Environment

19 December 2023

Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season

Location: News

Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season

The Department of Health has announced that it has intensified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with over 1 540 ambulances deployed across the country’s major routes and strategic points and hotspots.

According to the department, this move aims to accelerate a turnaround time for emergency medical response during the festive season, a period associated with a high demand for emergency medical services.

“This number will be complemented by private sector ambulances as part of existing service level agreements entered with provinces to beef up EMS to ensure quick response to major accidents and to prevent avoidable loss of lives resulting from accidents,” the department explained.

The department is appealing to communities to join hands with government and law enforcement agencies during this period to create an enabling environment for frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses and paramedics to perform their lifesaving duties freely without fear of both verbal and physical violence and aggression.

“Health workers have fallen victims of violence and crime in the line of duty over the months and recent years in the country and this can only be stopped if communities become protectors than by-standers.

“Violence against health workers is unacceptable because it does not only negatively impact on their psychological and physical well-being, but also affects their job motivation and has potential to compromise the quality of care and puts health-care provision at risk.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines attacks against health care as any act of verbal or physical violence or obstruction or threat of violence that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and preventive health services during emergencies.

The department said emergency medical personnel play an essential role in the health system by providing timely and appropriate medical care to patients in need.

“They respond to emergencies to save lives and risk theirs. It is not possible to have ambulances accompanied by police or armed private security, hence communities need to play a role in ending attacks against paramedics and other health workers.”

According to the WHO, health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world with between 8% and 38% of health workers suffering physical violence at some point in their careers.

Some of the associated risks during the festive season include vehicle accidents, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and drowning.

In a life threatening emergency, people must dial 112 from a landline or a cellphone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.

Important details that will be required when you make the call include name, phone number, address, nearest landmark and the patient's current medical status.

“Ensure that you get a call reference number before the end of the call to be used when you follow up on the progress of the call.”

All health facilities will remain open to enable South Africans to access health services.

Some of the major routes to be prioritised for ambulances in provinces include:

The N2, N10, R61 and R72 in the Eastern Cape.
The N1, N3, N5, N6 and N8 in the Free State.
The N1, N3, N4, N12, N17, R21, R59 and R101 in Gauteng.
The N2, N3 and R56 in KwaZulu-Natal.
The N1, N11, R36, R37, R71, R101, R518, R524, R528 and R579 in Limpopo.
The N2, N3, N4, N11, N12, N17, R23, R38, R40 and R573 in Mpumalanga.
The N4, N14, N12, N18 and R30 in the North West.
The N1, N7, N8, N10, N12, N14, N18, R31 and R382 in the Northern Cape.
The N1, N2, N7, R27 and R62 in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:52

460 views

19 December 2023

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

Location: News

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF) has welcomed the progress made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies on the progress made to crackdown on the construction mafia.

The IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said hundreds of arrests have been made relating to illegal practices in construction.

“There are ongoing investigations in the sector by various law enforcement agencies that have led to consequence management such as asset recovery, disciplinary action, and criminal prosecution.

“It is against this background that the IBACF welcomes and congratulates the SAPS on their progress in addressing the construction sector mafia in South Africa. The SAPS has confirmed that the 712 cases referred for investigation have resulted in 722 arrests and 52 convictions so far,” Kganyago said.

According to Kganyago, at a recent meeting of the IBACF, the National Priority Committee on Extortion and Violence at Economic Sites reported that “the fight against fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the construction sector is gaining significant ground”.

“A notable recent arrest has been that of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson. Several Cape Town construction contractors had to abandon government housing construction sites following alleged acts of intimidation and violence.

“Thereafter, the Western Cape government’s Human Settlements Department awarded Johnson's company, Glomix House Brokers, the contracts for completing these abandoned projects,” the SIU said.

Kganyago explained that the construction mafia refers to groups of extortionists who attempt to forcefully extract protection fees from local construction companies and contractors or extort a portion of the cost of an infrastructure project, including specific individuals affiliated with the mafia being recruited to work on the site.

“The construction sector is one of the most important job-creating sectors in the country. Investment in the sector not only benefits the country through improved infrastructure but creates hundreds of thousands of jobs on construction sites and throughout the construction sector value chain.

