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18 February 2024

President attends AU Heads of State Summit

Location: News

President attends AU Heads of State Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

“The Assembly is expected to discuss the status of peace and security on the continent and the consideration of the report of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The discussion will take place against the backdrop of great concern regarding the state of peace and security in some parts of the continent,” the Presidency said.

The highlight of the 37th Ordinary Session will be the launch of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa we want”.

Agenda 2063 serves as a fifty-year blueprint for Africa’s socio-economic development and integration, adopted by the African Union (AU) member states after extensive consultations across the continent.

The President is accompanied by a delegation of Ministers comprising of International Relations and Cooperation, Trade, Industry and Competition, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Public Service and Administration, Basic Education and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The AU Assembly is meeting under the theme, “Educate an Africa fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.

The summit started on Saturday and will end on Sunday. The AU Assembly was preceded by the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, which took place on 14, and 15 February 2024.

“South Africa has elevated the implementation of Agenda 2063 as one of the foremost priorities in the advancement of the African agenda. A key flagship project of Agenda 2063 in which South Africa is playing a leading role is the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA), that serves as a milestone development in the evolution of the AU," the Presidency said.

South Africa is expected to attend and participate in several high-level committee meetings of the Assembly.

These include the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which will be held to reaffirm Africa’s position on Climate Change, Presidential Dialogue on Africa's Agenda for Reform of the Global Financial Architecture and a Peace and Security Situation in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo Summit.

The President will present a report on the progress made in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa in his capacity as the Champion of the AU’s COVID-19 response. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 10:42

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16 February 2024

SA records an increase in research and development expenditure after COVID-19

Location: News

SA records an increase in research and development expenditure after COVID-19

Gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) has increased in real terms for the first time in four years.

GERD as a percentage of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 0.62% in 2021/22, up from 0.60% in the previous year, indicating a slight improvement in research and development (R&D) intensity.

This represents a 6.9% year-on-year increase from R25.965 billion in 2020/21 to R27.756 billion in 2021/22, in terms of 2015 prices.

This is according to the latest South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development.

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) conducts an annual survey for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology.

Chief Research Specialist and Principal Investigator at the HSRC, Dr Nazeem Mustapha, observed that countries that invest in research and development (R&D) at a high intensity are more likely to lead in global competitiveness.

“South Africa is striving to reach higher levels of R&D intensity by increasing expenditure on R&D, which in turn can lead to new industries and boosting of existing ones, job creation, increased productivity, and sustained economic growth,” Mustapha said.

GERD encompasses all spending on R&D on national territory in a given year and includes domestically performed research and development, which is funded from abroad but excludes funds paid abroad, such as to international agencies.

Key indicators highlight positive economic growth in South Africa for the period under review.

According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), South Africa’s GDP increased by 4.7% in 2021/22 after a 6% decline during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21.

“The growth in R&D expenditure is reassuring, although this comes off a very low base. The previous year’s decline in growth represented the biggest fall in R&D expenditure in the 20 years that the HSRC has been conducting the survey. We expect the next survey’s result to provide us with a better sense of what the trend is,” Mustapha added.

Data shows that R&D expenditure, funding and personnel movements’ nominal R&D expenditure rose across all five institutional sectors.

Funding

The study identified the R3.480 billion increase in business sector R&D expenditure as the main contributor to the increase in GERD.

The higher education sector increased R&D expenditure by R446 million, the government sector increased by R235 million and the not-for-profit sector increased R&D expenditure by R31 million.

The government remains the largest funder of R&D, accounting for 52.5% of total funding, followed by business (29%) and foreign sources (14.5%).

Meanwhile, foreign funding has increased significantly over the past decade, with most investments directed towards higher education and business sectors.

Personnel

R&D staff increased by 2 857 individuals (3.5% year-on-year) in 2021/22, including 1 716 researchers (a 2.8% increase).

Notably, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) increased their R&D expenditure, with R&D personnel numbers rising in various sectors.

Enterprises in the business sector employed 917 new R&D personnel, which includes technicians as well as researchers, however shed 140 researchers.

R&D personnel increased by 1 657 in the higher education sector, 155 in the government sector, and 79 in the science councils’ sector.

The non-profit sector recorded an increase in the R&D personnel headcount of 49.

In 2021/22, 1.9 full-time equivalent researchers were employed for every 1 000 R&D workers, an increase of 0.1%.

