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eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), announced today a new partnership with HomeHunter, an innovative web application designed to improve the home search process for consumers across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand. HomeHunter …
• MAHLE South Africa has received international recognition by winning the IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence • The Award was handed over at a glittering Gala Dinner in Barcelona Spain. • MAHLE’s continues to be committed advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects in underprivileged communities. MAHLE South Africa, a subsidiary of the MAHLE …
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation (https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org) today announced the five teams (https://apo-opa.info/3tXVKZw) advancing to the Finalist Round of the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy. Each finalist team will receive $70,000 to further develop and test their designs in a live field test demonstration in South Africa next year.
The finalist teams are:
“Access to electricity can advance industrialization across Africa and improve the standards of living for many marginalized communities,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. “These finalists are building innovative solutions to deliver on the promise of a sustainable future, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. We will be delighted to welcome them to South Africa for the live demonstrations next year.”
An independent panel of expert judges determined the five teams continuing to the Finalist Round based on a rigorous evaluation of real-world data.
Judges will continue to evaluate competing teams' abilities to meet the challenge of generating 60kWh of electricity in a 24-hour period by:
“These finalists have once again proven the value of the innovation competition model in driving breakthroughs,” said Emily Musil Church, PhD, senior director at the Milken Institute. “The Semifinalist Round pushed these teams to stretch their limits and build solutions that are scalable and life-changing for millions.”
To date, the competition has awarded US$750,000 to entrepreneurs testing bold ideas to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity in Africa.
In May 2024, the judges will award a US$1 million Grand Prize. A runner-up prize of US$250,000 will also be awarded. In total, the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy will award over US$2 million in prizes and additional benefits.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
Media Contact:
Chad Clinton
+1 (202) 262-1067
cclinton@milkeninstitute.org
About the Milken Institute:
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit www.MilkenInstitute.org
About the Motsepe Foundation:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute towards eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 26-player squad for the inaugural SA20 U19 Women’s Camp set to take...
AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum
By Michael Currin
Growing business, trade and investment ties between sub-Saharan African nations that are part of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act and the United States (US) holds enormous benefits for the two regions.
Last year the combined two-way trade between AGOA beneficiaries and the United States exceeded $46 billion and there is strong potential for further growth as trade and investment is deepened.
These trade and investment opportunities will be explored at the 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which is being hosted by South Africa at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 2-4 November 2023.
The forum, attended by a senior delegation from the United States and 35 Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Ministers, will seek to strengthen trade and investment. Moreover, with African Regional Economic Communities, civil society, organised and business representatives in attendance, it also encourages regional integration.
There is ample room for growth between the US and Africa, particularly in the critical mineral value chain which is at the centre of the global clean energy transition. The continent is a major producer of cobalt, copper, bauxite, chromium, high purity iron ore, platinum group metals and lithium which is needed for the global energy transition.
Those who partner with the continent will have access to these critical resources to spur on and benefit from the clean energy revolution. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2022 foresees demand for these critical minerals more than doubling by 2030 and quadrupling by 2050.
The forum also reaffirms Africa as a capable economic partner and a lucrative destination for growth and investment. Sub-Saharan African economies are on the rise following the impact of COVD-19 with the International Monetary Fund's Regional Economic Outlook forecasting their growth by 4.2 per cent in 2024 from 3,6 per cent in 2023.
Alongside the forum will be the Made in Africa exhibition that will display the products of more than 500 companies from across Sub-Saharan Africa. It will exhibit the region’s agricultural, automotive, chemicals, metals and minerals, mining and machinery, clothing and textiles, leather and footwear and the boatbuilding sector products.
Significantly, this forum is the last engagement hosted in Sub-Saharan African before the expiry of the current iteration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act in June 2025. AGOA has been at the core of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa.
It was signed into law on 18 May 2000 to provide duty-free exports of goods from 40 sub-Saharan African countries to the United States, giving them a competitive advantage in the lucrative US market.
There are over 5240 tariff items that qualify for the AGOA ranging from apparel and footwear, wine, certain motor vehicle components, a variety of agricultural products, chemicals as well as steel.
The 2023 AGOA Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum is an opportunity to lobby for the renewal of AGOA beyond 2025 as a mutually beneficial platform for global exchange and growth for the industries involved, and as a gateway to the vibrant African market. An extension of AGOA will promote inward investment in Africa and deepen the impact of industrialisation on the continent.
