Environment

8 September 2023

President Ramaphosa arrives in New Delhi to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 08 September 2023, arrived in New Delhi, Republic of India to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for 09 - 10 September 2023.

The New Delhi G20 Summit is hosted under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

The President will tomorrow, 09 September 2023, participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

On Sunday, 10 September 2023, President Ramaphosa will also join Heads of State and Government at the Wreath Laying Ceremony taking place at the Rajghat Memorial.

The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa's diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely;

- Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth;

- Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

- Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE);

- Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century;

- Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure;

- Building Digital Public Infrastructure;

- Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony;

- Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and;

- Creating a More Inclusive World.

The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

The G20 Summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.

The G20 has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world.

South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025.

President Ramaphosa is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

8 September 2023

Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40

Location: News

Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 9 September 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Forty under 40 SA Awards, taking place at Houghton Hotel, Gauteng.

The Forty under 40 SA Awards celebrate and honour the nation’s most influential, accomplished, and inspiring South Africans under 40, across various sectors.

This year more than 350 nominations were received and the final 40 of these will be hailed as the most influential for their achievements in their respective areas.

The awards are hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, together with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with Xodus Communications.

The awards will be preceded by the Champion Summit, which is an interactive gathering that aims to empower and equip young leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to drive positive change in their communities.

“The summit promises to bring inspiring interactions, engaging workshops, and panel discussions, which will foster an environment for the exchange of ideas and personal development,” the Deputy President’s Office said.

During his address, Deputy President Mashatile will highlight how government has placed the education and training of young people at the top of its agenda as one of the most crucial enabling factors for economic emancipation. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:22

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7 September 2023

Arsene Wenger: I had a chance to create a legacy for developing talented children

Location: News

FIFA
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The FIFA (www.FIFA.com) Talent Coach programme sits under the umbrella of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme; Twenty-five member associations will benefit from a Talent Coach working with them for two years; Wenger: “We want to develop children, to ultimately make football globally more competitive.”

One afternoon last week at the Home of FIFA, a group of U-14 players were gathered in a huddle. In their midst, an ‘over-age' player could be spotted, linking arms with players less than half his height. FIFA's Chief of Global Head of Development, Arsène Wenger.

Players from FC Zurich's junior teams were supporting the final preparations of FIFA's latest Technical Development programme to be launched, which will see Talent Coaches spend two years each, working together with twenty-five of FIFA's member associations (MAs).

The FIFA Talent Coach Programme is another important pillar under the umbrella of the Talent Development Scheme, following a six-month pilot involving seven countries (Kyrgyz Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Benin, South Africa, Fiji, and Finland).

“We want to develop elite players in countries where there is potential for further development. There are many children in the world who don't get the chance to develop their talent, and the quality of our work can change this,” explained Wenger.

Observing the different coaching sessions taking place, Wenger's engagement was clear. From passing on a tip to one of the coaches, to sharing his philosophy on the game. It felt pertinent to ask: what lies behind his motivation?

“Arsenal is known for giving players a chance but I knew that was not the case everywhere. One of my worries was always to give people who deserve it, a chance in life.

“When I joined FIFA, we analysed football around the world, and realised that the main deficit in football is education, in many, many countries. Look at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™. It shows you how quickly women's football has developed at the top level, and what is possible.

“If you love football, you don't just love it at the elite male level. After my competitive career, I had a chance to create a legacy for developing talented children. This doesn't make headlines, but that's not important. What is important is that we are efficient. That we help develop children between the ages of 12-16, to ultimately make football globally more competitive.”

In December 2022, the FIFA Council approved a funding allocation of USD 200 million (https://apo-opa.info/3sNcfXR) to cover the 2023-2026 operational lifecycle of this ground-breaking initiative, and in March 2023, the Council also approved a set of regulations laying out the principles and distribution of funding and the process of approval, as well as the rights and obligations of member associations.

Participating member associations may apply for funding under one or more of the annual bespoke FIFA talent programmes to support specific projects related to their strategic long-term development plan.

Patricia Gonzalez, FIFA's Team Lead of the Talent Coaches programme, is one of the Talent Coach programme leads and admitted that on paper, the key objectives of the Talent Coach programme look simple.

1. To put the best young players with the best in each country

2. Increase the contact time

3. Improve the processes of planning, talent identification and coach education

“By having a dedicated coach on the ground, working in partnership with our MAs, we believe together we can enhance the high-performance environment in each country and give more talent a chance,” said Gonzalez.

“Over the last three years, FIFA conducted a ‘ecosystem analysis' to understand the challenges and strengths of more than 200 MAs, supporting each MA to shape a long-term talent development strategy. It's clear that nations competing for, or winning trophies are offering more and more meaningful contact time to players. This creates a big competitive advantage.”

The main focus of the Talent Development Scheme will be to invest in academies. The objective is that every member association has at least one academy or centre of excellence to develop the most talented players by 2026.

“The majority of Talent Coaches will work in countries where the programme can have more of an impact,” Gonzalez explained. “This player age group – 12-15 – is where a player' brain has a very high plasticity. It's a crucial stage for their development, if they hope to become professional players of the future.”

The Talent Coaches must have a minimum A Licence and relevant prior experience e.g., having previously worked with youth national teams or at academies in a talent development role. Equally important are cultural and personality traits; the selected Talent Coaches in the words of Gonzalez are ‘people who can develop others by coaching, by mentoring. Who care about making other people better.'

