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CENTURION, 27 November 2023 — This holiday season, Centurion Mall is embracing a fresh approach to festivities with a strong focus on environmental consciousness and community engagement. Your parking ticket is now more than just a pass; it’s a key contributor to saving the environment and fostering job opportunities within our community. By repurposing parking …
Government activities for the week 27 November – 01 December 2023
On Monday, 27 November, the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will officially open the Alexandra township’s first x-ray centre at 89 Watt Ave, Wynberg, Johannesburg, from 10:00.
From Monday, 27 November, to Tuesday, 28 November, South Africa hosts the 3rd African Union Men’s Conference on positive masculinity in leadership to end violence against women and girls in Pretoria.
On Tuesday, 28 November, the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu will launch the Cleaning and Greening In-House District Model Programme in Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality in Harrismith, in the Free State.
On Friday, 01 December, South Africans will commemorate World AIDS Day globally.
Janine
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 11:19
Fight against GBVF must continue throughout the year
City of Ekurhuleni Mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana, has called on all of society to fight back against Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) every day of the year.
The mayor was speaking during the local launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign held on Saturday.
Ngodwana said GBVF is a “major societal problem that needs the attention of all of us”.
“We have a problem of GBV, and we cannot just pay attention to this problem only during this time of the year. Every day a woman is abused and therefore this calls for a daily programme of activism against GBV, especially in a country where the justice department deals with no less than 50 000 cases related to GBV and almost 1 000 murder cases a year,” he said.
Ngodwana reflected on the toll that such statistics places on not only victims and survivors but also on the state.
“The high rate of GBV continues to place a heavy burden on the health and criminal justice system, as well as rendering many survivors unable to work or move freely in society, and this cannot be allowed to continue.
“This is not right, because men have a critical role to play in the campaign, both as a victim and also as perpetrator,” he said.
The city works with non-governmental and government departments in the fight against GBVF and also offers social services, including:
Meanwhile, the City of Ekurhuleni is calling on men who work at the municipality to take an active role in rooting out the scourge.
In a statement, the city said its Men’s Forum is “playing a critical role in encouraging male employees to get involved” in the 16 Days campaign.
“The forum’s main objective is to encourage men to understand the different forms of abuse, expose them and speak out against such.
“[It] focuses on diverse programmes like psychosocial support to all affected while motivating men to engage, and inspire each other to be examples of change in their communities. This also includes creating an environment for men to speak up when they too experience abuse,” the statement read.
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide has on women and children, and the social fabric of society. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 09:45
DPWI exploring strategies to improve the management of assets
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, says his department is exploring various strategies to improve the management of its assets.
Zikalala said the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) manages an extensive property portfolio of 28 683 registered and unregistered land parcels on which about 77 537 improvements (buildings and structures) are located across 52 client departments countrywide.
Addressing the Western Cape Property Sector engagement in Cape Town on Thursday, Zikalala said at present, the immovable asset portfolio under the custodianship of the DPWI comprises approximately 30 000 land parcels or 4.7 million hectares of land on which roughly 90 000 facilities (equivalent to 33.9 million m² of floor space) are located.
The DPWI is a custodian of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, 2007 (GIAMA) which provides a regulatory framework of basic principles in terms of which national and provincial departments must manage the immovable assets that they control in executing their mandates.
“We can have a revitalised, attractive state owned property where there is optimal utilisation of state owned buildings, curbing of illegal occupation of buildings, reduced reliance on private leases while promoting longer term lease arrangements that will contribute to property upgrades, and improve energy efficiency.”
Zikalala said in collaboration with industry, the department has an opportunity to put state owned properties into good use to create value, generate income to support the ailing economy, provide sustainable employment, and drive transformation.
“To effectively deliver on our legislative mandate as the real estate agent of the state, we seek to leverage on available expertise, resources, and innovation within the property sector for the benefit of users of the accommodation space.
“We have seen, for an example, how [a] lack of maintenance results in dilapidated buildings and invites social ills such as crime and environmental degradation which in turn affects business; improper surroundings fail to attract investments.
“We only have one country and it is in our hands to work together for the common good. The ‘us and them’ paradigm only creates tensions and misunderstanding and as a result all parties suffer in the process,” the Minister said.
Zikalala said many parts of South Africa lose economic opportunities as a result of the failure to maintain and commercialise state buildings.
“Failure to adopt proactive asset management strategies in the public sector and lack of maintenance of existing buildings speed up their deterioration process.
