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Free State focuses on job creation
Free State focuses on job creation
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana says the province is hard at work to lessen the burden of unemployment.
In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Dukwana said unemployment fell from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter.
“Our Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus is a demonstration of our efforts to ignite economic growth,” he said.
Dukwana said since 2019, the province has created 282 907 work opportunities against a five-year target of 260 000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus enabled us to benefit from the creation of 87 357 job opportunities, supporting 24 733 livelihoods and retaining 1 680 jobs in the period between April to December 2023.
“These statistics include the 6 964 Education Assistants and 8 285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education. At the core of this education programme is the placement of unemployed youth in schools.
“This further illustrates how we give practical effect to our commitment to address youth unemployment. We must strengthen the coordination and maximise our participation in this programme,” Dukwana said.
He said a strong agricultural sector is key for food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and rural development.
“Work is underway to position the Free State as the champion of the agricultural green revolution in the country. A total of 4 543 producers were trained, and 249 students graduated from the Glen Agricultural College.
“We facilitated 19 023 export certificates, 29 419 hectares of land was rehabilitated and 987 hectares was cultivated using conservation practices. This will preserve the environment and increase production of organic products.
“Work is underway to avail provincial and municipal land for youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans for farming purposes. We will increase investment to support the commercialisation of black farmers, investment in agro-logistics infrastructure and open new markets,” he said.
Dukwana said the province is hard at work to position the Free State as the country’s central energy logistics, distribution and beneficiation hub.
“The province has immense opportunities in natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower and hydrogen to power the future of our country,” he said.
30 Years of democracy
Dukwana said with 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy, there is much to take note of.
“It is a year that builds a bridge between our tragic past, encouraging present and a brighter future... With the birth of democracy, the stage was set to carve a path anchored firmly on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” Dukwana said.
The Premier said central to the democratic transformation process is improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth.
“Driven by the relentless desire for a better life for all, we have over the past 30 years, invested time, resources and commitment in fighting the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“The courage of our people continues to be rewarded. Their hopes and dreams continue to be the spark that impels us to even greater heights. Signs are everywhere that the Free State is a province on the move, confident in our actions and optimistic in our future trajectory.
“We are making the most of our potential, harnessing our development efforts and leaving no one behind in a Social Compact with our people,” Dukwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:28
1190 views
Where to Buy Soya Beans in South Africa
The swing to healthy eating and living has also opened up new ways to process and enjoy our food. Most vegans will consume some form of Nut Milk – Almond, Cashew, Soya, Oat or even Rice milks are popular cow’s milk alternatives. “Then one realises that the prices of these alternative milks can be rather …
SIU launches maladministration probes in KZN and Free State
SIU launches maladministration probes in KZN and Free State
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorised – through Presidential proclamation – to launch a probe into allegations of serious maladministration in the affairs of the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and Human Settlements, the Free State Provincial Legislature and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.
The SIU said in the Free State investigation, the unit will probe the procurement of, or contracting for goods and services in relation to the Ramkraal Project by the provincial legislature.
“The SIU will also investigate payments made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective; or contrary to applicable legislation, and any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the State.
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses,” the unit said.
In relation to the provincial KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, the investigation will focus on the construction of the Mngwenya River, Umlalazi River, Mhlathuze and Phethu River bridges.
“The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 01 June 2016 and 23 February 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 01 June 2016 and after the date of the proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated,” the SIU said.
The corruption busting unit said the scope of the investigation will cover any allegations of:
- serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the State institutions being investigated.
- improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the state institutions.
- unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.
- unlawful, irregular, or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure, or practice having a bearing upon State property.
- intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.
- offence referred to in Part 1 to 4, of Chapter 2 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004, and which offences were committed in connection with the affairs of the state institutions.
- unlawful or improper conduct by any person which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 13:25
117 views
“Today is a waste of time” prosecutor in Thabo Bester case tells court
Pre-trial postponed to 5 June as many of the accused have replaced their lawyers
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We are living in a desert, say Qwaqwa residents
More than 140,000 households are struggling with a minimal water supply or no tap water at all
Community development practitioners to be recognised
Community development practitioners to be recognised
Community Development Practitioners who remain vital in changing the living conditions of poor and vulnerable communities will be honoured in a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
“Rural and township communities depend largely on community development programmes and services to better their lives,” the Department of Social Development said in a statement.
