can contribute to social stability across the nation. AgriSA will work diligently to support policies and initiatives to enhance food security and promote access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all.
“Secondly, agriculture is a key contributor to the South African economy. We are dedicated to work with government to enhance the competitiveness of South African agriculture on a global scale, increasing exports, and opening new markets. This, in turn, could lead to the development of rural communities and contribute significantly to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in our country,” Kotzé said.
On the third critical area, Kotzé said sustainable agriculture is essential for the preservation of the country’s environment.
He said AgriSA is committed to promoting policies and practices that protect and enhance natural resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.
“By being responsible stewards of our natural resources, we can ensure that the agricultural sector remains viable and productive in the long term,” Kotzé said.
The CEO also expressed the organisation’s gratitude to the outgoing Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, for her continued support and understanding of the agricultural sector.
“Her efforts in maintaining strong relationships with organised agriculture have been invaluable. Under her guidance, we have seen significant advancements and a strengthened collaboration between the government and the agricultural community.
“We wish her all the best in her position as Speaker [of the National Assembly] and thank her for her dedicated service and the positive impact she has made,” Kotzé said.
AgriCulture South Africa, facilitated by AgriSA, protects, and promotes the interest of the farming community in South Africa.
AgriSA explores agricultural policy, climate, water management, land reform, food security, labour issues, rural safety, economics, amongst others. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:27
Runners participating in the highly anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 4 August 2024 will be treated to a live performance by South African singer-songwriter Boohle. Boohle is excited to be part of this iconic women’s celebration and looks forward to treating runners to her unique blend of amapiano, afro-house, afro-soul, and gospel …
Can tracking mouse footprints give clues to climate change? Yves Vanderhaeghen speaks to the founders of WildTrack, which is pioneering technology in South Africa to track small mammals so they can tell us about disruptions to ecosystems. Is it a mouse? A shrew? A rat? We can read a lot into the pawprints of small …
Elizabeth Arden Continues Commitment to Empowering Women Through Collaboration with Non-Profit Organisation Sparrow Society The eight-year relationship employs women from underprivileged communities in South Africa to source the beauty brand’s hand-crafted cosmetics bags. Elizabeth Arden is proud to announce the continuation of its longstanding relationship with Sparrow Society, a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to …
Department of Health, trade union welcome Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as new Minister
The Department of Health has welcomed Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as their new Minister and his Deputy, Dr Joe Phaahla, as part of the newly established seventh democratic administration to move South Africa forward.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Motsoaledi as the Minister of Health when he was announcing the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet.
Motsoaledi replaces Phaahla, who has served in the portfolio since August 2021.
However, Motsoaledi is no stranger to the department, having previously served as the Minister from 2009 to 2019.
“The department believes the return of both political principals will ensure continuity and stability in the implementation of key health priorities, which include increasing life expectancy, strengthening health system effectiveness and the National Health Insurance (NHI) to enable the country to attain universal health coverage,” the department said.
The department took the time to also thank the outgoing Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, for his “sterling” work, which accelerated access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Dhlomo has been praised for establishing youth-friendly zones in primary health facilities to create a conducive environment to access essential health services without standing in queue with the general customers.
“He also championed the healthy lifestyle programme to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and so on," the department said.
It said it was looking forward to the leadership of both Motsoaledi and Phaahla to lead the health sector, guided by policies and legislations to ensure equal access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all South Africans to achieve universal health coverage.
Meanwhile, the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has also welcomed Motsoaledi following his appointment.
The union has described the Minister as someone with proven dedication and extensive experience in the healthcare sector.
“Minister Motsoaledi has a commendable track record of addressing critical health challenges and implementing significant reforms to improve the health of all South Africans.
“Samatu is confident that Minister Motsoaledi's deep understanding of the South African healthcare landscape will prove invaluable as we embark on the rollout of the NHI, which aims to provide universal health coverage and ensure that all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to quality health services,” the statement read.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
The trade union believes that Motsoaledi possesses the vision, commitment, and expertise needed to implement the NHI successfully.
“His reappointment comes at a crucial time when the NHI’s foundational structures are being established, and his leadership will be instrumental in ascertaining that this transformative healthcare reform is realised seamlessly and effectively.”