Gender

The ratio of female researchers as a percentage of total researchers rose by 0.4 percentage points to 47%.

Key sectors

R&D activity has increased in the manufacturing and financial services sectors, which drive most R&D expenditure.

Meanwhile, medical and health sciences, along with social sciences, continue to receive the highest R&D expenditure, at 22.8% and 18.4% respectively.

The field of research with the third-highest R&D expenditure in South Africa is information, computer, and communication technology (13.1%), which surpasses the engineering sciences field (11.7%), while growth in social sciences is stagnant.

“A longitudinal analysis of shifts in the proportions of researchers and technicians, as well as the overall movement of R&D personnel, is of value,” said Dr Glenda Kruss, Executive Head of the HSRC Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII).

She said such analysis, which is now possible with time series data covering the past two decades, can inform future investments to grow skills and capabilities for the national system of innovation. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 10:48

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15 February 2024

Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

Location: News

Citizens urged to reflect on 30 years of freedom

As South Africa marks 30 Years of Freedom, citizens have been urged to remember how far government has come in improving the lives of South Africans and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“As we mark 30 Years of Freedom, we must not exercise our reflections and recollections without remembering exactly where we’ve come from or without acknowledging what has confronted us as a society in our journey to here,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said in Cape Town.

Addressing a joint debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, the Minister said despite the global economic meltdown of 2007 and 2008 as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, government has continued to provide economic opportunities for citizens.

“Tintswalo or the Black Diamonds as they are generally referred to or the national breadwinners as they called themselves during the COVID19 vaccination period, continue to lead the installation of digital connectivity in deep-rural KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. They work as young black and women engineers at our power stations,” the Minister said.

She said government has also provided opportunities for young people to work side by side to create a sovereign launch capability that has allowed the country to take satellite technologies into space and they are the bedrock of the more than 10 000 small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that are suppliers to the National School Nutrition Programme.

The Minister said that young people are the engineers and contractors behind the more than 750 000 km road network from 525 000 km in 1995.

“Yes, some of the provincial and municipal roads have potholes but we are intervening. Currently South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has taken over 2 600 km of roads transferred from provinces so we can use its road construction and maintenance capacity to deliver better roads and with more under consideration,” she said.

She added that in the past five-years, SANRAL has executed projects to the value of R120 billion, which translated to just under 45 000 job opportunities and the participation of almost 6500 black owned SMMEs.

“Just this January, SANRAL announced another R28 billion injection into the industry with the implementation of over 70 projects. SANRAL’s work to improve the country’s road network is complemented by Operation Valazonke aimed at closing potholes on municipal roads across all municipalities. We are aware that some municipalities are progressing faster than others,” Ntshavheni said.

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa

The Minister affirmed that work is underway to rebuild the network industries to ensure it services the country more effectively.

“Despite the teething challenges, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the criminality that vandalised our rail infrastructure.

“Of these restored service lines, 19 of them are operated with the new trains. PRASA has received 184 new trains that have been built in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. In addition, 276 Metrorail coaches have been upgraded or refurbished, 97 train stations have been refurbished, and 29 cooperatives are responsible for cleaning and basic maintenance of these stations.

“Through the capital spend, PRASA created more than 46 000 job opportunities. Even Transnet is starting to register a turn-around at its operations with the arrival of critical equipment, irrespective of the weather – those containers can be loaded and offloaded at the harbour.”

Promoting public employment

She noted that eight consecutive Quarterly Labour Force surveys have indicated an improvement in the unemployment situation in the country – with 16.7 million people in employment by the end of the third quarter of 2023 – the first to surpass the pre-COVID-19 employment levels.

“Although six million youth are now in employment, the challenge of youth unemployment like the world over remains. It is for that reason that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa led the establishment of initiatives like the Youth Employment Service (YES) in partnership with private-sector partners.

“YES has created over 130 000 work experiences for young people to date. Over 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans have been created through the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which prioritised predominantly youth and women.”

Key achievements in the stimulus include:

Employing 1.1 million education and general assistants in 23 000 schools.
Providing production input vouchers to 180 000 small-scale farmers.
Providing 29 000 opportunities in environmental management and rehabilitation.
Employing 107 000 people across 6 500 worksites through the Social Employment Fund.

“The SA Youth Mobi platform was launched, which provides pathways for young people to employment, learning and youth enterprise. To date, over 4.8 million young people have registered on the platform and more than one million have been placed in earning opportunities.