“Player Development is very complex, and we need the Talent Coaches to put the process above themselves and their ego. You are the coach and the architect of the environment but cannot influence everything. So, they need to possess ‘soft skills' too,” she expanded.

Ulf Schott, FIFA Head of High Performance Programme concurred, whilst underlining the importance of an additional quality.

“We want these Talent Coaches to be role models,” he said. “Through the ecosystem analysis, it was clear that many MAs don't have enough systems to find their most talented players, so this is the first step. Once you find the players, you can bring them together.

"By having that role model, it will create a ‘ripple effect.' We don't want the Talent Coaches organising admin. We want them on the pitch, showing what high-performance means, inspiring other coaches. We want them to show a dedication to elite football.”

Only a small percentage of talented youngsters will go on to have a professional career. Yet as Schott underlined, in many countries, that possibility is not even currently an option.

“Through this programme, we want to give talented players the chance to live their dream. It's clear not everyone will be able to do that, but the aim is to give everyone a pathway. This will look completely different all over the world. What we really want, is to have a shift in the way of thinking when talking about high performance.

“We are talking about 5-7 training sessions a week for the most talented players, whilst ensuring a holistic approach to the education as a player, and as a person. Fundamentally, this is about players who are dedicated to high performance football.”

The majority of the 25 MAs will be focused on developing boys and girls, though some have requested to specialise. Bhutan for example, are planning a female-only academy.

“We want to work with MAs who are ‘ready, willing and able'," said Gonzalez in conclusion. "MAs who have a Technical Department, youth national teams, domestic minimum playing opportunities and basic Coach Education in place. If you don't have these things in place, you are not ‘willing' and will not be ‘able' to bridge that gap to the top.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org

7 September 2023

African Energy Chamber (AEC) Hosts High Commissioners and Ambassadors Reception in Pretoria

Location: News

As global demand continues to grow and African countries seek to unlock new investment in untapped energy resources, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) – serving as the voice of the African energy sector – is committed to facilitating engagement between governments, industry players, and capital and technology providers. On Thursday, the AEC hosted a High Commissioners and Ambassadors Reception in Pretoria, aimed at fostering new connections between countries.

The reception served as a prelude to the continent's largest energy event, African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 – taking place from October 16-20 at the Cape Town Convention Center. More than 50 High Commissioners and Ambassadors took part in the reception, with remarks delivered by André Nzapayeke, Ambassador of Central African Republic & Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa; Tebogo Seokolo, Acting Deputy Director General: Africa; and NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Verner Ayukegba, the Senior Vice President at the AEC, served as the Master of Ceremonies at the Reception.

“Energy security represents one of the greatest threats in the 21^st century. It is one of the vexing challenges facing the African continent. We have to put all hands-on deck to address these challenges. It is about time that we see the positive results, see the investments,” Ambassador Seokolo stated. “This event is a precursor to AEW. It brings together global leaders and executives from both the public and private sector to discuss the future of African energy. On our part as Ambassadors of international relations, we commit to providing the support for visa facilitation.”

“We are dealing with a subject that is very important: energy. Without energy, we will not go far. Our continent has huge potential in energy. We will encourage out countries to attend AEW, because it is an opportunity for the actors in the sector to know each other and explore real business opportunities,” stated Ambassador Nzapayeke. “I would like to give the promise that we, the international diplomatic group, are willing to work hand in hand with you to promote the energy sector on the continent. The pan-African parliament can play an important role. Together we can make a difference.”

With energy security representing a significant challenge in Africa, the AEC Reception served as a strong foundation for country representatives to engage, share ideas and understand different approaches to resource maximization.

“Six million Africans don't have access to electricity, 900 million don't have access to clean cooking solutions. We have to deal with that fundamental issue,” stated Ayuk, adding that, “We need diplomacy to make energy poverty history. We need an environment that we can do projects in Africa and where we can do business. This is where governance will play a big part.”

AEW builds on a series of successful editions and has become the premier platform for investment to flow into African energy projects. This year's AEW takes place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets,' and convenes African governments and policymakers, regional energy companies and thought leaders, and global investors and technology providers for four days of dialogue and deals.

“AEW, the largest oil and gas conference on the continent, is a platform that we use to push our agenda: increase investment in the oil and gas space. We want to see your companies from your countries help build for a future African. Come to AEW and create the right type of partnerships,” stated Ayukegba.

With the event merely weeks away, time is running out to secure your participation at the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent. Visit www.AECWeek.com and secure your place among Africa's energy leaders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber

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7 September 2023

Roam free, crash free with Simbini Lifestyle Estate

Location: MyPR

Simbini Lifestyle Estate is not only a unique Investment opportunity bordering Kruger National Park, it also offers an innovative way of ensuring the financial sustainability of the project. Do you dream of owning a place where the irresistible allure of African landscapes merges seamlessly with luxurious modern living? Could there be a place that offers …

7 September 2023

President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to embark on a working visit to India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend.

“President Ramaphosa will during the summit participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed One Earth, One Family and One Future. The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.

“South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world. South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The theme for this year’s summit, held under the Presidency of India, is “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

“The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely; Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth; Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE); Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century; Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure; Building Digital Public Infrastructure; Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony; Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and; Creating a More Inclusive World.

“The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

“The G20 initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption,” the Presidency said.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor will support the President on the working visit. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 15:03

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7 September 2023

Government must maximise spend on education – Nzimande

Location: News

Government must maximise spend on education - Nzimande

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande says as government continues to spend a large share of its national budget on education, the challenge is to maximise the impact of this progressive investment.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) in Durban on Thursday.