The Department of Social Development will host the ceremony in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA), in Worcester, Western Cape.
The ceremony is a partnership between the department and other stakeholders, including, the South African Council for Social Service Professionals that is in the process of professionalising Community Development Practice.
Other stakeholders that are part of this the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) include the HWSETA, Education Training Development Practice Sector Education Training Authority (ETDPSETA), and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as University of Western Cape, University of Free State, and the University of Johannesburg.
The department said the primary purpose is to recognise Community Development Practitioners who passed their Community Development Practice at NQF Level 5 at institutions of higher learning.
“Given high levels of unemployment in the country which affects many South Africans, especially, the youth, the graduation will not only serve as a recognition ceremony, but also assist graduates to apply for work opportunities and advance their career development through the acquired certificates,” the department said.
To date, 555 Community Development Practitioners have graduated across the country, and the last cohort of 26 graduates will be from the Western Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:04
457 views
DPCI determined to deal with national priority offences
DPCI determined to deal with national priority offences
Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, says members of the DPCI are determined to deal with national priority offences.
“Their persistence led to securing the attendance in court of at least 724 suspects, which is made of 705 natural persons and 19 juristic persons,” Lebeya said.
Briefing media in Pretoria on Monday to outline progress made in the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year, Lebeya said 229 accused persons, which is made of 220 natural persons and nine juristic persons, were convicted and sentenced.
“The top five national priority offences that contributed a high number of arrests are 156 for fraud, including 15 companies; 64 for precious metals and diamonds; 67 for narcotics; 51 for non-ferrous metals and 51 for corruption,” Lebeya said.
Lebeya said during the arrests, the DPCI seized various exhibits, including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R102 614 521.89.
“Out of the 229 convictions, fraud contributed the highest number of convictions, with a total number of 63. Precious metals and diamonds are the second highest, with a total number of 45 accused persons.
“Over and above arrests and convictions, the Directorate, in collaboration with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), secured 92 orders with a monetary value of R39 642 652.71,” Lebeya said.
Lebeya used the opportunity to warn criminals attacking police officers that the law will not have mercy on them.
“An attack on police official is an attack on the State, and the death of one police official, who is the protector of all the people in South Africa, is unacceptable,” he said.
Lebeya said 22 police officials were murdered in the third quarter, 12 off duty and 10 on duty, and that 12 arrests were effected.
As part of successes in apprehending those that are attacking police officers, three accused persons were convicted and sentenced to share four life imprisonment and 38 years imprisonment terms.
“This sentence serves as a deterrent to other would-be criminals that under the doctrine of common purpose, not only will the accused be held liable and charged for the murder of police officers, but also for the murder of their accomplices who died during a crossfire with the police.
“The crimes that your co-perpetrator commits are imputed on you. If the crimes committed results in the death of a co-perpetrator, the surviving co-perpetrator will be charged with the death of his or her co-perpetrator, regardless of the fact that the death may have been inflicted by the victim,” he said.
Crimes against the State
With regards to crimes against the State, Lebeya cited an incident which took place in July 2021, where a video clip inciting people to burn and loot the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg was circulated on social media platform. The perpetrator was arrested on 28 August 2021.
The Hawks initiated investigations and identified the author of the video clip as Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma (36). He was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, where his bail was also denied.
Zuma was sentenced to10 years imprisonment for the first count, of which two years was suspended for five years, on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.
He was further sentenced to six years imprisonment on a second count, of which two years is to run concurrently with the sentence on the first count.
“We may recall that 65 alleged July unrest instigators were secured to appear in court on charges of conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence and incitement to commit arson.
“A charge of terrorism has been added. All the accused are on bail and the case is postponed to 8 April 2024 at the Durban Local Division of the High Court,” Lebeya said.