“The National Youth Service has been revitalised, offering young people opportunities to undertake work that builds the community and provides them with skills, self-confidence and work experience. Over 47 000 participants were placed in the first phase of the National Youth Service,” the Minister said.

She said all these achievements have been made possible by South Africans who consider it their duty to be part of transforming the country and undoing the damaging legacy of apartheid.

“The work done during the sixth administration and 30 years under the democratic dispensation is to ensure we leave no-one behind, despite the hand this President’s tenure was dealt,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:12

561 views

15 February 2024

Early detection crucial for treatment of childhood cancer

Location: News

Early detection crucial for treatment of childhood cancer

The Department of Health has encouraged healthcare workers and communities to be mindful of early signs of childhood cancer.

Identifying these signs, according to the department, can lead to early detection and the successful management of childhood cancers, resulting in better outcomes.

The call was made as South Africa joins the global community in commemorating International Childhood Cancer Day on Thursday to raise awareness about childhood cancers and to express support for children and adolescents living with cancer, survivors, and their families.

The day is observed on 15 February annually to highlight the vital role of community engagement and support in addressing the complexities associated with childhood and adolescent cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1 000 children are diagnosed with cancer every day around the globe.

Meanwhile, it is estimated that 1 000 new cases of child cancer are recorded annually by the South African Children’s Tumour Registry (SACTR), but many are missed and do not receive treatment.

“Parents, educators, general practitioners and paediatricians play a crucial role in early detection of childhood cancers,” the department explained.

According to the department, knowing the early signs of childhood cancers is important.

These include a white spot in the eye or sudden blindness, a lump on any place on the body mostly on the stomach, unexplained fever or weight loss, aching bones and easy fractures, and a change in walk and headache with or without vomiting.

The common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumours, eye and kidney tumours.

The department in collaboration with the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology of Oncology (SAAPHO), WHO and CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA acknowledge and commend the significant contributions made by various stakeholders, including the medical community, civil society, parent groups, non-governmental organisations and individual members of society.

CHOC CEO, Hedley Lewis, said these contributions support children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families.

“Cancer impacts negatively on siblings and other family members. The challenges these families face extend beyond medical treatment, encompassing emotional, physical and social, financial, educational, and long-term health effects,” she explained.

According to the Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Professor Gita Naidu, there is a need to raise primary health care and community awareness of Siluan’s early warning signs of childhood cancers especially among parents, caregivers and educators.

“Early diagnosis and swift referral to treating centres is imperative to improve the outcomes of this dreaded disease. Childhood cancer is curable, but only if diagnosed and treated timeously,” Naidu added.

The WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC), launched in 2018, aims to improve the overall survival to 60% globally by 2030 and allow these children and adolescents to live and die without pain and suffering.

“South Africa remains committed to focusing on childhood cancer and is aligned with the WHO-GICC goals.”

The statement stated that SAAPHO and CHOC are hosting SIOP Africa in Johannesburg from 4 to 8 June 2024.

The conference is an opportunity to share knowledge, collaborate, and engage with stakeholders nationally, on the continent and globally to improve the lives of children and adolescents with cancer. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 13:37

171 views

15 February 2024

Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola

Location: News

Sixth administration cracking down on crime - Lamola

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola says the sixth administration is steadily rebuilding law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority to fight crime.

Lamola was speaking during the debate of the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town.

“[It] is the sixth administration that strengthened the work of law enforcement agencies like the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] by appointing permanent leadership in the upper echelons of the NPA and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and increased the operational budget resulting in visible institutional growth and stability.

“Organized crime verdicts have increased by 21% from 193 to 234 at a conviction rate that is above 80%. Gang leaders are behind bars or in court, whether it is Jerome Booysen, Nafik Modak, Ralph Stanfield, Mark Lifman and Vusi Khekhe, all are behind bars.

“The conviction rate in gender-based violence and femicide matters is at 74.6%. When it comes to successful prosecutions for cable theft matters, the NPA has exceeded some of the targets, the conviction rate is well above 85%, 299 convictions have been obtained from 347 cable theft verdicts,” Lamola said.

The Minister added that R3.2 billion from the criminal assets recovery funds has been allocated to fighting illegal mining and organised crime.

Furthermore, 2 996 arrests have been executed related to illegal mining activities as at December last year.

“SAPS is implementing Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime throughout the country. The plan includes clamping down on illegal mining areas.

“At the end of last year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigation Units and the Hawks have secured preservation orders to freeze assets which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Gauteng province.

“The frozen assets include 51 properties with a value of more than R16 million. In Mpumalanga, they secured a preservation order of assets worth more than one billion rands. The message is clear, crime does not pay and the tide against crime is turning,” Lamola said.

‘I am Tintswalo’

Harking back to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA last week in which he described the life of Tintswalo, Lamola described how he himself is a product of progressive government policies.

He recalled how he benefitted from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), now known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), after his parents who were both farmworkers could not afford his tertiary education.

“I can stand here in this house [and say] with great conviction that had it not been for …government’s expansion of TEFSA and my sister paying for my university registration and monthly stipend, I would not be standing here today.

“I would not have been an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa having appeared in the highest Court in the world, the ICJ, on global affairs. My life was predestined as a farm worker [by] design by the apartheid government and not by choice.

“The village where I come from, Cunningmore B in Mpumalanga, had no electricity nor running water. Today there is electricity, running water and tarred roads, so are many villages across the country.

“[NSFAS]…results are tangible. You can touch them with your bare hands,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:59

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15 February 2024

African and Asian teams grab the headlines

Location: Sport

FIFA
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No changes in the top ten; CAF and AFC nations are main movers and shakers; Angola and Qatar make biggest strides.

Although it is a case of as you were amongst the ten teams that lead the way in the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking, there is plenty of movement further down the standings following the matches contested in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and the AFC Asian Cup.

Indeed, across the two continents, no fewer than six teams have scaled ten places or more.

Amongst the African sides, Côte d'Ivoire (39th, up 10) reap the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil, secured following an eventful tournament campaign. Beaten finalists Nigeria (28th, up 14) make significant strides but are no match for the Angola side they ousted in the last eight (93rd, up 24), who are the biggest climbers in the latest instalment of the global ranking.

In the points stakes, two-time Asian Cup winners Qatar (37th, up 21) chalk up the biggest tally (92.04 points) after capitalising on home comforts to successfully defend their continental crown. Elsewhere, Jordan (70th, up 17), who were edged out by the Maroons in the final, make good ground, as do Thailand (101st, up 12), whose journey came to an end at the last-16 stage.

Qatar's rise sees them enter uncharted territory, with two other teams also recording best-ever rankings. Senegal (17th, up 3), who suffered shoot-out heartbreak at the hands of the eventual winners Cote d'Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, break new ground, while Tajikistan (99th, up 7) mark their maiden Asian Cup campaign by making a first-ever appearance in the top 100.

Other impressive performers are Equatorial Guinea (79th, up 9), South Africa (58th, up 8), Cabo Verde (65th, up 8), Namibia (107th, up 8) and Mali (47th, up 4).

Click HERE (https://apo-opa.co/3wadjGP) to view the complete ranking

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking will be published on 4 April.

Leader Argentina (unchanged)
Moves into top 10 None
Moves out of top 10 None
Matches played in total 125 (including 2 in 2023)
Most matches played Congo DR, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria (8 matches)
Biggest move by points Qatar (up 92.04 points)
Biggest move by places Angola (up 24 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Vietnam (down 41.00 points)
Biggest drop by places Guinea-Bissau, India (down 15 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams that are no longer ranked Eritrea

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org

15 February 2024

Call To Action – Hold A Stand Against The Menace Of Misplaced Wind Farms

Location: MyPR

In a resolute stance against the impending threat to Makhanda’s and the Eastern Cape’s heritage, wildlife and future, The Indalo Private Game Reserve Association has launched an impassioned campaign to challenge misplaced wind farms endangering the very fabric of this historic town and the region. The immediate threat is the approval of the proposed Albany …

15 February 2024

Navigating the World of Logistics in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In the ever-evolving landscape of logistics in South Africa, there are numerous companies that play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient movement of goods. Among these, some specialise in unique services like cold storage warehousing and fulfilment centres. The Cold Storage Warehouse Advantage Cold storage warehousing is an integral part of the logistics network, especially for …

14 February 2024

Brahman Hills Triumphs as First-Ever African Winner in Royal Horticultural Society Competition

Location: MyPR

MIDLANDS, SOUTH AFRICA — In an unprecedented achievement, Brahman Hills, home of glorious views, breath-taking gardens, an award-winning spa and charming 4- and 5-star accommodation, has been named the Overseas Region Winner in the esteemed Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year Competition. This historic win marks a significant milestone not only for …

14 February 2024

Why Is My Fridge Freezing Food? The Underlying Problems And Their Solutions

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, South Africa – Is your fridge freezing food instead of maintaining a proper temperature? It’s a frustrating experience that many homeowners face. But fear not, as Appliance Repairs Centre, a trusted appliance repair company serving Pretoria, Centurion, and Midrand, is here to provide expert guidance on identifying underlying refrigerator problems and their solutions. Incorrect …

14 February 2024

Founders Foundation announces collaboration with Silulo Foundation and Zoho to equip and upskill township businesses

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, 13 February, 2024—Founders Foundation today announced that it has partnered with the Silulo Foundation and global technology company, Zoho to train and equip township entrepreneurs enrolled in the Silulo Foundation entrepreneurship programme throughout the greater Cape Town area. As part of this collaboration, a group of entrepreneurs attended specialised training at the Zoho …

14 February 2024

Ecobank Celebrates the Success of the TotalEnergies Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023

Location: Sport

As the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 drew to a thrilling close on Sunday, Ecobank (Ecobank.com), the leading pan-African banking group, celebrates the remarkable achievements and spirit of unity witnessed throughout the tournament.

Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, expressed his delight at the success of the tournament: "As the pan-African bank and proud sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023, we are thrilled to have been part of this historic event, which showcased the best of African football and unity. Congratulations to Côte d'Ivoire on their well-deserved victory and to all the teams for their outstanding sportsmanship."

Jeremy Awori had the honour of presenting South Africa's goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, with the prestigious Ecobank Best Goalkeeper trophy. Williams' remarkable performance, highlighted by a record-breaking feat of saving four penalties in a single game against Cape Verde, has solidified his place in African football history.

Throughout the tournament, Ecobank went beyond traditional sponsorship by ensuring that football lovers shared their passion for the game by gathering in several fan zones across the continent. The Bank also rewarded its customers for their loyalty by bringing them from across its global footprint to Côte d'Ivoire for an exclusive experience of the passion and the excitement of the tournament.

Ecobank took the opportunity to launch its brand campaign 'A BETTER WAY|A BETTER AFRICA' during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023, demonstrating its commitment to providing responsive and innovative financial solutions that empower individuals and drive pan-African progress.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Media Contact:
Christiane Bossom
Group Communications
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com
Tel: +228 22 21 03 03

About Ecobank Group (or ‘Ecobank Transnational Incorporated' or ‘ETI'):
Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 14,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers. For further information, please visit Ecobank.com.

About the Confederation of African Football (CAF):
CAF is the governing body of African football and was founded in 1957. CAF has 54 Member Associations and the secretariat is based in Egypt.

Media files
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

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14 February 2024

Global Access enters Ghana with innovative iPTV Solution

Location: MyPR

Global Access is thrilled to announce their official entry into the vibrant market of Ghana. Recently, the company was awarded a contract for the implementation of their IPTV solution for a large Financial Institution based in Ghana. This solution is for the distribution and management of Television channels, internal communication channels, digital signage and streaming …

13 February 2024

Government working to connect IPPs to the grid

Location: News

Government working to connect IPPs to the grid

Government has procured and connected more 7 000MW of generating capacity onto the grid through its Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP).

This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.

The Minister was speaking during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The government-driven REIPPP aims to bring much needed additional megawatts onto the grid through private sector investment in renewable energy such as wind, biomass and small hydro.

Mantashe said that since the programme's launch in 2011, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has procured some 13 266MW from 140 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) whose technologies are based on renewable energy, diesel and battery energy storage.

“From these capacities, 7 362MW was from 95 IPPs, who are currently connected to the grid and supplying the much needed electricity. A combination of [renewables and base load] is required to deal with the challenges facing us. The remaining 45 IPPs, with a combined capacity of 5 904MW, are either in construction or preparing to reach commercial close.

“NERSA [National Energy Regulator of South Africa] has concurred with the Minister of Electricity [Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] that 2500MW of nuclear capacity has to be connected,” he said.

Under the current administration, some 5 939MW has been procured from 46 IPPs, with some 150MW already connected to the grid and a further 1 587MW expected to supply electricity from September this year.

The Minister said South Africa has the potential to lead the way in the global energy transition.