He said the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated Post-School Education and Training.

“Our department of Higher Education and Training has the single largest number of entities of all the national government departments, with over 110,” Nzimande said.

South Africa’s PSET sector is one of the biggest in Africa with highly developed institutions that feature in the global arena of international education, training, research, technology development and innovation.

“We also have the single largest research infrastructure and systems on the African continent. Our National Plan for Post-School Education and Training is a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.

“It is framed within the broader goals and priorities of the National Development Plan (NDP), which foregrounds the national efforts to address the triple challenges of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. It is an overarching instrument and a blueprint for guiding planning in our PSET sector.

“It aligns and integrates the work that is already underway and provides a policy framework for major transformative changes government wants to bring about across the PSET system and its nexus with society and the economy,” the minister said.

Nzimande explained that the National Plan for Post School Education and Training has six goals which are the drivers for the system.

“We are bringing together institutions and traditions that have different histories and investments and propose ways of making them work together towards common goals.

“We are consolidating and building on those aspects of the system that are working well whilst also streamlining a wide range of policies, plans, and strategies currently in existence that impact on the system without reducing its diversity,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande said his department has developed an articulation Policy for the Post-School Education and Training System of South Africa in 2017.

“The policy was established to create an enabling environment to ensure that articulation occurs within and between NQF sub-frameworks, institutions work together to develop learning and work pathways and support to students as they follow their individual learning and work pathways,” the Minister said.

Nzimande added that his department conducted a comprehensive evaluation study on the implementation of the National Qualification Framework Act on how articulation was implemented by both TVET colleges and universities.

“The baseline study was also conducted to determine how articulation was practiced within and between higher education institutions. The study has identified a number of challenges in how articulation works across the entire PSET system.

“The major challenge still remains to optimise articulation pathways between universities, TVET colleges and CET colleges and without cul-de-sacs in the system. We must also fund and properly resource articulation,” Nzimande said.

The NPPSET sets out a roadmap for implementing the vision of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training.

Having already been approved by the Minister, the NPPSET is being implemented by the department and may be viewed in conjunction with its enablers and or by-products which are the development of the Master Skills Plan, Student Funding Model, inclusive of the ‘missing middle’ and the implementation of the Labour Market Intelligence programme.

This launch provides an opportunity for the department to bring on board all stakeholders that are key in the broader implementation of the plan thereby ensuring effective implementation geared towards the realisation of the envisaged goals of the National Development Plan and other relevant policies to 2030 and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/07/2023 - 14:36

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7 September 2023

How Much Does SEO Cost for a Startup

Location: MyPR

When it comes to launching a startup, budgeting is one of the most critical aspects to consider. While you may have allocated funds for product development, marketing, and operational costs, have you thought about the budget for SEO? Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is an essential part of any startup’s digital marketing strategy, especially if you’re …

7 September 2023

What Items Should You Avoid Putting in a Storage Unit

Location: MyPR

Storage units have become a convenient solution for individuals and businesses looking to declutter their living or working spaces. These units provide a secure and organised environment to store belongings temporarily or long-term. However, not all items are suitable for storage, as some can pose risks to the safety of the stored items, the storage …

6 September 2023

Police committee vote to continue with process to consider Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) amendment bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Police today voted to adopt a Motion of Desirability on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023] and will continue with processes to consider the Bill. The majority view was that there is an urgent need to strengthen, through legislation, IPID's institutional and operational independence and give effect to the Constitutional Court judgement in the case of McBride v Minister of Police and another.

While there were concerns about the Bill's lack of certification by the Office of the State Law Advisor as it relates to apprehension on the constitutionality of clause 4 of the Bill, the committee emphasised that the Bill's principles are accepted. The committee's adoption of the motion of desirability is in line with National Assembly Rule 286 (6). The committee reiterates that it has taken due regard of the legal advice provided and will ensure that its processes comply with the Constitution, South Africa's laws and regulations and National Assembly rules.

“This decision is necessary as Parliament is the only body that has the mandate to legislate the structural and operational independence of IPID in accordance with section 206 (6) of the Constitution. We must also emphasise that the decision was taken with full consideration of the legal advice provided and that every step of the process will be guided by legal considerations,” said Mr Nocks Seabi, the Chairperson of the committee.

Meanwhile, the committee received a progress report and implementation plan emanating from the recommendations made by the Presidential Expert Panel report on the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The committee welcomed the detailed plan and progress in implementing the recommendations directed to SAPS.

In line with this, the committee welcomed the implementation of the Increased Crime Prevention and Combating Action Plan, which will result in the countrywide mobilisation of SAPS resources to address violent crime through high-density operations, intelligence-led roadblocks and suspect tracking operations. The committee also welcomed the work to enhance relationships with the community through community police forums. Financial support of R70 million to these forums will provide them with the necessary support to procure the tools of trade they need to function efficiently.

Meanwhile, the committee raised its concerns about the slow prosecution of criminal cases linked to the unrest. While the committee acknowledges that criminal justice processes are sometimes protracted, it emphasised the need to ensure successful prosecution as a deterrent against a recurrence of such events.

The committee welcomes the progress in filling critical vacancies at the Division: Crime Intelligence. SAPS management informed the committee that a Divisional Commissioner was appointed in December 2022 and processes are underway to fill another 15 posts. A further 268 vacancies were filled in the 2022/23 financial year. The committee remains of the view that Crime Intelligence is critical to ensure proactive policing. The filling of posts is a major step towards enhancing this environment.

