Cape fishers worried about declining fish populations
“The South African story has already been written in Namibia” where there was a three-year moratorium on sardine and anchovy catch because stocks were so low
Environment
Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
The matric pass rate of inmates at correctional facilities has reached some 93.2%, with a total of 137 out of 147 full time candidates passing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Part-time candidates achieved a pass rate of 84%.
In a ceremony celebrating the 2023 matriculants, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola congratulated candidates who achieved no less than 100 Bachelor passes, 41 Diploma passes and some 16 Higher Certificate passes.
“To our learners, despite the tough conditions as a result of incarceration, your determination, unmatched commitment, and hard work have paid off and you triumphed where some of your peers outside failed. You have done us, your families and the entire country proud.
“We congratulate you for raising high the flag of Correctional Services, a welcome development we applaud. When we release you, go out there and be good ambassadors of Correctional Services. Behave yourselves and do not engage in activities which will bring you into conflict with the law again,” he said.
The Correctional Services class of 2023 also achieved 129 distinctions, with nine schools obtaining a 100% pass rate.
“Those of you who will be registering for higher education, work hard in your studies so that you not only complete your degrees in record time, but also attain distinctions in your subjects. I want to remind all of you again, as we do annually, that we do not pay tuition fees of inmates at institutions of higher learning, rather their families and bursaries carry the costs,” Lamola said.
The Minister described some of the programmes set up for inmates, which he said are designed to “empower inmates to transform their lives and enable them not to return to their previous lives of crime”.
One of those programmes is the Self-Sufficiency Strategic Framework, which transfers skills to inmates where they produce “their own food, renovate public infrastructure such as schools, clinics and orphanage centres”.
“We have worked together with the provincial Departments of Education in the country to paint and renovate schools to ensure that learners attend classes in a conducive environment.
“We equally have built houses for the victims of crime who were living in dilapidated structures, and our inmates have restored the dignity of our people. Inmates have also established sustainable vegetable gardens in communities and schools to fight against hunger and poverty through the self-sufficiency and strategic framework,” he said.
According to Lamola, this programme has allowed inmates to return to communities with skills.
“Today some of our communities boasts of plumbers, brick-layers, hair stylists, beautification specialists, bakers, and farmers, to mention but a few as a result of skills that were transferred to inmates during their term of incarceration.
“We have equally offered employers resourceful, gainful and adaptable employees who are contributing towards the growth of various companies across the country. All that we are appealing for is for employers not to overlook our skilled parolees but rather give them equal opportunities and pay them fairly for their labour.
“I want to reiterate that we remain resolute in making education compulsory for all young offenders, they must leave our correctional centres with skills which will empower them to live crime free lives,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:41
126 views
The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates youth and biodiversity in South Africa
His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh has spent the last two days in South Africa (22 – 23 January), marking the first Royal visit of its kind since President Ramaphosa's historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022.
During the visit, His Royal Highness met Acting President Mashatile at Oliver Tambo House.
Alongside Ms Barbara Creecy, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, The Duke explored Pretoria's Botanical Garden with CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI), Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. This followed President Ramaphosa's visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and marked the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa's rich plant diversity.
HRH met a wheelchair user and her husband who are regular users of the Enabling Garden, to learn about the different indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets. He learnt about some of South Africa's abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants, as well as viewing the National Herbarium where the largest collection of plant specimens in southern Africa are hosted (with over one million currently being digitised).
HRH met biodiversity organisations to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.
At the British High Commissioner's Residence, The Duke toured an exhibition of President Award winners, moving from stand to stand to talk to young people about their journeys, alongside Award Chairman Modise Makhene and Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Kwati Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
This year, the President's Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) celebrates its 41st anniversary in South Africa.
Launched in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the Founding Patron-in-Chief, the Award today continues to serve as a shining example of our shared values of youth empowerment, community service and creating opportunities for all.
The Award supports approximately 3,000 young South Africans each year. Since 2011, over 65,000 young people are estimated to have participated in the programme.
HRH also attended a Reception at the Residence with Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to celebrate the launch of the UK's new International Science Partnership Fund.
UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
“This visit reflects the significant breadth and depth of our modern-day friendship with South Africa – from youth empowerment, to climate, science research, biodiversity and democracy - our countries' shared values are clear. Continued collaboration and investment in these areas of mutual interest demonstrate our commitment to working together to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Pretoria.
Dunoon top achiever dreams of studying chemical engineering
Makanaka Muzuva’s parents are Zimbabwean and cannot afford to pay for her university ambitions
Termite Prevention and Treatment
Johannesburg, South Africa – As the silent destroyers of homes and businesses, termites pose a significant threat to property owners in South Africa, where the warm and humid climate creates a favorable environment for multiple termite species. Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg with 15 years of hands-on experience, is committed …
ATB and Reflect Equal Training Marry Two Curriculums at Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre in time for International Day of Education
Teachers express excitement and positive feedback after merging the ATB and Think Equal curriculums during a three-day training session. 23 January 2024 Location: Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre In a ground-breaking initiative and just in time for International Day of Education, the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani (ATB) and Think Equal training programs, sponsored by Capitec Bank, …
David te Roller Dux scholar at SACS in Cape Town, achieves an aggregate of 96.1%
South African College School (SACS) is the oldest high school in South Africa and 2023 was the school’s largest matric class in the history of the school. 178 candidates wrote matric last year with a 100% pass rate achieved. Congratulations to David te Roller the school’s Dux scholar, who achieved an overall aggregate of 96.1%. …
Recycle and Win Immense! The Ultimate School Recycling Challenge Unleashed by The Glass Recycling Company
– TGRC Announces the 2024 Annual Schools Competition The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is excited to announce the kick-off of the 2024 Annual Schools Competition, encouraging schools in Gauteng, The Western Cape Peninsula, Eastern Cape, and the Greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions to embark on a thrilling journey of glass recycling. This competition, starting on …
Minister Senzo Mchunu calls on water sector to prioritise providing adequate water and sanitation services to public
Minister Mchunu calls on the water sector to set aside egos and prioritise providing adequate water and sanitation services to the public
In a bid to improve performance of the water sector and its services to the public, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, has called for the sector to suspend its ego and prioritise professionalism.
The Minister made these remarks during the two-day Water Services Authorities Summit held on Thursday 18 and Friday 19, January 2024 at the Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng.
The purpose of the summit was to review the progress assessment reports, find the underlying reasons for poor and good performance, and collectively develop a plan to reverse the decline in performance.
Attending the summit were Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, as well as provincial and local government representatives including Mayors, MMCs, Municipal Managers and technical officials of the 144 Water Services Authorities across the country. Also, in attendance and participation were representatives from various institutions including the water boards, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA), National and Provincial Treasury, professional bodies, training organisations, whose wide range of support relate to funding, capacity building, professionalisation, engineering, financial management and governance. These institutions were critical elements in the process of developing and implementing improvement plans for the WSAs.
Setting the scene, Minister Mchunu gave an overview of the state of water in the country according to the previous Blue, Green, and No Drop reports released in December 2023.
He further highlighted that the Drop certifications were initially introduced 16 years ago in 2008, with annual reports being released from 2009 until 2014. These reports served as an effective regulatory mechanism, evaluating water and sanitation services, incentivising municipalities to improve their performance, and guiding areas for enhancement.
In recent years, the water sector in South Africa has faced numerous challenges, with reports showing a decline in the quality of drinking water and wastewater, as well as an increase in potable water losses. These issues have caused great concern among the public, particularly regarding the growing percentage of drinking water systems failing to meet both national and international compliance standards as revealed by these assessments.
“We have resuscitated the assessments and are committed to preventing similar mistakes in the future,” Minister Mchunu said.
Minister Mchunu's call for the water sector to suspend its ego stems from the need to prioritise professionalism and service delivery to the public to address the decline in performance.
The Minister emphasised that the non-provision of clean drinking water and a clean environment goes against people's basic human rights, as outlined in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. It is therefore imperative that the water sector takes immediate action to address these challenges.
Following extensive discussions, several recommendations were put forward to improve the water sector and enhance water and sanitation services for the public. Notably, it was agreed that Water Service Authorities should make fundamental changes in the manner that they deliver water and sanitation services. This by either considering establishing their own entities or creating special-purpose vehicles as water service providers. This would allow for greater accountability and efficiency in the provision of water and sanitation services.
Municipalities have been categorised into four groups based on their Drop scores during discussions on how to improve.
The first group comprised 67 municipalities that have an average 'critical' score in their water supply and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 and 2022 full Green Drop. The second group consisted of 38 municipalities that had an average 'poor' score in their water supply and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 and 2022 full Green Drop. The third group includes 27 municipalities that have an average 'average' score in their water supply and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 full Blue Drop and 2022 full Green Drop. Lastly, the fourth group comprised 12 municipalities that have an average 'good' or 'excellent' score in their water supply and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 full Blue Drop and 2022 full Green Drop.
The 105 municipalities who are in the critical, poor and average categories were urged to utilise consider appointing reputable, credible, and competent water service providers for the next two to three years. This move would help address the current gaps in service delivery and ensure that communities have access to clean and reliable water sources. This could be in a form of another municipality that performed well in their assessments scores in all reports, a water board or a competent private water services provider.
Another important area of focus is the review of implementing agents, with an emphasis on capacity building. The Directors- General of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), COGTA, South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the provincial and Local Government will collaborate to strengthen the capacity of implementing agents, the water sector will be better equipped to deliver on its mandate and meet the needs of the public.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo, who was also speaking at the summit, announced recommendations and a way forward on finance, security, and corruption.
One of the major recommendations made was the strengthening of the budget for water and sanitation services. This will include relooking at budget allocation to ensure that more funds are allocated towards provision of these services of the public.
Deputy Minister Mahlobo emphasised the importance of infrastructure security in ensuring uninterrupted water services. He urged all municipalities to develop and execute reliable infrastructure security plans, which should include the use of technology such as remote fencing and a rapid response system to combat theft and vandalism of infrastructure. These measures will not only protect the vital water infrastructure but also ensure a reliable supply of water to the public.
The Deputy Minister also announced the formation of a multi-disciplinary security cluster consisting of Ministers and Mayors. This cluster will be responsible for leading intelligence operations and prosecutions against elements that hinder service delivery such as vandals, mafia as well as saboteurs of water infrastructure. The team will also be tasked with screening technical division officials for lifestyle, integrity, morality, and community involvement, thereby ensuring that only the most qualified and dedicated individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of providing water services.
In his closing remarks, Minister Mchunu said the provision of reliable quality drinking water to citizens must be treated with priority and necessary urgency. The decline in water quality and increase in water losses were pressing issues that demanded immediate attention. By implementing the recommendations put forward, such as the establishment of dedicated entities or special purpose vehicles, and the appointment of reputable service providers, the water sector can make significant strides towards meeting the needs and rights of the public. Though the challenges are great, with a unified effort and a commitment to collaboration, a positive change is indeed possible.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.
How to unlock a healthier, time-saving lifestyle with the LG Door-in-Door Side by Side Fridge with Uvnano™
Empower yourself in 2024 to prioritise your health and reclaim valuable time with the help of LG As we dive into the new year, it’s time to rethink our resolutions. Instead of setting lofty, vague goals, let us focus on achievable milestones that can transform our lives. Imagine a world where healthy eating and ample …
Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa
Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a courtesy call at the OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria.
The Duke of Edinburgh is on a working visit to South Africa on 22 and 23 January 2024.
According to the Deputy President’s Office, the visit follows the successful State Visit that President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook to the United Kingdom in 2022 at the invitation of King Charles III.
“The visit also indicates the strong bilateral relationship that the United Kingdom and South Africa share,” a statement from the Deputy President’s Office read.
During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet stakeholders from WWF South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, GreenMatterZA, TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Birdlife, and Conservation South Africa.
Prince Edward will also meet the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, for a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
He will be accompanied on the tour by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Shonisani Munzhedi.