“We firmly believe that South Africa holds significant quantities of minerals needed for the transition from high carbon emissions to low carbon emissions, which informs the view that our mining industry is a sunrise industry,” he said.

Delving deeper into mining, Mantashe said over the past 30 years of democracy, government has done much work in transforming the industry.

“When we did research two years ago… we discovered that at the nine major mining companies that we studied, each one of them didn’t have less than 50% of the management structure being black. We did see that in procurement initiatives created, a lot of business people who are not necessarily seen as part of the mining sector but who have developed on the back of mining.

“If you talk coal, only one major company is white, the majority of them are black. In the manganese sector… black ownership in mining companies is a long list. In gold…ARM is dominant, Harmony is dominant. In the PGMs [platinum group metals] …[there is] black ownership. If you look at all these companies, you can see that there is practical progress being made,” Mantashe said.

He said for the sector to continue growing, exploration is needed.

“Cognisant of the fact that mines are born out of exploration, we have just launched an exploration fund. It is important that we invest in exploration so that the future of this very important sector continues to be bright,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:01

467 views

13 February 2024

Honouring radio broadcasters on World Radio Day

Location: News

Honouring radio broadcasters on World Radio Day

As government joins the global community in celebrating World Radio Day, it has also recognised the invaluable contributions of broadcasters, journalists, and producers who work tirelessly in radio to bring quality programming each day.

“Together, let us continue to support and nurture this timeless medium as we strive to build a more inclusive, informed, and enlightened society for all South Africans. Happy World Radio Day,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

World Radio Day is being celebrated on Tuesday under the theme, "Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating”.

This year’s theme underscores the rich history and diverse contribution of radio to society.

“Radio remains a reliable source of information and a catalyst for positive change. It has also been a constant companion to millions of South Africans, providing them with essential news, entertainment, and valuable educational content. Importantly, the affordability and accessibility of radio makes it an essential medium, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities," GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said.

“Its ability to transcend barriers of language and geography makes it a powerful instrument for promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among the country's diverse communities.

“In South Africa, radio has historically been a cornerstone of democracy, serving as a platform for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas. It has played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, advancing human rights, and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 09:42

478 views

13 February 2024

Government celebrates World Radio Day

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
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Today (13 February 2024), Government joins the global community in celebrating World Radio Day under the theme, "Radio: A Century Informing, Entertaining, and Educating”. This year's theme underscores the rich history and diverse contribution of radio to our society.

For over a century, radio has played a pivotal role in informing, entertaining, and educating societies and it has been a critical tool for communication, connecting people across vast distances and diverse cultures. Its ability to transcend barriers of language and geography makes it a powerful instrument for promoting inclusivity and fostering unity among the country's diverse communities.

In South Africa, radio has historically been a cornerstone of democracy, serving as a platform for dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas. It has played a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, advancing human rights, and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups.

The GCIS Acting Diretor-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said: “Radio remains a reliable source of information and a catalyst for positive change. It has also been a constant companion to millions of South Africans, providing them with essential news, entertainment, and valuable educational content. Importantly, the affordability and accessibility of radio makes it an essential medium, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities."

As the world celebrates World Radio Day, Government also recognises the invaluable contributions of broadcasters, journalists, and producers who work tirelessly to bring quality programming each day.

Together, let us continue to support and nurture this timeless medium as we strive to build a more inclusive, informed, and enlightened society for all South Africans.

Happy World Radio Day!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

12 February 2024

Draft work visa regulations a boon for attracting skills

Location: News

Draft work visa regulations a boon for attracting skills

South Africa’s new draft work visa regulations are a milestone for the country’s efforts to attract investment and promote job creation.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.

Last week, the Department of Home Affairs released the draft second amendment of the Immigration Regulations for public comment. The draft regulations deal with remote work and critical skills visas.

“The publication of the new draft regulations are part of our ongoing drive to reform the country’s visa system, making it easier to attract the skills our economy's needs and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. An efficient, agile, responsive visa regime is key to attracting business investment and boosting economic growth.

“International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for,” President Ramaphosa said.

He explained that the new remote working visa is a response to “the rapidly evolving world of work, where increasing numbers of skilled workers…are attracted by the lifestyle benefits of working from a remote location”.

“It also caters to so-called digital nomads, who are able to work virtually from any location in the world. A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa.

“The draft regulations propose the introduction of a points system for critical skills visas that will take into account factors such as age, qualifications, language skills, work experience and having an offer of employment, amongst others,” the President said.

Attracting the right skills

President Ramaphosa explained that although South Africa has invested in producing the skills needed for the digital economy, more is needed.

“To succeed in an ever-changing global economy, our country needs far more people with the right skills. This is so that our economy can be competitive, grow and create employment. As a country, we have invested much in producing these skills, from significantly expanding access to higher education, introducing digital programmes in TVET colleges and a shift to a new pay-for-performance approach to skills development.

“However, it will take some time before we will be able to produce enough skilled people to enable our country to grow rapidly.”

He added that attracting these skills to South Africa will be important as the country is “fast becoming an increasingly attractive destination for industries like business process outsourcing and customer experience”.

“Last year, for example, a leading international strategic advisory firm ranked South Africa second as the most favoured offshore customer experience delivery destination globally. Since 2016, government has invested more than R3 billion towards supporting the growth and expansion of business process outsourcing and is targeting the creation of approximately 500 000 jobs in the sector by 2030.

“In line with our ongoing efforts to attract higher levels of investment and promote job creation, the new work visa regulations are a milestone. They are part of high-impact structural reforms we are undertaking to improve the business operating environment.

“They send a clear signal to business that we are committed to attracting skills that meet the demands of a modern, inclusive and growing economy,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:09

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12 February 2024

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Location: Sport

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SA’s perspective on global issues found expression in Ubuntu concept

Location: News

SA’s perspective on global issues found expression in Ubuntu concept

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa’s unique perspective on global issues has found expression in the concept of Ubuntu, which informs the country’s approach to diplomacy and shapes its vision of a better world for all.

“It was the commonly shared values of Ubuntu that motivated us as a government to mobilise our sharpest legal minds to prepare a solid case to be presented to the International Court of Justice in the hopes of arresting the genocide in Gaza, which the UN Secretary-General has called an unprecedented catastrophe,” Mashatile said.

Mashatile made the remarks at the Eighth Annual Ubuntu Awards 2024 ceremony, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Saturday night.

Hosted annually by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the awards recognise South African industry leaders, including eminent people and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world.

The event takes place after the opening of Parliament and brings together captains of industry, civil society leaders, members of Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.

Delivering his keynote address, Mashatile said President Cyril Ramaphosa's reference to Tintswalo during the sixth administration's final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday solely serves as an indication of the bare minimum achievements that South Africa has achieved over the last three decades.

“We are cognisant that to some, Tintswalo may appear to be an unattainable ambition for a variety of reasons; but, as government, we want the life of Tintswalo to mirror the life of every person and the possibilities that exist for all South Africans, possibilities that exceed Tintswalo’s wildest dreams.

“To achieve this, we must all come together as government, NGOs [non-government organisations], private sector and communities to build a society that will see everyone with equal opportunities,” Mashatile said.

The Deputy President said the reference to Ubuntu in the interim Constitution created hope of an equal and just society, which does not discriminate against people on the grounds of their culture, race, gender or religious beliefs.

Mashatile reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that South Africa maintains its position as a prominent nation in diverse sectors in the coming years, thereby effecting positive change both domestically and internationally.

Awards winners

The recipients of Ubuntu Wards included, amongst others, South Africa’s Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi, who received an award in the category of Ubuntu Sports Diplomacy Award (Male). Multichoice received an award in the category of Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Africa); MaXhosa Africafounder and owner, Laduma Ngxokolo received the Ubuntu Economic Diplomacy Award (Global).

Ambassador Mohammed Dangor was honoured with the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award, while 30-year-old female farmer from Khayelitsha, Ncumisa Mkabile received Ubuntu Youth Diplomacy Award.

Ngxokolo said he is super honoured to be acknowledged by DIRCO and sponsors through the award.

"We have knocked at the doors of DIRCO many times and they have graciously opened. MaXhosa is a growing organisation, it will grow by strategic networks that we are building with DIRCO and various other stakeholders within government and fraternity.

Ngxokolo noted that MaXhosa brand is in a business of selling Ubuntu, African art, and business of selling culture.

“African culture is still a new industry that we stumbled upon, and we were brave enough position our brand around the world. We were confident believe that culture is important, and we believe that every country has brands and their economic driving force,” he said.

Ngxokolo said that the brand currently has 300 staff members and is looking to recruiting 100. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 13:40

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