With regards to illegal miners, Lebeya said there have been some successes. On 24 November 2023, three suspects -- Progress Bayeni Mlambo (42), Leornard Moyo (46) and Kocanai Sithole (26) -- were arrested by a team comprising Welkom-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Head Office Precious Metals & Diamonds (PMD) team, Public Order Police and Protea Coin Security.
“Information about the accused exchanging gold for cash between the Free State and Gauteng led the investigators to seek a search and seizure warrant. They had their eyes set squarely on a certain house in Parys, where these illegal activities were said to be taking place.
“The suspects appeared before the magistrate in Parys on 27 November 2023 for contravention of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005, and again on 29 January 2024,” Lebeya said.
Lebeya described human trafficking as modern-day slavery and a crime against humanity.
“South Africa has not been spared this twin-pandemic of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants,” he said.
During this reporting period, 19 potential victims of trafficking in persons were rescued. Three foreign nationals were convicted, while four suspects were arrested.
Lebeya said 16 awareness campaigns were pro-actively conducted and 17 disruptive operations were reactively conducted. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 12:31
514 views
Probe into Vaal River clean-up method
Probe into Vaal River clean-up method
The Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, and Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, have noted public concerns related to the use of chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.
“Following the complaints in the public domain, the two Ministers and other relevant parties met and agreed to determine whether the clearing methods followed were in line with the regulatory environment and to devise a future plan that ensures that the clearing of the alien invasive plants is done in a manner that poses no harm to the environment,” a joint statement by the two departments said on Saturday.
Once that process is concluded, the departments will issue a further statement on the way forward.
Rand Water provides bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West.
According to media reports, the Vaal River has become overrun with water lettuce, which is a poisonous and highly invasive free-floating freshwater weed that is found in water bodies and slow-moving waterways in warm regions.
The water lettuce reportedly forms dense mats that clog waterways making boating, fishing, and other water activities, impossible.
These mats also degrade water quality by blocking the air-water interface and greatly reducing oxygen levels, which can result in fish die-off and the overall reduction of aquatic fauna and flora diversity. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 10:22
260 views
“Criminal syndicate” was inside the Lottery says SIU
Three-year investigation has revealed collusion between Lottery officials, former board members, lawyers and non-profit organisations
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Festive Season crime operations yield results
Police Minister Bheki Cele says police went into the festive season well equipped to take on the task of tackling crime.
“For the third quarter (of this financial year), which includes the festive season, police officers were adequately resourced to deal decisively with criminals in all forms and shapes.
“We came into this festive period well prepared. We unleashed our Safer Festive Season operational plan on the 13th of October 2023, where we deployed various policing interventions,” Cele said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria to release the quarterly crime stats, Cele on Friday said top police leadership gave strict instructions and a clear directive to officers on the ground to squeeze out all criminals from every corner of this country.
“It is clear that our efforts to prevent, combat and arrest criminals are proving to be effective,” Cele said.
The Minister said it is also quite clear with the number of arrests made that Operation Shanela is making its mark and putting a dent on serious, violent and organised crime.
Since its inception on 8 May 2023, Operation Shanela has seen more than 442 000 suspects getting arrested.
Cele said during this quarter, four major drug busts were registered. Three were at the Durban Harbour, where cocaine to the value of R300 million was seized in separate incidents.
“The most recent drug bust during this period was for cocaine to the value of R151 million on the 4th of December 2023. The fourth drug bust was at the Gqerberha Sea Port, where cocaine worth R65 million was seized,” Cele said.
Cele said in this period, R800 million worth of drugs were destroyed in Gauteng.
“These were drugs collected during policing operations across the country. Fifteen clandestine drug laboratories were shut down, with 21 suspects arrested for drug related charges, including manufacturing and dealing in drugs.
“Indeed, our intelligence structures are hard at work in preventing and putting a stop to the drug trade in the country and beyond.
“This is also a clear demonstration that all stakeholders involved in border security management are working together to tighten the control measures of cargo entering and departing our country,” the Minister said.
Cele said for the past two consecutive terms, police have noted a reduction in the number of murders reported.
“It is disturbing and concerning that the number of people murdered during this period increased by 2.1%, leading to 155 more people murdered compared to the same period.