This comes after President Ramaphosa visited the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and will mark the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity.
Prince Edward is also expected to engage with Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande at a dinner marking the deep partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom in the field of science and innovation.
In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet the awardees of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, of which President Ramaphosa is a patron.
“Both countries share a strong commitment to youth empowerment,” the statement said.
During the courtesy call, Deputy President Mashatile will also hold discussions with the Duke and his delegation on key areas of importance in the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:51
231 views
Ekurhuleni launches clean up campaign
Ekurhuleni launches clean up campaign
The City of Ekurhuleni has launched a clean up campaign aimed at addressing illegal dumping and maintaining green spaces in the municipality – particularly in the township.
The Clean Your Kasi, Manje Namhlanje campaign, was launched in Thembisa.
Addressing the campaign launch, MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management, Leshaka Manamela, said: “It cannot be right that we claim to love cleanliness and the environment yet we do not take care of it. Let us all join forces and look after the environment so it can also look after us. We need the environment for our existence and it must be well looked after.”
The city said it will roll out several activations “focused on cleaning up illegal dumping and maintaining green spaces, mainly in the townships”.
“These initiatives will be complemented by educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.”
MMC Manamela emphasised the importance of the campaign in his address, saying it is not just a campaign - it aims to promote greater cooperation with residents and communities to look after their immediate environment.
“We are taking a stand against illegal dumping and unattended grass in our townships. It’s time for action, now and today.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:43
141 views
Multimillion-rand Gauteng beauty academy grant under investigation
Four officials of the provincial Department of Social Development already “under precautionary suspension”
The importance of preventative maintenance for HVAC systems
In the case of complex air-cooling systems, it is better to proactively address potential issues before they escalate. Let’s be real—nobody wants to be blindsided by a malfunctioning HVAC system, especially during summer. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play an important role in ensuring comfort and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial …
Deadline for comments on review of Coastal Waters Discharge Allow extended
Deadline for comments on review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permit extended
An extension has been granted to allow the public to submit their comments on the review of Coastal Waters Discharge Permits issued to fish processing facilities operating within St Helena Bay in the Western Cape.
The notice calling for public participation was published in various newspapers on 23 November 2023, as well as on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) website.
The date for submissions has been extended to 29 February 2024.
“The review process of the Coastal Waters Discharge Permits (CWDPs) aims to amend inconsistencies in the conditions of the CWDPs to establish uniformity and ensure gradual and consistent improvement of water quality in St Helena Bay over a five-year period.
“Persons or entities who discharge, or intend to discharge, effluent from land-based sources are required to obtain a CWDP or a General Discharge Authorisation from DFFE,” the department said on Friday.
This is according to Section 69 of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2009 (ICM Act) which regulates pollution that originates from land-based sources.
Four fish processing establishments (FPEs) in St Helena Bay, namely Lucky Star, West Point Processor, Pioneer Fishing and Amawandle, have historically been discharging effluent into coastal waters using CWDPs obtained prior to the enforcement of the ICM Act.
“The review process intends to set effluent discharge limits based on the 90th percentile of the FPEs' effluent monitoring results from January 2022 to December 2022. Subsequently, the effluent improvement limits will mandate a 20% annual enhancement of interim limits for all FPEs.
“To achieve these improvements and meet the stricter limits, the FPEs will be required to upgrade their infrastructure. Members of the public, including interested and affected stakeholders, are encouraged to take advantage of this extension to make valuable contributions and submissions,” the department said.
Inputs can be delivered by hand to:
The Director: Coastal Pollution Management
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
1 East Pier Building, East Pier Road
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Attention: Dr Yazeed Peterson
They can also be emailed to fpp@dffe.gov.za.
Copies of the current CWDPs, together with proposed amendments, can be downloaded from the department’s website at https://www.dffe.gov.za/permits/coastalwatersdischarge or obtained via email from rmolale@dffe.gov.za.
Hard copies of these documents can be obtained from any of the four FPF companies mentioned above. Any enquires may be directed to Rueben Molale on 021 819 2493. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:35
362 views
Reddford House Class of 2023 achieve 99% pass rate and 86% bachelor pass rate
The Class of 2023 at Reddford House‘s three Johannesburg-based schools – Reddford House Northcliff, Reddford House Blue Hills, and Reddford House The Hills – have achieved excellent results in the demanding International Examinations Board (IEB) national senior certificate exams. The three schools, with a total of 166 students across the three campuses, achieved a 99% …
Celebrating Admire and Appreciation: Valentines Day Corporate Gifts by Perkal Promo
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a time-honoured tradition celebrated on February 14th each year. Originating as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honouring early saints named Valentinus, this day has evolved into a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. It’s a day where love, affection, and …
Hollywood Foundation Celebrates Entrepreneurship and Impact at the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo
The Hollywood Foundation, renowned for its commitment to Enterprise and Supplier Development, proudly hosted the third edition of the Bambelela Business Awards in Limpopo on January 18, 2024. This distinguished event served as a platform to recognise and celebrate the achievements of local heroes who have made a positive impact on the communities of Limpopo. …
New bill to try to enforce clean drinking water
Currently the Department of Water and Sanitation cannot directly intervene when municipalities fail to supply drinking water up to standard
Every Rider in the Dakar Rally is a hero, no matter where they finish
As the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally enters the home stretch to the finish in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, the world’s toughest Motorsport race has lived up to its billing and once again delivered nail-biting adventure and almost unbearable heartache. The Dakar Rally is an event for adventurers first and foremost, and while many of …
Presidential Economic Advisory Council discusses measures to support economic growth, job creation
Presidential Economic Advisory Council discusses measures to support economic growth, job creation
Despite the progress made in putting in place fiscally, socially and environmentally sound economic policies, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) has noted that significant challenges remain.
“In its assessment of the current economic environment, the PEAC highlighted fiscal risks, the poor performance of state-owned enterprises, ongoing load shedding, historical underinvestment in infrastructure, and rising levels of crime as the most urgent obstacles to growth,” the Presidency said on Wednesday.
In its meeting, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the PEAC welcomed the actions currently underway to address these challenges, and discussed proposals to strengthen state capacity, professionalise the public service, and improve the governance of state-owned enterprises.
Further proposals included a proactive green industrial strategy to harness South Africa’s significant renewable energy resources, support for small businesses and the informal sector, and measures to accelerate implementation of the Energy Action Plan and end load shedding.
The President chaired the meeting of the PEAC to discuss current economic developments and measures to support economic growth and job creation.
“Members of PEAC commended the progress made in advancing economic reform, including in the energy, transport, and telecommunications sectors, as well as in rebuilding state institutions that were weakened by state capture.
“The recently released results of Census 2022 show that the quality of life has improved for millions of South Africans since the previous census, including through expanded access to education, water, electricity, housing, and other basic services,” the Presidency said.
Finally, the PEAC discussed South Africa’s role in advocating for the reform of the international financial architecture.
The PEAC further supported the call for appropriate financing mechanisms to support the climate transition in developing countries.
The Presidency said the analysis and recommendations provided by PEAC continue to play a key role in informing government policymaking. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 09:21
365 views
Mchunu to guide Water Services Authority Summit
Mchunu to lead Water Services Authority Summit
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu will lead a two-day Water Services Authority (WSA) Summit in response to the outcomes of the Blue and No Drop Reports and Green Drop Progress Assessment Report released in December 2023.
The summit will be held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, from 18 - 19 January 2024.
Mchunu is expected to be joined by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, as well as representatives from provincial and local governments.
The summit will be attended by representatives from the 144 Water Services Authorities across the country, and will deliberate and review the reports released by the Minister in December 2023.
The gathering will enable the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Cogta, together with the Water Services Authorities, to agree on what should be done to address the findings of the drop reports.
Action plans will be developed in various groups that will converge and look into critical performing municipalities, poor performing municipalities, average performing municipalities and excellent performing municipalities.
The summit will further discuss the following:
• The implication of the 2023 No Drop, Blue Drop, and Green Drop results.
