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Government activities for the week 13 – 17 May 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 13 - 17 May 2024

On Monday, 13 May, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will lead a delegation comprising of built environment professionals and experts to the George building disaster.

Also on Monday, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will lead the International Nurses Day commemorative event in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 14 May, to Thursday, 16 May, the Department of Tourism will be hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

On Tuesday, 14 May, the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga will deliver the main address at the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s passing out parade, where 410 newly trained traffic officers will become ready to save lives on the country’s roads.

On Wednesday, 15 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the memorial lecture on the life of Elijah Barayi.

Also on Wednesday, the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will undertake various road safety activations during a three-day visit.

On Thursday, 16 May, and Friday, 17 May, the Department of Employment and Labour will host a joint inter-departmental Jobs Fair in KwaZulu-Natal.

Janine
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:48

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 13 – 17 May 2024

No lack of investor confidence in SA – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

No lack of investor confidence in SA - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, has reiterated government’s stance that “there are no investors leaving" the country in droves.

This as some media reports stated earlier this month that Shell  is leaving South Africa after operating in the country for over 100 years.

The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo held at Kuruman in the Northern Cape on Thursday.

“There are no investors that are leaving the country in droves. You are dealing with commercial transactions which companies look at. One company comes out, another one comes in.

“[There was] a story that VW was leaving South Africa. VW just reinvested R4 billion preparing for a new line of auto-manufacturing vehicles that are coming in 2027 to 2029. So, it’s commercial transactions that happen globally. Every business looks at their own opportunities and says what’s in their own interest and it doesn’t mean it’s a reflection on the investor confidence in the country,” she said.

The Minister said investments “continue to flow into this country” – citing the Boegoebaai green hydrogen project as an example.

“I could churn out the numbers that are invested. The President has mentioned Boegoebaai. There are international investors that have partnered with us on Boegoebaai and there are South African companies themselves.

“What’s important is when your own businesses invest in your own country – that’s most significant than anything else because it shows the international community that we have confidence,” she said.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that green hydrogen and electric vehicle manufacturing are receiving particular attention.

“We are going to set up a Special Economic Zone in the Boegoebaai port to drive investment in green energy. There is a great deal of interest from the private sector to participate in the boom that will be generated from green hydrogen energy projects,” the President said at the time.

Load shedding and logistics

Addressing the challenge of load shedding and the issues in freight rail to businesses, Ntshavheni said government is steadily working on those challenges.

“Three months ago, the media was saying load shedding is making sure that investors leave but we have handled load shedding up to where we are [more than a month without load shedding].

“There are notions that we are burning diesel. We are not burning diesel. Eskom has told us that they are switching off some [generating units]. They are putting some in maintenance early because we’ve got excess power.

“We have been dealing with the logistics issue with Transnet in Durban in particular and they are back on speed in terms of the backlog that they faced. So, there is no lack of investor confidence in our country.

“In terms of the World Bank, we are still rated the largest economy in Africa…and we compete with other countries toe to toe in terms of attracting investments,” Ntshavheni concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:37

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Read moreNo lack of investor confidence in SA – Minister Ntshavheni

KZN Premier receives provincial allocation of Home Affairs mobile offices

Location: News

KZN Premier receives provincial allocation of Home Affairs mobile offices

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Ncube-Dube has described the allocation of new Home Affairs mobile trucks as a game-changer in the provision of government services.

Dube-Ncube made the remarks when she received the provincial allocation of Home Affairs mobile offices that were unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Mokopane, Limpopo, this week.

READ | Mobile Home Affairs offices to bring convenience for Mokopane residents 

The unveiling of 100 new mobile offices on Tuesday is part of the Home Affairs Hybrid Access Model, which expands services to areas, where the department footprints is limited.

On Friday, Nomusa-Dube received 16 of the 100 mobile offices allocated to KwaZulu-Natal.

Speaking at the event held at Hoy Park Stadium in Durban, Dube-Ncube said the day marks yet another milestone in the quest to bring dignity to the people of the province.

“What we are seeing here today is just another milestone for us [and] our people in the townships and far-flung areas who have not been able to reach Home Affairs. Today, they will be able to reach Home Affairs.