The union has since pledged its full support to Motsoaledi and said it was looking forward to working collaboratively with his office.
“We are committed to advancing the health and well-being of all South Africans, addressing the inequalities in healthcare access, and building a robust healthcare system that serves everyone proficiently.
“We call upon all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to unite behind Minister Motsoaledi’s leadership and contribute positively towards improving healthcare services in our country. This collective effort will be pivotal in enhancing our nation's public health and achieving the vision of a healthier South Africa.”
Samatu is a voluntary, independent, and non-discriminatory trade union for medical doctors and offers labour relations and bargaining services. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 12:44
Meet SA's new cabinet
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Sunday 30 June 2024, announced the new members of the National Executive for the seventh administration, which is inclusive of all the parties to the Government of National Unity.
The highly anticipated announcement took place after Ramaphosa was elected as the President by the National Assembly on Friday, 14 June 2024, after which he was inaugurated on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.
The eleven parties to the GNU include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation.
Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, the President said given the challenges that the country faces and considering the electoral mandate this government must implement, he has decided to make certain changes to the national government portfolios.
“In the course of the sixth democratic administration, we indicated our intention to reduce the number of portfolios in the National Executive. However, due to the need to ensure that the National Executive is inclusive of all the parties to the Government of National Unity, this has not been possible.
“In some instances, we have considered it necessary to separate certain portfolios to ensure that there is sufficient focus on key issues,” Ramaphosa said at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
WATCH |
Changes to portfolios
He said the Ministries of Electricity and Energy will be merged.
“There will be a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The Ministry of Agriculture will be separated from the Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development.
“The Ministry of Higher Education will be separated from the ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. The ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development will be separated from the ministry of Correctional Services.
“There will no longer be a Ministry of Public Enterprises. The coordination of the relevant public enterprises will be located in the Presidency during the process of implementing a new shareholder model,” the President said.
The new National Executive
Ramaphosa has decided to make the following appointments to the National Executive:
Click here for the Summary of the new National Executive |
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 22:41
Southern Sun’s Cabana Beach Resort is delighted to announce its latest accolade, having been honoured with the “Exceptional Winner Award for Investment” at the third annual Durban Tourism Business Awards. This recognition highlights Cabana Beach Resort as a leader in sustainable and holistic growth within the tourism industry. “This award is particularly meaningful as it …
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have rapidly evolved from their nascent stages into powerful educational tools over the past few decades. As an Academic and the Teaching, Learning & Manager at Regent Business School, Bryson Pather has observed how these immersive technologies revolutionise the way we teach and learn. Initially limited to experimental …
Rowing South Africa’s Olympic qualified athletes have been training intensively in Tzaneen, preparing for the upcoming Games in Paris. The team, focusing on the men’s pair and women’s single scull, will leave South Africa on 18th July, with the Olympic rowing events set to commence on 27th July. SASCOC has announced the Men’s Pair of …
By Dr Andrew Hibling, Founder and CEO of EDGE Education Research indicates that the more educated a country’s citizenry is, the higher its GDP per capita and the more prosperous its economy (Bah, 2023). For this reason, it’s crucial for countries to ensure that their efforts in the education sector are effective. In South Africa, …
Strengthening the fight against child labour
Children are the future, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being by enabling them to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. The sad reality is that many children across the world face a daunting prospect of being drawn into work at a young age often under harmful conditions.
South Africa values the rights of children and has over the past 30 years sought to protect them from harm and promote their development. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic right but an obligation set out in our Constitution.
This is in conjunction with other legislation such as the Children's Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act which makes it a criminal offence to employ a child younger than 15 or children who are of school going age. The Children's Act also discourages children from working in mines, factories or in hazardous occupations.
In June, South Africa joined the international community in observing the World Day against Child Labour, under the theme: “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”. The key commitments to end child labour are contained in the Durban Call to Action – a document adopted by various Member States, including South Africa at the 5th Global Conference on Ending Child Labour that was hosted in Durban in May 2022. The document outlines strong commitments to end child labour through making decent work a reality, ending child labour in agriculture, strengthening the prevention and elimination efforts, realising children's rights to education, achieving universal access to social protection, and increasing financing as well as international cooperation. It is in this regard that this year’s commemoration raised awareness against child labour practices across the world and promoted initiatives to help put an end to this scourge.