“As you would know, several government buildings are old and some are more than 100 years old, and the number of vacant buildings is growing. Such vacancy increases the costs of maintaining and upkeep of these buildings without a return on investment,” Zikalala said.
DPWI’s focus is on public land and building assets and infrastructure and the way in which they can be utilised to stimulate and sustain economic growth in the built environment. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:23
Ample space available for children in need, KZN assures
The KwaZulu-Natal Social Development Department has reassured the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection in uMgungundlovu District.
This follows recent reports circulating in some media outlets suggesting that there is a lack of space in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC) in uMgungundlovu District.
“We wish to clarify that our CYCCs in the uMgungundlovu District are not operating at full capacity. Recent headlines conveyed misinformation, implying that children were left without shelter due to space constraints in facilities.
“The department categorically dismisses these claims and wants to reassure the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection. This marks the first instance of encountering such misinformation, considering our longstanding commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments for children across the district,” the department said in a statement.
According to the department, Social Development maintains a strong working relationship with private children's centres, and none of them have raised concerns about space shortages, as they know that when children first come to them, they can contact State facilities.
The department, which is the custodian of children’s rights, has called on citizens with children in distress to contact its office.
“Our CYCCs have a commendable track record, consistently upholding the highest standards of care for the children entrusted with our care. We urge the public to rely on accurate information and refrain from spreading unfounded panic.
“The department is fully equipped to handle cases involving vulnerable children and there is no shortage of space in our CYCCs. It is crucial that individuals encountering children in distress immediately contact our State social workers to ensure proper placement,” the department said.
The provincial department has also encouraged the public to collaborate with them by utilising the State CYCCs to collectively provide a secure and caring environment for children facing challenging circumstances.
“Dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals, families and communities in the province, the department focuses on child and youth care, operating CYCCs to ensure the safety and protection of children in need,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:34
Afrika Tikkun and Microsoft Unite South African Businesses to Revolutionise Youth Employability and Close the Skills Gap Some of the country’s largest corporations at a recent roundtable discussion co-hosted by youth development group, Afrika Tikkun (AT) and Microsoft have questioned whether SA’s unemployment challenges are truly about job availability rather than a mismatch in skills …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the official appointment of Laura Wolvaardt as captain of the Proteas Women...
Pretoria, November, 2023: Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family Pretoria, South Africa – Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care, a premier luxury frail care facility, is proud to announce its commitment to providing professional 24-hour nursing care in a setting where dignity and comfort are paramount. Situated in the …
Centurion, November, 2023: Super Green – Centurion’s Trusted Tree Felling Service Super Green, a leading tree management company in Centurion, is proud to announce its comprehensive tree felling and maintenance services designed to enhance the safety and aesthetic appeal of residential and commercial properties. With a deep commitment to environmental care and professional excellence, Super Green …
Pretoria, November, 2023: Pest Control Experts: Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment Gauteng – Pest Control Experts, Gauteng’s premier pest management service, is dedicated to providing top-tier pest and vermin extermination services, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, office spaces, and industrial premises. With a highly trained team of exterminators, Pest Control Experts are …
They are frustrated by “failures” in the Free State education system
Introduction: In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the intersection of wellness and reproductive rights plays a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals. One significant aspect of this intersection is the provision of legal abortion procedures at wellness clinics. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of wellness clinics in …
In today’s fast-paced world, the integration of cutting-edge audio-visual and home automation systems into our living spaces has become increasingly popular. These systems not only provide entertainment but also enhance the convenience and security of our homes and workplaces. Premium Audio-Visual Experiences Imagine having a home cinema with high-quality sound systems that bring movies …
From November 14 to 17, 2023, the National Department of Health (NDOH), the National Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Health Systems Trust and the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted the first-ever South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) Conference in East London. The theme for this monumental event was, “Towards Universal Health Coverage, Strengthening Primary Health Care: A whole of Government, whole of Society Approach ” aimed to reinvigorate the nation's commitment to the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach, emphasizing its significance in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) within the framework of the National Health Insurance (NHI) dispensation.
The roots of this conference are traced back to WHO's 2008 World Health Report, which reaffirmed the vision of PHC as a set of values and principles guiding the development of health systems. South Africa's journey toward PHC principles evolved over the past 30 years, transforming the health system from fragmentation to integration, marked by notable achievements such as increased access to PHC services and the endorsement of the NHI Policy in 2017.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director for WHO Africa, in her remarks stressed the importance and significance of this conference by stating that, “Universal Health Coverage sits at the heart of achieving Health for All, and Primary Health Care is the vehicle we need to accelerate progress and succeed. The Primary Health Care approach enables us to comprehensively meet the health needs of the population from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and if needed palliative care, and as close as feasible to people's everyday environment, regardless of their financial situation.
Dr. Owen Kaluwa, WHO South Africa's Country Representative, stated that, “Primary Health Care is a comprehensive approach that provides accessible, affordable, and equitable health care services. It focuses on community-based health services, prevention, health promotion, and addressing social determinants of health. Primary Health Care is essential for driving improvements in health care services and outcomes, making it the foundation of Universal Health Coverage and a resilient health system.”
Over 450 participants attended the conference, drawing delegates from government, non-governmental and community-based organizations, civil society, academia, research institutions, the private sector, organized labor, and the complementary/alternative healing sector.
Comprising informative and interactive plenary and breakaway sessions, the conference featured international speakers sharing successful PHC implementation experiences. It provided a platform for showcasing successes at the provincial, district, and sub-district levels and encouraged input from other sectors on collaborative approaches.
The conference included tracks covering various aspects such as UHC and NHI, integration of priority programs into PHC, human resources for health, technology, and innovation, and addressing social determinants of health.
As South Africa hosted this historic conference, it marked a significant step toward building a better future for all citizens through the promotion and enhancement of Primary Health Care.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Top scams to watch out for as you enjoy this year’s Black Friday sales Despite the continued reports about the tough economic environment facing South African consumers and the fact that disposable income is steadily decreasing, South Africans are still enjoying Black Friday sales. Statistics released by First National Bank show that over R2.4 billion …
Stay ahead of the game using PPI to maximise savings this Black Friday Even though there is a continuous narrative that South African consumers are facing a tough economic environment, and that discretionary spending is under pressure, annual Black Friday sales are steadily increasing. First National Bank’s (FNB) statistics show that its cardholders spent nearly …
In the world of DIY and home décor, one product is making a significant impact: eco-friendly chalk paint. This unique type of paint is revolutionising the way people approach furniture restoration and interior design. Not only does it offer a vast array of creative possibilities, but it also aligns with the growing trend of environmental …
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication with customers is more critical than ever. One increasingly popular solution for maintaining high-quality customer interactions is outsourcing customer service functions, including telephone and call answering services, live chat support, and specialised industry-specific customer handling. 24/7 Telephone and Call Answering Services With the global market …
The 17th Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting of the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa officially opened today in Johannesburg, South Africa. The MDT meeting is an annual event, which provides a platform for different FAO units and Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and development partners to jointly review achievements and challenges, while designing innovative approaches for sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
The five-day MDT meeting is held under the theme “Enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.”
The MDT meeting is attended by high-level officials including Winston Makabanyane, Head of Africa Desk, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa; Domingos Hove, Director, Food Agriculture and Natural Resource in the SADC Secretariat; Permanent Secretaries of the SADC Member States, Regional Economic Communities; Abebe Haile-Grabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa; development partners, FAO Representatives and senior technical experts from Headquarters and across Southern Africa.
“For the next five days, the subregion and country offices will share the successes, milestones and challenges in programme implementation, as well as outline how we envisage to respond by enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood system transformation in Southern Africa,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa in his welcome remarks during the official opening ceremony of the MDT meeting.
The 17th MDT meeting is taking place at the start of the renewed mandate of the FAO Director-General, Dr Qu Dongyu, which focuses on the emergence of a new vision of agriculture that will work towards the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life – leaving no one behind.
“I would like to assure you that the regional office eagerly looks forward to the outcomes of this year's MDT meeting and will be there to provide guidance and support for implementation of the agreed programme priorities. I encourage you to utilize the next five days to engage in fruitful discussions and interactions to fully meet the expectations of this meeting,” said Abebe Haile-Grabriel affirming FAO Regional Office's support to the subregion.
Defining and aligning priorities to the FAO 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) and the new biennium
Taking place at a time when FAO will be holding its 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) in April 2024 in Morocco, the discourse of the MDT meeting will give participants the opportunity for the subregion and its Member States to prepare for the Conference to present subregional priorities and technical assistance expectations of Member States and RECs for deliberations at the Conference. In addition, the MDT deliberations will be conducted with a view to informing priorities for the new Biennium (2024 – 2025).
“SADC has a mandate and obligation to support member states as they strive to achieve agrifood systems transformation. In particular, FANR's mandate has a major focus on a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector in line with the theme of this year's MDT meeting and as outlined in SADC's Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030,” said, Domingos Hove underlining the critical importance of co-development, co-ownership and implementation of country and regional programme priorities.
The meeting is structured in a strategic format that will enable the subregion (FAO, Members States and development partners) to take stock of progress to learn and adopt progressive innovations and investments for sustainable agrifood systems transformation. Member States will also have the opportunity present best practices for regional cross-learning and experience sharing. The meeting will delve into the “forecasting” the future of food and agriculture through adopting measurable recommendations for enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Small business can stimulate economic growth, job creation
Focusing on Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives can trigger growth, create jobs and build a more inclusive economy, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“As a country, we need to get behind our entrepreneurs and SMMEs and strengthen the eco-system that supports them,” the President said.
The country’s first citizen was speaking on Friday night at the 2nd National Presidential SMME and Cooperatives Awards in Johannesburg.
The President told delegates the ceremony was pressing given the current volatile global times.
“Our prospects for a faster and more sustained recovery after COVID-19 have been set back amidst continued supply chain disruptions, high inflation and depressed market demand.
“Governments are under pressure to stimulate the economy and to provide more social relief, but with reduced fiscal resources.”
This is the reason he is of the view that SMMEs can stimulate growth and job creation.
He told guests he was encouraged by the work being done by the Department of Small Business Development since the launch of the third iteration of the country’s SMME strategy almost a year ago.
The National Small Enterprise Development Strategic Framework aims to use resources within the broader eco-system to build practical partnerships that enable entrepreneurship and SMME growth.
Government is establishing a new one-stop small enterprise agency that will bring together the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and the Co-operatives Banks Development Agency (CBDA).
The strategic framework calls for concrete partnerships and actions in four areas. These include tackling the red tape and regulatory burdens that frustrate SMMEs.
“The Department of Small Business Development is also streamlining business licensing processes, with the Businesses Licensing Amendment Bill soon to be gazetted.
“But there is much more to be done. We know some of the frustrations which tech start-ups in particular have with foreign exchange controls that impede inward flows of venture capital, and affect the local registration of intellectual property.”
The other areas of focus entail addressing market concentration and enabling market access, especially for SMMEs owned by women, youth and other underserved communities; access to finance and entrepreneurship support.
“If we get this right, we can change the country’s fortunes.”
The current administration, he said, has set a target of establishing new 100 small enterprise incubators. To date, the state has established 110 with another 11 under development.
“It is encouraging that the number of people engaged in entrepreneurial activity has significantly increased.”
Citing the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, he said the working-age population involved in business start-ups in South Africa increased from 6.5% in 2001 to 17.5% in 2021.
“This clearly reaffirms what our National Development Plan envisioned, the creation of 11 million jobs by 2030 with nine million of these coming from small enterprises.
“We just need to scale up our interventions to create a conducive environment for SMMEs, and onboard other eco-system partners, especially the private sector, to play their part.”
He told the entrepreneurs in the room that citizens depended on their innovation and entrepreneurship to create the opportunities that would enable them to get the much-needed jobs.
“Congratulations to the winners and the runners-up. You have gone through a rigorous selection process and thoroughly deserve to be here. It is your dynamism and drive that will revitalise our economy and improve our global competitiveness.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 10:25
Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the scourge of child labour, and recognise the collective duty to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in agriculture.
“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts,” the Minister said.
Nxesi was delivering the keynote address at the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa launch event in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a European Union-funded child labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.
To tackle this grave issue, Nxesi said the world must first understand its root causes. He cited poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness about child rights as creating an environment where child labour thrives.
Nxesi said the Durban Call to Action adopted at the 5th Global Conference last year in Durban, resonates with this approach, in that it commits different role players to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate child labour.
“Education lies at the heart of this endeavour. We must invest in educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to quality education, we empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Simultaneously, the Minister said enforcing existing laws and regulations is paramount. He said that stringent penalties for those exploiting children for labour, coupled with rigorous monitoring mechanisms, will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Moreover, he said, support systems must be put in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been rescued from child labour situations, ensuring they receive the care, counselling, and education necessary for their holistic rehabilitation and development.
“Additionally, we must raise awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the detrimental effects of child labour, and the legal consequences associated with it, can act as a powerful deterrent.
“What remains constant in all these endeavours is that collaboration between government, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society, and international agencies is crucial for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions,” he said.