“This is a game-changer in the provision of Home Affairs services. We are here to wage a war against the inaccessibility and unavailability of government services for our people,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube said with the allocation of the new fleet, people can now walk to a Home Affairs office and apply for identity documents and passports. 

The Premier said many people have been complaining about long queues at Home Affairs offices, especially in Umngeni, Durban central and Pinetown.

“With these mobile offices, our people... [can] wait for the trucks to come near their areas where they will be able to do their ID and passport applications or birth certificate registrations. Each truck is fully equipped and caters for people with disabilities and the elderly,” Dube-Ncube said.

IMAGES | Mobile offices handed over in KZN

Home Affairs mobile office handover. Home Affairs mobile office handover. Home Affairs mobile office handover.

She said with services being brought closer to where people reside, this will curb the unauthorised practice of people paying for spots in queues outside the offices.

The additional trucks will bring the total number of mobile trucks in the province to 30. Members of community safety will accompany the trucks, to ensure their protection from the criminals, while bringing services in various areas.

The Premier expressed her appreciation to the President and Motsoaledi for allocating mobile offices to the province.

She said the relevant provincial MEC will collect and dispatch the mobile offices to the districts. 

Provincial Manager for Home Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Cyril Mncwabe, said the trucks will be distributed to Home Affairs offices located in five district municipalities. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:29

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Read moreKZN Premier receives provincial allocation of Home Affairs mobile offices

President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

Location: News

President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of retired Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, who was also an esteemed member of the Order of the Baobab.

Mokgoro, 73, passed away on Thursday, 9 May 2024, following an extended illness after a car accident.

“On behalf of government, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Prof Job Mokgoro and the late Justice’s immediate and extended family, as well as her many associates in the legal fraternity in South Africa and abroad,” a statement from the Presidency read. 

Mokgoro was a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from its inception in 1994 until the end of her 15-year term in 2009.

She was South Africa’s first black woman judge to sit on the Constitutional Court’s bench. 

The Justice obtained a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B Juris) degree at the then University of Bophuthatswana (now North West University) in 1982, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) two years later, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1987.

She also studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, where she obtained a second LLM degree in 1990.

Throughout her legal career, she taught several courses, including Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law Jurisprudence, History of Law, Comparative Law, Criminal Law, Private Law and Customary Law at a number of universities in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands.

“She wrote and presented papers, and participated in a myriad of national and international conferences, seminars and workshops in South Africa and internationally, mainly in sociological jurisprudence and particularly on human rights, and customary law, focusing on the impact of law on society generally, and women and children specifically,” said the Presidency.

In 2015, she was inducted as a member of the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her excellent contribution to the field of law and administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

President Ramaphosa said: “Justice Mokgoro’s passing deprives our nation of a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist, who served our democracy at its very inception and through the years that followed.

“As we recall the inauguration of our founding President Nelson Mandela 30 years ago on this day, 10 May, we count his appointment of Justice Mokgoro to the Constitutional Court as one of the critical, transformative decisions he exercised in those early days of our liberation.”

As a black woman judge, President Ramaphosa said Mokgoro was a pioneering embodiment of and contributor to the transformation of the country and the legal system and new jurisprudence that enabled transformation.

“Justice Mokgoro distinguished herself as an academic, a justice of our apex court, Chairperson of the South African Law Commission and as a strategic advisor to a diversity of boards in different sectors.

“Her insightful and principled counsel lives on in the thousands of legal careers she shaped in the course of her academic endeavours.

“She has left us under very tragic circumstances, and we, therefore, join the family in their sadness and their prayers that this beloved mother, patriot, leader and citizen of the globe will rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:45

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Read morePresident mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

South Africa’s Tobacco Bill process faces scrutiny as experts uncover flaws.

Location: MyPR

[Pretoria, South Africa] – As we wrap VApril, a month dedicated to education and awareness about vaping, the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) recommits itself to keeping the public informed about the ongoing process for South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (the Tobacco Bill). Most recently, several public hearings …

Read moreSouth Africa’s Tobacco Bill process faces scrutiny as experts uncover flaws.

