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COX YEATS ADDS TO ANNUAL AWARDS HAUL WITH BEST LAWYERS® WIN FOR 2024 The legal profession’s oldest and most respected peer-review title, Best Lawyers® has announced the winners in the 15th Edition of Best Lawyers® in South Africa for 2024. A total of 15 Cox Yeats lawyers were recognised in their areas of speciality on …
THE LIBERALISATION OF THE ENERGY SECTOR AND CLIMATE CHANGE Durban, South Africa – Since the President’s State of the Nation Address in 2022, significant steps have been taken by Government to liberalise the energy sector, loosen the hold which Eskom has on the generation and distribution of electricity and move from a monopolistic electricity supply …
World Business Angels Investment Forum kicks off in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will on Tuesday welcome hundreds of international delegates attending the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) 2023 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
The World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), is a strategic global organisation whose mission is to ease access to finance for businesses from start up to scale up.
In 2021, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, put forward a successful bid to host the WBAF 2023.
Dube-Ncube said hosting the gathering of global leaders is a welcome boost for the province, particularly because it aligns with the province’s economic recovery and development strategy, which puts supporting and financing innovation, start-ups and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) at the centre.
She said the province also the event which brings together entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers from different parts of the globe, saying they will make meaningful connections and match-making for provincial local businesses.
“As we rebuild our economy, we recognise the importance of entrepreneurship and international investment. In particular, we welcome the fact that as an affiliate of G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), WBAF 2023 focuses on the digital and business transformation of small businesses.
“There is also a special focus on the quality of local investors as part of efforts to increase financial inclusion in local economies in post-pandemic times,” Dube-Ncube said.
The meeting will take place from 21 - 22 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:06
Three Minor Hotels triumph with prestigious awards in 2023 In a resounding testament to excellence, three remarkable properties in the Minor Hotels portfolio, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort in Mozambique, and Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino in Namibia, have proudly secured prestigious global awards. Recognised for their commitment to luxury, …
Global unity vital in pursuit of equal access to education for all - President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the urgent need for global unity in ensuring equal access to education for all, particularly amidst ongoing instability.
The President was speaking at the Education International 10th Africa Regional Conference held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Education International Africa Region is holding its 10th Regional Conference in Johannesburg. About 400 delegates, observers, and guests from across and beyond the region are attending the conference.
President Ramaphosa lauded the conference organisers for their commitment to advancing education, particularly in times of crisis, which is crucial for the future of the African continent and the world.
The President told delegates that as nations navigated the turbulent waters brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was confronted with political upheavals and conflicts.
“These crises further strained our social fabric, affecting the livelihoods of countless individuals and denying many children their fundamental right to education. In these times of instability, it is even more critical for nations to stand united in pursuit of equal access to education for all.
“Education is the cornerstone upon which societies build their future. Through education, we cultivate respect for human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the work of the UN High-Level Panel on the Teaching Profession, which demonstrates the adaptation of education systems to a rapidly changing world, is one of the most important tasks of the moment.
The panel draws expertise from diverse stakeholders, including Ministers of Education, labour representatives, teacher unions and civil society organisations, and includes South Africa's own Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga. It's main objectives underscore the importance of educators’ voices in finding solutions to educational challenges.
“Educators play a fundamental and irreplaceable role in shaping our societies, and their insights are invaluable in our quest for sustainable solutions. Curriculum reform that responds to the changing world of work is another vital task.
“In South Africa, we are on the brink of a significant educational reform with the implementation of the Coding and Robotics curriculum from Grade R to Grade 9.
“This initiative is part of our broader strategy to integrate STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts and maths] subjects into our education system. By doing so, we aim to equip our learners with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a fast-paced world,” President Ramaphosa said.
Decolonising education
The President said that the decolonisation of education has become increasingly important.
He added that the discussions at this conference, focusing on tackling racism, decolonising education and promoting democracy, human rights and trade union rights, could not be more timely.
“The project of decolonising education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest. It is a pressing need. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.
“This requires a shift away from a Eurocentric worldview to embrace a more diverse and inclusive perspective.
“We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all peoples and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes,” the President said.
He said the responsibility to nurture and defend the right to education extends to all parts of society.