Nxesi told delegates at the launch that together, they possess the strength, knowledge, and determination needed to create a world where no child is robbed of their innocence, their education, or their dreams.
“In our quest to eradicate child labour, collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. No single entity, whether it is governments, NGOs, businesses, workers or communities, can tackle this issue in isolation. We need to join hands, share expertise, and combine resources to create a formidable force against child labour,” he said.
The Minister said they are thankful to the European Union (EU) for approving the funding of this project, and to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its continued support in their endeavours to fight the scourge of child labour.
The Minister said that the project launched today will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.
He urged all stakeholders to continue to collaborate, to innovate, and to advocate, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing environment – free from the shackles of child labour.
“Together, we can create a supportive environment where families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play by adopting ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that the products we consume are not tainted with the sweat and tears of innocent children,” he said.
The Minister concluded that the fight against child labour in the agricultural sector is a moral imperative that demands an unwavering commitment.
“We look forward to the replication of these pilot projects across the country as a whole, and the eventual elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector – and beyond.
“Let us stand united in our resolve to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced, the advocates for those who are vulnerable, and the champions for those who deserve a brighter future,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37
Ever wondered what could go wrong if you choose the wrong courier in South Africa You’re about to find out. From delayed deliveries to lost goods, poor customer service and hidden costs, it’s a minefield. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. This guide will help you understand the potential pitfalls and how to avoid …
Johannesburg, South Africa – UKM Foods, a leader in the South African food manufacturing sector, is proudly announcing its continued commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. Nestled in the bustling heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, UKM Foods has become synonymous with quality, offering a diverse array of food products that include powdered juices, coffee creamer, full …
Initiative seeks to combat alien species
Government has launched a five-year programme worth R2.67 billion to implement the Working for Water Programme, which aims to eradicate invasive alien plants in communities.
Addressing the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Environmental Programme in Heidelberg, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said over the next five years the department aims to create 38 839 work opportunities every year primarily in rural communities.
"Biological invasions by alien plants is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, water resources and sustainable livelihoods. Invasive species exacerbate floods, droughts and wildfires, and have negative impacts for the forestry and agriculture sectors.
“In short, biological invasions will exacerbate the effects of context of climate change and the extreme weather events associated with global warming. It is for this reason our department is happy today to announce this five-year programme to combat alien species and the damage they do to our land, wetlands and rivers,” Creecy said on Friday.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) 2019 Report on Biological Invasions details the impact of invasive species on South Africa’s biodiversity and economy.
Invasive trees use 3-5% of South Africa’s runoff water every year, which is a significant loss for a water-scarce country.
"Many species of invasive plants are also less drought-resistant than indigenous ones and pose a greater fire risk. By displacing indigenous species and creating single species plantations, alien invasive also undermine our country’s rich biodiversity, which in turn negatively impacts our tourism potential.
“Invasive species also interfere in natural processes that can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters through the provision of ecosystem services, examples being the role estuaries, wetlands and indigenous forests play during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.
“Thus, by clearing waterways and managing the spread of invasive species we are restoring natural habitats and simultaneously restoring ecosystem services that will assist us in the fight against the effects of climate change,” the Minister said.
To ensure sustainable clearing of alien species on a regular basis as well as sustained public employment, the department has made its contracting over a longer five-year period, as opposed to short-term contracts in the previous cycle.
For local small enterprises in rural communities, this also offers a reliable revenue that can assist the enterprises to invest their businesses to ensure future opportunities.
“This means that the Working for Water Programme is growing and is advancing the inclusion of previously disadvantaged enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the value chain of clearing invasive alien species. In this way the Working for Water Programme advances transformation and prioritises the inclusive economy policies of government,” the Minister said.
The department has committed R2.67 billion to clear hectares while creating 194 195 work opportunities over a five-year period.
“Today marks the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Programme to the value of R152 million to implement projects across the five Gauteng municipalities namely, the City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, West Rand, Sedibeng, and the City of Ekurhuleni.
“In Gauteng, the Working for Water Programme will clear 74 781 hectares over a period of five years, starting from 2023/2024. During this five year period, we are aiming to create 13 615 work opportunities through the EPWP model,” the Minister said.
The department also collaborates with the South African National Parks (SANParks) to implement the Working for Water Programme.
SANParks has been allocated R 947 710 million to create 90 710 work opportunities through clearing 431 237 hectares over a five year period. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 11:19