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Serenity Hills – the R800m eco-estate near Margate on the KZN mid-South Coast – has been included in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan after being honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 5th South African Investment Conference (SAIC) in April this year. Following up on this national recognition, Deputy Ministers in the …
Introduction Waste management is a critical issue in South Africa, as it is in many countries around the world. Effective waste management is essential not only for public health but also for preserving the environment for future generations. This article aims to explore the various entities responsible for managing waste in South Africa, shedding light …
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies invites nominations/applications of interested and suitably qualified persons to serve as members of the Evaluation Panel to monitor and evaluate the performance of the Chairperson, and other Councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is a Constitutional Institution, established through section 192 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996. Section 192 states that national legislation must establish an independent authority to regulate broadcasting in the public interest and ensure fairness and diversity of views broadly representing South African society.
To promote good governance and accountability by ensuring that Councillors' performance enables the achievement of organisational goals and targets, there is a need to obtain a mixed set of competencies, experiences, and skills to improve performance and ensure that the Authority achieves its objectives.
The nominated persons or applicants must be people with a high degree of integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due care, confidentiality, accountability and must understand the public sector governance and legislative requirements. Candidate must have a proven/ successful track record of board/council pe of the following disciplines: -
Nominated persons or applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of Board/Council performance evaluation and at least 10 years of experience in an Executive or Senior Management role in the private and public sector preferably a regulatory environment. Candidates must understand the mandate of ICASA.
Nominated persons or applicants must have a bachelor's degree; a post-graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
The nominated persons must provide the following:
A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) supported by a motivation why the candidate is suitable to serve on the Evaluation Panel; certified proof of academic qualifications and an identity document (ID). The CV must include the following information: physical and postal addresses; telephone and e-mail address, previous experience quoting dates, and institutions or organisations concerned and references to the successful board/council performance evaluation.
Preferred candidates will be subjected to security clearance and disclosure of business interests.
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Nominations/Applications must be addressed to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
For attention: Thapelo Mokwana, Deputy Director: Ground Floor, Block B, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Or Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
Email Address for nominations: nedappointmenticasa@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Enquiries: Ptsolo@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail) or TMokwana@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies reserves the right not to appoint applicants to the Evaluation Panel.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 08 September 2023
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department Of Communications and Digital Technologies, Republic of South Africa.
The Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Nocks Seabi, has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to heighten policing and ensure that the rule of law is implemented both in Cape Town, which is experiencing violence related to a taxi strike, and the perennial challenge posed by illegal mining in the City of Johannesburg.
“Heightened police visibility in Cape Town will go a long way in ensuring adherence to the rule of law on one hand while protecting the right to protest as enshrined by the Constitution. While we welcome assurances given by the police, it is critically important that the right to protest does not infringe on the civil rights of those who choose not to protest,” Mr Seabi argued.
The Acting Chairperson underscored the concern around violent behaviour that might undermine to some extent genuine concerns within the transport industry. The burning and stoning of cars and blocking of roads negatively affect South Africans and directly undermine efforts to drive economic growth. “We call on protesters to raise their objections within the confines of the law and urge the SAPS to arrest and ensure prosecution of those that carry out illegal acts,” Mr Seabi said.
Regarding the illegal mining problem in Johannesburg, the Acting Chairperson has emphasised that an intelligence-led operation is critical to address the problem. Also, a multisectoral approach is necessary to address the complex problems that give rise to illegal mining operations. “Above all, the SAPS must ensure the arrest of syndicates operating in the environment to ensure that this form of illegality is uprooted,” Mr Seabi said.
Mr Seabi welcomed the increased police operations in Riverlea but has called for similar operation across all hotspot areas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group, has received a new Waste Management License for a new R65-million plus tyre recycling facility which will be positioned alongside its already highly successful existing operation. CEO of Mathe Group and sister company, Van Dyck, Dr Mehran Zarrebini, says that negotiations with a potential funder are well under …
Starbucks National Barista Championship 2023: Bloemfontein’s Thapelo Reigns Supreme On July 20-21, Starbucks South Africa held its annual National Barista Championship at Starbucks Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. This year’s competition took a thrilling twist, as 7 Starbucks District Champions competed against each other, representing various corners of South Africa, including the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg, …
SA's sportswomen praised for reaching new heights
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded female athletes for reaching new heights and achieving remarkable accomplishments across a number of sporting codes.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said this has been a great year for women’s sport in South Africa and the nation is exhilarated by the successes of sportswomen on the field, track and pitch.