The President called on labour movements, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations operating within the educational sphere to collaborate to protect this critical space.
Through such partnerships, he said, the world can prepare learners to be active, informed citizens in democratic societies.
“The role of organisations, such as Education International, are vital. As advocates for quality education, your mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all.
“We know that quality education is not just a matter of access. What is also needed are safe, conducive environments where the rights of all learners are respected and upheld.
“By improving access to education, we can alleviate poverty and empower marginalised communities, unlocking their potential and contributing to the development of nations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 14:15
South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the international community to agree on urgent and concrete actions to end the suffering in Gaza and establish a path towards a just and peaceful resolution of this conflict.
President Ramaphosa was delivering opening remarks to the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of invited BRICS members on the situation in the Middle East in Gaza on Tuesday.
Leaders of BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India and China - joined the virtual Extraordinary Meeting with invited BRICS leaders of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa has called for an immediate ceasefire.
“As South Africa, we call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Second, the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach all those in need.
“Third, all countries to exercise restraint and to desist from fueling this conflict, including by ceasing the supply of weapons to the parties. Fourth, the release of all civilian hostages.
“Fifth, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led and owned by Palestinians and Israelis themselves and facilitated by the United Nations. Sixth, the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians,” the President said.
Lastly, President Ramaphosa called for the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for the perpetration of war crimes.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that as South Africans, “we appreciate the importance and value of international solidarity”.
As an important voice of the Global South representing a large part of humanity, the President said he believes that BRICS has a vital role in a widespread international effort to achieve a just and lasting peace.
“As individual countries, we have demonstrated our grave concern at the death and destruction in Gaza. Let this meeting stand as a clarion call for us to combine our efforts and strengthen our actions to end this historical injustice.
“Let us work together to realise a just, peaceful and secure future for the people of both Palestine and Israel,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 15:32
Born on the Cape Flats, Simone Julies-Wicomb, a self-made entrepreneur who triumphed over adversity, is spearheading a transformation in the realm of business process outsourcing (BPO) through her innovative venture, Black Elegance. Established in 2019, this proudly South African firm is far from being just another call centre; it’s a compelling example of unwavering perseverance …
Urgent interventions implemented to address port delays
Transnet says it is implementing a number of urgent interventions to address the backlogs at the Port of Durban and to ease the congestion at Richards Bay.
According to Transnet, the backlog at the port is being caused by factors including inclement weather conditions and equipment availability.
Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, said: “The problem of port congestion is a complex one and it is something that was due to happen at some point, as a result of many years of underinvestment in equipment and its maintenance.
“We are working on a number of measures to turn the situation around. We need to caution that this is going to take some time as the lead times for some of the equipment is anything from 12 to 18 months. The team is working around the clock to procure this important equipment, to ensure our port facilities are in line with global best practice”.
Transnet explained the urgent interventions that are currently in place to address “slow turnaround times affecting the docking and offloading of containers at the port”.
“At Pier 2, the plan is to ramp up the tempo from 2 500 – 4 000 containers a day over the next three months. Under normal conditions, the container handling tempo at Pier 2 is 3 300 containers a day. However, over the past four weeks, this has reduced to 2 500 due to inclement weather and equipment challenges. At Pier 1, the tempo will increase from 1 200 to 1 500 containers a day.
“Initiatives on the cards to ensure that the recovery plan to clear the backlog succeeds include the acquisition of 16 rubber tyred gantry cranes for Pier 1 by the second half of 2025 and acquisition of four ship-to-shore cranes for South Quay for Pier 2in FY2025/26. Work is also underway to refurbish and maintain critical port equipment to improve asset utilisation at Pier 1 and Pier 2 and this will be completed by August 2024,” Transnet said.
The company’s acting CEO Michelle Phillips said management at the port terminals are “working around the clock with industrial engineers from the task team to maximise berth performance”.
“With all these initiatives in place, we expect it will take a maximum of seven weeks to clear the backlog at Pier 1 and 15 weeks for Pier 2. This will make a significant difference to the flow of container traffic through the port.