In marking the day on 12 June 2024, our country reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against child labour. The day also coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention which sets out to protect children against all forms of child labour. It also aims to prevent the use of children in armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking and participating in hazardous work.
The commemorations gave us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made as well as reaffirm our commitments to put an end to child labour. Despite the significant strides made over time to reduce child labour across the world, much still need to be done to fully eradicate the practice of child labour.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), child labour has for the first time in 20 years increased globally. It is noted that the agricultural sectors such as farming, fishing, aquaculture, forestry and livestock farming account for 60 percent of child labourers aged five to 17 years.
In our fight against this plight, South Africa has endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2000 to affirm its commitment to the realisation of children’s rights.
In addition, the Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation launched the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa project to prevent and eliminate any forms of child labour in the agricultural sector in the country. The project is being piloted in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, former Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi expressed concern on the increase of child labour in the agricultural sector.
He said: “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts.”
Despite our best efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, many children remain vulnerable. Tackling the scourge of child labour requires interventions on many fronts, and it is a reality that government on its own cannot curb. As such, businesses have a responsibility to the elimination of child labour by carrying out due diligence in their operations and supply chains and ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices that address the root causes of child labour.
Let us all work together to prevent and eliminate child labour by reporting such acts of crime to the Department of Employment and Labour, or alternatively to the police.
*Khethani Hlongwa is Director: Office on the Rights of the Child; Department of Social Development
Neo
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:45
NCOP constitutes key committees
The Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has appointed members to constitute the Select Committees, Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and the Programming Committee of the seventh Parliament.
During its first meeting held on Wednesday, the Committee also agreed to reduce the number of its Select Committees to 10 instead of the previous 11 of the sixth Parliament.
“These Select Committees are the engine room of the NCOP, as they are responsible for overseeing the performance of various government departments. Select committees are also crucial in ensuring consistent focus on provincial issues,” the Committee said in a statement.
The Rules Committee said the decision to reduce the number of Select Committees to 10 will now mean that the Social Cluster will have two committees.
“The Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture will oversee the Departments of Basic Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Technologies, and Sports, Arts and Culture.
“The Select Committee on Social Services will oversee the Departments of Health, Social Development, Women, Youth Development and Persons with Disabilities, and Statistics South Africa,” the Committee explained.
The Committee also announced that Governance Cluster will comprise two committees, including the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure, overseeing the work of the Departments of Public Works and Infrastructure, Transport, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration.
The committees will also overseeing the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Service and Administration, Human Settlements, and Water and Sanitation.
“The Security Cluster has two committees, namely, the Select Committee on Security and Justice, overseeing the Departments of Police, Justice and Correctional Services, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs, State Security, and International Relations and Co-operation, and the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings,” the Committee said.
The Economic Cluster will include the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, overseeing the Departments of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Competition, Small Business Development and Tourism, Employment and Labour, and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Mineral Resources, overseeing the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Electricity.
The Finance Cluster has the Select Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Appropriations to oversee the Treasury.
Elections on four NCOP vacancies scheduled for next week
Meanwhile, the elections to fill the four vacancies in the NCOP for Permanent Deputy Chairperson, House Chairperson for Committees, House Chairperson for Members Support and International Relations, and the Programming Whip of the NCOP have been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2 July 2024.
The Rules Committee comprises 20 Council members, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip Kenneth Mmoiemang, the House Chairpersons, the Programming Whip, and the Provincial Whips. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who is the Chairperson of the NCOP, chairs the Committee.
The Committee noted that NCOP Rule 133 provides that parties represented in the NCOP that do not have a Provincial Whip, are entitled to be represented in the Rules Committee.
“The parties without provincial whips are the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF+); uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the United Democratic Alliance (UDM). The EFF will be represented by Mandisa Makesini, FF+ by Tamarin Breedt, MKP by Seeng Mokoena, PA by Bino Farmer, and the UDM by Mandla Peter.
“The NCOP Provincial Whips are Advocate Mwelo Nonkonyana (Eastern Cape), Mapule Dhlamini (Free State), Mpho Modise (Gauteng), Poobalan Govender (KwaZulu-Natal), Regina Molokomme (Limpopo), Sylvia Nxumalo (Mpumalanga), Solomon Mabilo (Northern Cape), Sylvia Sithole (North West), and Frederik Badenhorst (Western Cape),” the Committee said.
The Committee also noted Rule 137 of the NCOP Rules, which states that the Rules Committee may establish a Subcommittee that can make recommendations on the Council Rules, Orders, proceedings, procedures, and practices.
For the current purposes, the Committee said the five-member Subcommittee includes the NCOP Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip, and Bhekizizwe Radebe from the African National Congress; Badenhorst from the Democratic Alliance and Makesini from the EFF.
“The NCOP Programming Committee, in terms of Rule 143, has the same members as the NCOP Rules Committee.” - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:14
DFFE drives transformation within the biodiversity sector for economic growth
By Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa
Transformation of the Biodiversity Sector remains sacrosanct and is a major lever to ensure that the sector makes a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country whilst conserving valuable natural resources.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is entrusted with the constitutional mandate to manage, protect, and conserve South Africa’s environment and natural resources, has made significant strides in conserving our natural resources and ensuring sectoral transformation.
This progress is highlighted by the recent revision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) which seeks to advance an inclusive biodiversity sector that locally beneficiate the reach indigenous biological and genetic resources for a thriving people and nature. This renewed focus on transformation was central to discussions during the 2024 Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba (BEII) held earlier this year in March in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Many of the over 1000 participants at the BEII reiterated that the Biodiversity Sector as a whole urgently requires transformation. This transformation must ensure the meaningful and equitable inclusion of rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals into the biodiversity economy, and biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in general.
The aim of the BEII was to enhance the conversation on the NBES and its contribution to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. It also aimed to promote multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthening the biodiversity economy sector and enriching the dialogue among industry players around the goals of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity (the White Paper 2023). The Indaba promoted cooperative governance and whole of society approach for effective policy implementation and business-to-business trading, networking, and sustainable partnerships and showcasing market-ready biodiversity products and services from across the biodiversity economy value chains through exhibitions.
Consistent with the policy context of the White Paper, the revised NBES is founded on the key pillars of conservation, sustainable use, beneficiation of biodiversity business value chains, and transformation. These pillars promote sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth and development. This requires growing and sustaining conservation land and seascapes while promoting and facilitating inclusive biodiversity-based businesses that drive the transformation of the biodiversity sector.
South Africa’s approach to biodiversity is holistic, recognizing the benefits that intact ecosystems, healthy species populations, and genetic diversity bring to the economy and society for people and nature to thrive. The country promotes a diverse biodiversity-based economy, balancing ecological, social, and economic elements. This is not about exploiting natural resources for short-term gains but ensuring healthy ecosystems and long-term survival of species, inclusive growth where benefits are shared equitably and people live in harmony with nature.
The NBES, informed by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the White Paper, expands on previous strategies to include marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater opportunities. Another vital part of the strategy is ecosystem restoration and the recognition of the importance of ecological infrastructure ensuring that both nature and people can thrive sustainably.
Transformation is a crucial theme in the NBES, aiming to include rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals in the biodiversity economy for rural socio-economic development. Successful examples of biodiversity transformation like the Tshivhula Communal Property Association (CPA), the Makuleke in the Limpopo section of the Kruger National Park, and Babanango in KwaZulu Natal Province showcase how land restitution can lead to socio-economic benefits. These projects demonstrate the potential for community-owned land to be used for conservation businesses while promoting sustainable rural development.
The story of Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris in Limpopo is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives. With 20,000 hectares of land restored to the Tshivhula community, the farm has become a model of biodiversity stewardship, focusing on hunting and ecotourism. Basic infrastructure and capacity support from, national and provincial governments, and public entities like South African National Parks (SANParks) and further investment from private partners has been crucial to this success.
The DFFE's efforts to invite various media houses to witness the success of the Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris illustrate the department’s success in transforming the sector. The media group that attended the BEII Post-Indaba Media Excursion at the facility was able to engage with the CPA, the private partner, employees at Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris, SANParks officials, Limpopo Land Claims Commissioner officials, and DFFE officials. The excursion concluded with a visit to Mapungubwe National Park which is also a World Heritage Site and part of the Transfrontier Conservation Area shared with Zimbabwe and Botswana, where the media group had another opportunity to engage with officials during the game drive and a tour of the museum.