The committee also welcomed the plans to capacitate SAPS members with crowd control techniques and the assurance that more than 10 000 SAPS members were trained as first responders in crowd management. A further 4 900 Public Order Police members received training in the principles and techniques of basic crowd management, which the committee also welcomed.

Meanwhile, the committee has decided to give Members of Parliament time to consider whether it will be ideal for the committee to conduct a full enquiry on the unrest or to defer it to the seventh Parliament. The committee will draft a process plan setting out timeframes to see if the committee will have adequate time to process the matter. The committee previously deferred the matter to give time to the Presidential Expert Panel and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigations to avoid duplication. The SAHRC has said it is in the process of concluding its investigation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

6 September 2023

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

Location: News

Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant

With a total of R3.3 billion invested in the South African economy in the last two years, Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa aims to build the largest container production plant in the continent.

Ardagh is one of the companies that heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for more investment into the South African economy.

Their staggered investment kicked off in May 2022 with a R1.5 billion set aside for the expansion of its facility in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. A further R1.8 billion was added later for expansion at the same facility.

Ardagh Glass Packing Africa exists after it took over the company, Consol, which had been in existence since 1944.

The company is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates four modern glass production facilities. These are in Bellville, Clayville, Nigel and Wadeville and are producing around five billion glass containers per annum.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Paul Curnow, says demand for sustainable packaging in Africa is growing strongly, supported by factors such as rising income levels and growing sustainability awareness.

He said Ardagh is committed to investing in its people and its asset base to serve this strong demand growth over the near term.

“The expansions have also been designed with the environment in mind. They provide significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits, representing another important step in Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa’s journey to decarbonise the glass production process and to reduce emissions in the communities in which it operates,” Curnow said.

He adds that the expansion projects together are expected to create around 300 direct jobs and significant ancillary supply-chain expenditure in local communities.

The company also estimates that at least five indirect jobs are created for every direct job, indicating a much larger impact in job creation. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:59

234 views

6 September 2023

SARS Commissioner calls for tax administrators to be excluded from budget cuts

Location: News

SARS Commissioner calls for tax administrators to be excluded from budget cuts

South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has called on National Treasuries to exclude tax administrations from across-the-board austerity measures, as it poses a threat to innovation, fiscal integrity and sovereignty.

“Once you suspend funding, the end result will always be the suspension of innovation and regression against the progress of other administrations. This goes against the intrinsic value of digitalisation in improving tax compliance and detecting tax non-compliance,” Kieswetter said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

He was addressing the 2nd Network of Tax Organisation (NTO) Technical Conference, which took place under the theme: ‘Digitalisation of Tax Administrations and Contemporary Issues’.

“As more financial transactions are taking place digitally, more third party data sources are shared with tax administrations, and central bank digital currencies are emerging, the importance of digitalisation and consequently the use of data science, and artificial intelligence have become central to revenue collection, compliance and trade facilitation.

“So, in short, whenever budget cuts are required, National Treasuries – Budget Offices are advised to avoid across-the-board cuts and ensure a more prudent approach to invest to build enabling and productive economic capacity, create employment, and thus expand the tax base.

“This secures fiscal integrity and sovereignty in the long run. Tax administrations should be excluded from across-the-board austerity measures. The investment in digitalisation should not be disrupted. The cost of recovery is simply too high in every respect,” Kieswetter said.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the modernisation and digitisation of work at SARS.

“COVID-19 inadvertently took us to the drawing board to think from first principles, and very quickly accelerated our response towards reprioritising our technology investment to enable our employees to work during the hard lockdown and to allow taxpayers to continue to fulfil their tax obligations,” the Commissioner said.

Although SARS has made progress, he explained that much more still needs to be done, as the revenue service is behind in its digitalisation journey.

“I want to pause here and focus on one element as a critical enabler of the digitalisation journey - and that relates to funding. Before State capture, SARS was a leader in digital modernisation for many years.

“However, partly due to financial constraints, but also a short-term approach, budgets were then frozen for a number of years and SARS fell behind in driving technological innovation. We have now managed to restore some additional funds to continue our modernisation, but we are still substantially underfunded to move at the necessary speed in an environment that is changing exponentially, business models are being disrupted, and tax crime proliferating at an alarming rate,” he said.

SARS faces the challenge of not only having to play catch-up after many years of underinvestment, but also of accelerating modernisation simply to remain relevant.

“We are at a point where we can again focus on innovation. The important lesson here is that the digitalisation journey is not a finite project, but a new way of being. It is an ongoing journey. Once you suspend funding, the end result will always be the suspension of innovation and regression against the progress of other administrations,” the Commissioner said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:08

121 views

5 September 2023

SA strives to meet national ambient air quality standards

Location: News

SA strives to meet national ambient air quality standards

While South Africa’s air quality monitoring network shows that the country has not yet met the national ambient air quality standards, significant strides to attain improvements in the quality of air have been made.

Addressing the National Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, said despite government’s efforts over the years, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and ozone remain the key pollutants of concern, especially in metropolitan municipalities and the air quality priority areas.

“Large scale industrial activities, power stations, vehicles, waste burning, and the burning of open veld continue to be major causes of air pollution. Recently, load shedding has increased the country’s reliance on alternative energy sources such as generators, coal, wood, charcoal, and paraffin in communities. The reliance on these alternative energy sources not only poses health hazards to the individuals themselves, but also exacerbate the deterioration of air quality,” Sotyu said on Monday.

Since the promulgation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, South Africa has made significant strides to attain improvements in the quality of air.