“It is crucial that we stabilise our operations through these short-term interventions while we continue with the broad Recovery Plan to improve Transnet operations. The plan is exactly what is says it is: a plan to turnaround the business and ensure significant and sustainable improvements in all our operations, and in particular in rail and ports,” she said.
An emergency meeting with stakeholders to find solutions to road congestion at the Port of Richard’s Bay. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:54
Following the global celebration of World Kindness Day, Amazon Web Services staff embraced the ethos of kindness in a vibrant culinary collaboration alongside the V&A Waterfront, Makers Landing and SA Harvest, the food rescue and hunger relief organisation that has delivered almost 50 million meals in the four years since its launch. This heartwarming partnership …
Cabinet reiterates call for an end to Gaza conflict
Cabinet has reiterated the call made by African leaders for an end to the conflict in Gaza, during the African-Saudi Summit in Riyadh hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The summit condemned the targeting of civilians, and the violations of international law by the Israeli government.
“The world cannot simply standby and watch. The global community needs to rise to stop this genocide now,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, on Monday.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet continues to be concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure.
Ntshavheni noted that it is because of these continued atrocities that are being committed with impunity by the Israeli government with the support and protection of powerful countries that on 17 November 2023, South Africa, together with the Comoros, Djibouti, Bolivia and Bangladesh, jointly referred the situation in Palestine and Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
While the Palestinian Authority did ask the ICC to investigate crimes under the court’s jurisdiction in 2018, the Minister said South Africa believes the current atrocities, particularly in Gaza needs renewed attention with the full backing of state parties.
“Our ambassador in the Hague delivered the referral in person, which asked the ICC to investigate the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide with a view to holding those most responsible accountable. Given that much of the global community are witnessing the commission of these crimes in real time, including statements of genocidal intent by many Israeli leaders, we expect that warrants of arrest for these leaders including Prime Minister Netanyahu will be issued shortly.
“The ICC has been able to investigate the situation in Palestine since 2021 when the issue of territorial jurisdiction was settled, however, we have noted that the office of the prosecutor has continued to drag its feet despite the gravity of the situation. The current atrocities may not have occurred if these investigations took place as soon as the Palestinian Authorities first made its referral.”
Ntshavheni said South Africa now expects that other state parties also add their voices for an end to the impunity by Israel, and the significant levels of evidence available, that international warrants of arrest will be issued by the time the Conference of Parties meet in mid-December in New York.
“Failure to do so will be indicative of a lack of will to act by the ICC and a strong signal to the total failure of the global system of good governance and the need to establish a new system.”
The Minister also noted that more children have been killed over the last month than those killed per annum in all conflicts combined for the last three years. This include more United Nations (UN) staff members who have been killed in Gaza since the founding of the United Nations.
“The numbers of journalists killed have been staggering. These are all people killed by the actions of the Israeli government, not to defend itself, but evinced by the statements of its leaders to clear most of Gaza of Palestinians and to occupy it,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:16
Triumph over pit latrines near yet far
South Africa is poised to turn the corner in eradicating pit latrines in educational facilities before the UN-designated year of 2030, writes Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
On World Toilet Day, 19 November 2023, it is imperative to reflect on the critical role of sanitation in educational and social development to restore dignity while ensuring the safety of learners and educators.
The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), represents a significant undertaking. It transcends the mere elimination of pit latrines, addressing broader issues at the core of adequate educational infrastructure and well-being.
This reflection comes when we’re emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted all aspects of life, including the progress of essential sanitary projects in schools.
Sanitation, fundamentally linked to human dignity, is critical to global health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are not only essential for health but also contribute significantly to livelihoods, school attendance, and the dignity of individuals, fostering resilient communities in healthy environments. Human Rights Watch amplifies this, stating that the right to sanitation, a derivative of the right to an adequate standard of living, ensures everyone is entitled to sanitation services that provide privacy and uphold dignity.
The World Bank emphasises the necessity of investing in sanitation to prevent needless deaths, improve lives and livelihoods, and uphold human dignity. This is particularly poignant considering that around 4.2 billion people live without access to safely managed sanitation, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of this deprivation. The Hunger Project further highlights that a lack of access to sanitation is not only a health issue but also a matter of safety and human dignity. Sanitation is now a global priority, and efforts are being made to educate communities about its importance and to provide sustainable solutions like eco-toilets.
Additionally, improvements in sanitation, as part of the broader WASH framework, are fundamental to enhancing people’s living standards. These improvements yield numerous benefits, including better physical health, environmental protection, improved educational outcomes, time savings, and the assurance of a life of dignity, ensuring equal treatment for all genders.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitation, which the DBE had been addressing through its emergency water programme and the SAFE initiative. The latter, albeit delayed by the pandemic, has been a pivotal project to transform the sanitation facilities in South African ordinary public schools.
SAFE’s objective is not just a replacement of outdated pit latrines but a complete overhaul of the sanitation infrastructure in line with the Norms and Standards for school infrastructure. This overhaul is not merely about installing new toilet seats, which are determined by learner enrolment and include age-appropriate facilities for primary schools and those catering to the disabled. The scope of SAFE is extensive, encompassing the assessment of existing sanitation facilities, de-sludging and demolition of old pit toilets, construction of new, appropriate toilets, provision of rainwater harvesting systems, and the construction of accessible walkways.
This initiative, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2018, underscores the power of collaboration for social change. It brought together an array of partners from both the public and private sectors, including Amalooloo, Assupol, AVBOB, Norcros, and international actors like the embassies of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. This collective effort has resulted in the delivery of 126 projects out of a pledged 184. The diversity and innovation seen in these partnerships have been crucial in tailoring solutions to meet various needs, embodying the ‘stronger together’ ethos.
Alongside SAFE, the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) targeted 1087 sanitation projects, all of which have been completed. This achievement signifies not just a quantitative success but a qualitative shift in the educational experience for millions of previously disadvantaged school children. The inclusion of children at the Grade R level in the education system underscored the need for age-appropriate sanitation facilities, a demand that SAFE has been addressing.
To date, 2978 out of 3898 SAFE projects have been completed since the program’s intensification in 2019. This progress is significant, considering the interruptions caused by the pandemic. More than just constructing facilities, SAFE emphasises the importance of hygiene education, ensuring that schools are equipped with better sanitation and the knowledge to maintain these standards.
The urgency of this mission aligns with the United Nations’ UN Water directive, which starkly reminds us that to meet the sanitation target of SDG 6 – safe toilets and water for all by 2030 – the world needs to accelerate its efforts. The DBE, with an expenditure of nearly R 3.7 billion, is confident in meeting these goals within the next two financial years, showcasing a commitment to transforming the landscape of school sanitation in South Africa.
In conclusion, the SAFE initiative is a testament to the power of collaborative effort in addressing critical social challenges. It goes beyond mere infrastructure development, encompassing a holistic approach that includes partnership, innovation, and education.
On this World Toilet Day, as we reflect on the strides made, we are reminded of the ongoing journey towards ensuring that every child has access to safe and dignified sanitation. This fundamental right underpins their health, educational success, and future prospects. It is about our people’s inherent right to dignity. We dare shall not fail.
*Angie Motshekga is the longest-serving Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, post 1994.
Matona
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:27
Amazon Web Services (AWS), a global leader in cloud computing, has been pivotal in transforming how businesses operate worldwide. In South Africa, the adoption of AWS services is accelerating, marking a significant shift in the country’s digital infrastructure. This blog explores the integral role of AWS Partners in driving this transformation. Understanding AWS Partnerships …
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The world of financial transactions is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant advancements in recent years is the emergence of mobile SoftPOS (Software-based Point of Sale) technology. This innovative approach is transforming how businesses of all sizes accept payments, making the process more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. What is Mobile SoftPOS? Mobile …
City of Cape Town announced as Host City for the Betway SA20 Final on 10 February 2024 – the partnership...
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication with customers is more critical than ever. One increasingly popular solution for maintaining high-quality customer interactions is outsourcing customer service functions, including telephone and call answering services, live chat support, and specialised industry-specific customer handling. 24/7 Telephone and Call Answering Services With the global market …
President Cyril Ramaphosa commends Auditor-General of South Africa, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.
President Ramaphosa appointed Ms Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.
Ms Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.
She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.
Ms Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency.
UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
President Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa's governance institutions”.
The President wishes Ms Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
S&P keeps SA credit ratings unchanged
Government says it has noted Standard and Poor (S&P) Global Ratings’ decision to affirm South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’, respectively, and maintain the stable outlook.
According to S&P, the stable outlook balances South Africa's credit strengths - particularly a credible central bank, a flexible exchange rate, an actively traded currency, and deep capital markets - against infrastructure-related pressures on growth and downside risks to the fiscal and debt position.
“The agency also acknowledges that private-sector investment in power generation and renewables is picking up and will support the strengthening of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth over the medium term.
“Over the next three years, government will focus on raising GDP growth by improving the provision of electricity and logistics, enhancing the delivery of infrastructure and restructuring the state to be efficient and fit-for-purpose,” said National Treasury in a statement.
The department said fiscal policy continues to support this approach by stabilising debt and debt-service costs.
Additionally, fiscal consolidation will be implemented through spending reductions, efficiency measures across government and moderate tax revenue measures. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:08
AG appointed UNESCO External Auditor
Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke has been commended on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.
In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa’s governance institutions.”
The President appointed Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.
Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.
She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.
Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency. UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
The President wished Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:24
Global teacher and education workers labour federation meets in Joburg
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday address the opening of the Education International 10th Africa Regional (EIRAF) Conference in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Education International is a global teacher and education workers labour federation with more than 32 million members.
Education International affiliates in South Africa are the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa, the National Teachers’ Union, the Professional Educators Union and the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie.
Hosted by South African Education International member organisations, the conference is themed "Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis”.
The Presidency said the conference takes place between Sunday, 19 November 2023, and Thursday, 23 November 2023.
In line with the principle of rotation, the regional conference is being held in Southern Africa with sub-themes: “Guaranteeing Quality Public Education for All During and Beyond Crises” as well as “Rebuilding our Profession and our Education Systems”.
The conference seeks to formulate strategies for equitable, inclusive, and high-quality public education; addressing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, conflict, and climate change.
“Taking place every four years, EIRAF serves as a platform for reports, policy adoption, and future program approval in accordance with its Constitution. It offers member organisations a vital opportunity for substantive discussions on trade unions, education, the future of education, and other critical regional issues,” said the Presidency.
Conference delegates include representatives from global unions and partner organisations.
Discussions during the conference will focus on crucial topics such as making Early Childhood Education for All a reality in Africa, creating safe and healthy schools and education institutions, evidence-based social and policy dialogue, and defending and promoting academic freedom and professional autonomy in Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:42
Small business can stimulate economic growth, job creation
Focusing on Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives can trigger growth, create jobs and build a more inclusive economy, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“As a country, we need to get behind our entrepreneurs and SMMEs and strengthen the eco-system that supports them,” the President said.
The country’s first citizen was speaking on Friday night at the 2nd National Presidential SMME and Cooperatives Awards in Johannesburg.
The President told delegates the ceremony was pressing given the current volatile global times.
“Our prospects for a faster and more sustained recovery after COVID-19 have been set back amidst continued supply chain disruptions, high inflation and depressed market demand.
“Governments are under pressure to stimulate the economy and to provide more social relief, but with reduced fiscal resources.”
This is the reason he is of the view that SMMEs can stimulate growth and job creation.
He told guests he was encouraged by the work being done by the Department of Small Business Development since the launch of the third iteration of the country’s SMME strategy almost a year ago.
The National Small Enterprise Development Strategic Framework aims to use resources within the broader eco-system to build practical partnerships that enable entrepreneurship and SMME growth.
Government is establishing a new one-stop small enterprise agency that will bring together the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and the Co-operatives Banks Development Agency (CBDA).
The strategic framework calls for concrete partnerships and actions in four areas. These include tackling the red tape and regulatory burdens that frustrate SMMEs.
“The Department of Small Business Development is also streamlining business licensing processes, with the Businesses Licensing Amendment Bill soon to be gazetted.
“But there is much more to be done. We know some of the frustrations which tech start-ups in particular have with foreign exchange controls that impede inward flows of venture capital, and affect the local registration of intellectual property.”
The other areas of focus entail addressing market concentration and enabling market access, especially for SMMEs owned by women, youth and other underserved communities; access to finance and entrepreneurship support.
“If we get this right, we can change the country’s fortunes.”
The current administration, he said, has set a target of establishing new 100 small enterprise incubators. To date, the state has established 110 with another 11 under development.
“It is encouraging that the number of people engaged in entrepreneurial activity has significantly increased.”
Citing the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, he said the working-age population involved in business start-ups in South Africa increased from 6.5% in 2001 to 17.5% in 2021.
“This clearly reaffirms what our National Development Plan envisioned, the creation of 11 million jobs by 2030 with nine million of these coming from small enterprises.
“We just need to scale up our interventions to create a conducive environment for SMMEs, and onboard other eco-system partners, especially the private sector, to play their part.”
He told the entrepreneurs in the room that citizens depended on their innovation and entrepreneurship to create the opportunities that would enable them to get the much-needed jobs.
“Congratulations to the winners and the runners-up. You have gone through a rigorous selection process and thoroughly deserve to be here. It is your dynamism and drive that will revitalise our economy and improve our global competitiveness.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 10:25
Collaboration imperative in eliminating child labour: Nxesi
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi says it is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the scourge of child labour, and recognise the collective duty to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in agriculture.
“The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts,” the Minister said.
Nxesi was delivering the keynote address at the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa launch event in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The Department of Employment and Labour, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), launched a European Union-funded child labour project that seeks to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector in South Africa.
To tackle this grave issue, Nxesi said the world must first understand its root causes. He cited poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness about child rights as creating an environment where child labour thrives.
Nxesi said the Durban Call to Action adopted at the 5th Global Conference last year in Durban, resonates with this approach, in that it commits different role players to take immediate and effective measures to eliminate child labour.
“Education lies at the heart of this endeavour. We must invest in educational opportunities for all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds. By ensuring that every child has access to quality education, we empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
Simultaneously, the Minister said enforcing existing laws and regulations is paramount. He said that stringent penalties for those exploiting children for labour, coupled with rigorous monitoring mechanisms, will serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Moreover, he said, support systems must be put in place to rehabilitate and reintegrate children who have been rescued from child labour situations, ensuring they receive the care, counselling, and education necessary for their holistic rehabilitation and development.
“Additionally, we must raise awareness about child rights and labour laws within farming communities. Educating parents, guardians, and employers about the detrimental effects of child labour, and the legal consequences associated with it, can act as a powerful deterrent.
“What remains constant in all these endeavours is that collaboration between government, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society, and international agencies is crucial for sharing resources, expertise, and best practices, leading to more effective and sustainable interventions,” he said.
Nxesi told delegates at the launch that together, they possess the strength, knowledge, and determination needed to create a world where no child is robbed of their innocence, their education, or their dreams.
“In our quest to eradicate child labour, collaboration is not merely a choice; it is an imperative. No single entity, whether it is governments, NGOs, businesses, workers or communities, can tackle this issue in isolation. We need to join hands, share expertise, and combine resources to create a formidable force against child labour,” he said.
The Minister said they are thankful to the European Union (EU) for approving the funding of this project, and to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for its continued support in their endeavours to fight the scourge of child labour.
The Minister said that the project launched today will be piloted in two provinces, that is, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.
He urged all stakeholders to continue to collaborate, to innovate, and to advocate, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe, nurturing environment – free from the shackles of child labour.
“Together, we can create a supportive environment where families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play by adopting ethical supply chain practices, ensuring that the products we consume are not tainted with the sweat and tears of innocent children,” he said.
The Minister concluded that the fight against child labour in the agricultural sector is a moral imperative that demands an unwavering commitment.
“We look forward to the replication of these pilot projects across the country as a whole, and the eventual elimination of child labour in the agricultural sector – and beyond.
“Let us stand united in our resolve to strengthen the prevention and elimination of child labour. Let us be the voice for those who are silenced, the advocates for those who are vulnerable, and the champions for those who deserve a brighter future,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 14:37
Following the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday emerges as a beacon of goodwill, marking the commencement of the charitable season when hearts turn towards holiday and end-of-year giving. Join millions around the world on November 28, 2023, as GivingTuesday becomes a day to fuel a global celebration of generosity. GivingTuesdaySA Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bin1o5mFM8 …