As South Africa continues its journey under the 7th administration, the revised NBES provides a framework for growth and transformation in the biodiversity sector. By balancing conservation with sustainable use and ensuring inclusive socio-economic development, South Africa is demonstrating how natural resources can be used responsibly and in a manner that benefits all citizens and grow the economy.
*Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa is the Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Matona
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:03
DFFE drives transformation within the nature conservation sector for economic growth
By Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa
Transformation of the Biodiversity Sector remains sacrosanct and is a major lever to ensure that the sector makes a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country whilst conserving valuable natural resources.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is entrusted with the constitutional mandate to manage, protect, and conserve South Africa’s environment and natural resources, has made significant strides in conserving our natural resources and ensuring sectoral transformation.
This progress is highlighted by the recent revision of the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) which seeks to advance an inclusive biodiversity sector that locally beneficiate the reach indigenous biological and genetic resources for a thriving people and nature. This renewed focus on transformation was central to discussions during the 2024 Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba (BEII) held earlier this year in March in Ekurhuleni east of Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Many of the over 1000 participants at the BEII reiterated that the Biodiversity Sector as a whole urgently requires transformation. This transformation must ensure the meaningful and equitable inclusion of rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals into the biodiversity economy, and biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in general.
The aim of the BEII was to enhance the conversation on the NBES and its contribution to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. It also aimed to promote multi-stakeholder commitment to strengthening the biodiversity economy sector and enriching the dialogue among industry players around the goals of the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity (the White Paper 2023). The Indaba promoted cooperative governance and whole of society approach for effective policy implementation and business-to-business trading, networking, and sustainable partnerships and showcasing market-ready biodiversity products and services from across the biodiversity economy value chains through exhibitions.
Consistent with the policy context of the White Paper, the revised NBES is founded on the key pillars of conservation, sustainable use, beneficiation of biodiversity business value chains, and transformation. These pillars promote sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth and development. This requires growing and sustaining conservation land and seascapes while promoting and facilitating inclusive biodiversity-based businesses that drive the transformation of the biodiversity sector.
South Africa’s approach to biodiversity is holistic, recognizing the benefits that intact ecosystems, healthy species populations, and genetic diversity bring to the economy and society for people and nature to thrive. The country promotes a diverse biodiversity-based economy, balancing ecological, social, and economic elements. This is not about exploiting natural resources for short-term gains but ensuring healthy ecosystems and long-term survival of species, inclusive growth where benefits are shared equitably and people live in harmony with nature.
The NBES, informed by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the White Paper, expands on previous strategies to include marine, coastal, estuarine, and freshwater opportunities. Another vital part of the strategy is ecosystem restoration and the recognition of the importance of ecological infrastructure ensuring that both nature and people can thrive sustainably.
Transformation is a crucial theme in the NBES, aiming to include rural communities and previously disadvantaged individuals in the biodiversity economy for rural socio-economic development. Successful examples of biodiversity transformation like the Tshivhula Communal Property Association (CPA), the Makuleke in the Limpopo section of the Kruger National Park, and Babanango in KwaZulu Natal Province showcase how land restitution can lead to socio-economic benefits. These projects demonstrate the potential for community-owned land to be used for conservation businesses while promoting sustainable rural development.
The story of Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris in Limpopo is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives. With 20,000 hectares of land restored to the Tshivhula community, the farm has become a model of biodiversity stewardship, focusing on hunting and ecotourism. Basic infrastructure and capacity support from, national and provincial governments, and public entities like South African National Parks (SANParks) and further investment from private partners has been crucial to this success.
The DFFE's efforts to invite various media houses to witness the success of the Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris illustrate the department’s success in transforming the sector. The media group that attended the BEII Post-Indaba Media Excursion at the facility was able to engage with the CPA, the private partner, employees at Tshivhula Game Farm-Ndou Safaris, SANParks officials, Limpopo Land Claims Commissioner officials, and DFFE officials. The excursion concluded with a visit to Mapungubwe National Park which is also a World Heritage Site and part of the Transfrontier Conservation Area shared with Zimbabwe and Botswana, where the media group had another opportunity to engage with officials during the game drive and a tour of the museum.
As South Africa continues its journey under the 7th administration, the revised NBES provides a framework for growth and transformation in the biodiversity sector. By balancing conservation with sustainable use and ensuring inclusive socio-economic development, South Africa is demonstrating how natural resources can be used responsibly and in a manner that benefits all citizens and grow the economy.
*Mohlago Flora Mokgohloa is the Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Matona
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 13:03
Johannesburg, 27 June 2024: The natural environment is the foundation upon which our societies are built, providing us with essential resources such as clean air, water, and food. It is a source of beauty and inspiration, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance necessary for all life forms to thrive. However, …
Dream Hotels & Resorts (Dream) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a strategic sales and representation partnership aimed at fortifying their market presence across Africa.
Embodied by the tagline, ‘Collaborating for a Brighter African Hospitality Future', the alliance marks a significant milestone in bringing together two renowned African hospitality companies with a shared vision of sustainable growth.
Considered a prominent player in South Africa's hospitality industry, Dream's portfolio comprises 23 mixed-used properties. CityBlue, Africa's fastest-growing local hotel chain with properties across Accra, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Kampala, Kigali, Lamu, Mombasa and Nairobi plans to reach 50 operating hotels by 2028.
“Collaboration is a powerful force that brings together diverse perspectives,” says Nick Dickson, Director of Dream Hotels & Resorts. “By combining our resources, expertise, and extensive networks, we're establishing a unified approach to market expansion, while delivering even greater value to our guests.”
According to Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, their East & West-meets- South partnership will include joint marketing campaigns, co-branded promotions, combined trade show representation, and the exchange of contracted agents, wholesalers, and clients to ensure a diversified market reach.
“A rising tide lifts all boats,” he adds. “By working together in complementary markets, we are endorsing the opportunities of pan-African collaborations, which ultimately leads to a more resilient, robust and unified industry.”
An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dream and CityBlue will take place at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Windhoek the week of 25 June 2024. Their cohesive partnership aligns with AHIF's mission of fostering investment, collaboration, and growth in African hospitality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.
About Dream Hotels & Resorts:
Founded in 1988, our mission at Dream Hotels & Resorts is to deliver dynamic and exceptional hospitality solutions in Africa that connect local and global travellers to our communities in a sustainable and relevant manner. With a growing portfolio of over 23 properties, including exclusive membership and ownership opportunities, we have adopted a more purposeful approach to the guest experience, leading with greater compassion and intent, while creating a healthy balance between our actions, our communities, and the environment.
About CityBlue Hotels:
CityBlue Hotels, Africa's fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates properties across some of East and West Africa's major cities. Renowned for its modern, comfortable accommodations and strong focus on business travellers, CityBlue's mission is to open African doors and extend care to everyone through the celebration of diversity. CityBlue aims to build the future of African hospitality by harnessing the power of technology to democratise travel.
Eastern Cape MECs to shape strategic direction of the province
The Eastern Cape provincial government says the diverse expertise and leadership of the new Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the provincial government.
The provincial government recently welcomed the new MECs announced by Premier Oscar Mabuyane as part of the seventh administration, after he was sworn in as Eastern Cape Premier.
Mabuyane has made two adjustments to the executive council. These include the appointment of the new Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Sibulele Ngongo.
Capa replaced Nomakhosazana Meth, who is now a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, while Ngongo took over the reins from Nonceba Kontsiwe, who has been moved to the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform.
Mabuyane also announced part of the new changes, which include the separation of the Finance Department from the Department of Economic Development, Environment Affairs, and Tourism.
Mlungisi Mvoko has been appointed as the new Finance MEC, while Nonkqubela Pieters will be the MEC of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The Human Settlements Department has also been merged with the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, to be led by former Human Settlement MEC, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi.
Mabuyane said the new MECs will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the government.
“Their contributions will drive the Eastern Cape forward and enhance the province’s ability to deliver. Through transparent and accountable governance, the province strives to improve the quality of life for all its residents,” Mabuyane said, reiterating the provincial government’s commitment to fostering a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable province. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:36
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