“Our country has progressively facilitated the realisation of the Constitutional Right to an environment that promotes sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth that is not harmful to the health and well-being of citizens.

“We have advanced these constitutional rights to a safe and healthy environment with strong laws, vibrant cooperative governance, and innovative tools on air pollution management. These laws and tools must be supported by an effective and proactive enforcement to reduce harmful levels of air pollution and ensure a safe and healthy environment,” Sotyu said.

She further noted that South Africa’s quality monitoring stations continue to face increasing pressure due to escalating operational and maintenance costs and ageing infrastructure.

“At a time when the country is faced with economic and social challenges, and fiscal constraints, the national Department has had to find new ways to meet monitoring objectives through the support of the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

“We will be calling upon the entity to assist all spheres of government in managing several strategic stations for the foreseeable future. Such an intervention must ultimately build the much-needed technical capacity in government that will be sustainable,” she said.

The National Air Quality Governance Lekgotla took place in Polokwane, Limpopo, under the theme: “Scalable Emission Reductions by 2030.”

“While capacity at local government remains a challenge, the implementation of the Special Cabinet decision to assist struggling municipalities with the administrative function of processing atmospheric emission licences has enabled significant improvements in this regard.

“The sector has achieved an efficiency of 88% in processing atmospheric emission licences in the last financial year, compared to 63% achieved in the previous financial year,” Sotyu said.

The Deputy Minister said the department is developing priority area regulations to implement and enforce Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans.

“I am happy to report that these regulations have undergone extensive public consultations and will be considered for publication soon. These regulations will intensify accountability and a shared responsibility across all sectors of society in improving the quality of air,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:51

493 views

5 September 2023

UIF launches free mobile app to speed up its services

Location: News

UIF launches free mobile app to speed up its services

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has launched a zero-rated mobile APP, as well as a free USSD platform to enable clients to access UIF services at any time.

This will go a long way to reducing long queues at the labour centres.

The app, which was launched on Monday, will bring services to the people and enable UIF clients to access services at any time, from anywhere at no cost.

Unveiling the platforms during a media briefing in Cape Town, Maruping said the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and mobile APP will promote greater self-service for clients, reduce long queues in the labour centres and alleviate pressure on officials.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping believes the platforms will put more money in the pockets of clients because they will save on transport costs currently incurred when visiting labour centres.

“There is really no better time than now to do this to ensure that workers begin to access services at their fingertips. We are moving with the times to create a better, more capable UIF that leverages technology to respond to challenges on the ground and changes in the external environment,” Maruping said.

He said the UIF recognises that most of their clients may not be in the best financial position when they need to access their services, hence the initiative to launch the mobile app and USSD platform.

Maruping said the two platforms also enable clients to check their UIF registration status, which will improve non-compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act by employers who fail to register, declare and pay contributions for their workers.

“By simply dialling *134*843# on any cellular phone for free, clients can, among others, submit a continuation of payment or check their claim and payment status, instead of visiting a labour centre. The same services can also be accessed on our mobile APP, which can be downloaded from either Google Play Store, App Store for IOS phones or Huawei App Store,” Maruping explained.

The Commissioner also called on all UIF contributing workers to use these platforms to check their registration status, whilst in employment, and not wait until they are no longer working.

“If you find that your employer has not registered you, but is deducting UIF, then immediately report this to a labour inspector so it can be corrected,” Maruping said.

The Commissioner stressed that the fund is committed to taking bold steps to improve service delivery.

The UIF will go on roadshows to educate clients in all provinces and implement a mass media campaign.

“In addition to these new platforms, we recently installed free Wi-Fi at all labour centres around the country to enable clients to access our services online and reduce the time it takes to queue for assistance. Meanwhile, our mobile buses continue to take services to the doorsteps of clients, especially in deep rural and remote areas,” Maruping said.

Maruping also visited the Bellville labour centre to interact with clients and promote the platforms. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 10:42

529 views

5 September 2023

SAPPMA Launches Educational Campaign Aimed At Senior University Students And Future Industry Leaders

Location: MyPR

The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has begun conducting a series of educational lectures at selected universities and professional associations as part of their ongoing initiative to promote knowledge and awareness about plastic pipes within the academic community. The campaign, aimed primarily at 3rd and 4th year engineering students, already witnessed engaging sessions …

5 September 2023

SA benefits economically from BRICS grouping

Location: News

SA benefits economically from BRICS grouping

Outlining the economic benefits of South Africa's participation in the BRICS grouping, President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Members of Parliament that South Africa’s trade with the bloc has increased by an average of 10% every year over the period 2017 to 2021.

“The total South African trade with other BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] countries reached R830 billion in 2022, which represents an increase of more than 70% from R487 billion in 2017,” the President said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Participating in a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa explained that BRICS is an important source of foreign direct investment in key areas such as mining, automotive, transportation, clean energy, financial services and information technology (IT).

These investments and projects lead to significant job creation.

“South Africa has experienced significant benefits through its membership as well as its association with the BRICS grouping of countries. South Africa uses its BRICS membership to improve investment, trade, tourism, as well as capacity building, and it also flows into skills acquisition and technological capabilities that we see this relationship yielding for our country.

“Strengthening economic as well as financial ties between BRICS member countries is one of the key pillars of this cooperation that we have forged with all these countries,” the President said.

In 2020, the countries adopted the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership to increase access to each other’s markets, promote mutual trade and investment, and create a business-friendly environment for investors in all BRICS countries.