“Research documents published during the last two years have revealed the impact of construction sector mafia on construction projects and investment in the sector. In the period leading up to 2022, up to R63 billion worth of projects were reported, and delayed or cancelled as a result of the extortion tactics and disruptions posed by construction mafia,” Kganyago said.

Community involvement

The SIU called on community members to report any illegality on construction sites.

“The IBACF encourages proactive community engagement to inform residents of the projects underway in their areas; of possible opportunities for legitimate sub-contractors and workers, and encourages all South Africans, who are aware of any criminal actions such as threats of violence or extortion that may lead to the loss of such projects and work opportunities, to report these crimes,” the SIU said.

Crimes of this nature can be reported to:

Any South African Police Service (SAPS) station;
The toll-free National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701;
The Presidential Hotline on 17737 or email president@po.gov.za, and
The SIU Hotline on 0800 037 774.

“As the SAPS report back on arrests and convictions, we warn the public that there are consequences for people who engage in illegal activities within the construction sector. The IBACF thanks the whistleblowers and law enforcement agencies for their bravery and tremendous efforts in tackling these criminal matters,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:55

477 views

19 December 2023

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

Location: News

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on his re-election as president of that country.

According to Egypt’s National Elections Authority, El-Sisi won his third term in office after receiving some 89.6% of the votes during the country’s elections held last week.

A Presidency statement said President Ramaphosa congratulated not only El-Sisi but also other candidates.

“The historic elections reflect the will of the people of Egypt in charting their future. The President also commends the other candidates for participating in the elections in a gracious and commendable manner.

“The President further wishes to congratulate the National Election Authority of Egypt and all national stakeholders for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted. The President also takes note of the observations of the AU-COMESA [African Union-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa] Joint Observer Mission,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the Presidency reiterated government’s willingness to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“The South African government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the government and people of Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate together in consolidation of the African Agenda.

“The South African Government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Egypt,” the Presidency said.

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong historical and fraternal bonds dating back to the era of the liberation struggle. South Africa considers Egypt a strategic partner that supported the liberation struggle. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:22

444 views

19 December 2023

Mozambique spitting cobra in Shawu’s Hills Lifestyle Estate

Location: MyPR

South African Wildlife does not only include the Big 5, but also a variety of beautiful species that roam the dense bushveld. Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate is home to a variety of reptiles, birdlife, mammals, amphibians, all of which play a crucial role to ecological balance of our precious environment. One such creature is the …

18 December 2023

Load shedding suspended until Friday

Location: News

Load shedding suspended until Friday

Eskom has announced that load shedding will remain suspended until 4pm on Friday.

The power utility announced the suspension of the rolling black outs on social media platform X on Sunday.

“Due to consistent improvement in available generating capacity, load shedding will remain suspended until 4pm on Friday. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate should any significant changes occur,” the power utility said.

Meanwhile, Eskom Chief Financial Officer, Calib Cassim, is expected to continue in his job beyond the end of his current term at the end of this year following 21 years of service.

He is currently acting as the power utility’s Group Chief Executive until recently announced CEO Dan Marokane assumes office in 2024.

Cassim called it a privilege to continue serving as the power utility’s CFO.

“I am looking forward to continue contributing to the collective efforts of placing Eskom on a path to sustainability through the implementation of our turnaround plans. I want to thank the Board and Shareholder Ministry for creating an enabling environment for me to contribute to the turnaround of Eskom. Eskom has exceptional talent that look to us to provide leadership. With Dan Marokane joining, we have the best shot at creating the future we want for Eskom.

“I would also like to thank Martin Buys for acting as Eskom’s Chief Financial Officer. He has done an excellent job and has shown leadership and dedication to our business. He will continue acting until I take over the role. Importantly, I am grateful for the support received from EXCO and the employees,” Cassim said.

Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati said: “Calib Cassim has done an excellent job in holding the fort. When we announced the appointment of Dan Marokane to the Top 400 senior leaders of Eskom, they gave us two key messages.