“Our female athletes have reached new heights across a number of sporting codes, and we have hosted several women’s international sports tournaments.
“Our nation’s sportswomen have proven themselves, time and again. It is up to us, as a society, to provide the necessary environment that will enable a new generation of women and girls to thrive and excel in sport,” the President said.
SA’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, who are the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, has delivered some stunning performances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
The women’s netball team, the Proteas, also put in a strong showing at the Netball World Cup that ended in Cape Town on Sunday.
In February, the country hosted the first ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup to take place on African soil. Our national team made history as the first South African team to reach the final.
The President said that many of these fine sportswomen have excelled despite humble beginnings, overcoming adversity and achieving success despite the odds.
“As we prepare to celebrate Women’s Day later this week, these many achievements are a reminder of how far we have come in building a South Africa where women are full and equal participants in society. They are also a reminder of how much further we still need to go,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said that the increased participation of women and girls in sport supports women’s empowerment and advances gender equality.
He highlighted that earlier this year, UN Women launched the Sports for Generation Equality Initiative. It noted that sport holds enormous capacity to propel women and girls’ empowerment. Female athletes are inspiring role models and can make the most of their status “to raise awareness around gender issues and to demand change”.
The President added that competing in sports fosters a sense of empowerment among women, helping them build confidence in their abilities and break gender stereotypes. Through sports, he said, women can challenge societal norms, experiencing personal growth and achievement.
He said that all of these can enable women and girls to be more assertive and confident in society, and can support the fight against discrimination and gender-based violence.
“As government, we want to increase the representation of women in sport and to promote the development of women’s sports both through mass participation and at an elite level.
“There are a number of government programmes to develop mass participation in women’s sports. There are also initiatives supported by the private sector and international development partners," he said.
When it comes to elite athletes, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s ‘Operation Excellence’ programme provides preparatory support to Olympians and Paralympians.
The President pointed out that funding and sponsorship predominantly flow towards male-dominated team sports such as football, cricket, and rugby. He said these sports have well-established professional leagues, unlike women's football, cricket, and rugby.
The President highlighted that this situation adds to the significant difference in pay between female athletes and their male counterparts.
“Equal pay for work of equal value is one of most fundamental tenets of gender equality. The sporting fraternity is neither exceptional nor is it exempt.
“That female athletes should still earn less than their male counterparts is an affront to our nation’s sportswomen, more so at a time when the achievements of some of our women’s sports teams surpass those of our men’s teams,” the President said.
He called on sponsors and sporting bodies to direct greater resources to women’s sports.
President Ramaphosa said it is only through greater sponsorship and support that women’s sport will be able to grow and attract larger audiences. As they attract a greater following, he said, women’s sports events will provide greater value to sponsors.
The President added that the success of the major women’s sports tournaments that have been hosted in South Africa will no doubt bolster our bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
“Working together as government, business and the sporting fraternity we can level the playing field for women’s sports in our country. And by so doing, we will take another step towards a more equal society,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:25
Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with New Zealand
While bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and New Zealand continue to increase steadily, more still needs to be done to boost growth.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was delivering opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Cape Town.
According to the Minister, the total trade between the countries amounts to R3 billion, with exports to New Zealand at a total of R1 billion and imports from South Africa sitting at R2 billion.
South Africa, Pandor said, is currently New Zealand’s 35th export market and the 18th most important source of visitors.
“I’m sure that we can put shoulder to the wheel and work on improving these figures. We have the potential to trade more with each other,” she said on Friday.
New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues, as well as sports.
The Minister reminded delegates that the relations date back to the colonial era and recalled how during apartheid the island country led the way in isolating the regime.
“It’s something we never forget and continue to be grateful for. Who can forget how Labour Prime Minister, the inimitable David Lange in 1984, booted the last apartheid-era Consul General out of Wellington? We were proud to re-establish full diplomatic relations on 19 January 1994.”
She also spoke about how, in line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against apartheid following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government in 1994.
New Zealand subsequently established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996.
“President Nelson Mandela visited your country in 1995 to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for its support during the apartheid regime.
“Your country had one of the strongest and staunchest anti-apartheid movements in the world and the sports boycott that you upheld struck a huge blow to the apartheid regime and helped to bring the world’s attention to our struggle,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the countries have concluded nine signed agreements.
“I am thrilled that we will be signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Bilateral Cooperation, as this will be another testimony of our growing relations.”
South Africa and New Zealand, she said, work well together in a multilateral arena such as the United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
They also share common views on international issues, such as the protection of the oceans and sustainable agricultural development, and are strong supporters of nuclear non-proliferation.
“We are also two of the five gateway countries to Antarctica. I would like to hear more about how your country unlocks the economic benefits this brings as I am told that Christchurch’s economy thrives as a result, and we would like the same for Cape Town.”
In 2019, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the changes in visa requirements enabling New Zealanders to enter South Africa for 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes.
Mahuta is expected to attend the Netball World Cup semi-final match in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 August 2023.
“I wish the Silver Ferns well, but not if they are playing against our Proteas,” the Minister quipped.
“I must say that I’m super proud of the way our Proteas played against your Silver Ferns, the reigning champs, and held them to a draw, what an electrifying game.”
Spar Proteas goal attacker, Nichole Taljaard, scored with seconds remaining to earn a 48 - 48 draw against the defending champions New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday.
Pandor also congratulated New Zealand for the spectacular opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:53
Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on his partners from BRICS to develop science and innovation capacities across Africa for the creation of a better future for all.
Nzimande was speaking on Friday at the 2023 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) Ministerial Meeting on Science and Innovation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
He told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and China that one of the strategic objectives of the annual ministerial meeting is to provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange on science, technology, and innovation policy.
The platform is to also share information on priority investment areas, as well as national progress in the implementation of BRICS partnership initiatives.
He told delegates that in 2022, the country witnessed a historic milestone in science policy development with the adoption of the Decadal Plan.
The Decadal Plan, approved by Cabinet, focuses on growing South Africa by finding sources of new economic growth for a re-industrialised and modern economy.
“Although prepared by my department, it is not only a plan for the Department of Science and Innovation, or for government alone, but for all of South Africa,” he said.
The plan also seeks to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of South Africa’s growth and development agenda.
Meanwhile, the Innovation and Skills Compact will undertake amongst others a regulatory reform to create a more enabling policy environment for innovation in South Africa.
It will also forge a closer collaboration between higher education and training bodies, and employers, to ensure that skills development better corresponds to the needs of the economy.
“Our plan does not identify priorities [of] scientific disciplines or technology platforms in their own right, but instead focus on the collective and holistic response of South African science and innovation on key societal challenges confronting South Africa.
“This approach notably foresees a central role by the social sciences and humanities, which remains a priority investment area.”
He also touched on the strengthening BRICS collaboration, namely vaccine manufacturing, the hydrogen economy, and the marine sciences.
“The Decadal Plan proposes a new dedicated programme on innovation for a healthy South African population.
“This programme will focus on both physical and mental health; build on our existing successes in for example the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, while also reinforcing our pandemic preparedness.”
The Minister said developing South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a priority investment area.
“Our objective is to develop a viable local vaccine manufacturing industry in South Africa, which will notably address African concerns regarding the security of supply.”
The plan will also zoom into energy security as a priority, which has led to the implementation of South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap.
The roadmap also seeks to exploit South Africa’s unique comparative advantage, the endowment of 75% of global platinum metals group reserves.
“We have made excellent progress in developing new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and are keen to join forces with BRICS partners in this enterprise.
“Opportunities abound in areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and the production of green hydrogen, including as part of a dedicated Platinum Valley, spatial and economic development initiative.”
Nzimande said the country is also committed to the marine sciences and the development of a blue economy.
He explained that cooperation with partners in the Global South and strengthening multilateralism and solidarity through our BRICS science, technology, and innovation partnership is a priority of the highest order.
“I, therefore, have every confidence that our BRICS partners will join us in an effort, within the spirit of generosity President Mandela spoke about, to also develop science and innovation capacities across Africa. This will be a lasting contribution of our shared objective to creating a better future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:50
The local fishing sector, from small-scale fishing to commercial ventures, is beginning to reap the rewards of a successful Sardine Run in 2023 with netting taking place since the start of June. This annual ocean spectacle, which is also an important element for the tourism economy, is just one of the aspects contributing towards the …
By Zaynab Sadan Plastic pollution is an urgent crisis threatening the well-being of our planet and our communities. Increasing volumes of plastic in our rivers and oceans are consumed by terrestrial and aquatic biota and have infiltrated the water and food humans consume. If we continue along this Business-as-Usual path, plastic production will double, and …