“Furthermore, the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Alliance bring together important commercial networks that promote trade and investment partnerships among BRICS countries. In 2015, BRICS countries launched the New Development Bank to finance and largely support infrastructure and sustainable development projects,” President Ramaphosa said.

To date, the New Development Bank has provided funding to 12 projects in South Africa to the value of over R100 billion.

“Our membership of BRICS makes a valuable contribution to the implementation of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. For example, growing the tourism industry is one of the priorities of the Plan. The BRICS countries are becoming increasingly important tourism markets for South Africa.

“In terms of supporting energy security in South Africa, another pillar of our recovery plan, BRICS countries have the expertise and technologies to support energy cooperation. In 2020, BRICS adopted a Road Map for BRICS Energy Cooperation up to 2025 aimed at building a strategic partnership in energy cooperation,” the President said.

On infrastructure investment, which is another pillar of the recovery plan, South Africa will continue to access funding from the New Development Bank for energy, transport and water.

“The inclusion of Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members of the group will strengthen beneficial cooperation with South Africa in political, economic and financial matters.

“These countries will enhance economic partnership in key sectors such as oil and energy, telecommunication and information technology, agriculture, textile, logistics, air transportation and tourism and medicine,” the President said.

Last month’s three-day BRICS Summit wrapped up with several successful outcomes, including the expansion of the six aforementioned countries to become full members of BRICS effective from January 2024.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit from 22-24 August in Johannesburg. This year’s summit took place under the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism’.

The President said South Africa expects that its trade links and investments participation with all the additional countries will increase.

This addition is also expected to contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry.

“In economic terms, all these new additional countries are big players and on the horizon are a number of other countries that have indicated their willingness to be part of BRICS and they too will be considered in the next phase.

“We will obviously look at the economic value in terms of participation for all of us as BRICS members. These additional countries will be boosting our Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan and we expect great benefits from all this.

“The benefits for our countries has been very clear right from the beginning. It has led to enhanced activity amongst ourselves and all these countries. Being a BRICS member does contribute a great deal to economic growth as well,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 15:18

615 views

5 September 2023

Algoa FM Celebrates decades of transforming communities on International Charity Day

Location: MyPR

On International Charity Day on September 5, Algoa FM reflects on more than three decades of dedicated community service. For 35 years, Algoa FM has made a profound impact on the lives of people residing within its broadcast footprint through numerous fund-raising drives. Algoa FM’s broadcast footprint extends from the Garden Route to the Wild …

5 September 2023

De Lille invites comments on tourism Green Paper

Location: News

De Lille invites comments on tourism Green Paper

To usher in Tourism Month and the upcoming Summer Campaign, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed Cabinet’s concurrence of ‘The Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa’ to be published for public comment.

“The Green Paper comes at a particularly exciting time for tourism globally and in South Africa. Tourism is a growth sector and generator of jobs, and tourist destinations need to position themselves to take advantage of this sector’s recovery growth trajectory,” De Lille said.

The tourism sector has continued to grow for the past decade, earning the reputation of being one of the most significant and fastest-growing sectors before COVID-19.

In 2019, it contributed 3.7% to the local GDP and created 780 096 direct South African jobs. Despite numerous advances, the tourism sector lags relative to its potential.

To respond to this challenge and to accelerate inclusive tourism growth, the Department of Tourism embarked on a process of reviewing the 1996 Tourism White Paper.

The policy review process has yielded the Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. The Green Paper seeks to sustainably grow a more inclusive tourism sector that creates mass employment, reacts to innovations and adapts to future crises.

“The Green Paper seeks to facilitate growth and transformation of the tourism sector by creating an enabling regulatory environment for the present and future, especially with regards to technological developments.

“The Green Paper further seeks to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the broader economy and drive employment and entrepreneurship, whilst enabling the sector to adapt to future crises.

“I invite the public to study The Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa and provide us with substantive comments,” the Minister said.

The vision of the Green Paper is to sustainably and competitively grow the South African economy through an inclusive, inspiring, visitor-oriented tourism sector that consistently builds partnerships to strengthen the impact of the sector nationally, regionally and globally.

Its aim is also to address barriers to tourism growth and to respond to the social cohesion imperatives of the country.

Key elements include but are not limited to:

• Implementation of a research-based tourism safety response programme in partnership with relevant agencies.

• Develop and regularly review tourism crisis management framework to enable a response to crises.

• Implementation of Tourism BBBEE Codes & strengthening mechanism for access to finance.

• Facilitation of ease of access to the destination, especially as it relates to immigration and transport.

• Recommitting the sector to the responsible tourism agenda.

• Regulation of short-term rental accommodation to ensure policy certainty.

To enable the sector to reach its potential, The Green Paper focuses on four policy thematic areas with a specific focus under each.

The four thematic areas are:

- Evolving former policy areas: Tourism governance, safety and security management and transformation.

- Emerging policy issues: Embracing technology, crisis management, accessing the destination, quality visitor services, skills supply and employment and tourist services.

- Policy issues for targeted growth: Prioritising rural and peri-urban tourism, enhancing domestic tourism for destination resilience and destination marketing and branding.

- Sustainable growth model: Responsible tourism, knowledge management research and insights, tourism diplomacy, and tourism trade and investment.

The significance of tourism within the South African economy is widely recognised. The New Growth Path, the National Development Plan (NDP) and several State of the Nation Addresses identify the tourism sector among the core contributors to the country's medium to long-term national economic goals.

The 1996 Tourism White Paper predates many of these government frameworks, particularly the NDP, thus necessitating alignment.

The country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) identifies tourism recovery as one of the priority interventions to drive the reconstruction and recovery of the economy.

The Tourism Sector's Recovery Plan also identifies the need to review the policy framework to support the sector's growth.

The gazette for public comment was published on Friday 1 September and is available at: www.gpwonline.co.za/Documents/Government/49223%201-9%20Tourism.pdf.

Any person who wishes to submit written inputs in connection with the Green Paper is invited to do so within 60 days from the date of the gazette. Submissions should be:

a) Mailed to the Department of Tourism, for attention: Mr Senzo Nkala, Private Bag x424, Pretoria, 0001

b) Delivered by hand to the Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001

c) Emailed to TourismGreenPaper@tourism.gov.za.

The Green Paper is also available on the Department’s website at www.tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 12:11

215 views

5 September 2023

Your lesson for World Cleanup Day – when you recycle your PET bottles, place nothing in the bottle

Location: MyPR

Our country’s post-consumer recycling rates for beverage bottles are high but they could be higher if South Africans would learn one simple rule – put nothing in the bottle. This is the view of South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, who urges those South Africans who will be actively participating in World …

4 September 2023

Didiza to lead SA delegation to Trade and Investment Summit in Uganda

Location: News

Didiza to lead SA delegation to Trade and Investment Summit in Uganda

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, will participate in and lead the second Uganda/South Africa Trade and Investment Summit from 5 - 6 September 2023 in Kampala, Uganda.

The summit aims to encourage interaction and dialogue between various entities in the two countries, which may result in sustainable growth in trade and investment.

“The focus of the event is on the agro-industry to reflect on the importance of agriculture in the Ugandan economy, although not to the exclusion of other sectors,” the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development said.

Trade relations between the two countries have been growing until the recent slowdown as a result COVID-19 pandemic.

The department said while South Africa’s businesses are well established -- with the Forum for South African Business in Uganda (FOSABU) as an anchor to the South African business community in Uganda -- Ugandan businesses have had little success in penetrating the South African market due to the poor quality of products exported from Uganda, inadequate phytosanitary standards and high visa costs.

FOSABU is a business association that was formed in 2015. It comprises South African companies doing business in Uganda and other companies operating in Uganda that have strong linkages to South Africa.

The first edition of the Uganda-South Africa Investment and Trade Summit was held in Pretoria in February 2023, and was addressed by both South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Presidents agreed to work together to improve the business operating environment between the two countries, including addressing all challenges affecting the private sector.

The second Uganda-South Africa Investment and Trade Summit 2023 will be held under the theme, 'Accelerating Investments and Trade between Uganda and South Africa'. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 11:01

673 views

4 September 2023

Investment in climate change resilient infrastructure emphasised

Location: News

Investment in climate change resilient infrastructure emphasised

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, has called on leaders on the continent to urgently implement measures to improve the resilience of Africa’s infrastructure investments against the impacts of climate change.

“If the impacts of climate change are not taken into account now, there is a considerable risk that the current, and potentially the next generation of infrastructure in Africa will be locked into designs that could be inadequate for the future climate and costly or impossible to modify later,” Creecy said in Nairobi, Kenya.

Addressing the Africa Climate Summit on Monday, Creecy said climate change impacts will be genuinely felt during the life span of the planned and future infrastructure within the coming decade.

“Planning new infrastructure for climate resilience and adapting existing infrastructure to reduce risks should be a priority as there is a high probability that climate change will offset or reduce the economic and developmental benefits of these investments.”

Creecy noted the continued decline in the delivery of public climate finance in real terms for developing nations.

“Developed countries have not met the US$ 100 billion per year mobilization goal by 2020 and have indicated that this goal may potentially be met later this year (2023). The goal of doubling adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 is an undertaking in paper only.

“With an estimated annual infrastructure financing requirement in the range from US$130 - 170 billion according to the African Development Bank, implementing urgent measures to improve the resilience of Africa’s infrastructure investments must become the main occupation for us as decision-makers,” the Minister said.

The Global Commission on Adaptation estimates that climate change will lead to an equivalent of 2% to 4% annual loss in gross domestic product (GDP) on the continent by 2040.

The Stern/Songwe High Level Expert Report, commissioned by the COP27 President, found that while “estimates for future loss and damage are subject to great uncertainty, but recent events suggest they could be as high as US$150–300 billion by 2030 to cope with immediate impacts and for subsequent reconstruction.”

“Various other reports demonstrate the enormous climate change needs of developing countries and how present public climate finance flows are unforthcoming, inadequate and lack in quality. In addition, the current financial architecture features an unfortunate reality where developing countries, those that have least contributed to the climate problem, continue to shoulder climate costs albeit their very limited fiscal space and constrained economies,” the Minister said.

Financing

She said African countries need a new suite of financing instruments, with a set of favourable terms and conditions that are not merely debt generators.

“Local currency lending is an imperative to support climate action in Africa. In this regard, recent efforts by the Green Climate Fund and the New Development Bank offer rays of hope. We need to urgently address the need for liquidity in fiscally constrained African countries.

“We further need to address the form of the finance available to developing countries and, in particular, put in place measures that climate finance does not lead to the increased debt burden of African and other developing countries. Credit enhancement approaches are readily available to the private sector, but the urgent reforms are needed in the public sector.