Furthermore, it will also support our efforts to increase trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that covers 54 countries and 1.4 billion people. It is anticipated that Africa’s trade will be greatly boosted by AfCFTA and the US stands to gain access to a single market, which is projected to grow to 1.7 billion people and $6.7 trillion in consumer and business spending by 2030.
The trade relationship between the US and South Africa has greatly benefitted from the AGOA agreement.
South Africa remains a key source of raw materials for the American economy and has become one of the region’s top 3 exporters to the US. The most success has been in our automobile sector which is the country’s biggest single beneficiary of the programme. Our local citrus industry has also benefited with the Western Cape exporting approximately R1.6 billion worth of citrus to the US under AGOA in 2022.
Other leading exports to the US included iron and steel, edible fruits, organic chemicals and precious stones. It helped create a total of 62 395 direct and indirect jobs, while overall AGOA generated an estimated 350 000 direct and 1.3-million indirect jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
South Africa looks forward to welcoming stakeholders from the US and across the continent to the forum. The stronger ties will ensure reciprocal trade and investment that will benefit both the US and Africa.
* Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management at the Government Communication and Information System
Janine
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 08:54
Revenue collection projected to decline
Revenue collection is expected to fall by some R56 billion below the 2023 Budget predictions, according to the National Treasury Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
The MTBPS notes that slowing commodity exports, slower growth, downward revisions of the tax base growth, slowing corporate tax collections and lower net VAT collections have all impacted tax revenue.
The 2023 Budget had projected collections would reach some R1.78 trillion but that has now been revised down to R1.73 trillion.
“In recent years, revenue collection has benefited from a pattern of high prices for South Africa’s commodity exports. In the current year, commodity prices have fallen faster than expected and value‐added tax (VAT) refund claims have risen, resulting in revenue collections projected to be R56.8 billion below 2023 Budget estimates.
“The moderate revenue outlook is limited by the domestic economic outlook and negative shifts in the global economy,” the department said.
This as Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana tabled the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday.
Key factors which have affected revenue collection in the first half of 2023/24 include:
“The tax-to-GDP ratio is expected to decline to 24.7 percent in 2023/24 from 25.1 percent in 2022/23. A recovery in this ratio depends on more sustainable economic growth.
“Main budget revenue estimates for 2023/24 have been lowered by R44.4 billion compared with the 2023 Budget, mainly driven by lower estimates for tax revenue, while National Revenue Fund receipts have been revised up by R11.3 billion mainly due to higher expected revaluation profits from foreign-currency transactions,” Treasury said.
Future revenue
The department said due to the increased fiscal consolidation that is required, “the Minister of Finance will propose tax measures to raise additional revenue of R15 billion in 2024/25 in the 2024 Budget”.
“Tax revenues are expected to increase to R2.1 trillion, or 25.1 percent of GDP, by 2026/27. Revenue collection, however, is projected to fall short of 2023 Budget estimates by R121.4 billion between 2024/25 and 2025/26, with tax buoyancies generally lower over the medium term.
“Relative to the 2023 Budget, main budget revenue estimates for the next two years have been lowered by R152 billion, mainly driven by downward revisions to tax revenue projections. Non-tax revenue estimates for the next two years have also been reduced by R24.4 billion due to lower mineral and petroleum royalties and departmental receipts. Payments to the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are revised up,” the department said.
Treasury insisted that improved economic growth and further gains in tax administration are critical for improving tax revenues.
“The sharp contraction in commodity prices now under way suggests that the windfall tax receipts that South Africa enjoyed in recent years have come to an end. Under-collections in corporate income tax receipts relative to 2023 Budget estimates flow through to the outer years. Stronger VAT refund payments over the medium term partly reflect higher renewable energy investments and responses to structural constraints in logistics and fuel refinery capacity.
“The outlook for most major tax bases has also been revised lower relative to the 2023 Budget. Personal income tax collections are marginally better than expected due to near-term gains; however, medium-term prospects for employment growth remain muted.
“Although South Africa’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains relatively resilient, stronger economic growth and further gains in tax administration are needed to improve tax revenues over the medium to long term,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:05
To reduce the increasing number of zero dose children in the Eastern Cape Province, the National Department of Health, planned a four-day Zero Dose training program for the province, fully funded by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, from 26-29 September 2023. The training took place in collaboration with United Nations (UN) partners, WHO South Africa and UNICEF. The training was designed to benefit senior program managers at the provincial, district, and sub-district levels, as well as facility staff responsible for disseminating knowledge to their constituencies. The training primarily focused on critically evaluating the status of zero dose children and developing micro plans to reach them, with a particular emphasis on the components of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year and is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right. It's also one of the best health investments. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious diseases and outbreaks thereof. While the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI program) responsible for vaccines in South Africa in its schedule covers for eleven vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), there are still children who do not have access to a single vaccine. These are called zero dose children.
The number of zero dose children has been increasing globally and South Africa is one of the priority countries for high zero dose children. Over the past 5 years, a total number of zero dose children in South Africa accumulated to almost 700,000 (682,967). In 2022 alone, South Africa recorded 147,674 and 19,127(15%) was from the Eastern Cape. The increasing immunity gaps due to the increasing zero dose children has contributed to the recent multiple vaccine preventable disease outbreaks which the country has battled, and this warrants urgent interventions to decrease morbidity and mortality due to VPDs.
The training focused on the all the components of EPI but mainly on critically reviewing where the zero dose children are, and developing micro plans aimed at reaching these children. Other topics covered included:
The way forward from the training was:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Reforms can enhance GDP
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) prioritises reforms aimed at enhancing the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He was delivering the MTBPS in the National Assembly in Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday.
“To this end, excluding interest, funding for capital projects remains the fastest-growing item by economic classification. Furthermore, we are introducing a new mechanism for improving the pace of delivery of capital projects,” he said.
The Minister was cheerful about the electricity sector’s “enormously positive transformation” due to reforms.
“We are reaping the fruits of our efforts to reform the electricity sector, including the easing of restrictions on self-generation and encouraging private investment in the area.
“At the same time, we recognise the potential loss of revenue due to private electricity generation, and the fact that traditional revenue models relied on by public entities like Eskom, face serious disruption.
“It is for these reasons that our electricity reforms are holistic, evidenced-based, and geared to find a balanced solution to our electricity supply challenges. They take into account not just a particular entity but the transformation of the sector as a whole,” he said.
According to the extended MTBPS, some of the major reforms in the energy sector comprise::
Turning to the logistics system, the Minister said the system faces significant challenges which have cost “up to 5 percent of GDP in 2022, with losses in the region of R50 billion in the minerals sector alone”.
The extended MTBPS notes that the cost of rail inefficiencies last year is estimated at R411 billion.
“Given the scale of the challenges, the National Logistics Crisis Committee was instituted to broaden reforms in the sector and prioritise reforms aimed at resolving the immediate crisis, while also addressing the structural aspects hampering the sector.
“This approach is consistent with the key lesson from our reform of the electricity sector, that resolving these challenges must be based on transforming the sector, and not trying to save an entity,” he said.
Godongwana said a “dysfunctional” Transnet – which remains at the heart of the logistics sector and the movement of goods – has serious implications for business, people’s lives, the economy and the country’s global competitiveness.
“No modern economy can thrive and grow new industries if rail lines are beset by delays, and ports are unable to efficiently handle incoming and outgoing cargo. Transnet’s performance in this regard has been underwhelming and its operations have been strained by a worsening financial state.
“Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the National Treasury is working with Transnet and the Department of Public Enterprises to ensure that Transnet can meet its immediate debt obligations,” he said.
The Minister said in this regard, a Freight Logistics roadmap will guide reforms in the sector.
“The roadmap sets out a clear path for enhancing efficiencies, facilitating the introduction of competition and leveraging the financial and technical support of the private sector.
“Only once these three objectives are reflected in Transnet’s corporate and operational plans, will there be a conversation about whether and how government can provide financial support to transform the logistics sector,” Godongwana said.
Improvements in areas such as financial management and financial governance are being prepared.
“These reforms will respond to the recommendations of the Zondo Commission, the Mpati Commission, and the Nugent Commission.
“I will…table an Omnibus Bill for public consultation, which will include key amendments to various pieces of legislation, including the Public Finance Management Act of 1999 (PFMA), Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003 (MFMA) and South African Revenue Service Act (SARS Act),” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:13
For 15 years, the South Coast has not only given Lawrence Homan a home but also intimate knowledge of its ever-evolving property landscape. Under his astute leadership, the South Coast Just Property Living agency has created a name synonymous with trust, expertise, and excellence. Read on to find out what it is that makes Lawrence …
The “energy trilemma” of delivering lower carbon energy that is affordable and secure is an issue facing all businesses and policymakers in the energy space. We believe that the world’s leading energy companies meaningfully want to achieve all three priorities. In January 2023, the New York Times reported that 2022 was the fifth-hottest year on …
Shoprite and Checkers slash the cost of car licence renewals For a discounted fee of only R185 – the lowest offered by a South African retailer – motorists can renew their vehicle licence online and pay either online or in-person at the Money Market counter in any of the 1 350 Shoprite, Checkers and Usave …
LG ANNOUNCES THIRD-QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS High Performance, Strong Profitability Reflect Progress in Advancing Business Portfolio, Accelerating B2B Business and Procuring New Growth Engines LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced third-quarter 2023 consolidated revenue of KRW 20.7 trillion and operating profit of KRW 996.7 billion, both the second highest third-quarter figures in the company’s history. …
eXp Realty recognized three South Africans with Durban based Andrew Thompson, Johannesburg based Ilse Anhaeusser and Gqeberha based James Conyers receiving global awards for their efforts in 2022. eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” and the core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), this week recognized three South …
As technology continues to transform and disrupt every sector, the health sector is no exception. Digital innovation is having a tremendous impact on the healthcare industry from the way individuals gain access to services, to the breakthrough development of new technology that is radically transforming diagnostic procedures.
Helping Healthcare Professionals Solve Complex Problems
Even more notable is the impact of data in healthcare and how it is helping to solve the most challenging problems in patient health and operational efficiency.
In January 2023, Harvard Business Review Analytic Services conducted a global survey (https://apo-opa.info/3sevpGc) of 757 members of the Harvard Business Review audience who work in the health care industry or in a health care-related industry and are familiar with their organization's use of health data.
Data Accelerating Digital Transformation
The results from the report demonstrate how innovative uses of data in healthcare is helping organizations improve patient health outcomes, enable faster clinical decisions, and improve treatment and hospital workflows.
This year's 8th Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2023 (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ), featuring leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders will be sharing their insights and experiences on topics like digital health, telemedicine, data analytics, and more.
The two-day summit, being hosted at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, on November 29th and 30th presents an opportunity to network with peers and potential partners, explore the Innovation Showcase, and learn how to overcome the industry specific challenges that have arisen from the rapid technological advancements.
Attendee Testimonials
At the Healthcare Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ) held in 2017, CEO of Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park who was in attendance shared his experience after attending the IT Summit in 2015 and why he made the decision to come back.
It was at the IT Summit that he heard about the technology available to improve healthcare management and had the opportunity to have a conversation with an industry expert about the challenges he faced with managing data.
That conversation led to the implementation of a software system that led to the overall improvement of the hospitals performance. In the areas of administration, patient data management, HR and finances. Testifying to the incredible experience, he had which led to his decision to attend the summit in 2017 he said, “When I heard about this conference this year, I decided to come back so that I can learn more about how I can improve the hospital's efficiency.”
Similarly, Managing Director of MediSwitch, Andrew Brown shared his perspective about the impact of the Healthcare Summit, and how important it is to continue to host such events, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event, we've heard from speakers who are really challenging the status quo of the adoption of technology, in the healthcare market in South Africa and in broader Africa and I firmly believe that events like this brings all of those role players together and challenges each one of us to think about what we do on a day to day basis differently so that we can actually go out there and ultimately make a difference to health care in Africa.”
Key Topics to be Addressed
The summit will address key topics like:
This summit will address key topics such as:
The Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ) 2023, will most benefit individuals interested in learning about the latest African healthcare trends, presented by healthcare experts, policymakers, IT decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss digital transformation.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the pivotal event that assembles a diverse array of stakeholders dedicated to changing the face of healthcare on the African continent. Register now and secure your seat at this exclusive event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
The drive to develop rural tourism assets is a global move, as inclusive tourism economies are beneficial for both tourists and hosts. Through rural tourism, outlying communities are included in mainstream economies, tourists are afforded more authentic, nature-based experiences, and conservation becomes a central tenet. On the KZN South Coast, this welcome trend has unearthed …
Since 1985, Crocworld Conservation Centre has established itself as a landmark on the Mid-KZN South Coast, with visitors coming from all over to meet this tourist attraction’s iconic and charismatic residents. But even die-hard supporters will be interested to learn some of the fun facts about Scottburgh’s conservation centre. “We have been welcoming visitors through …
Permits to change the lives of farmers
By Gabi Khumalo
A group of farmers have dispelled the myth that government initiatives seldom have an impact on the lives of ordinary, real people.