“Firstly, they were delighted that Dan Marokane had chosen to re-join Eskom. His appointment was well received. Secondly, they expressed a deep sense of appreciation to Calib Cassim for serving the company well. His interim leadership brought sustainability to the organisation. As the Eskom Board, we are counting on his passion for Eskom and are pleased to have retained him as CFO.” – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 09:54

543 views

18 December 2023

Makhathini Lower Pongola water association to ensure objective water management

Location: News

Makhathini Lower Pongola water association to ensure fair water management

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says the Makhathini Lower Pongola Water Users Association will ensure fair water management for those living in the uMkhanyakude and Zululand Districts, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mchunu made the remarks following the launch of Makhathini Lower Pongola Water Users Association, which will manage water resources, including the Jozini Dam, Pongola River and Makhathini Canal to benefit all water users in the two districts.

Accompanied by Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, and her Deputy Nokuzola Capa, Mchunu and his Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, recently held a community engagement activity in the two districts.

The ministerial visit to the districts formed part of Mchunu’s continued efforts to intervene in the challenges faced by uMkhanyakude District to restore, augment and expand water supply to the communities that have been experiencing water challenges.

Mchunu assured the community of Jozini (in uMkhanyakude District) and the Pongola farming community (under the Zululand District Municipality) that there will be fair and equitable access to water for consumption and farming.

“The newly established Makhathini Lower Pongola Water User Association will facilitate and coordinate stakeholder consultation for ensuring equitable decision-making when water is being released from Jozini Dam for environment and socio-economic purposes. This will enable both domestic and agricultural users to have equitable access to water,” Mchunu said.

The community of Kwa-Gumbi, near Pongola in Zululand District, who had water use licence issues, requested the Minister to intervene.

The community, which consists of small-scale farmers represented by Emvokweni Community Trust, are beneficiaries of the land restitution programme from the the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DARRLD).

Both Mchunu and Didiza have pledged their commitment to assist the farmers to restore farming operations. Mchunu also assured the farming community of water availability to ensure sustainable irrigation on their farms.

The 32-kilometre Makhathini Canal was officially unveiled by Mchunu following its transfer to the Department of Water and Sanitation from the landowners, Silwane Trust.

The process of the canal transfer was facilitated by the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA), a public entity under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in KwaZulu-Natal.

During the walkabout to assess the canal, Mchunu and Mahlobo noted that some parts of the canal have been vandalised, with some community members making illegal connections, which has led to infrastructure damage. Water pollution has also been identified as one of the major problems at the canal.

Mchunu said an estimated R122 million will be required to refurbish the dilapidating canal to function optimally.

He said the water canal, with a capacity of 141 754 cubic metres, is meant to benefit both agriculture and domestic users.

“It abstracts raw water from Jozini Dam to six different pump stations and the pressurised water is distributed from the pump stations through an extensive network of underground pipelines to four different types of irrigation systems that are being used, which are sprinklers, centre pivots, floods and drip,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 10:48

472 views

18 December 2023

Real Estate Market 2024: Challenges And Opportunities In A Shifting Landscape

Location: MyPR

The South African property market is entering a critical year in 2024, poised to be shaped by economic recovery, election uncertainty and evolving buyer trends. While the economic outlook remains cautious, there are promising signs for both buyers and investors. Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property Group, takes a comprehensive look at South Africa’s property …

18 December 2023

Guidelines and best practices for the safe handling and transportation of bulk bags.

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg,December, 18th 2023: Guidelines and best practices for the safe handling and transportation of bulk bags. Vaal Bulk Bags, a prominent supplier of top-notch large bags, is delighted to declare our most recent announcement centered around our firm’s dedication to delivering cost-effective, adaptable, and eco-friendly options. Over time, we have upheld our image as a …

14 December 2023

Department to intensify efforts to pay service providers on time

Location: News

Department to intensify efforts to pay service providers on time

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has vowed to put an end to the failure to pay service providers in the construction industry within 30 days.

Minister Zikalala was speaking at the National Stakeholder Forum convened by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

The National Stakeholder Forum is comprised of contractors in the built industry, government departments and municipalities involved in infrastructure development, built industry organisations and councils, institutions of higher learning and other key players in the built environment industry.

The forum was convened in order for the Minister to gain insight from players in the industry and go through emerging trends and developments, respond to threats and new opportunities emerging within the sector.