President Ramaphosa reiterates government’s commitment to service delivery

Location: News

President Ramaphosa reiterates government's commitment to service delivery

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured citizens that government remains committed to delivering services and addressing their challenges.

The President was speaking during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo held in Kuruman in the Northern Cape on Thursday.

The DDM Presidential Imbizo programme presents a platform for communities to lay out the challenges they face to the President, his Cabinet and provincial and local government.
 

VIEW | Scenes from the Northern Cape DDM Presidential Imbizo

     

“We don’t want you, our people, to lose hope. Government is working in a very focused manner to address the issue of education and health. We are focusing on various industries, industries that are important for your progress like mining and renewable energy.

“Those are some of the key industries that we are focusing on. We are also focusing on spreading the skills base. That is why training is going to happen here… The public employment programme is going to create more job opportunities.

“With that, we should be filled with hope and confidence that in the course of time, we will be addressing some of the issues that you have raised here,” he said.

During the imbizo, residents told of challenges, including a lack of access to water, educational and vocational training facilities for youth, housing challenges and crime related issues.

READ | Communities eager to see and listen to President Ramaphosa

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the imbizo, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the challenges the residents face are enormous but vowed that government will address them.

“As an administration, we have sought to fulfil and address those needs and we will continue to do so. They were huge from 1994 and we have done a lot to address many of those needs. The needs of our people will continue but we will continue working very hard to address those needs.

“But what is good is that the people have the freedom and the opportunity to raise their concerns, and as they raise their concerns, we are much more encouraged to address those concerns. It’s important that we should get to hear how our people are living, and what they are experiencing.

“This is a great opportunity for us to do more and to do more together, with our people,” he said.
 

IMAGES | Northern Cape imbizo in pictures

The Department of Human Settlements stall at the Northern Cape imbizo. The SANDF stall at the Northern Cape imbizo. President Ramaphosa addresses communities gathered at the Northern Cape imbizo.  

There have been at least 13 Presidential izimbizo held throughout the term of the sixth administration, touching tens of thousands of people who interacted with all three spheres of government.

The Northern Cape Presidential imbizo is expected to be the last to be held for this term.

READ | District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

“A lot of people were very enthusiastic to raise their views and raise questions. The engagement with the community I always find it very rich, very empowering as well. We have been able to follow up on a number of issues that have been raised at our izimbizo.

“In a way, we saved the best for last. This is the imbizo that really tops everything and closes off the sixth administration,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 17:04

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa reiterates government’s commitment to service delivery

KZN Premier saddened by Zamimpilo market fire

Location: News

KZN Premier saddened by Zamimpilo market fire

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has expressed deep sadness at the effects of the devastating fire at the Zamimpilo Community Market in Mtubatuba in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

The vibrant market, which was established and run by local women was razed to the ground by a raging fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

Dube-Ncube said the market had positioned itself as a cornerstone of the community self-sustainability, offering fresh produce, beautiful crafts, and a platform for women economic empowerment.

“We understand the immense loss this fire represents, not just for the stallholders who have lost their livelihoods, but for the entire community that cherished this space. However, we are heartened by the fact that no lives were lost during the devastation.”

The Premier said that a thorough investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the fire and how it managed to destroy the entire market.

“We will work with every stakeholder, including the local municipality to establish the causes of the fire and the extent of the damage. Our immediate focus now remains the restoration of the livelihoods of the women and community members who lost everything in the fire,” she said.

The Premier and the provincial government will establish the stallholders’ urgent needs and explore all available avenues to offer support. 

“We stand firmly with the women of Zamimpilo and the entire Mtubatuba community. Together, we will rebuild this treasured market and ensure its continued success as a symbol of local resilience and entrepreneurial spirit,” the Premier said.

The Premier said that disaster relief teams are already assessing the situation, and they will provide immediate support to affected families, including temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies.