“The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State must be singled out and commended for being able to register a reduction in the number of people murdered during this period. The majority of the top 30 stations where murder was most reported include the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape,” Cele said.
With regards to cash-in-transit (CIT) heists, Cele said the specialised teams put in place in each province are yielding results in ensuring that there is a reduction in the number of CITs taking place.
“During this period, 46 CIT armed robberies took place, which is 11 counts lower than the previous crime reporting period. In the past year, more than 75 wanted CIT suspects have been arrested during takedown operations.
“High calibre firearms, including rifles and AK47s, as well as high performance vehicles that were used in the commission of these crimes, were seized,” Cele said.
On construction mafia crimes, Cele said SAPS continues to deal decisively with this crime category.
He said construction mafias continue to pose a threat to business and the economy of the country.
“From April to date, more than 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused were convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:27
375 views
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
IEC publishes seats determination for provincial legislatures
The Electoral Commission has published the seats determination for provincial legislatures ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The seats are determined in accordance with Section 105(2) of the Constitution Act 108 of 1996 and item 3(1) of Schedule 3 to the Electoral Act No.73 of 1998.
“The provincial legislatures’ seats determination takes into account scientifically based data on the population in each province, as well as representation by interested parties.
“The total number of seats to be contested in provincial legislatures is 445, subject to the finalisation of the Western Cape province,” the Electoral Commission said in a statement on Friday.
Seat determination is as follows:
|
PROVINCE 2022 |
CENSUS DATA POPULATION FIGURES |
2024 SEAT DETERMINATION |
|
Gauteng |
15,1 million |
80 |
|
Limpopo |
6,4 million |
64 |
|
Mpumalanga |
5,1 million |
51 |
|
North-West |
3,8 million |
38 |
|
Free State |
3,0 million |
30 |
|
Kwa-Zulu Natal |
12,4 million |
80 |
|
Northern Cape |
1,4 million |
30 |
|
Eastern Cape |
7,2 million |
72 |
|
Western Cape
|
7,4 million |
Still to be finalised in accordance with the provincial constitution. |
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to announce the date for the 2024 national elections soon.
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:30
325 views
Eastern Cape welcomes newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner
Eastern Cape welcomes newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner
Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla, on Tuesday welcomed the newly appointed Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Support Services, Major General Nolitha Tito, to the provincial police service.
Tito is the newest addition to the province’s leadership team. She is a seasoned public servant since 2002, with a career spanning over 20 years in the public service in strategic senior management positions in different provinces across the country.
She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the support environment, with many internal courses and qualifications obtained from different academic institutions.
Her qualifications include a National Diploma in Human Resources Management, a B-Tech in Human Resource Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and a Master of Philosophy in People Management.
Prior to assuming her current role as the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Support Services, she served as the Provincial Head for Human Resource Management in the Free State.
Dladla has congratulated Tito on her new appointment.
“We are honoured to have Major General Tito join our ranks and we look forward to her guidance and insight, as we continue to strive for excellence in this Province.
“We welcome you with all our blessings and heartfelt enthusiasm, and we look forward to the positive impact that you will undoubtedly bring to management and members in the province," said Dladla.
In response, Tito urged the team to roll up their sleeves and strive for excellence.
“I am bringing my experience to the environment and with your support, we will conquer and strive towards better and improved standards,” she said.
She appreciated the warm welcome and committed herself to participating in the realisation of the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner’s vision: Operation Sikhona, which aims to curb crime in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:09
129 views
Tiger Brands donates school shoes to Free State primary school learners
Tiger Brands donates school shoes to Free State primary school learners Johannesburg. 7 February 2024. Tiger Brands delivered more than 1 000 pairs of school shoes to learners who are unable to afford them at eight schools across the Free State province. The shoes were donated by Tiger Brands employees under the company’s Tigers Care …
Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs accelerates youth economic emancipation for sustainable future
The growth of the economy is dependent on a robust and thriving SMME ecosystem. Therefore, the government is of the view that supporting SMMEs in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, finance, and logistics, as well as construction, will create much-needed jobs in the province.