“We will commence engagements with all contractors not paid on time. It is time that we fight bribery and corruption where payments are delayed in order to force them to pay. We are alarmed at the allegations that outstanding invoices amount to billions. We will intensify the Re a Patala campaign in all provinces,” said the Minister.

Re Ya Patala (We Pay) was launched by the DPWI October 2009 as means to address payment backlogs to service providers.

Responding to challenges faced by small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and emerging contractors around access to finance, Zikalala noted the historic partnership between the CIDB and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) for construction industry financing mechanisms to focus on financing small and medium contractors and cooperatives involved in the construction sector.

The partnership under consideration will see the CIDB contribute up to R150 million and SEFA matching that with R150 million over the medium term.

“The struggle faced by SMME’s in the construction sector requires innovation. Many collapse because they do not have access to finance and loans for building materials and other resources. We need to develop a finance institution led by the industry to support contractors,” said the Minister.

Stakeholders have implored the Minister to investigate and report on the escalating rate of the cancellation of tenders, especially big tenders by parastatals and institutions which is costing the construction industry billions of rands.

The forum noted that big state entities cancel tenders after contractors have spent money and time putting together infrastructure.

Career paths

Meanwhile, the Minister raised concern over the slow pace in which the built environment industry is advancing the career path of professionals.

“The DPWI is worried that there are suspicions of gatekeeping. At least over 30 000 professionals have been kept at the candidacy level for a longer period of time. There seems to be no appetite to graduate them and empower them with skills relevant to their qualifications,” said the DPWI.

The department, through one of its entities, the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), will establish a national logbook to track progress in this area.

The entity has also been tasked with standardising the process of how one obtains professional recognition within the industry.

The CBE will strengthen its relationship with tertiary institutions and councils to accelerate the preparation, mentoring and registration of students at lower academic levels. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:21

536 views

14 December 2023

Get rid of leaf blowers: they pollute and their purpose is dubious

Location: News

Many use two-stroke engines which are an environmental hazard

14 December 2023

SA welcomes COP28 agreement global adaptation efforts on climate change

Location: News

SA welcomes COP28 agreement global adaptation efforts on climate change

South Africa has welcomed the landmark decision to adopt a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) at this year’s United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai.

According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, this is something the country together with the African continent and other vulnerable nations has struggled to achieve for many years.

“The decision recognises different theme areas for adaptation action, it has measurable and time-bound targets. It also recognises the importance of securing adequate public finance for adaptation from developed countries. This is a big step forward,” said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy.

According to reports, the GGA is part of the Paris Agreement designed to “ensure an adequate adaptation response” to protect people, livelihoods and ecosystems as the world aims to keep warming “well below” 2 Celsius or even to 1.5 Celsius.

In this context, South Africa welcomed the language in the Global Stocktake, which recognises and underscores that the impacts of climate change will be much lower at the temperature increase of 1.5 degrees compared with 2 degrees.

The two-week COP28 conference which wrapped up on Tuesday, adopted a new fund to help poor nations cope with costly climate disasters.

“Throughout our facilitation of the Global Stocktake, South Africa emphasised that climate ambition must be balanced across mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation. We also emphasised that equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities should underpin all asks on developing countries,” the Minister added.

Accordingly, South Africa said it was pleased by the decision on the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, Just Transition Pathways work programme, the Mitigation Work Programme and the GGA.

“These decisions are in line with our national framework on Just Transition, in particular the recognition of a country’s right to pursue its climate resilience path in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

“For the first time we have language which calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science,” the Minister added.

COP28 has adopted a decision, co-facilitated by South Africa, to implement the new work programme on Just Transition Pathways.

The decision underscores the importance of finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building support to achieve just and equitable transitions, nationally and globally.

This all-of-society and all-of-economy transition approach represents a progression and evolution in the international community’s collective understanding of just transitions, that in the past tended to focus narrowly on only the energy sector and related workforce issues.

South Africa particularly welcomed the strong human rights, inclusive and participatory approach in the decision to nationally defined just transitions, in which all stakeholders have a role to play and the right to development is respected.