“We need access to scaled-up new and additional and predictable grant and highly concessional finance, which could be deployed effectively to create enabling environments by beginning to buy down risks and create new asset classes for clean investments that would allow for greater mobilization and leveraging of public and private finance and hence access the illusive and unseen trillions,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 14:36

181 views

4 September 2023

DPWI takes lead in hijacked buildings investigation

Location: News

DPWI takes lead in hijacked buildings investigation

The Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure has been tasked with conducting a government-wide investigation into hijacked buildings in the country’s metros.

This comes after the meeting of an inter-ministerial committee, which is looking into last week’s Marshalltown disaster in which 76 people perished in a fire in a hijacked State building.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will lead the task of identifying all hijacked buildings in the country, as well as indicate what should be done with all those properties.

As the department responsible for State property management, the department was already in the process of identifying misappropriated State properties within its own asset register.

Out of 29 000 buildings in the department’s asset register throughout the country, the department has embarked on a process to recover some 1 260 properties that have been flagged as being illegally occupied under Operation Bring Back.

This includes:

- Recovery of stolen or illegally transferred properties and hijacked buildings.

- Regularisation of occupancy in properties due to legacy housing policies.

- Further investigation and identification of more properties that are illegally occupied.

The department launched Operation Bring Back to operationalise investigations and recovery of those assets that are illegally occupied or stolen.

The department will intensify the operation in all metros and municipalities throughout the country.

“Each metro or municipality will have to indicate how many properties it has on its asset register, the state of those assets, what they are used for and its current status. Depending on the status of those properties, the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure will recommend what should be done,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

Among the current decisions of the department’s Operation Bring Back, a nationwide call is to be made for individuals and institutions to avail themselves for amnesty and to regularise their occupation of properties in line with the applicable laws of the country.

These properties could be sold to the individuals concerned, be leased or be used as a rental stocks.

“This intervention by the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure will include a forensic investigation of the asset register and the identification of illegally occupied properties without amnesty and may lead to the institution of criminal prosecutions and/or expropriation of unclaimed properties,” the department said.

The department will, as a matter of urgency, commission multidisciplinary built environment consultants to investigate the structural, civil, building, electrical, mechanical and safety integrity of the identified buildings and make recommendations on how to rejuvenate the CBDs of all metros and municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 13:56

157 views

4 September 2023

Electricity Minister attends African Climate Summit

Location: News

Electricity Minister attends African Climate Summit

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS).

The summit takes place from 4 – 6 September under the theme, ‘Green Growth and Climate Finance for Africa and the World’.

“The summit is hosted by the government of Kenya as the African Union (AU) Chair of the Committee of African Heads of States on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).

“The ACS will draw African Heads of State, global leaders and multiple stakeholders to deliberate, collaborate and exchange knowledge and experiences on climate change action and sustainability in Africa,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The statement outlined the Minister’s participation at the summit.

“Joining the South African delegation - led by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy - Minister Ramokgopa has been invited to participate in a ministerial panel focusing on ‘Africa’s Green Hydrogen, Industry & Trade Potential’.

“This session, which takes place today, will outline Africa’s potential for green industrial production and massive untapped green hydrogen production potential, providing the opportunity to meet local, regional and global demand for energy, industrial feedstock and derivative products such as fuels and fertiliser, and to drive significant economic growth.

“On Tuesday, the Minister will participate in the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) forum, where he will engage in a panel session on ‘Financing Green Hydrogen in Africa – from Bridgetown to Nairobi’,” the statement read.

The proceedings of the summit can be viewed on the following livestreaming links set up by the ACS:

LinkedIn Live Schedule: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7103313166712864768/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/CCXHKjaH0F0?feature=share
Website: https://acs23.org/live-stream

Meanwhile, the Ministry said Ramokgopa is concerned following the ramping up of load shedding to Stage 5 on Sunday.

“The Minister is concerned about the current load shedding Stage 5 situation and is in constant contact with the leadership of Eskom’s Generation team to ensure that units are returned to service as speedily as possible,” the ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 09:37

75 views

3 September 2023

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

Location: News

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the tragedy in which 74 people died during a fire in Johannesburg must not be allowed to happen again.

He was speaking during a meeting of the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Friday.

The PCC meeting was attended by Cabinet members and provincial Premiers and was preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the fire.

“We are meeting here just a day after a catastrophic building fire in central Johannesburg claimed the lives of more than 70 people. As we await further information on the cause of the fire and the huge loss of life, we must ask hard questions about the effectiveness of our interventions to improve the living conditions of our people.

“As we grieve this devastating loss, let us learn from this tragedy and make sure that it never happens again,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the Presidency, the meeting discussed various issues of national importance including service delivery, the District Development Model and crime and “the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination”.

“The meeting…deliberated on service delivery constraints and proposed interventions; the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM); and corrective action plans to address the worst performing municipalities in terms of the Blue Drop and Green Drop assessments of water and wastewater treatment quality.

“The meeting reaffirmed the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination, with a particular focus on infrastructure development and related financing mechanisms in view of the constrained fiscal environment. The meeting also welcomed proposals on the institutionalisation of the District Development Model and the roll out of the DDM support tool that will enable more focused and improved serviced delivery.

“On the ongoing fight against crime, the PCC resolved to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the various provincial crime fighting initiatives to address illegal mining, intimidation of contractors and other security threats, and to bolster community based crime fighting capacity,” the Presidency said.

The PCC is the President’s platform for consultation and engagement with provinces and local government in order to raise matters of national interest, ensure alignment of strategic priorities, strengthen coordination, and discuss performance.

The PCC transcends local boundaries and coordinates action across spheres of government in a holistic and transversal manner, according to the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 10:16

112 views