Recently, 664 hemp and cannabis farmers who are on the KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) database, received permits which grants them authorisation to cultivate, store and transport content with a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of not more than 0.2%.
THC is the major psychoactive component and one of the 113 cannabinoids recognised in cannabis.
What does the handing over of the permits mean you ask? It means that the permits, handed over at a provincial Cannabis Expo and Conference, held at Okhahlamba Sports Complex in Bergville, will enable the farmers to have access to cutting edge technology through the Analytical Lab based at Cedara in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, near Pietermaritzburg.
To grow the local sector, the MECs of the provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) invited captains of industry, including experts, academics, Amakhosi and local growers to a two-day expo and conference to share ideas that will grow the sector to its full potential.
Held under the theme: “One love, one heart,” the event provided a platform for local cannabis and hemp farmers, and others with an interest in the sector to engage with business and academia.
Among the issues under discussion were that of regulations, registration, production, agro processing and exports.
Local business who will be providing services to permit recipients were also granted R300 000 each. Services include processing, erecting tunnels and providing lab equipment, packaging, testing, and finding a market for farmers.
Masterplan
The first citizen of the province, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the expo and conference will be etched in the minds of the people, as the starting point of a “new era for the cannabis sector in the province.”
Dube-Ncube noted that many milestones had been achieved through the KZN Cannabis Masterplan.
“Through DARD we have set aside an amount of R47 million for cannabis research. We have allocated R10 million to assist farmers in cannabis production and hemp permit application.
“We have facilitated an investment commitment of R120 million and we have participated in the Cannabis and Hemp Phakisa Action Lab in order to secure much-needed policy coherence and to ensure closer collaboration amongst government entities," she explained.
This as pilot projects targeting commercial growers are ongoing, and the province has supported several investment leads, which were in the process of rolling out district-based capacity building programmes under the umbrella of the proposed KZN Cannabis Association.
Reaping the rewards
EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma said, the expo had been a success and that the work by both EDTEA and DARD was just beginning.
“We want our farmers to be the champions of the cannabis sector and we want them to be able to speak for themselves. We are giving them an assignment to come closer to us because what we have started together, will change people’s lives,” Duma said.
Meanwhile, DARD MEC Super Zuma said the province has worked steadfastly and the time to unlock the province’s prosperity through the hemp and cannabis sector, had now arrived.
“We have ensured a smooth process for our hemp permit holders and we covered all their costs. We are winning the fight to alleviate poverty and unemployment and we are extremely proud of the ongoing collaborative work that continues behind the scenes, and I must say all our collaborative efforts have yielded fruit,” Zuma said.
Permit recipient from the Umzinyathi District Municipality, Sphelele Shezi, said this was the beginning of great things for her small business of hair products, noting that the success of the products relies on hemp seed oil.
“I applied for my permit in July because I want to start extracting oil to use in our hairspray. We also manufacture shea butter which will soon be hemp infused.
“This permit will allow my business to grow and I have a vision of owning a manufacturing plant which will open up job opportunities,” Shezi said.
The owner of Old Grey Distillery--which manufactures cannabis infused beverages in Johannesburg-- Derek Collard, said his business has received great exposure at the expo.
“The expo has been superb. We started our business when cannabis became legal and we started experimenting with different cannabis infused gin flavours. We have met incredible contacts that we will be supplying. There are business opportunities as well as local growers that we could potentially partner with,” Collard said.
Nonhlanhla Qhoboshiyane, a hemp and cannabis farmer from Durban, who was introduced to the plants after falling ill, said she was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the informative expo.
“My interest started in 2016 when my husband and I were diagnosed with cancer. We used hemp oil and we would make cannabis leaf tea to help with the pain.
“These plants are from the Lord, created to bring about economic recovery in South Africa, there should be no stigma attached to them. The rural economy will grow because of hemp and cannabis,” she said.
Investment
In the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment made in 2022 to unlock investment in the hemp and cannabis sector.
During the Phakisa Action Lab gathering held in June 2023, the President said the cannabis and hemp sector is one of 14 priority sectors that have been defined in government’s Country Investment Strategy as holding significant potential to secure investment, job creation and support for sustainable rural livelihoods, in recognition of people’s rights.
“I am confident that the collaborative commitment to work together which characterises our society, will find expression in the Hemp and Cannabis Phakisa, leading to immediate short term regulatory reform, the adoption of a set of foundational policy principles to achieve longer term legislative reform and a detailed plan to achieve inclusive growth and investment,” the President said at the time.
Participants at the Action Lab collectively agreed on the regulatory reforms required to better enable the development of the hemp and cannabis sector.
The reforms will unlock the potential of cannabis in African traditional medicine; pharmaceutical and complementary medicines; and multiple industrial applications.
The regulatory reforms agreed to include reviewing the schedules to the Medicines Act to further enable cannabis grown for non-medicinal uses, including industrial purposes.
The Phakisa Action Lab further resolved to explore mechanisms to fast-track the removal of cannabis from the Drugs Act.
This will be a historic achievement through which the cultivation of non-medicinal cannabis will be legal under the terms and conditions of the Plant Improvement Act, which falls under DALRRD.
The development of the hemp and cannabis industry has so far seen the issuing of 83 cannabis licences, four manufacturing licences and 30 research permits by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) since 2022. The authority is an entity of the Department of Health
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has also issued 371 hemp permits, which has enabled significant investment, employment creation, the application of technology, intellectual property development and exports to highly competitive global markets.
And that is no smoke and mirrors story. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:43
Flight Centre, the renowned global travel agency, has spread their wings with the opening of a new store in Hyde Park Corner, catering to the diverse and dynamic travel needs of mall-goers. This eagerly anticipated new addition will bring unmatched travel expertise and unforgettable experiences to the mall. The decision to open a Flight Centre …
Government partners with business to tackle economic challenges
Government has established a partnership with business to work together in four critical areas, including energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and employment to give impetus to efforts currently being undertaken.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said this while delivering an address to the nation updating on the Economic Recovery progress on Monday.
“We continue to collaborate with organised labour and civil society to ensure a whole-of-society approach to addressing the most important challenges our country faces. All of this gives us hope that we are turning the tide on the many challenges that we face,” the President said.
This month marks three years since government embarked on the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which outlined the actions that it would take to rebuild the economy and create jobs in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
The President acknowledged that the last three years have been extremely challenging, as the country emerges from more than a decade of stagnant economic growth, compounded by the impact of the pandemic.
“We are working to reverse the legacy of the past era of corruption and mismanagement of our State-owned enterprises, which has left us with a persistent energy crisis and an inefficient ports and rail network.
“And we are contending with a range of global and domestic pressures which have set back our economic recovery. And yet, there are clear signs that our efforts are showing results. Electricity supply is improving. Jobs are being created.
“Houses, roads, bridges and dams are under construction. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on criminal syndicates. The proceeds of State capture are being recovered. These are reasons for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.
Since then, in the midst of severe load shedding and increased global volatility, he highlighted that the economy has continued growing, albeit too slowly. He added that the economy has shown a significant degree of resilience and is now larger than it was before the pandemic.
Reforms – Energy Action Plan
Turning to one of the main challenges in the country, President Ramaphosa told the nation that progress is being made towards ending load shedding.
“We are making progress towards ending load shedding. Our greatest priority has been to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding to achieve energy security. Over the last few months, there has been a measurable decline in the severity of load shedding,” the President said.
He noted that the Energy Action Plan he announced in July last year is showing positive results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.
The President said that regulatory reforms that have been initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000MW of confirmed projects in development.
Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, he said that the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500MW in the last year.
“The steady progress we are making in resolving the energy crisis is a reason for hope,” he said.
Infrastructure
Another commitment made in the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan was to fix South Africa’s infrastructure through renewed investment in maintenance and construction of new projects.
The President highlighted that several significant infrastructure projects are underway.
“These projects are both contributing to greater economic activity and jobs, and providing much-needed infrastructure for the growth of our economy and the needs of our people.
“These infrastructure projects range from social housing, road construction, rural bridges, and dam constructions,” he said.
President Ramaphosa further highlighted that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has to date restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors.
To continue with the restoration of the country’s commuter rail corridors, he said R50 billion will be spent over the next three years to modernise the passenger rail network.
As part of the infrastructure build, the President said that the sixth administration is undertaking significant water infrastructure projects. These include Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Mzimvubu water project in the Eastern Cape, which will involve an investment of R17 billion.
“Around the country, water treatment works are being upgraded, pumping stations are being repaired, and pipes are being laid to get water to under-serviced areas,” he noted.
Logistics system
President Ramaphosa said the country is making progress in restoring its logistics system to world-class standards, so that SA can export goods to global markets.
The National Logistics Crisis Committee is overseeing a range of interventions to stabilise and improve the performance of the logistics system in the short term, in addition to ongoing reform to improve its efficiency and competitiveness in the long term.
He said the Transnet board has developed a turnaround plan, which aims to increase volumes transported on SA’s network.
“Progress is also being made with the introduction of private sector participation in container terminals. I want to make it clear that South Africa’s port, rail and electricity infrastructure are strategic national assets, and that they will remain in public ownership.
“However, introducing competition in operations – both in electricity and logistics – will create greater efficiency and reduce prices in the long term, just as the introduction of competition in the telecommunications sector has led to greater choice and enormous benefits for consumers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 21:50
Social protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery plan
The introduction of measures designed to cushion the effects of the economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID pandemic has played a substantial role in keeping millions out of poverty in South Africa.
Speaking to the nation on Monday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa said one of the key pillars of the reconstruction and recovery plan, post COVID-19, was the expansion of social protection and public employment.
The President was frank about the mammoth task that lies ahead in moving the country forward, in terms of creating the requisite jobs and expanding the economy. However, he commended the role played by the country’s commitment to strengthening social protection through initiatives designed to propel the recovery trajectory.
“Over the last two years, the number of people with jobs has increased by two million, bringing the level of employment close to its pre-pandemic level.
“The special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] Grant, known as the R350 grant, which we introduced in 2020, has kept millions of people out of poverty, and continues to provide much-needed support for those who are unemployed.
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created over 1.2 million opportunities since its establishment, representing the largest expansion of public employment in South Africa’s history,” the President said.
To date, over four million young people have registered on the SAYouth online platform, and more than one million of them have been able to access opportunities for learning and earning.
“Every one of those jobs created is a reason for hope. Every person who no longer lives in poverty is a reason for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.
Acknowledging the sustained challenges imposed by domestic and global pressures on the South Africa economy, the President made it clear that constraints to growth, including load shedding and the underperformance of the ports and rail network, must be overcome if the country is to realise its own economic growth targets.
Government spending, the President noted, has exceeded revenue since the 2008 global financial crisis, without a commensurate increase in economic growth.
“As the Minister of Finance has noted, for every rand that government collects in revenue, 18 cents go towards servicing our national debt. This means that we are now paying more in interest on our national debt than we are budgeting for the police force.
“Ultimately, more rapid and inclusive growth is the only solution to unemployment, poverty and inequality. Growth is also necessary for the sustainability of public finances.”
The President reiterated the commitment to stabilising the levels of debt and adopting a responsible fiscal policy, saying that the Minister of Finance will set out government’s plans to achieve this trajectory in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 1 November.
Strengthening municipal performance
The President said urgent and necessary interventions are being undertaken at municipal level in order to improve service delivery in the areas of water and sanitation, electricity, roads and waste collection.
“These interventions are accelerating service delivery where basic services have collapsed.
“While addressing the immediate problems, we are introducing necessary institutional reforms and professionalisation in the appointment of senior municipal officials.”
Spending on health, education, policing and other essential services will be protected as far as possible, the President said.
“As we move to target spending on programmes that are working for the poor, we need to acknowledge that our social grants, including the SRD Grant, as well as our public employment programmes, are vital in supporting those who are vulnerable.
“These programmes have not only reduced poverty, but have enabled recipients to search for jobs and to engage in other economic activity to support their livelihoods.”
The Minister of Finance is expected to provide more details on these and other spending priorities when he presents the MTBPS on Wednesday.
Tackling crime and corruption
The President said the South African Police Service has established 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams throughout the country to protect critical infrastructure and tackle the “construction mafia”.
“We are seeing results in arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. Increasing the number of police men and women will further strengthen our capacity to curb acts of criminality.
“I have also extended the employment of 880 members of the SANDF [South African National Defence Force] to support the police in combating criminal activity that targets critical economic infrastructure. The police have arrested several people for extortion at construction sites and made over 3 000 arrests for illegal mining.
“Through the intensive efforts of our law enforcement agencies, dozens of illegal mines, unregulated coal yards and unregistered second hand dealers have been shut down.”
Additionally, the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks, coal and other metals.
Turning to State capture, the President acknowledged that over the last four years, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate has taken 34 State capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons.
Freezing orders of R14 billion have now been granted to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for State capture related cases. Around R5.4 billion has to date been recovered and returned to the State.
“As recommended by the State Capture Commission, we are putting in place laws, institutions and practices that reduce the potential for corruption of any sort and on any scale.
“We are continuing to build meaningful compacts with key stakeholders in a number of areas,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 22:13
President Ramaphosa declares 15 December a public holiday
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, France.
On Saturday night, South Africans watched with pride and joy as the national rugby team became the world champions for the fourth time since the advent of democracy in the country.
Addressing the nation on Monday evening, the President explained that as much as many want a holiday now, most can agree that matriculants must be given time to focus on their exams, after which the celebrations will continue.
“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.
The Springboks will return home on Tuesday and the country will welcome them with great joy and jubilation. They will conduct a victory tour around the country and President Ramaphosa will receive them at the Union Buildings later this week.
The President urged the country to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as they have given their support to the Springboks.
“I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup,” he said.
Today marks the start of the 2023 National Senior Certificate exams for close on one million learners.
“Over the next weeks, our learners will prove the value of hard work, dedication and the investment that we have made as a nation in the education of our young people.
“We wish them the very best, confident that they will make the country proud,” President Ramaphosa said.
Stronger Together
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to urge the nation to draw hope and encouragement from the determination and the performance the Springboks and the Proteas have displayed.
The victory by the Springboks and the performance of the Proteas follows the victory of Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The country’s spirits were similarly lifted by the achievements of the national squad at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in June.
“The determination and resilience of our teams have given credence to Madiba’s words that sports unites the nation. In their achievements, they have revealed much about the unity of the people of the country they represent.
“As a people, we have shown before what is possible when we are united, when we are determined, when we try hard and when we refuse to give up. Together, we overcame apartheid, ended centuries of conflict and gave birth to a thriving democracy. Together, we confronted and overcame the deadliest global pandemic in over a century. We are indeed stronger together,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that the Springboks’ victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration.
“As we all watched their progress towards the championship, we marvelled at their resilience and determination to overcome some of the best teams in the rugby world. At moments when their cause seemed lost, they fought back and they emerged victorious,” he said.
The President further applauded the cricket team who have been performing well in the Cricket World Cup. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 22:30
Petrol price set to decrease by R1.78
Cash-strapped motorists will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps on Wednesday as the price of petrol is set to come down by R1.78 a litre.
According to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, both grades of petrol (93 and 95 ULP & LRP) will decrease by R1.78 cents per litre, while the price of Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will come down by 85.08 cents a litre.
This means that a litre of 95 which currently costs R25.68 in Gauteng will come down to R23.90.
The price of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) will come down by 82.08 a litre. The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will decrease by 97 cents per litre and the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin will come down by 1.30 cents
Meanwhile, the Maximum retail price for LP Gas will see a 1.49.00 per kilogram increase.
The fuel price adjustments were due to crude oil prices, Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and the implementation of the Slate Levy.
“The average international product prices of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin followed the decreasing trend of crude oil while LPGas increased due to higher prices of propane and butane during the period under review. These led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 207.06 c/l, 115.15 c/l and 105.18 c/l, respectively,” said the Minister on Monday.
The adjustment of fuel prices will be effective from 1 November.
On crude oil prices, the department said the average Brent crude oil price decreased during the period under review.
This was mainly due to the rise in global crude oil inventories because of increased production from non-OPEC + producers, the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela by the US, creating a positive outlook on supply as well as the low impact of Israel-Hamas conflict as it has not yet affected flow of crude oil even though it is happening in the oil rich region of the Middle East.
On the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, the department said the the Rand depreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar during the period under review when compared to the previous one.
“This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 6.34 c/l, 7.57 c/l and 7.61 c/l, respectively,” the Minister said.
On the implementation of the slate levy, the cumulative slate balance on petrol and diesel at the end of September 2023 had a negative balance of R6.2 billion.
“Therefore, the slate levy will increase by 21.92 cents per litre to 52.62 cents a litre. This will be implemented in the price structure of petrol and diesel with effect from 1 November 2023.” –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 12:42
Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world's conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3 257 children are reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3 195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7 703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel's indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.
All of these children killed since 7 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation, which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself' using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel's right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.
Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.
While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.
It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel's, commentary on South Africa's stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary' approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor's call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This includes scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.
One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.
South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.
All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The fourth generation, family-owned German textile group FALKE has appointed Michael de Koker to manage their South African operations. De Koker has a well-rounded background in the manufacturing, retail, and distribution industries. Having headed up some of the largest and well-known brands specifically Guess SA/Africa, being retail director of Guess Australia and more recently the …