Climate justice

This, according to the department, is fundamental to the achievement of climate justice, at both the national and international level.

“We are also pleased that the final text takes a stand against unilateral measures such as Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. The decision emphasises that unilateral measures should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade,” the department added.

Instead, the decision calls for greater cooperation and support aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and development in all countries, thus enabling them to address the problem of climate change better.

“The decisions lay out a clear process to move forward current discussions on the new finance goal for the post-2025 era. It mandates that the new goal should aim at achieving parity between mitigation and adaptation finance.”

The decision underscores the importance of reforming the multilateral financial architecture. It also calls for scaled-up support for climate action from multilateral financial institutions through grant-based and concessional instruments,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 12:22

62 views

14 December 2023

South Africa: Minister Zikalala prioritises delayed payment of contractors

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
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Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, has vowed to intensify operation pay-on-time and urgently put an end to failure to pay service providers in the construction industry within 30 days. Minister Zikalala was speaking at the National Stakeholder Forum convened by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

The National Stakeholder Forum is comprised of contractors in the built industry, Government Departments and municipalities involved in infrastructure development, Built Industry organisations and Councils, Institutions of higher learning and other key players in the built environment industry.

The National Stakeholder Forum is convened for the Minister to gain insight from the players in the industry and go through emerging trends and developments, respond to threats and new opportunities emerging within the sector.

CIDB-SEFA partnership

Responding to the challenge faced by SMMEs and emerging contractors around access to finance, Minister Zikalala has noted the historic partnership between CIDB and SEFA (Small Enterprise Finance Agency) for construction industry financing mechanisms to focus on financing small and medium contractors and cooperatives involved in the construction sector. The partnership under consideration will see CIDB contribute up to R150 million and SEFA matching that with R150 million over the medium term. The struggle faced by SMME's in the construction sector requires innovation. Many collapse because they do not have access to finance and loans for building materials and other resources. We need to develop a finance institution led by the industry to support contractors.

Increase in the cancellation of tenders in the construction industry

Stakeholders have implored Minister Zikalala to investigate and report on the escalating rate of the cancellation of tenders, especially big tenders by parastatals and institutions which is costing the construction industry billions of Rands. Big state entities cancel tenders after contractors have spent money and time putting together infrastructure. The Construction Industry Development Board will look at the practice whereby people charge low when tendering in order to rely on variation orders. Variation orders may need an independent process outside of the department.

Mentoring of built environment professionals

Minister Zikalala has raised concerns over the slow pace in which the built environment industry is advancing the career path of professionals. The DPWI is worried that there are suspicions of gate-keeping. At least over 30 000 professionals have been kept at the candidacy level for a longer period of time. There seems to be no appetite to graduate them and empower them with skills relevant to their qualifications. The Department, through one of its entities - the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), will establish a national logbook to track progress in this area. The entity has also been tasked with standardising the process of how one obtains professional recognition within the industry. CBE will strengthen its relationship with tertiary institutions and councils to accelerate the preparation, mentoring and registration of students at lower academic levels.

Social facilitation to mitigate construction site disruptions

In order to mitigate the disruption of construction sites, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will intensify social facilitation and not make it a by-the-way activity, but will make it an integral part in all project implementations across all spheres of government. This will ensure community buy-in, involvement and beneficiation which would isolate criminal elements. All projects that are large should have empowerment elements which support up and coming professionals and subcontracting and localisation is compulsory. The Department will develop a national facilitation framework for the built industry. The law enforcement will be meted out to those engaged in criminal activity such as extortion and not wanting to genuinely participate in the construction sector. Social facilitation, localisation and subcontracting will ensure that criminal elements do not use the community to shield their criminal conduct.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

14 December 2023

Food waste increases by 25% over festive season

Location: MyPR

While many of us start to put our daily stresses aside, the waste management sector experiences a significant increase in food and organic waste during the festive season. This places an increased amount of pressure on the waste sector, including the waste collection services, landfill sites and the natural environment. According to waste statistics, South …

14 December 2023

Sandton Central Management District unveils modern tourism ambassadors to enhance public services in December

Location: MyPR

In a community-driven move to boost public services and enhance the safety and experience of visitors, the Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) has introduced the addition of thirty-two new tourism ambassadors to the precinct. This initiative, in collaboration with Joburg Tourism, sets Sandton Central apart as a premier City Improvement District in South Africa, especially …

14 December 2023

Deputy President Mashatile visits Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the second leg of his Working Visit to Southeast Asia

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to begin the second leg of his first Working Visit to Southeast Asia. The Deputy President began his visit today with a tour of the Mausoleum and home of the late leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. The Deputy President laid a wreath at the Mausoleum and conveyed a message of support from the people and Government of South Africa through Mausoleum's Visitors' Book.