• Identify the main causes of good and poor performance.
• Identify the most important issues to be included in action plans to be developed by Water Services Authorities with poor and critical performing water supply and wastewater systems.
• Exchange best practices, share lessons learned and identify areas of collaboration.
• Identify various support mechanisms to assist the poor and critical performing entities.
• Raise the profile of the quality of water and sanitation services by engaging and encouraging mayors to be ambassadors of change.
This comes at the backdrop of the release of the reports on water quality (Blue Drop), non-revenue water (No Drop), as well as a report on the state of waste water (Green Drop) in all Water Services Authorities in the country.
The Blue and No Drop Reports indicate that there has been a decline in drinking water quality and an increase in non-revenue water since the last reports were issued in 2014.
The Green Drop Progress Assessment Report also indicates an increased risk in the performance of municipal wastewater treatment systems.
The Blue, Green and No Drop Certification programmes are aimed at improving municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management as well as water conservation and demand management.
The programme is a transparency and accountability mechanism by government on the state of water and sanitation to ensure that all role players in the water sector are held accountable and the citizens are informed about the state of their drinking water quality, provision and how waste water is managed to ensure that their health and the environment are protected.
The regulating mechanism provides for the DWS to initiate corrective measures to address deficiencies identified during each assessment. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:24
418 views
Structural reforms remain key for SA economy
Structural reforms remain key for SA economy
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging in structural reforms that will foster an environment fertile to economic growth and competitiveness.
The Minister was speaking during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland.
Godongwana is leading the South African delegation to the critical meeting.
Structural reforms in South Africa are targeted at – among other things – electricity, infrastructure, water and logistics, and are driven by Operation Vulindlela.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery. It aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.
The objectives of the reforms are aimed at:
- Stabilising the electricity supply.
- Reducing the cost and increasing the quality of digital communications.
- Providing sustainable water supply to meet demand.
- Providing competitive and efficient freight transport.
- Fostering a visa regime that attracts skills and grows tourism.
“There are a number of things we are doing to deal with structural reforms. One of the perennial problems we’ve had has been on the energy front. Massive structural reforms… are dealing with that question.
“A new challenge has been the logistics sector, where we are investing a lot in it. We have been trying to change the skills composition to the extent that we don’t have and we have provided an environment where we can import skills with ease.
“So there are lot of structural reforms that we have engaged in in order to make sure that we can grow the economy and be competitive,” Godongwana told the panel.
Historical commitment
During the pre-WEF media breakfast briefing held last week, Godongwana emphasised that structural reforms remain crucial.
“Structural reforms remain crucial to revive medium-term growth prospects amid a constrained policy space. We remain steadfast in carrying out structural reforms to support and accelerate economic recovery.
“As government, we remain resolved to deal with the energy and logistics challenges that are adversely impacting our economy,” he said.
In his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement delivered in November last year, Godongwana presented the reforms specifically targeted at Eskom and Transnet.
On Transnet, he said: “Rail underperformance is estimated to have cost up to 5% of GDP in 2022, with losses in the region of R50 billion in the minerals sector alone.
“Given the scale of the challenges, the National Logistics Crisis Committee was instituted to broaden reforms in the sector and prioritise reforms aimed at resolving the immediate crisis, while also addressing the structural aspects hampering the sector.”
On electricity, Godongwana said: “[We] recognise the potential loss of revenue due to private electricity generation, and the fact that traditional revenue models relied on by public entities like Eskom, face serious disruption.
“It is for these reasons that our electricity reforms are holistic, evidenced-based, and geared to find a balanced solution to our electricity supply challenges. They take into account not just a particular entity but the transformation of the sector as a whole.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:18
116 views
Helping non-profit organisations build resilience in testing times.
Non-profit organisations (NPOs) play a crucial role in bridging the ever-widening socio-economic gaps found across South Africa. On the back of the devastating Covid 19 pandemic and in our current environment that is characterised by pedestrian economic growth, a soaring cost of living, climate-related disasters and relentless load-shedding, the demand for vital NPO services has …