As part of achieving this goal, DESTEA MEC Thabo Meeko will host the Provincial Youth Business Pitching competition on 15 February 2024 at 10h00, PACOFS. The pitching competition is aimed at unearthing innovative business ideas from youth entrepreneurs and providing comprehensive support for the sustainable growth of such ideas.
To this end, the Youth Business Pitching programme has been rolled out across all four districts, and Mangaung Metro, where each district winner scooped the first price of R200 000, followed by the second price of R120 000 towards their businesses.
Those who emerged as district winners will be presenting their ground-breaking business ideas at the provincial level to a highly experienced and competent panel of adjudicators.
The provincial winner will scoop business funding and non-financial support worth R500,000.
The Youth Business Pitching initiative affords young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to potential investors and funders for exploring business opportunities, technical advice, and support.
MEC Meeko explained that entrepreneurship drives economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, and reduction of inequality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South Africa: Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Minister concerned about high number of vehicle crashes
Minister concerned about high number of vehicle crashes
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed concern at the high level of vehicle crashes and fatalities that have occurred in the country recently.
"In recent past weeks, there were some equally gruesome accidents that robbed our country of fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, families and young children who had a potential to grow up and make a meaningful contribution to develop our country,” Chikunga said on Friday in the Free State.
She made these remarks during her visit to Riebeckstad High School where six pupils died and more than 40 others were injured when the driver of a bus lost control and the vehicle overturned on 06 February 2024 between Senekal and Welkom.
“This is an unacceptable behaviour and conduct. It is unacceptable because we know that road crashes are preventable and they are avoidable. Every driver knows that we all have responsibilities, not to drive vehicles with faulty brakes, worn tyres and that are unroadworthy.
“Each year, the lives of South Africans are cut short because of road traffic crashes. Moreover, thousands of people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many becoming disabled as a result of injuries suffered during road crash incidents.
“While we have intensified efforts to communicate road safety messages through different mediums, it is unfortunate that road users' attitude and behaviour towards obeying the rules of the road remain main factors significantly contributing to fatalities on the road, and as such this calls for more education targeted at behavioural change,” the Minister said.
Chikunga noted that human error was not a contributing factor in the crash as the nuts on the left rear wheels were not tightly secured resulting in the wheels coming off and causing the crash.
“The bus driver would not have been aware of this problem as this was a mechanical error that the mechanics who worked on the bus previously, should have identified before the bus left the workshop.
"I call on the police and everyone involved in the investigation to finalise their investigation sooner to enable families to find closure.
“On behalf of the government of South Africa, and particularly the transport family, we send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the learners who died. To those that are recuperating in hospitals and at home, we wish them a speedy recovery,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 14:17
111 views
Ramaphosa to participate in annual Presidential Golf Challenge
President Cyril Ramaphosa will today, Friday, 09 February 2024, tee up at the annual Presidential Golf Challenge at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate, Melkbosstrand.
The Presidential Golf Challenge (PGC) was inaugurated in 1999 to give an opportunity for the sitting President of the Republic to raise funds for the charity of his/her own choice.
The initiative, coordinated by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, is a joint effort with the private sector to partake in developmental initiatives to empower society.
The Challenge raises funds for developmental charities and creates an opportunity for networking among decision-makers within the private sector and entities from the three spheres of government on the day following the President's State of the Nation Address.
This year the Challenge again raises funds for the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
The Foundation's partner entity, the Adopt-A-School Foundation, will use the funds to construct ablution facilities at schools in support of the Department of Basic Education's SAFE Initiative, which stands for Sanitation Appropriate for Education.
This is an important investment in the dignity of learners and staff at schools and a contribution to social infrastructure in the country.
The President is honoured that his playing partner this year is 14-year-old Botshepehi Phakoe of Mangaung in the Free State. Botshepehi is one of the best young players in the Free State Junior Union.
On Friday evening, the President will express his appreciation to the event's sponsors and partners at a prize-giving dinner where players will be recognised as well.
Details of the Golf Challenge are as follows:
Date: Friday, 09 February 2024
Time: 09h00
Venue: Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Melkbosstrand, Cape Town
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.