South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and to achieve national freedom, and the two countries share common values such as the pursuit of multilateral cooperation, peace, and the progressive reform of the institutions of global governance to counter geopolitical inequalities.

South Africa and Vietnam also celebrate 30 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations this year.

In the course of the last 30 years, several bilateral legal instruments have been established in various areas of co-operation. The two countries operate an Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Co-operation, aimed at facilitating co-operation in areas of mutual interest.

The Deputy President's visit follows the visit to South Africa of the Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, HE Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, in September this year, where she extended an invitation to the Deputy President to pay reciprocal official visit to mark the 30-year milestone and further strengthen bilateral ties.

As part of his duties in Vietnam, the Deputy President will hold official talks with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, meet Prime Minister HE Mr Pham Minh Chinh, and pay a courtesy call on the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, HE Mr Vo Van Thong.

He will also meet with the CEOs of some of Vietnam's largest companies that are looking either to invest in or source goods and services from South Africa. He will also interact with African ambassadors to Vietnam.

The Deputy President is accompanied in Vietnam by Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Maggie Sotyu, and senior government officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

13 December 2023

Empow-Her-Ing Excellence: FM Solutions Technical’s All-Women Team Revolutionises Facilities Management

Location: MyPR

In the world of Facilities Management (FM), where technical expertise and reliability are paramount, FM Solutions Technical is once again emerging as a trailblazing player, setting a new standard for diversity and competence in the industry. With an exciting new offering that boasts an all-women team in FM maintenance, FM Solutions is challenging stereotypes and …

13 December 2023

Mashatile In Vietnam for second leg of Southeast Asia working visit

Location: News

Mashatile In Vietnam for second leg of Southeast Asia working visit

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam to begin the second leg of his first working visit to Southeast Asia.

The Deputy President, according to his Office, began his visit on Tuesday with a tour of the Mausoleum and home of the late leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh.

“The Deputy President laid a wreath at the Mausoleum and conveyed a message of support from the people and government of South Africa through the Mausoleum’s visitors’ book,” the statement read.

South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and to achieve national freedom.

The two countries also share common values such as the pursuit of multilateral cooperation, peace, and the progressive reform of the institutions of global governance to counter geopolitical inequalities.

South Africa and Vietnam also celebrate 30 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations this year.

In the course of the last 30 years, several bilateral legal instruments have been established in various areas of cooperation.

The nations operate an Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation, aimed at facilitating cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

“The Deputy President’s visit follows the visit to South Africa of the Vice President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, in September this year, where she extended an invitation to the Deputy President to pay a reciprocal official visit to mark the 30-year milestone and further strengthen bilateral ties.”

As part of his duties in Vietnam, the Deputy President will hold official talks with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, meet Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, and pay a courtesy call to the Vietnam President Vietnam, Vo Van Thuong.

“He will also meet with the CEOs of some of Vietnam’s largest companies that are looking either to invest in or source goods and services from South Africa. He will also interact with African ambassadors to Vietnam.”

The Deputy President is accompanied in Vietnam by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina; Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:50

98 views

13 December 2023

Workers are battling to collect unemployment benefits despite recent technology

Location: News

UIF App and phone-in system launched in September

12 December 2023

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

Location: News

President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.

“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.

President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.

The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.

The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.

The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.

He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.

“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”

The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).

In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.

“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.

“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”

Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.

These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.

According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.

“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”

The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.

“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”

He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.

In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.

“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.

“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”

President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.

He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.

Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.

Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.

“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”

He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.

“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.

“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.

“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”

However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.

“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58

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President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative