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The South African property market remains an attractive investment for foreigners looking for quality yet affordable seaside locations. While the Western Cape has long dominated this market, the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as an appealing destination, with the KZN South Coast now a dominant player in the property market. “There are a number …
SA pulls out red carpet for BRICS
South Africa will put its best foot forward at the upcoming 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit to be held in Johannesburg.
With a few hours to go before the start of the three-day summit that will get underway tomorrow, government has indicated that all is in place for the all-important gathering that will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre.
This year’s summit is the first to be held in person since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent global restrictions.
While the summit brings a level of frustration for motorists who find themselves in traffic in the Sandton central business district and related routes, the all- important gathering will show that South Africa is an important voice internationally.
“The fact that there’s more engagements with the BRICS countries helps contribute to more business and more trade between South Africa and the other BRICS countries. Those other countries see South Africa potentially as the gateway to at least southern Africa, if not the whole continent,” said Professor Daniel Bradlow of the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria.
Bradlow points out that it is important that the meeting goes well “because then people can say that South Africa is a country we can do business with and rely on.”
The country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, was invited to join the bloc in 2010 and in 2011, South Africa attended its first summit of the group of leading emerging markets and developing countries.
Having been part of the bloc for over a decade, South Africa assumed the chair of the BRICS in January 2023. This year’s summit will be the third one that South Africa hosts as chair.
“We’re a member of an exclusive club in which the leading voices in the global South are also members,” Bradlow said of South Africa’s membership to the bloc.
South Africa has also benefited from loans obtained from the BRICS New Development Bank which was set up by the five founding countries of BRICS in 2015.
In April 2021, the Board of Directors of the New Development Bank (NDB) approved a USD 1 billion COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to the South African government. The loan was to support government in its efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The loan was part of the second batch of COVID-19 Emergency Program Loans to NDB’s member countries focusing on economic recovery.
At a recent media briefing, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor said that the bank had to date approved 12 projects in South Africa, valued at around $5.4 billion, to improve service delivery in critical areas.
The NDB was established to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
In 2021, the bank initiated a membership expansion exercise and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as new member countries.
Expansion and other matters
Among the range of issues to be discussed at the summit, is that of the possible expansion of the BRICS footprint.
“The big issue in a sense will be [on whether] should the BRICS expand and take in new members or not and there’s differences of opinion among the five [member countries] on what the criteria should be for doing this and who should be admitted; so that will be a big issue, not the only one but that will be a big issue,” said Bradlow.
In what can be described as a “special” televised address to the nation on Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of the bloc saying the “value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members.”
This is also the sentiment of Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Chen Xiaodong who said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
This as over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
The summit has to some extent been eclipsed by whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would be attending the gathering in person. This is after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against President Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova in March for allegedly being responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia.
In July, the Presidency announced that the Russian President would not be attending the summit “by mutual agreement” but that he would be attending it virtually adding that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would lead the Russian delegation.
At a recent state of readiness media briefing, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa chairs the BRICS in a “dynamic global environment where developments in the ICC were the sole topic of discussion around the summit for most of the year.”
At the time she said that the country was aware of “our domestic and international legal obligations.”
Reflecting on the President Putin matter, Bradlow said: “If he had come, it would have been terrible because South Africa would have been damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”
“We’ve been spared that. But the Ukraine war and Russia’s situation is definitely going to have an impact on the summit but it won’t be as bad as it would have been had Putin come,” said the professor.
Bradlow said the expansion of the bloc will be a big issue at the Summit.
“The big issue in sense will be should the BRICS expand and take in new members or not. There’s differences of opinion among the five on what the criteria should be for doing this and who should be admitted. So that will be a big issue, not the only one but will be a big issue.”
Bradlow said he would like to see the interests of the African continent being promoted.
“The ones that makes sense here is food and fertilizer with Russia. I know it was raised in a meeting when Ramaphosa was there but that it gets raised in this context again.
This as the Leaders of the African Peace Initiative issued a joint statement “called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General.”
The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.
“The issues of global governance reform and around sovereign debt issues is important and also because climate is such an important issue.”
Wish list
On the professor’s wish list is the campaign for a third African chair on the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“The one that which is the most realistic that you can get action on is to campaign for a third African chair on the Board of Directors of the IMF. Africa’s voice is so weak from a voting point of view in the IMF and the two executive directors out of 24 that represent sub-Saharan Africa basically… and they each represent about 22 or 23 countries. So it would be good to have a third person who could take on some of that burden and be another voice for Africa,” said Bradlow.
No doubt being a member of BRICS has enhanced South Africa’s position and influence as an important emerging economy. It also has given the country access to policy and technical expertise of larger and established economies.
The red carpet has been rolled out; let us heed the President’s call to extend a warm South African Ubuntu to all our visitors. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:57
Strategic agreements signed at BRICS women business alliance conference
Delegates attending the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) Africa Trade Conference, have witnessed the signing of partnership agreements, which will pave the way towards building trade platforms with various countries.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is leading the Provincial Government’s participation at the annual BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference, currently underway at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
The conference, taking place from 20-21 August 2022, brings together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, amongst others.
Dube-Ncube said the conference is a significant global milestone in the struggle for women empowerment, and it strategically takes place ahead of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Summit to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa from 22-24 August 2024.
She said they are inspired that the gathering will discuss among others, access to funding, trade, investment among BRICS nations and Africa, and facilitation of exports.
Dube-Ncube said the conference will also highlight crucial deliberations on establishing a Women Advancement Fund, aimed at providing women entrepreneurs with vital access to capital, nurturing the growth of women-led businesses, and propelling economic activity and job generation.
The Women Business Alliance will also expedite discussions on BRICS Tourism development, gendered healthcare policies, and collaborative efforts to boost economic prospects for women
“This platform will help propel women to competitively participate and fully exploit opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, a single market for goods and services.
“Similarly, the BRICS WBA Africa Trade Conference promises to be an unparalleled platform fostering collaboration among women-owned businesses and enterprises across BRICS and African nations,” Dube-Ncube said.
The two-day indaba, which was unveiled in 2020, takes place at the time which is characterised by a tectonic shift in the global world order, with the BRICS family of nations, which accounts for more than 23 percent of the global economic output, emerging as a strong counterbalance to the dominant global set up.
Welcoming hundreds of delegates on the first day of the conference on Sunday, Dube-Ncube said the problem statements for women globally may possess different nuances for different countries and world regions, but essentially they all boil to one – the total emancipation of women to enjoy equality with their male counterparts.
The summit is held under the theme: “The Role of Multi-lateral Trade and Investment in Economic Recalibration, Reconstruction and Recovery Plans”.
"The Role of Multilateral Trade and Investment in economic re-calibration, reconstruction and recovery plans is premised on collaboration and inclusivity of women in the broader development of women," Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 13:45
Mafokate’s company invoiced a non-profit organisation over R1-million from a lottery grant for a music festival that never happened
SA, China cooperation can bring mutual benefit for the future
Cooperation between China and South Africa can be a source of development and mutual benefit between both countries.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa through his weekly newsletter released ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Official State Visit to South Africa on Tuesday.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Asian powerhouse span some 25 years with cooperation in several sectors including trade and investment, energy and tourism.
“We are encouraged by China’s ongoing commitment to supporting African countries to meet the aspirations contained in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“As we mark this significant milestone in South Africa-China relations, our country stands ready to work closely with the government and people of China towards a shared future of meaningful and mutual benefit,” he said.
The President highlighted that China’s development plan for its people, particularly in tackling poverty, has borne significant fruit – a feat that South Africa can learn from.
“South Africa has a great deal to learn from China’s development path. Among other achievements, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty over a 40 year period. According to World Bank data, through this China has contributed close to three quarters of the global reduction in the number of people living in extreme poverty.
“South Africa is eager to deepen its collaboration within the frameworks of China’s common prosperity doctrine and strategy and our own National Development Plan and Economic Reconstruction and Development Plan. South Africa is also keen to harness the developmental potential of China’s Belt and Road Initiative announced by President Xi in 2013.
“We are actively collaborating on the design and implementation of poverty alleviation strategies aligned with our respective developmental visions, as well as on women and youth empowerment,” President Ramaphosa said.
Areas for collaboration
Turning to tourism and energy, the President said these sectors offer great opportunities for both countries.
“Energy cooperation between South Africa and China is a focus area that holds great promise. In June this year companies from both countries participated in a New Energy Investment and Cooperation Conference, which looked at opportunities for collaboration in the green economy, the just energy transition and on the transfer of science and technology.
“Tourism promotion is another area of cooperation. With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, China is an important source for tourism. It is significant that the number of visitors from China in June 2023 was four times higher than the same time last year.
“South African Tourism expects that inbound Chinese tourism will recover to pre-COVID levels by 2026. We will be actively promoting our country as a tourism destination for Chinese tourists at the China International Import Expo, China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and others. It is encouraging that direct flights between South Africa and China are increasing,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said this week’s Official State Visit will bring an opportunity for the two nations to address the trade deficit between the two.
“Bilateral trade with China has grown exponentially, from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022. We hope to use this state visit to discuss how to narrow the significant trade deficit that exists in China’s favour, mainly through facilitating greater entry of value-added South African goods, products and services into the Chinese market,” he said.
International Affairs
President Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa and China participate in several groupings on the international stage.
“In addition to a number of structured bilateral mechanisms, South Africa and China collaborate on international strategic platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation or FOCAC, BRICS, the G20, the G77 plus China alliance, and others.
“In 2025, South Africa will assume the Presidency of the G20 group of countries, and we are encouraged by China’s support for our Presidency.
“Our collaboration with China in international affairs and on multilateral platforms is underpinned by a commitment to the transformation of global governance institutions to make them more inclusive and to give more developing economy countries a voice,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:09
President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.
More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.
As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Funding development
The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.
“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.
Supporting global stability
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
“Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53
Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit
Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday address all the forces deployed at the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.
This follows numerous security engagements and briefings by security role-players responsible for safeguarding the upcoming BRICS Summit.
The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.
The security forces parade will comprise officers from across various disciplines of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supporting security agencies deployed to safeguard the event.
Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th BRICS summit.
Together, BRICS has more than 40% of the world's population; makes up a quarter of the global economy and accounts for a fifth of global trade.
BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the summit, with over 20 countries having formally applied to join BRICS.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:59
The RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) WARM UP RUN #4 fueled by PUMA Nitro, the final WARM UP RUN before the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series celebrates its Tshwane debut, will take place at the Uitspan, Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria, Hatfield at 17:15 on Thursday 24 August 2023. Tshwane residents have one last chance …
Maintenance, debt servicing key to electricity distribution: Ramokgopa
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the servicing of municipal debt to help keep the lights on.
In his weekly Energy Action Plan briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said poor maintenance and lack of servicing debt are among the reasons some communities go without electricity, even long after load shedding.
“…Transformers and substations have failed and blown up [in some communities] as a result of demand that exceeds the capacity of those assets,” Ramokgopa said.
Ramokgopa said in some instances, municipalities are underspending by R2 billion, money which should be spent servicing and maintaining infrastructure.
According to the Minister, municipalities owe Eskom about R63.2 billion.
Ramokgopa said there is a number of municipalities that have entered into agreements to pay their debts. However, some municipalities have defaulted on their arrangements and failed to make payments as agreed.
Ramokgopa said failure to pay Eskom undermines the entity’s ability to service and maintain the electricity distribution network, resulting in replenishment budgets being depleted on fixing repeat breakdowns of sub-stations and other transmission units.
“We are working with Eskom and the Head of Distribution and his team to ensure that we are able to find sustainable solutions to the problem. We are in discussions with colleagues from Distribution, National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) to try address the debt of the municipalities.
“Communities are not able to get the electricity they deserve that they have paid for as a result of failure of infrastructure,” Ramokgopa said.
On Friday, Ramokgopa undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.
The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia.
The meeting also discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide an affordable gas fired base load power of up to 8 40MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 13:20
Shops looted as residents take to the streets complaining of racism and neglect
A dynamic partnership between Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) has paved the way for the successful launch and handover of the Scooter Driver initiative, an innovative solution set to revolutionise urban mobility and promote socio-economic development within the Gauteng province. The landmark handover and launch, which took place this week, has …
More than 24,000 prisoners are likely to be released of whom about 3,000 will be deported
Minister Kubayi who acted as “complainant, initiator and chairperson” had “adopted a deplorable and gung-ho posture in dismissing the applicant”, the courts have said
The Capital City of South Africa, Tshwane will become the backdrop for an unforgettable experience on Sunday 27 August 2023 as the city prepares to host the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! “We’re thrilled to celebrate the debut of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Tshwane on August 27,” expresses Michael Meyer, …
No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth - DMRE
Government has no intention to formalise illegal mining in South Africa, which is wreaking havoc in some parts of the country, says the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Nqobile Khanyile.
“There’s no way that limited State resources could be spent trying to legalise illegal miners, who are armed to the teeth. This is a different illegal criminal activity,” the Director for Enforcement and Compliance at the DMRE said on Thursday.
However, the official said her department was not closing the door on small-scale miners, who want to be granted permits.
Khanyile announced the department has since received applications from over 101 artisanal miners.
According to Khanyile, the department also offers funding for those who want to purchase equipment and non-financial support.
Khanyile was speaking at a webinar on the impact and implications of illegal mining in South Africa, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
She said the issues of human trafficking and gang wars have also infiltrated illegal mining.
“It’s a dangerous environment and this is the reason why the police and the National Prosecuting Authority are playing an active role to assist us to deal with this issue and we highly appreciate the effort taken by them.”
Khanyile explained that the State is the custodian of all mineral resources, under the Minister of Mineral Resources, to ensure the economic benefit of the exploitation of minerals is equitably distributed to all South Africans.
She told the webinar’s attendees that South Africa is a mining jurisdiction with a history of exploitation of migrant labour, which dates back to apartheid.
However, she said the regulation of mining has since changed where the environmental dispensation is concerned, which came from legislation in 1991.
“This is the only time the South African government realised there’s a need for some environmental governance in the mining industry.”
However, Khanyile described illegal mining as a difficult and complex operation.
She reiterated that criminal syndicates, who are exploiting people and children, are driving illegal mining.
“Some of them [children] have been taken forcefully from neighbouring States. The unfortunate part is that once it’s a criminal activity, it doesn’t only compromise the health and the safety of the people who work in these operations, but it also compromises the safety of the environment.”
Khanyile also noted that it hampers the integrity of infrastructure.
“We have already seen the impact, where sections of the roads are [impacted]. Surface infrastructure gets to be damaged, and all of this has a catastrophic impact not only the livelihood but the economic growth of the country.
“At the State’s cost, such remedial measures will have to be managed and this will eventually have a catastrophic impact on the fiscus to try to fix the problem that is caused by illegal mining.”
Khanyile said the department will continue to condemn illegal mining in its strongest terms.
“Illegal mining does not take place only in abandoned mines. It also takes place in other areas, where there are no deposits of minerals.”
In addition, the department has also noted a trend for operational mines being invaded by criminals at a huge cost to spend on security.
“Some take place closer to human settlements and public infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, roads and electricity structures.
“The scourge of illegal mining should be a concern to the country and all South Africans.”
She also dispelled reports that zama zamas are only illegal foreigners.
“We have seen the statistics on people who have been arrested and pursued. While a greater majority are those who are undocumented and in the country illegally, there is a growing population of South Africans who are participating in these illegal operations.”
Khanyile believes that the State needs to address unemployment and poverty to fight the issues of illegal miners.
She also called on companies to rehabilitate and safeguard their old mine dumps and punish non-compliant businesses.
She said this requires cooperation between mining companies, departments and the community. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:55
Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down
The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.
According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.
The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.
Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.
Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.
Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.
“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.
The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.
While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.
“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”
Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.
“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”
Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.
Police killings
However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.
He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.
“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.
He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.
“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”
Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.
The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.
“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.
“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30
In reply to a letter from the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged them to learn the Chinese language well and contribute to carrying forward the China-South Africa friendship and promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.
In his letter, Xi said that he witnessed the establishment of the Confucius institute 10 years ago and was pleased to see that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries have yielded fruitful results.
A multitude of South African youths have got a glimpse of China's history and culture, increased their career options, and realized their dreams by learning Chinese, he said.
Both important developing countries, China and South Africa have forged a special comradely fraternal friendship. Learning and understanding each other's language and culture contributes to facilitating mutual understanding and cultivating ever-lasting friendship between the people of the two countries, said the Chinese president.
While having a good command of the Chinese language, the teachers and students are welcome to visit China more often and have a deeper understanding of China, share a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China with more friends, and strive to be envoys for inheriting and developing the friendship between the two countries, so as to contribute to promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation and building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.
During his visit to South Africa in March 2013, Xi witnessed the signing of an agreement on the joint establishment of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology between China and South Africa.
Since its establishment 10 years ago, the institute has trained nearly 10,000 students. Fifty teachers and students of the institute have lately written a joint letter to Xi, sharing their experience, harvest and feelings in learning Chinese, thanking Xi and the Chinese government for providing more opportunities for African youths to pursue their dreams, and, with eager anticipation, looking forward to Xi's visit to South Africa again.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims
Government has paid more than R330 million in claims related to the Marikana tragedy.
This was revealed by Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani during a media briefing on Thursday.
Claims payments have been disbursed to claimants through their legal representatives, including the Wits Law Clinic, as well as the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI).
The tragedy occurred in 2011 at the North West town when police officials shot and killed some 34 miners during a labour-related strike at Lonmin Mine.
Some 78 others were injured, with a further 10 people – including law enforcement officials – dying in clashes before the tragedy.
“The Marikana incident of 16 August 2012 is a painful and significant and solemn chapter in our nation’s history. It is something that we cannot downplay because people are still impacted emotionally and it casts a sombre shadow over the tragic clash between striking miners and law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities.
“As a result of which, we, as government lawyers, are now seized with having to meet the lawful demands that have been lodged with us. These funds have served to address a spectrum of claims that relate to legal consideration stemming from the Marikana incident,” Pandelani said.
In relation to the 10 people who died in earlier clashes, Pandelani said that no claim has been laid against government.
“There is always a narrative of confining the fatalities to only 34 individuals. In our book, it’s actually 34 plus another 10 who are never accounted for. We also need to take that into account. In relation to the 10 who died before the other miners, we’ve got no claim that has been lodged against government.
“The other 10 people who died, there was no causation on the death itself that was attributable to government or the State. Their settlements might have been settled by other individuals,” Pandelani said.
Constitutional damages
Turning to the potential constitutional law damages that may be lodged against the state, Pandelani said the Solicitor-General’s office currently does not have the mandate to deal with those matters.
He said upon instruction to do so, “it is an issue that we are prepared to explore”.
“Where a new concept… is introduced, such as constitutional litigation, which was not existing at the time of incident, you find a situation where you are applying the law retrospectively. We need to get instructions from the South African Police Service and everybody else.
“We are having to deal with the… concept of constitutional litigation. Why was it not pleaded as and when the matters started? And as creatures of instruction, where do you then derive the powers to settle on an aspect using taxpayers’ money on an issue which has not been ventilated in court? Until and unless there are new developments and there is cogent argument that is presented before any court of law about any novel or new issue that arises out of the Marikana litigation, I think we have done enough.
“Remarkable strides have been realised in the strategic orchestration and harmonisation of the Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and due process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 08:59
Symposium to empower women in business
A symposium is to be held on Friday with the aim of providing women with equal access to business opportunities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.
The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.
“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.
Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.
The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46
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Deputy President to chair Human Resource Development Council meeting
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to chair the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) meeting at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 18 August.
The HRDC is a national multi-stakeholder advisory body, which includes representatives from government, labour, the private sector and civil society, led by the Deputy President.
“Its deliberations are carried over for implementation, through various measures and programmes aimed at achieving the strategic goals of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
In line with the council’s decision of strengthening the link and alignment between provincial councils and the HRDC at the national level, Deputy President Mashatile recently led the council to KwaZulu-Natal in May 2023.
The aim was to assess progress achieved by the province in implementing programmes and initiatives towards the attainment of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030.
As part of the resolutions of the fourth HRDC Summit, representatives of relevant social partners signed two social compacts.
These include ‘Building foundations for a transformed economy and society’ and ‘Building skills for a transformed economy and society’, while the third one will be signed on Friday in Kimberley.
Through this HRDC outreach led by the Deputy President, all the relevant partners have rallied behind the vision to invest in education and training, science and technology, geared to address the challenges of critical skills shortages and unemployment.
The meeting is expected to receive a presentation from the Northern Cape HRDC, which was recently relaunched and chaired by Premier Zamani Saul.
The presentation will provide an update on provincial efforts towards building the requisite skills required for economic development.
Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape and senior government officials, will accompany Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 15:44