“The Zamimpilo Community Market has been a beacon of women resilience and unity, showcasing the rich produce and crafts of KwaZulu-Natal. The community market is a testament to the dedication of the women in their quest to support their families and prosper,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:50

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Read moreKZN Premier saddened by Zamimpilo market fire

Communities eager to see and listen to President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Communities eager to see and listen to President Ramaphosa

Communities in Kuruman and the surrounding areas in the Northern Cape have come out in large numbers to listen to what President Cyril Ramaphosa will say at the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo on Thursday.

The imbizo is a government approach to improve integrated planning and service delivery across the three spheres of government, with district and metropolitan spaces as focal points of government and private sector investment.

Various government departments are exhibiting their products and services at the imbizo which was expected to get underway at 11am at the Batlharos Sports Ground.

Community members representing different regions in the province will be given an opportunity to voice their concerns to the President. The President and other leaders in government will then respond to issues.

Many people have gathered and are waiting to see and listen to the President when he give his address.

Government will also use the imbizo platform to take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province.

The District Development Model (DDM) enhances integrated and sustainable service delivery through the maximisation of intergovernmental planning, budgeting and implementation towards creating inclusive economic opportunities for locals.

Keorapetse Mothwa from Kuruman told SAnews she was excited that the President was visiting their area.

“I happy that the President is coming to our area. I only see him on TV. I am happy that I am going to see him today,” Mothwa said.

Mothwa said if given an opportunity to speak to the President, she was going to ask him to build more schools and healthcare facilities in her community.

Frank Ratapi told SAnews he would ask the President to create more job opportunities.

“In this area the rate of unemployment is very high and this results in our young people turning to crime,” he said.

Read I President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

At the last imbizo, the President heard about concerns such as a lack of service delivery, corruption, inadequate housing, unemployment and crime.

Ministers present at the imbizo had committed to dealing with the pressing matters, including the standard of water and sanitation and the state of roads. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:12

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Read moreCommunities eager to see and listen to President Ramaphosa

District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

Location: News

District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, says the District Development Model (DDM) izimbizo are critical for ensuring that government serves the people and that no one is left behind.

She was speaking at the DDM Imbizo held at the Batlharos Sports Ground in Kuruman in the Northern Cape.

The imbizo is the 13th that has been held by the sixth administration lead by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

READ | President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

The izimbizo, which have been held in all provinces, allow members of communities to interact with leaders from national, provincial and local government on service delivery challenges that communities are facing.

“We are here to listen to you as the people who are supposed to receive government services. President Ramaphosa has come with Ministers, provincial leaders as well as councillors so that they can bring answers and solutions to all of the challenges you have.

“The President has come with his Cabinet so that you can talk to them,” she said.

The Minister told the crowd that the upcoming general election – expected to be held on 29 May – does not have any influence on why the DDM is being held.

WATCH | 

“We are not here because of elections. We are here because of COGTA that runs the Presidential Imibizo. It is not many Presidents that come in front of the people to answer. It is about delivery in action… Our intention is to leave no one behind,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 12:24

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Read moreDistrict Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape

George building collapse: numbers revised

Location: News

George building collapse: numbers revised

A total of 81 construction workers have been confirmed to have been on site at the time a building collapsed in George Municipality in the Western Cape on Monday.

The revised number was confirmed on Thursday following a previous report of 75 people having been reported to have been on site when the incident happened.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi visited the site of the collapsed building, where he interacted with the local and provincial government to get an update from rescuers and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors from the department, who were dispatched to the site.

Briefing media, Nxesi said the police are currently "in control” at this stage and will be allowed to do their own work unhindered until their investigation is complete.

“At some stage, once they are done with their work, the police will hand over to the Department of Employment and Labour, which will be able to start with its own investigation. Our investigations are informed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in particular Section 31 and 32, [which guides what] normally happens when we face such incidents,” Nxesi said.

Giving the different statutory roles played by different levels of government and departments, the Minister said it was agreed that all parties will play their roles collaboratively and in support of one another.

“Any interested parties who want to do their investigations will do them, but we will also do our own investigation and we will be informed by the police once they are done. At the end, once we get the investigation of the police and our investigations, in particular, we will be able to say what we are going to do,” Nxesi said.

He emphasised that the department did not want to speculate on what transpired but will leave everything to the investigations.

“Once the investigations have been able to expose the facts, we will talk to that.”

The Minister noted that a number of national department Ministers, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Police and Social Development, also have interest in the matter.

“We will be following through our people on the ground on what is happening. We were also informed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation also has an interest because we [will not] be able to communicate with some of the families, in terms of the languages. 

“We need to talk to the various missions who are here in South Africa to send their people… so they can communicate properly with the families,” Nxesi said.

He noted that while the department has compensation to give, this can only be done once all the people have been identified.

He said there is no timeline for the investigation, as it will depend on what is uncovered during the investigation, and the police will hand over the site to the department.

The Minister further appealed to the employer of the construction workers or the construction owners to come forward and talk with the families of the workers.

“Thus far, in terms of what I’ve been briefed, we do not know where they are,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 15:29

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Read moreGeorge building collapse: numbers revised

Public-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities

Location: News

Public-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential to unlock economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the transport and logistics industry for the movement of goods across the continent, says the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

“Collaboration between the private sector and government is key to unlocking opportunities. For instance, the Lobito Railway Corridor is a brownfield project, where the private sector identified the opportunity and partnered with government,” DBSA Senior Deal Originator Bongo Bacela said on Thursday.

The Lobito Corridor project entails the construction of almost 350 miles of rail line in Zambia, along with hundreds of miles of feeder roads, linking the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the northwestern part of Zambia to regional and global markets via Angola’s Port of Lobito.

The Lobito Corridor ushers in myriad new opportunities for economic growth and development that will unlock the region’s commercial competitiveness. This infrastructural investment is a powerful catalyst for the establishment of small businesses along the railway transport routes, fostering local economic growth.

“They [Zambia] entered into a concession agreement because the State-owned enterprise that was running the line was struggling to run it in an efficient manner, so given the experience and the knowledge of the industry by the private sector, they entered into a concession agreement with government.

“We believe that there will be economic opportunities that will be unlocked, traffic will be higher, both the DRC and Angola will benefit from a tax point of view. Jobs will be created and the whole world will benefit from the minerals that will be transported on the corridor," Bacela said.

The bank is involved in a number of transport corridors in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

"We are involved in these projects because we understand the region needs regional integration to promote trade amongst the countries in Africa so we can achieve our developmental goals as the continent and improve economic activity between the various countries in the region.

“Without these [projects], there is now way that the countries can promote trade if we don’t improve our transport infrastructure in the transport sector,” Bacela said during a webinar hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) on Thursday.

The bank is involved in the financing of the Lobito Railway Corridor, together with an American Development Finance Institution.

“We are looking to provide funding to the tune of up to $200 billion. We see this as an important corridor because of the minerals that are coming out of the DRC mines that must be evacuated and exported to markets such as China and the United States

“Our interest is mainly around some of the transition minerals such as lithium and some rare earth minerals that are coming from mines in the Zambia and the DRC,” Bacela said.

The DBSA is a government-owned development finance institution mandated to promote economic growth as well as regional integration for sustainable development projects and programmes across the African continent.

It finances infrastructure projects in six sectors, namely, transport and logistics; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); water and sanitation; energy, and social housing.

“Government cannot succeed without the private sector and the private sector cannot succeed without government because governments will have to issue licences and permits that are required for the private sector to operate the infrastructure,” Bacela said.

He cited regulations, skills shortage, funding shortages and the currency mismatch as some of the challenges that the transport and logistics sector experience in the region. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 13:47

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Read morePublic-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities

President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

Location: News

President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today lead government’s interaction - in the form of a District Development Model Presidential Imbizo - with communities and stakeholders within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality in the Northern Cape.

Themed "Leave No One Behind", the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province.

The official programme is expected to get underway at 11am at the Batlharos Sports Ground.

According to the Presidency, the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality is a rural district municipality which comprises three local municipalities - Ga- Segonyana, Joe Morolong and Gamagara.

“Mining, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture and forestry are key economic drivers in the district,” the office said in a statement.

The imbizo is directed at enabling successful implementation of the “One District, One Plan” District Development Model in which residents, traditional leaders, business formations, organised labour and faith- and community-based organisations work with government across all phases of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

In March, residents of Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga, had the opportunity to engage the President on the pressing matter of service delivery, among other issues.

Read I Communities have their say at Imbizo

There have been various build-up outreach activities led by all three spheres of government in parts of the district municipality and across the Northern Cape.

Ahead of the community engagement, President Ramaphosa will meet with the Northern Cape Provincial Executive of the House of Traditional and Khoi-san Leaders. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:01

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Read morePresident to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues

Labour Activation Programme heads to Northern Cape

Location: News

Labour Activation Programme heads to Northern Cape

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi is expected to launch the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) in Kimberly in the Northern Cape.

Friday’s launch will be accompanied by a Jobs/Career fair.

Unveiled in April by Nxesi, the activation programme will afford Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries and unemployed youth with an opportunity to be integrated into the labour market or start their own businesses.

LAP was established within the UIF to enhance the department’s mandate through enhancing the employability of the unemployed through training; enabling entrepreneurship through enterprise development; preserving jobs through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and Productivity SA, and collaborating across government departments and entities to massify jobs, skills training and enterprise creation.

An amount of R23.8 billion will be allocated to implement the plan.

The department said the programme will result in the creation of six projects meant to benefit 13 684 people. 

“So far, the programme has been successfully launched in eight provinces marking this the last in the current phase,” the department said in a statement.

READ | Nxesi launches skills training programme to assist unemployed citizens

Accompanied by Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Nxesi will also present Jobs/Careers Fairs and Exhibitions under the tutelage of the Public Employment Services branch, which focusses on creating a platform for work seekers to meet prospective employers. 

“Employers [at the Jobs/Careers Fairs and Exhibitions] have the chance to register work and learning opportunities, while work seekers have the chance to register on the department’s database, where they will be matched to opportunities.

“Work seekers are encouraged to bring along their identity document/card, curriculum vitae and copies of qualifications,” the department said. 

The LAP launch will be held at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, West End, and the Jobs/Careers Fairs will take place at Galeshewe Stadium. Both events are set to get underway at 8am.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 13:34

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Read moreLabour Activation Programme heads to Northern Cape

Government committed to resolve SA challenges

Location: News

Government committed to resolve SA challenges

While government has made significant progress in improving the lives of its citizens in the past 30 years, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that for millions of South Africans, the promise of 1994 has not yet translated into a meaningful change.

“That is why we must, and we will, continue to work in earnest to resolve the challenges that are holding back our progress,” the President said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the 30 Year Review Report, he said there is room for improvement in growing the economy, addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment.

The 30 Year Review Report reflects on the work the country has collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa.

“We continue our efforts to overcome the energy crisis, to implement structural reforms to boost economic growth, to drive programmes that create more employment, and to improve the capacity of the state to deliver services,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the democratic breakthrough of 1994 represented both a decisive break with a painful past and an opportunity for South Africa to chart a new course.

WATCH | Launch of the of the 30 Years of Democracy Review Report in Pretoria

Strides made

“South Africa is a vastly different place compared to what it was 30 years ago. Guided by our Constitution and its Bill of Rights, successive democratic administrations have implemented progressive policies and programmes to uplift the material condition of all South Africans, particularly society’s most vulnerable,” the President said.

These policies have included the provision of basic services, housing, education, health care and social support.

“We have established a unitary, democratic state and created institutions to uphold democracy and promote accountability.

“We have an independent judiciary, a robust civil society, a free media and a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

“We have advanced transformative policies to change the racial and gender composition of the economy and the workplace. We have implemented laws to protect workers and advance their rights.”

Government has restored land to many who had been dispossessed and has provided emerging farmers with the means to productively use their land.

Challenges

“South Africa today is a valued member of the international fellowship of nations. We pursue a progressive foreign policy rooted in advancing the African Agenda, in social justice and solidarity, and in support of multilateralism. Yet we know that still much more needs to be done.

“We are contending with slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. What is made clear by this Review Report is that the task of consolidating our democratic gains is not just the responsibility of the state. It is a responsibility that we all share.

“Just as we stood together to overcome COVID-19, just as we have united to confront other crises, we can overcome this period of difficulty in the life of our nation together,” the President said.

He said government was to create a better South Africa, a transformed South Africa, a South Africa that leaves no-one behind.

“The story of 30 years of democracy contained in this report is an honest and critical appraisal. It presents both light and shade, both progress and challenges. It is a vital reference for anyone who wants to understand the last 30 years and for everyone who wants to look into our future.

“It is our hope and expectation that this Review Report will be studied in detail and that its findings will be applied. This 30 Year Review Report is much more than a chronicle of a changing nation.

"As we chart the path ahead for our democracy, we will look to this Report as a valuable instrument for transformation, progress and growth. Let us make this a living document that inspires, encourages and guides us as we continue to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 13:55

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Read moreGovernment committed to resolve SA challenges

Looking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Location: MyPR

Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …

Read moreLooking past the elections: A more courageous role for big business in delivering the promises of the Constitution

Restoring SA after apartheid

Location: News

Restoring SA after apartheid

As South Africa celebrates reaching the historic milestone of 30 years of democracy, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says in their reflections of this journey, South Africans should remember the kind of state that was inherited by government in 1994.

“For some, 30 years may seem like a long time, yet when we consider what the democratic state inherited in 1994, it was always clear that our journey would be long and with many highs and lows. In 1994 we were a fractured nation,” Ntshavheni said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the 30 Year Review Report, the Minister said the very fabric of the country had been torn apart by apartheid’s policies, which had systematically excluded black South Africans to the fringes of society.

“Planning and development in South Africa before 1994 was fragmented, thus enabling their exclusion and marginalisation from developmental opportunities,” the Minister said.

The 30 Year Review Report reflects on the work South Africa has collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa.

“Thirty years of freedom and democracy in South Africa is a journey through triumphs, challenges, and ongoing progress. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation that has overcome immense adversity to embrace unity, democracy, and equality.

“While milestones like the end of apartheid have been monumental, there's recognition of the work still ahead to address systemic issues and ensure that freedom truly reaches every corner of society. It's a time to celebrate progress, honour those who fought for change, and commit to building a future where every South African can thrive,” the Minister said.

She emphasised that the South Africa of today is much better than the South Africa of 1994.

According to the World Bank, South Africa is the leading economy in the African continent with nominal GDP of over $US373 billion.

“Gross Tax revenue collection increased from R147.3 billion in 1996 to R2.155 trillion in 2023/2024 - the ever growing economy, while facing headwinds at present, has demonstrated the ability to create jobs and employment despite historical and structural challenges. South Africa has 750 000km road network and it ranks 11th amongst the countries with the largest road network,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s road network that is paved and/or tarred is at 159 272 kilometres. It ranks 19th globally.

“It is no small feat that South Africa has achieved universal access to education for children between the ages of 7 - 15 years and we are on track to achieve universal access to Early Childhood Development. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and its predecessor Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), the government continues to break generational poverty with families and households having first time graduates -  something many would not have dared dream of," the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 14:17

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Read moreRestoring SA after apartheid

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the burning of the South African flag in a political advert saying it is “treasonous”.

“The flag of our country is sacred in the life of our country. It is that flag that unites all of us. It is despicable that a political party goes and burns the symbol of our unity, the symbol of our existence as a nation. I think it is treasonous,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President’s comments follow on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) election advert depicting the burning of the national flag.

Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening of the Department of Home Affairs’ offices in Mokopane, Limpopo, the President said those that were involved in the making of the advert should be ashamed of themselves.

“All we want is to build South Africa and unity … People died for the flag of the nation. People rally around the flag of the nation and it is about us. They are destroying that unity, that identity that we all have. It is totally unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a media statement issued by the Presidency later in the day, the President said he believes that the depiction of the burning flag “is desperate and inciteful” and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.

“All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.

“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.

“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice. 

“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.

“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections are free, fair and dignified.”

The President further called on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the DA.

The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.

READ | Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

-SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 20:46

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Read moreBurning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa