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In today’s fast-paced business environment, sustainable growth is a primary objective for companies of all sizes. At the heart of achieving this goal lies strategic financial planning and management. Etienne Raubenheimer, the head of CFO services at Outsourced CFO, sheds light on the critical role financial strategy plays in driving business growth, emphasising essential tools …
Regent Business School (RBS) proudly celebrates a significant milestone with the graduation of its inaugural cohort of doctoral candidates. This historic achievement not only reflects the high standard of academic rigour at RBS but also shines a light on the extraordinary dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance of our students, who have committed years of their lives …
Auditor-General says it did not recommend changes to the funding process
3 Ways to improve your gut health Struggling with gas, bloating, or constipation? Feeling tired, or anxious? Suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema All these could be signs of an unhealthy gut. According to Bianca Jonischkeit, FUTURELIFE® dietitian, if the bacterium in your gut is unbalanced, you could experience several symptoms that can disrupt …
By Clive Butkow, Managing Partner of Conducive Capital In today’s dynamic business environment, building a successful business requires a unique blend of vision, agility, visibility of unit economics, strategic planning and flawless execution. By nature, venture capitalists are constantly evaluating new ventures and identifying the key ingredients that lead to long-term success. Having grown and …
In the complex world of international finance, withholding tax holds a significant place within Germany’s tax framework. This form of tax, deducted at source on income such as dividends, interest, and royalties, is a fundamental aspect of the German tax system, ensuring that taxes are collected efficiently from foreign and domestic entities alike. As the …
In today’s global economic landscape, international trade and investment have become increasingly complex. This complexity is not just a function of market dynamics, but is also significantly influenced by the intricate web of global tax policies that govern cross-border transactions. Among these, withholding tax plays a pivotal role, impacting decisions made by businesses and investors …
On Tuesday, 21st May, over 40 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (CTFL) sector gathered for the KwaZulu-Natal Clothing & Textile Cluster Origin8 workshop. This free workshop was facilitated through the KZNCTC – a public-private partnership between eThekwini Municipality and clothing, textile, and retail firms in KZN – offering …
Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate
With their sights set on safety and security and maintaining law and order during and after the election period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in various provinces have been deployed at voting stations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for eligible voters.
The Provincial Commissioners have on Tuesday sent off the last contingents of police officers who will further increase the foot soldiers who are already on the ground to create a safe and secure environment for the 2024 elections on Wednesday.
In the Eastern Cape, SAPS Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, and his management addressed members during a parade which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of deployment for elections duties.
“All members are operationally ready to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” Xawuka said.
Xakuwa reminded the members on parade of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity and to “do so within the confines of the laws of the country”.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, gave his marching orders during a parade ahead of the deployment of the members to various parts of the province for the elections.
In the North West, police members have been deployed at the voting stations to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and in a free and safe environment for voters, IEC officials, as well as role-players and the general public.
In the Free State, SAPS Mangaung District Teams are maintaining heightened police visibility at the Independent Electoral Commission's warehouse to ensure safety and security during the transporting and delivery of voting materials to different places in the Mangaung area.
Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, visited Bainsvlei Clinic to cast her special vote as well as interact with SAPS operational members who are posted at the voting station to ensure safety during the elections.
Briefing the media on the state of readiness on Monday, the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, reassured citizens that the Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies in the province are ready to ensure free and peaceful elections.
The police members at the various parades were reminded of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country.
Giving the marching orders during the sending off parade in Harrismith of police officers who have been deployed to ensure safety and security at KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces on Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasised the maintenance of public order.
“There can never be disorder because you must be there to maintain public order and prevent crime... and do all other what is required by the Constitution. Go and assist your colleagues, make sure the election goes smooth and wherever you are, make sure you create a peaceful situation to ensure that people go to vote in a very peaceful and stable environment, and allow people to do what they are supposed to do,” Masemola told the police. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:44
Farmyards to restore healthy diets
Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC, Mbali Hlophe, says the roll out of a farmyards initiative will help instill healthy diets in townships, hostels and informal settlements.
The farmyard is an innovative concept largely targeted at youth and women.
These beneficiaries receive repurposed containers that are converted into local stores for local farmers to sell their produce to their communities in an effort to instill a healthy diet among residents.
There are four farmyards in Gauteng’s townships with the necessary equipment and infrastructure as part government’s project to revitalise the township economy.
“This is about bringing back good health and nutrition to our townships. When you look at the stats in our disposal, they show that many people especially children are not eating nutritious meals required for their growth, on a daily basis. By bringing farmyard[s] closer to our people, we are making sure that people start paying attention to their health.
“We encourage beneficiaries of farmyards to ensure that they sell the kind of food that is required in a home meal, to provide nutrient rich crops like spinach, moringa, and additionally provide proteins through the live or frozen chickens they sell,” she said.
This initiative, the MEC said, is also a direct response to the province’s relentless fight to ensure the province is food secure.
“Food security is one of our elevated priorities and boasts a basket of services available to ensure the province is food secure, and with regards to farmyards, we have identified subsistence farmers as enablers to help the province become food secure in a sustainable manner,” the MEC explained.
The food security basket includes a variety of programmes including food distribution through the food banks, food parcels, Community Nutrition and Development Centres ( CNDCs) and NPOs as vehicles to ensure that the poor and vulnerable access sustainable, nutritious and safe food in a sustainable manner. This is in line with policy guidelines enshrined in the National Policy on Food Nutrition Security together with Household Food and Nutrition Security Strategy approved by Cabinet in 2013.
More importantly, the MEC indicated that while the initiative secures self-reliance and sustainable food security, it also responds to the joblessness challenge especially for the youth in the province.
One of the young persons that benefitted from the farmyards is 32-year old Simangele Sibande.
“The farmyard program provided me with a wonderful opportunity to create my own business to provide for my family and also show other young people that there are opportunities in agriculture.
"What is even more fulfilling is that I was able to employ two other young people to assist me in selling produce from local farmers in Zithobeni,” she said.
Hlophe noted that the project is gradually shifting the prevailing perceptions in the townships that agriculture is unattractive and associated with filth and frowned upon.
“A lot of people when they think agriculture, they think something far. But through the project, we have been able to show that agriculture is economically viable, and that as a department we remain committed to continue to facilitate access to markets,” the MEC said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 16:09
Introduction South Africa’s major cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, are emerging as significant hubs for the software industry. These cities offer a conducive environment for software companies to thrive, driven by a combination of talent, innovation, and supportive infrastructure. Understanding the dynamics of these cities can provide insights into the growth and potential of the …
Celebrating a woman’s accomplishments in the evolving business landscape In a world where female entrepreneurship is gaining momentum, Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel exemplifies resilience and innovation. Marking seven years in business, she shares the key principles that have contributed to her success, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in …
Northern Cape communities urged to work with police to ensure safe elections
Law enforcement in the Northern Cape has called on communities to work with them to ensure that the National and Provincial Elections -- to be held this week -- are safe and secure.
In a statement, the Northern Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), said from their side, law enforcement has done all it can to ensure they are ready for Election Day on Wednesday.
“All the security measures and plans that have been put in place will ensure that the election process in the Northern Cape will proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions. We assure maximum deployments to ensure the successful execution of the operational plan.
“As the PROVJOINTS, we are satisfied with the contingency plans put in place and reassure the inhabitants of the Northern Cape that they can expect a safe and peaceful election.
“However, while measures are in place, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a safe and conducive environment lies with every citizen of the province, which requires sound partnerships in order to create a harmonious backdrop of mutual respect as we are heading to the voting polls,” the statement read.
Furthermore, potential threats of disruptions are being monitored.
“Threats identified, such as community protests are already being attended to and those that are found to be in contravention of the law are being dealt with. Our Public Order Police units (POPS) are on the ground and ready to prevent and combat such incidents.
“We take this opportunity to remind our communities that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that every resident is free to make political choices, which includes the right to participate in the activities of political parties and to campaign for such parties,” the statement said.
Communities are also warned not to vandalise, deface or remove political party posters and placards, as this is against the law.
Citizens are also warned not to spread fake news or incite violence.
“Any person found to be tampering with posters will be arrested and charged with contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998, which prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a political party.
“We also condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats on social media platforms that seek to cause unnecessary panic and confusion and in some instances, incite possible violence. Those found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly,” read the statement.
The Northern Cape PROVJOINTS said although ensuring a “safe and secure election process” is a priority, due attention is also paid to normal policing work.
“The main priority of SAPS, with the support of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster departments, is to ensure a safe and secure election process. We also assure the communities of the Northern Cape that normal crime prevention and policing operations are continuing prior, during and beyond the election period.
“Every law enforcement officer on the ground, has the responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity and within the confines of the laws of the country. Our members are reminded that we are a-political and will enforce the law without fear and favour,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:18
Security intensified in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape
Additional Public Order Policing (POP) members will be deployed to different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to beef up the current law enforcement agencies’ deployments and intensify crime combatting efforts.
This was announced during a send-off parade for more than 700 POP members in Harrismith on Monday.
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, addressed the parade and said the officers will add to the existing capacity of members currently deployed in these provinces to ensure that voting takes place in a safe and secure environment.
Masemola, in his address, gave the men and women in blue marching orders to ensure they prevent and combat any acts of criminality and protect the rights of South Africans to vote in a peaceful environment.
He said police have mobilised their maximum resources to combat the lawlessness in Mthatha, which includes the blocking of roads.
Police have meanwhile arrested five people who had attempted to block roads leading to the Mthatha Airport.
“We are sending you off to maintain law and order. No disruptions and acts of criminality should take place under your watch. We are sending you out there to protect the constitutional right of South Africans and the integrity of the election process,” said Masemola
The co-chair of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, also formed part of the parade.
She urged members to execute their duties within the ambit of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 18:15
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The EFF has the most comprehensive policy but it is not a good one
IEC ready to administer special votes
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has declared that it is ready to administer the special votes expected to be cast tomorrow and Tuesday, ahead of Election Day on Wednesday.
Special votes for those South Africans out of country have already been cast.
Domestic special votes are for those who are either infirm or have impaired mobility who will be visited by the IEC at their or home or place of confinement and also for those who wish to cast their vote early as they may not be able to access their voting station on general Election Day on 29 May 2024.
At a media briefing on Sunday, IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi, said more than 1.6 million South Africans have been approved to vote during the special votes.
Some 624 593 voters are expected be visited by IEC staff with the rest expected to visit their voting stations.
“We are encouraged by the number of special votes received which indicates the enthusiasm with which the South African population has for these elections,” he said.
Special votes will be administered in the presence of representatives of contestants and observers where those are available. However, people are only allowed into homes at the direction of the homeowner.
“Voters…are reminded to have their identity documents handy in order to confirm their participation in these elections. After a voter casts their ballot, they will be handed two envelopes. They insert their marked ballots into an unmarked envelope, which in turn is inserted into a bigger envelope which has the details of the voter.
“The purpose of the envelopes is to ensure that we can verify that only persons who have been approved to vote by special vote have voted but also to ensure the secrecy of the vote by delinking the vote from the voter,” he said.
WATCH I IEC briefs media on readiness for special votes
For those who will be going to voting stations, those stations will be open between 9am and 5pm with only those approved for special votes allowed to make their mark.
Following the two days of special voting, the ballots still within in their double envelopes, will be transported for safe storage until 29 May 2024 where they will be verified and reintroduced for counting.
Persons with disabilities
Sheburi said the commission has prepared for persons with disabilities to “vote in conditions of relative dignity and without disclosing their choice to anyone”.
“Working together with the South African National Council for the Blind [SANCB], we have developed a voting aid, the Universal Ballot Template for persons who can read braille they can be able to vote without disclosing their choice of candidate or party.
“For those with unsteady hand, they will be able to use the Universal Ballot Template to also make their mark without disclosing their choice or relying on companions for assistance.
“We call on South Africans to come out in numbers and exercise their democratic right to vote. We further continue our call to citizens, media members, and political party leaders to set a good example and foster an electoral environment based on trust, integrity, and respect for all,” Sheburi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 16:15
The long-term health benefits of the South African-grown Rooibos tea have gained worldwide attention, and with CBD’s incredible health benefits now in the spotlight, Laager Rooibos is fusing the two to bring the country a daily dose of goodness! Laager Plus CBD-infused Rooibos, which will soon be landing on South African shelves, offers all the …
Authorities ready to protect citizens' right to vote during elections
Law enforcement agencies are “in charge and in control” as the country heads to the polls this week, says police Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.
Mosikili said this when she addressed the media on the readiness of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) ahead of the National and Provincial Elections to be held on 29 May 2024.
Special votes are expected to be administered by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Monday and Tuesday, followed by the general elections on Wednesday.
“To all voters, go out there having full confidence that the NatJOINTS’ plan is on track to protect your rights and our democracy. We are in charge, we are in control. As law enforcement agencies, we will ensure your safety throughout this period,” she said.
The Lieutenant General acknowledged that the task of ensuring a safe election period was challenging but assured citizens that past experience will augur well for this week.
“The task at hand is immense but through past experiences of ensuring safe and secure elections, we are confident that we are ready for this next phase. The road to a safe, secure and peaceful election requires the commitment and effort from all stakeholders, including our communities.
“We are grateful that thus far our communities and South Africans from all walks of life have continued to display responsible conduct and behaviour.
“A reminder to all political parties that political campaigning ends midnight on 28 May 2024, should it continue beyond this period, this would be a transgression and contravention of the Electoral Act,” she said.
Fake news
Mosikili warned citizens, particularly those who use social media, not to engage in the spreading of misinformation and fake news.
“You are all urged to verify facts first before sharing any information which often leads to unnecessary confusion and panic.
“We will not tolerate any incitement of violence on any platform. Our intelligence communities and cybercrime units are closely monitoring online users. We are warned not to step out of line,” she said.
Mosikili reminded police officials to protect the elections within the confines of the law.
“It is more boots on the ground. Our law enforcement agencies are out there deployed to ensure that everyone who will be exercising their democratic right does so in a peaceful, safe and secure environment.
“We once more want to remind our law enforcement agencies to continue to apply fundamental policing principles guided by the Constitution and our laws,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 14:22
The KZN South Coast, extending from Umkomaas to Port Edward, presents lucrative investment opportunities, both locally and internationally. Through its collaborative approach, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is working with stakeholders to identify and package these unique opportunities for investors. Deborah Ludick Manager, Acting CEO of SCTIE, said the entity is committed to …
The only colony of one of the world’s most endangered butterflies is within sight of a large, multi-storey development
Electronic payment system for child maintenance and other services suspended
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has announced the temporary suspension of electronic payment system for third-party funds – including child maintenance – following “attempts to compromise the system”.
The department said an investigation into the incident is underway.
“In light of this development, child maintenance beneficiaries are urged to promptly visit their nearest court with their original identity documents to receive manual payments until the electronic service is fully restored.
“The Department has assembled a dedicated forensic team to thoroughly investigate any suspicious activity. We are committed to continually fortifying our systems to prevent and mitigate the risk of future breaches.
“We sincerely apologise to all beneficiaries for any inconvenience caused and deeply appreciate the patience and understanding during this period,” the DJCOD said.
Meanwhile, this morning (Friday), DJCOD Minister Ronald Lamola, is expected to preside over the launch and renaming of the refurbished Justice College.
The launch will also be attended by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, and Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Mandisa Maya.
“Established in 1957, Justice College has grown into reputable institution, offering comprehensive training programs for legal practitioners. From its modest beginnings as Justice Training, it now encompasses diverse aspects of legal education, including specialised training for judicial officers, prosecutors and interpreters.
“[The] Justice College’s influence extends beyond South Africa’s borders. Officials from Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, the Republic of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda regularly attend our courses, fostering regional collaboration.
“The refurbished college boast[s] state-of-the-art training facilities, ensuring an optimal learning environment for future legal professionals,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:31
R2 million to help agricultural sector suppress pest affecting export crops
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has handed over a R2 million cheque to the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) to support their Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Programme aimed at suppressing False Codling Moth (FCM).
False Codling Moth is a phytosanitary pest affecting export crops including citrus, table grapes, and stone fruit.
The programme offers immense potential in reducing pests and ensuring that South African agricultural products meet the strict standards required by international markets.
The programme, which uses cutting-edge science, also reduces the reliance on environmentally harmful pesticides and leads to improved fruit quality.
Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said addressing False Codling Moth will contribute to increased export earnings for especially the citrus industry, creating jobs and uplifting rural communities.
“Colonies of False Codling Moth are raised in special facilities where the male and female insects are sterilised using radiation from the isotope Cobalt-60 and are safely released in large numbers. Females mated with sterile males then lay eggs that do not hatch. A large decline in the pest population follows,” Meyer said.
Meyer said the trials for the programme in Citrusdal began in 2005 through a collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“The successes that followed lead to the founding of X Sterile Insect Technique (X-SIT). X-SIT now administers the SIT programme lending the programme their expertise.
“Despite its immense potential, the SIT programme faces challenges in that it is expensive. The high cost of SIT compared to cheaper but much less sustainable alternatives threatens its long-term viability,” Meyer said.
The MEC said the programme currently covers 20 400 hectares but has the potential to expand to over 4 ,000 hectares with adequate funding, and this could facilitate the creation of an estimated 50 job opportunities.
Meyer said the Citrus Growers Association has emphasised the critical need for financial support to sustain and grow the program, ensuring the continued production of export-quality residue-free fruit.
Meyer said the entire programme is currently funded by citrus and table grape growers who use the service themselves.
However, he said, the R2 million funding would alleviate some of the financial burden of the Western Cape growers and help ensure the continuation and expansion of this vital pest management strategy.
"Our support for the SIT programme underscores our commitment to a sustainable agricultural sector. This funding will help secure the future of our citrus industry, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market while protecting our environment and creating jobs,” Meyer said.
Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick expressed his gratitude, saying the support from the provincial government is a significant boost for X-SIT and everyone involved.
“The CGA hopes this type of agricultural innovation will find widespread support, as developing new technologies, though essential, does not come cheaply," Chadwick said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:49