MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Government

Government

Government speaks against GBV, elder abuse

Location: News

Government speaks against GBV, elder abuse

Government has strongly condemned the heinous acts of violence against women, which continue to plague communities. 

“This abhorrent abuse of the elderly and the continued scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country will not be tolerated,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.

Recently, an appalling incident involving a 101-year-old pensioner in Zaaiplaas, outside Jane Furse in Limpopo, was reported. The elderly woman was allegedly raped by a 27-year-old man, an act of unimaginable cruelty that left her with an open wound to her head.

“This is one of many cases of GBVF in the country, and this kind of violence, especially against the most vulnerable members of our society will never be accepted. Those who commit such despicable crimes will face the full might of the law,” said the GCIS.

Government will continue to implement and strengthen measures aimed at protecting all citizens, and communities are urged to work with law enforcement to create a safer environment for all. 

The public is urged to report any form of violence to a police station or by call the crime stop number on 08600 10111. 

Alternatively, report using the MySAPS App. 

“Let us all play our part in ending GBVF by stopping it when we see it. Citizens can also call the 24-hour GBV helpline on 0800 428 428 if they or someone they know needs assistance or SMS HELP to 31531,” said the GCIS.

Government is making progress in establishing dedicated desks at police stations in GBVF hotspots. The desks have police officers, who are specifically trained to provide victim-centred assistance and support. 

Members of the public can also make use of Thuthuzela Care Centres, which are one-stop facilities that offer free counselling, medical examination and investigating officers, among other things. 

Citizens are urged to support survivors in their journey towards healing. 

“Together, we can build a society where no one lives in fear, and where the dignity of every individual is respected and upheld,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 15:39

204 views
Read moreGovernment speaks against GBV, elder abuse

Africa’s Energy Sector to Litigate Banks and Financiers for Financial Apartheid in Oil and Gas Sector

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

In recent years, several Western banks and financial institutions have implemented policies aimed at reducing support for fossil fuel projects, especially in Africa. This has led to a sharp decline in investment in the continent's oil and gas industry, a sector that is crucial for its economic future and energy needs. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) argues that these institutions are practicing “financial apartheid,” arguing that while similar projects receive support in Europe, Africa's high-cost energy projects are being neglected.

The decline in investment is already having a noticeable impact, exacerbated by global shifts towards cleaner energy and prioritizing of ESG practices. Major international oil companies are reducing their presence in Africa. For instance, Equinor has withdrawn from offshore exploration in South Africa and ExxonMobil has exited a deep-water oil prospect in Ghana. This decline is contributing to a bleak outlook for Africa's energy sector.

“As the international community moves to boycott investments in the African energy sector, African people and African development stand to suffer,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The role of oil in Africa's energy and economic future is apparent, and consequently, should be defended as Western elites move to disrupt African progress.”

The broader implications of financial divestment are profound. Many African governments rely on fossil fuels as a cost-effective means to alleviate energy poverty and boost state revenues. However, the increasing pressure on financial institutions to cut funding for high-carbon projects creates uncertainty about the future of Africa's energy sector.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has added to these challenges with its calls to cease funding for oil and gas projects, highlighting a disparity: while natural gas is considered a ‘green' energy source for Europe, it does not receive the same treatment in Africa. According to Ayuk, “The IEA has lost its relevance and its authority.” Originally focused on managing oil supply disruptions, the IEA now prioritizes policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its 2019 projection that no new investments in oil, gas, or coal are needed if the world continues on this path has been particularly controversial.

Several key African projects are at risk due to the withdrawal of financial support. Significant initiatives like TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project, ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG project, Nigeria's Train 7 LNG expansion, Senegal's Sangomar oil field, Uganda's Tilenga project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) require substantial financing to advance.

Despite these setbacks, some projects are progressing. TotalEnergies is advancing its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, aiming to develop the Golfinho and Atum fields with a production capacity of 12.88 million tonnes per year. Eni's Coral South FLNG project in Mozambique has achieved a production capacity of 3.4 million tonnes per year. Additionally, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, which started gas production in November 2022, is being developed by bp, Kosmos Energy and the national oil companies of Senegal and Mauritania. This project includes an FLNG facility with an initial capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year.

Meanwhile Nigeria's Train 7 project, an expansion of the existing NLNG facility on Bonny Island, aims to boost production by 8 million tonnes per year, bringing the total to about 30 million tonnes per year. This development is crucial for Nigeria's growing population and its ability to meet its energy needs.

However, delays persist. The Tanzania LNG project, involving Equinor and Shell, is stalled due to proposed government changes. UTM Offshore's FLNG project in Nigeria, initially planned for 2023, has been postponed. Additionally, the EACOP faces significant criticism from financiers and environmental groups, complicating its development and financing.

Namibia, experiencing heightened interest from recent oil discoveries, is facing delays with the Kudu Conventional Gas Development. The Kudu Gas Project, an offshore initiative, has faced setbacks related to financing and project development challenges. As a result, the project is still pending FID and anticipated to commence production by 2026.

“Today, African Energy Poverty numbers are skyrocketing. Nine hundred million Africans lack access to clean cooking technologies, while 600 million lack access to electricity, most of them women. African families are facing high energy cost and inflation is going up,” Ayuk emphasizes. “It is shocking that financial institutions that do business in Africa continue to practice financial apartheid by cutting off capital and financing to oil and gas companies operating in Africa because of climate concerns. These same institutions fund gas development in Europe, where natural gas is deemed green and a fossil fuel for Africans.”

The disparity in financing not only undermines Africa's ability to harness its natural resources for its development but also perpetuates a cycle of energy deprivation. The AEC urges a re-evaluation of this approach and calls on global financiers to support Africa's energy projects, recognizing their critical role in advancing economic development, enhancing energy security, and improving living standards across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreAfrica’s Energy Sector to Litigate Banks and Financiers for Financial Apartheid in Oil and Gas Sector

President Ramaphosa to address National Women’s Day Commemoration

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Download logo

President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 9 August 2024, officiate the National Women's Day Commemoration hosted by the Khâi-Ma Municipality at Pofadder in Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.

The President will address the national commemoration of Women's Day under the theme "Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women's Development" at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder.

The national event marks 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.

The Women's Charter advances women's economic programmes through targeted reforms that drive equality. 

Women's Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country.

President Ramaphosa will ahead of leading the commemoration at the Denis Nel Stadium tour a services-on-wheels exhibition of government services that will be provided to citizens attending the national day, as well as a trade expo featuring, small medium and micro enterprises led by women entrepreneurs in the Northern Cape Province. 

Details of the National Women's Day Commemoration are:
Date: Friday, 09 August 2024
Time: 10:00
Venue: Dennis Nel Stadium,Poffader, Northern Cape

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa to address National Women’s Day Commemoration

Reclaiming Withholding Tax for Businesses and Investors

Location: MyPR

Introduction Navigating the complexities of global taxation is a crucial aspect for businesses and investors who operate across international borders. Withholding tax (WHT), a common feature in cross-border transactions, often represents a significant financial consideration. This comprehensive guide explores effective strategies for reclaiming withholding tax, understanding double taxation treaties (DTTs), and utilising essential forms like …

Read moreReclaiming Withholding Tax for Businesses and Investors

Strong female leadership will have a positive impact on the South African narrative

Location: MyPR

Despite the fact that South Africa is going through a significant political transition, our democracy remains a shining beacon of hope on a continent where a democratic process is desperately needed in many countries. This cannot have been achieved without the sacrifices made by strong political leaders who have fought hard to build our democracy. …

Read moreStrong female leadership will have a positive impact on the South African narrative

Deputy Minister Botes meets representatives of the German Bundestag

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Download logo

The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, met representatives of the German Bundestag on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, in Pretoria.

The meeting with Mr Nils Schmid, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Bundestag, and Ms Bettina Lugk, Deputy Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the SDP in the Bundestag, took place in the context of the two countries' endeavour to forge closer political, diplomatic, economic and trade ties.

The SDP is the largest party in Germany's governing coalition and a member of eleven of the sixteen State (Provincial) Governments in Germany.

The meeting presented an opportunity for the two sides to discuss important geopolitical issues.

In addition to meeting the Deputy Minister, Mr Schmid and Ms Lugk will also meet with Members of Parliament, think tanks, trade unions, political parties, German companies, the Ghoethe Institute, the GIZ (Germany's development agency) and KfW (Germany's development bank).

South Africa maintains a substantial and diverse relationship with Germany. Germany is one of South Africa's most important strategic partners and is the second-largest market for South African exports, the third-largest source of overseas tourists, a major investor and development partner. The German Government views South Africa as a “global development partner” with which it seeks close coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Germany is a leading investor in the South African economy, with approximately 600 German companies represented in South Africa.

Bilateral development cooperation focuses on energy and climate change (green economy), good governance and public administration, HIV/AIDS prevention and vocational training.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreDeputy Minister Botes meets representatives of the German Bundestag

Demystify science for the most marginalised – Minister Nzimande

Location: News

Demystify science for the most marginalised - Minister Nzimande

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has insisted that, given South Africa’s – and Africa’s – historical past of discrimination and under development of parts of the population, it is imperative to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised”.

He was addressing the opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.

“Astronomy offers such an amazing opportunity to naturalise and indigenise scientific thinking within all our communities. Therefore, it is most fitting that this event will have Open Access features online, to generate scientific interest from the wider public.

“Young people have been appointed as volunteers for this event while others will be presenting their research posters, the General Assembly [GA] satellite viewing sites across Africa and astronomy ambassadors programme that has been launched throughout the continent as one of the legacy projects post the General Assembly,” Nzimande said.

On a continental scale, the Minister said it was in the interests of the international community to “broaden the participation of the African continent in astronomical sciences”.

“I would also like to recognise the efforts made by the IAU Office for Astronomy Development [OAD] and the African Astronomical Society [AfAS], both based in Cape Town in supporting other African countries to take advantage of opportunities in astronomy.

“We also see this Assembly as an opportunity for raising awareness of the IAU within the African science community and encouraging the emergence and professional development of the next generation African scientists.

“The Organising Committee of the 2024 GA has also announced that over 3000 abstracts were submitted, which is an impressive number for such an event and certainly offers an opportunity to share new sources of data and evidence to test through experimental work the explanatory value of the theoretical models developed in recent years,” he said.

A leading light

Minister Nzimande told the general assembly that government’s vision for South African astronomy is to become a “global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities as articulated in our National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy of 2015”.

“The strategy provides a framework to take maximum advantage of South Africa’s historical strengths in astronomy, its geographical advantage of clear southern skies in the Karoo, the engineering and scientific base, large-scale investments in the MeerKAT/SKA endeavour and SALT [Southern African Large Telescope], and South Africa’s growing international ranking and partnerships in astronomy.  

“This strategy is currently under review in consultation with the astronomy community so that it can be enhanced in order to take advantage of new opportunities in this era of multi-messenger techniques and technological innovations.

“The MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offers us an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, thereby driving transformation and human capacity development. The SKA is the flagship frontier science partnership of the 21st century and South African remains fully committed to it,” he said.

The Minister revealed that the department is working with the Department of Tourism to develop an “astro-tourism sector through community-public-private partnerships in remote parts of South Africa”.

“We are looking forward to the approval of our newly established Astro-Tourism Strategy by Cabinet in the next few months. 

“[Tourism] Minister Patricia de Lille and I will soon be co-hosting the Annual World Tourism Day in Carnarvon on 27 September 2024 – and this event will provide us with a unique opportunity to promote the preservation of dark skies and radio silence in the Karoo as this is essential for star-gazing and astro-tourism to thrive and to create jobs,” Minister Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:37

428 views
Read moreDemystify science for the most marginalised – Minister Nzimande

Izimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them

Location: News

Izimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who briefed media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday on the President’s engagement diary.

He said government has an obligation to interact and communicate with citizens in all corners of the country. 

“With the Government of National Unity, this has become more urgent so that all citizens can understand how the new administration is working for them,” he said.

The Presidential DDM Izimbizo have been held since 2019 after President Ramaphosa indicated that he would like to visit South Africa’s 44 district municipalities and eight metropolitan municipalities.

Magwenya said the Izimbizo – which are attended by all Cabinet members – affords ordinary citizens a platform to voice their challenges and to hear from those that lead government on a national, provincial and local level. 

“The Izimbizo is more than just a feel-good or gig for the President and the Cabinet. It is about identifying a district in conjunction with the provincial governments. Once a district has been identified, the various spheres of government come together, different workstreams are established to drive the process that is coordinated by the political champion.

“A few days before the actual Imbizo, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are deployed to the district to inspect their respective programmes. New projects are identified. On the day of the Imbizo, the President is accompanied by the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of provincial governments, Mayors and Councillors and the community engages them. It does get heated at times and emotional,” Magwenya said.

He highlighted that public participation in the country has been a hallmark of South African culture since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.

“Public participation is intrinsically part of the DNA of the democratic South Africa. To be exact, it was initiated by the Constitutional Assembly in 1994 to consult and keep South Africans abreast of the Constitution writing process.

“It is against this background that the President can assert that the Presidential Izimbizo and the public participation programmes are not political gimmicks of the current and previous administrations. 

“Neither is it an extravagant exercise and wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money. But it is a caring government which is engaging its citizens across the political divide.

“It started in 1994 and it is entrenched in the South African public discourse. It has evolved from former President’s to today’s public participation programme of the Presidential Izimbizo under the banner of the [DDM],” he said.

At the briefing Magwenya hit back at critics of the izimbizo. This after recent reports claimed that government had spent at least R44 million on hosting four Izimbizo over the past 18 months.

While he conceded that hosting an Imbizo could be costly at times “all the officials involved must ensure that procurement processes are conducted within the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act”.

“Yes, critics will point out the high cost of DDMs and they will motivate how the money could have been utilised elsewhere. Indeed, one cannot quantify the impact of the Presidential Izimbizo in monetary terms, but it should be measured over the medium to long-term of what changes such events will bring to communities.

“It is mischievous to reduce the Presidential Izimbizo to Rands and Cents. It is about a caring government that is closer to the people, ensuring their right to access to basic services is solidified.” – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:38

254 views
Read moreIzimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them

City of Ekurhuleni to host next Presidential Imbizo

Location: News

City of Ekurhuleni to host next Presidential Imbizo

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng later this month.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who was briefing the media on Wednesday.

The Presidential Imbizo will be the first to be held by the seventh administration. It is scheduled for Friday, 23 August.

“The DDM was established to improve coordination and alignment between the different spheres of government. This is an important initiative to improve planning, budgeting and implementation at a local level by bringing all spheres, departments and stakeholders together, towards uplifting our communities.

“You will recall that the planned District Development Model (DDM) oversight visit during April 2024 to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, had to be postponed due to challenges faced by the municipality at the time. The President is therefore pleased that the oversight visit to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality will take place,” he said.

The President is expected to be accompanied by all members of the National Executive who would already be on the ground leading up to the visit.

A success story 

During the media briefing, Magwenya batted away notions that the DDM Izimbizo have not delivered – pointing out that notable successes have been recorded in municipalities like Sedibeng in Gauteng where an imbizo was held in 2022.

This after criticism about the Presidential Izimbizo came to the fore this week.

“[The] Presidential Imbizo contributed to a clinic becoming fully operational. The clinic, which was built before the COVID-19 lockdown, had become a white elephant and the community in Zone 17, Sebokeng had to travel distances for basic medical care.

“Through the Presidential imbizo in [August] 2022, an inter-governmental task team comprising of national, provincial, local government and Eskom, identified the gaps for the clinic to become operational. The big issue was that it was not connected to the grid and that there was a stand-off between the different spheres of government about costs.

“The Presidential Izimbizo unlocked the bottlenecks. Eskom and the various government departments procured the transformer and finances to connect the clinic to the grid. Today, the community is benefiting,” Magwenya highlighted.

He added that the seventh administration will engage citizens.

“This seventh administration will continue to engage citizens through the Presidential Imbizo and the second round of the Presidential Izimbizo starts later this month at the Tsakane Stadium in the Ekurhuleni Metro and many more will follow over the next five years,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:41

170 views
Read moreCity of Ekurhuleni to host next Presidential Imbizo

President Ramaphosa’s public programme for August

Location: News

President Ramaphosa's public programme for August

Fresh off the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on several local and international duties this month.
 

The President’s public programme for the next month was released by Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya during a media briefing on Wednesday.

The President  is set to visit Angola for a working visit on Thursday, 8 August.

“The two heads of state will use the occasion of the working visit to reflect on the bilateral relationship between the two countries, who share very deep historical ties that are rooted in the liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid. 

“The leaders will also share perspectives on issues of regional mutual interest, including the situation in the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo] and on regional and continental efforts aimed at resolving the conflicts that are plaguing the continent. The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and the Minister of Defense, Angie Motshekga,” Magwenya said.

Wednesday, 13 August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet with Cabinet members, senior business leaders, and technical experts from government and business to discuss a new era of collaboration for a partnership launched over a year ago to address barriers to growth in South Africa.

Thursday, 15 August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa, will host a public signing of the Health Compact. The signing of  the compact is expected to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, at 1:30 pm.

Saturday, 17th August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, hosted the Republic of Zimbabwe. The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC. 

Friday, 23 August 2024

The President will embark on the District Development model oversight visit and Presidential Imbizo to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng.

Monday, 26 August 2024
President Ramaphosa will address the JET Municipal Conference. The aim of the conference is to convene key stakeholders within the municipal space to chart the way forward for the effective implementation of the JET Municipal Portfolio set out in the JET Implementation Plan (JET IP) which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023.

Wednesday, 28 August 2024
President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Thursday, 29 August
President Cyril Ramaphosa will appear in the National Assembly’s hybrid plenary session to provide oral replies to questions from the NA Members of Parliament at 2pm.

Friday, 30 August
The President will honour the invite from Zimbabwe President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. and embark on a working visit to Zimbabwe to attend the official opening of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 15:01

146 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa’s public programme for August

Dialogue to assess women’s impact in the community media

Location: News

Dialogue to assess women’s impact in the community media

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) together with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will host a panel discussion on 30 years of women excellence in community media.

Themed “30 Years of Women Excellence in Community Media Sector,” Thursday’s panel discussion under the Annual Women in Media and Communication flagship project, brings together women in the community media sector to share their experiences and reflect on how they have overcome certain barriers and progressed to make a success of their careers.

The project aims to advance issues affecting women in the media and community media sector since 2019.

The 2024 Women’s Month coincides with the country's commemoration of 30 years of freedom and democracy, making this year's Women's Month an important juncture for collective reflection on how the country has empowered and advanced the rights of women in our democratic journey.

This year’s Women’s Month commemoration held under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” marks the 68th anniversary of the historic march, where more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.

The panel discussion will be held at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria Campus. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 12:49

86 views
Read moreDialogue to assess women’s impact in the community media

Empowering SA’s unemployed through entrepreneurship for economic growth

Location: MyPR

South Africa faces a youth unemployment crisis with a staggering rate of 45.5%, the highest in the world in 2023 per www.statista.com. Empowering entrepreneurs and driving micro business development is crucial for economic growth, addressing unemployment challenges and lack of income opportunities, reducing financial inequality, and ultimately uplifting communities. Job scarcity, lack of skills, educational …

Read moreEmpowering SA’s unemployed through entrepreneurship for economic growth

Embracing the winds of change 

Location: News

Embracing the winds of change 

It is often said that the more things change, the more they stay the same - and to some extent this is true.

In an evolving world, change is a necessity and is accompanied sometimes by pangs of anxiety and the eternal “what if” questions that take up residence rent-free in our minds.

As South Africans, we went through a period of transition with July 30 marking exactly a month since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Cabinet of the seventh administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

The journey to the seventh administration began at the ballot box at the May 29 elections that resulted in no outright winner at the polls for the political parties. 

While citizens wanted their voices to be heard through the ballot, all of us were wondering what the future would hold for a democratic dispensation that was not run by a political party that had obtained an outright majority at the polls. In the immediate future, fears of possible mayhem and violence post the elections have not materialised.

Setting the ball in motion in the proverbial winds of change, was the holding of the first Cabinet Lekgotla where the Ministers, the Deputy President and President sat down to map out the programme of action of government.

A few days later on 18 July, the President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) where he outlined the new administration’s key priority areas. These are: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

In announcing these priority areas, the President appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds who give their all to build and cooperate. He has called on all South Africans to remain committed to pursuing the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion.

The new and returning Ministers and Deputy Ministers have hit the ground running in their respective portfolios having tabled their respective Budget Votes that concluded with the President’s reply to The Presidency vote on July 24.

And while we all continue to learn the names and faces of the new executive, what is clear is that the work of government continues unhindered, despite having some new captains at the helm of government departments.
 

The changes have not brought about angst and instability among our people. Instead, the period between the elections up until the setting up of the seventh administration to date, has been characterised by stability we should not take for granted.

And perhaps quite fittingly the changes are taking place in a year that the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy. The change not only tests the strength of our hard-won democracy, but also cements our freedom of choice in who we want to represent us in government and other areas of everyday life.
 

That freedom of choice has not been muffled or tampered with but has been taken seriously by the government of the day.

Attesting to this, the first citizen in replying to the Presidency Budget Vote said: “Above all, let us show that government will work for the people and that we can create a new era of growth and prosperity in our country.”
 

While it is still early days for the GNU, what has been clear for all to see is that there has been a sense of continuity in the operations of government, which is crucial in the creation of a better life for all as well as moving the country forward.

Just as human beings are constantly growing and evolving, change is constant but what remains is that the founding provisions of the Constitution of the republic founded on universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government, to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness among some of its values, still rings true, albeit the speed bumps along the way.

The Constitution as the supreme law of the land which cannot be superseded by any other law or government action, still lives and breathes for all of South Africa’s people.

Its supremacy has not changed and in an era of change, may its tenets to put South Africa’s people first, never fall. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Neo
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 11:11

65 views
Read moreEmbracing the winds of change 

Strategic Partnership Helps Tackle Early Childhood Development Crisis in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – Internationally acclaimed non-profit organisation, The Unlimited Child are proud to announce their newly established partnership with National Treasury’s Jobs Fund. The two have joined forces to address the challenges in Early Childhood Development (ECD), focusing on marginalised rural and peri-urban communities while creating sustainable jobs. Recognising the importance of investing in …

Read moreStrategic Partnership Helps Tackle Early Childhood Development Crisis in South Africa

Providing freshness to the community of oThongathi

Location: News

Providing freshness to the community of oThongathi

by Keneilwe Velaphi

Sabelo Mkhwanazi’s business, Mayanda Fresh supermarket, is centred on providing fresh produce to the community of oThongathi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi said prior to launching the establishment, he realised that his community was complaining about purchasing expired and rotten goods from nearby shops, which prompted him to start the business model.

Mayanda Fresh was officially opened in June 2023.

“I entered the supermarket industry because I was driven by passion and the need to supply fresh high-quality produce to my community,” said Mkhwanazi.

The goal of Mayanda Fresh was to create a welcoming and convenient shopping experience to customers, while also supporting local farmers and suppliers.

“There is a need to offer a wide variety of fresh products at affordable prices. Another goal is to strive towards becoming a trusted name in the retail industry in South Africa.”

Mkhwanazi ensures stock availability through the use of advanced technology and strong supplier relationships.

“I have established a trustworthy relationship with my suppliers, allowing me flexible payment terms. This mutual trust ensures timely deliveries and consistent stock availability.”

This approach allows Mayanda Fresh to always supply customers with fresh produce.

Furthermore, Mkhwanazi’s state-of-the-art inventory management system accurately tracks all stock levels, providing real-time updates as he purchases and sells products. 

He added that he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, stakeholders, and the community.

His supermarket also serves the residents of surrounding areas, as well as those who work in oThongathi.

“In order to attract and retain customers, I have strategically chosen to position my first store at the centre of the oThongathi central business district. This is a commercial area that is conveniently near residential neighbourhoods, and the location makes it easy for customers to access daily essentials.

He also leverages media relations to reach a wider audience, ensuring that more people are aware of what Mayanda Fresh has to offer.

The self-made entrepreneur said he did not receive funding from government but with the support of his family and community, he was able to establish his business. 

“My business came across many challenges one of the biggest being managing the supply chain to ensure a consistent and timely delivery of fresh produce, and building, and maintaining strong relationships.”

Mkhwanazi has big growth plans. 

"I plan to develop an e-commerce website to create an online business, allowing customers to shop from their homes and have their products delivered to their door,” he concluded.

Visit the Mayanda Fresh Instagram page @mayanda_fresh or follow them on Tik Tok @Mayanda Fresh.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 11:48

307 views
Read moreProviding freshness to the community of oThongathi

Minister acknowledges need for women to be equitably represented

Location: News

Minister acknowledges need for women to be equitably represented

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has committed to ensure that women’s emancipation remains one of the department’s key focus areas, in line with government’s constitutional responsibility to protect, promote and advance the rights of women in all areas of the economy.

Briefing media on departmental plans and priorities for 2024/25 in Boksburg on Monday, Majodina said as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy this year, the month of August serves as an opportunity for the water sector to reflect on how women, in particular, are affected by a lack of access to clean water and safe sanitation.

“Women normally bear the brunt of the burden of fetching water from afar when they do not have access to clean running water. There is an ongoing need to ensure that women are equitably represented in the sector and have access to opportunities that are available in the sector,” Majodina said.

Community outreach programmes

Majodina said the department will be undertaking community outreach programmes to educate communities to understand that the provision of water services falls under the municipalities’ roles and responsibilities.

This follows numerous calls and messages received by the department, where the public, including local provincial leaders, share their challenges with water and sanitation service delivery at local level.

Among the challenges reported include lack of access to water, sewage pollution, and disruptions in water supply for various reasons.

According to the Minister, the callers do not seem to understand that the provision of water services is the responsibility of municipalities, not the national Department of Water and Sanitation.

“It will be a priority for us to correct this misunderstanding and to encourage communities and community leaders to hold their municipalities accountable for the delivery of water and sanitation services. 

“When we receive calls related to the responsibilities of the national department or the water boards, we ensure that these issues are dealt with.

“The first point of call for residents to raise issues regarding municipal water and sanitation services must be their municipalities. However, when we receive calls related to water and sanitation services which are the responsibility of municipalities, we refer these to the relevant municipalities to resolve,” Majodina said.

Majodina reiterated that only the municipalities can resolve these issues, and “the national department cannot do maintenance or repairs to municipal infrastructure on behalf of a municipality”.

The call centre number where the department receives complaints and queries about all aspects of water and sanitation in the country is 0800 200 200.

Highlighting the department’s activities during its first 30 days, Majodina said the department has presented the Budget Vote Policy Statement for the 2024/2025 financial year to Parliament, followed by a series of appearances before various parliamentary committees.

READ I Majodina commits to improving water, sanitation services

“In addition, we have also met and had robust engagements with our seven water boards on their plans, the projects they are undertaking, and the challenges they face in their effort to provide potable bulk water services to their customers, who are municipalities and industries within their areas of service,” Majodina said.

Increase in water demand

While South Africa is one of the 30 most water-scarce countries in the world, Majodina said the consumption of water is 218 litres per capita per day, compared to the international average of 173 litres per capita per day.

“We have already captured 75% of the available surface water in dams, and the remaining opportunities for capturing surface water are expensive. At the same time, the demand for water in South Africa is increasing, as a result of population growth and economic growth.

“The average national access to at least an RDP level of water service has increased from approximately 60% in 1994 to approximately 90% currently. This is a major achievement,” Majodina said.

RDP or higher service levels are regarded as tapped (safe) water through a communal stand pipe within 200 metres from the dwelling, water in the yard or water in the dwelling. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 13:21

275 views
Read moreMinister acknowledges need for women to be equitably represented