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Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Location: News

Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football.

This follows Banyana Banyana making history as the first senior South African national women or men’s football team to progress beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.

In addition, the SPAR Proteas fought gallantly as the host nation in the first ever Netball World Cup to take place on African soil.

Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women’s Month a memorable one.

“I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sports women,” he said on Thursday.

Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).

According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts.

In an effort to honour women in sport, Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams, respectively, to celebrate them for raising South Africa’s flag high.

“While government has supported efforts to boost women and youth sports development in the country, it cannot do it alone. All stakeholders must play a role in realising the aim to professionalise women’s football and netball.

“I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring the as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes,” the Minister said.

South African netball team Captain Bongi Msomi spoke of the challenges experienced by women in sport due to the lack of support and recognition.

“A couple of our players have had the opportunity to play oversees based on their hard work. We take way less than what we deserve as women in sport. It is a shame that we have to go on the court constantly and compete against professional athletes.

“There will always be a gap. It does not matter how much effort we put in. Professionalising women sports is a step we have to take and it has to come with speed,” Msomi said.

Due to Banyana Banyana playing for university teams, Vice-Captain Thembi Kgatlana said their competitors at the World Cup undermined them.

“They couldn’t believe that we didn’t have a professional league. They called us students because the majority of us play in the Hollywoodbets and universities. They undermined us but we had a fighting spirit, which led us to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup,” she said.

Reflecting on the past year, which has been challenging for her due to an injury and losing family members during the World cup, she emphasised that it was important for her to represent her country in the tournament.

“It was very difficult. I had not been with Banyana Banyana for a year because of my torn Achilles tendon that I got in July last year at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The first day I got to camp for the World Cup, I got a call to say my father’s aunt passed away.

“While I wanted to go home, I couldn’t because I was part of the team that was trying to sort out the issues that we had before the World Cup. The next morning, my great grandmother passed away.

“They gave me some time to be at home. Afterwards, I left for New Zealand and three days before the World Cup started, my aunt passed away because of womb cancer,” Kgatlana said.

While she was struggling with the news of her family members, Kgatlana ultimately decided to play in the tournament.

“Two days before the match with Italy, I missed training because I had a breakdown. It was very difficult but when I saw my teammates go to training and come back with smiles, I understood what was at stake, qualifying for the last 16. I got strength from my team. They prayed for me and supported me,” she said.

The Minister announced that his department’s infrastructure team will be hard at work at Cala Senior Secondary School and Mchawula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape, building netball courts.

“What set South Africa’s bid apart to host the 2023 Netball World Cup from the rest was its potential to build a legacy in the country. Government has contributed to this legacy by constructing up to 10 multipurpose sports courts in schools,” the Minister said.

These include schools in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some in the Northern Cape and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:31

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Opportunities for women in housing

Location: News

Opportunities for women in housing

Promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women in the housing sector will come under the spotlight at the Human Settlements Women Indaba and Exhibition in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will this weekend host the Indaba and Exhibition to showcase and unlock socio-economic opportunities for women in the housing sector.

The two-day Indaba to be held from 19-20 August 2023 at Lucrecia Primary School in Roodepan, will focus on promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women, including access to market, finance and leveraging on innovative building technologies.

While women have been at the centre of housing delivery over the years, the department said, their full participation in the sector is still lacking.

The department said the gathering happens at a significant time as the nation commemorates Women’s Month and provides a platform for government to cast the spotlight on the transformation agenda for women in the sector through policy. 

“The policy includes, among others, enforcing the allocation of 40% of government procurement spent to women-owned businesses, implementing skills development programmes for women and women-owned business, and supporting women to set up their businesses and gain experience through incubator and mentorship programmes,” the department said.

The Indaba will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment”.

The department said the outcomes of the Indaba are expected to be integrated into the new Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) starting in 2024 and ultimately, the National Development Plan (NDP). – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:10

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NATJOINTS bold of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

NATJOINTS confident of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.

“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.

The 15th BRICS Summit will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg next week from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday on the safety and security plans in place for the hosting of the summit, Mosikili said NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, the summit will happen in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.

“A priority committee, comprising various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, routes, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili explained that the safety and security preparations for the summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” Mosikili said.

All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times and at all areas of deployment.

“Each and every member deployed has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity. It is on that note that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers,” she said.

Mosikili cautioned members of the public against committing any illegal acts, as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.

“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively, within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.

Securing the venue

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.

Leading up to the summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting the BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August.

This seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa.

Residents in the City of Johannesburg are advised that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre. Those operating businesses and those who reside near the Sandton Convention Centre are advised of the following road closures that enclose the venue:

From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 24:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023

•            Corner Maude and West Streets

•            Corner West Street and Alice Lane

•            Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street

On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures from 15:00 to 24:00

•            Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive

•            Richards Drive traffic circle

•            Johnnic and Lupton Street

•            Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road

 - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:35

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SA loses icon ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval

Location: News

SA loses icon ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval

The passing of legendary ballet dancer and cultural icon Johaar Mosaval has been described as a “great loss” for South Africa’s cultural treasury by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Mosaval, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 95.

During 1965, the trail blazer was appointed as the first black South African to be a senior principal dancer at the prestigious and world renowned Royal Ballet in England following his move to the country in 1951.

“Johaar Mosaval was an outstanding human being and creative who complemented his personal achievements with a deep interest in developing the communities in which he lived and performed,” President Ramaphosa said.

Mosaval spent some 25 years performing all over the globe as a solo dancer and dancing for the Royal Ballet with a notable performance at the Royal Opera House in London during celebrations of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Upon his return to South Africa in 1976, he dedicated his time to teaching ballet – opening his own ballet studio in 1977 – and was appointed as the first black Inspector of Schools of Ballet under the then Administration of Coloured Affairs.

He resigned from that appointment in protest that he could only share his knowledge with a limited part of the population. Following that, his ballet studio was closed by the Apartheid government because it was open to all races.

“His life story is one that fills us at one level with pride and inspiration but which also reopens for us the inhumanity and hurt that apartheid inflicted on individuals and entire sectors of our society, including our cultural life and the performing arts.

“Under difficult conditions, Johaar Mosaval enjoyed and leveraged his life of celebrity to create a legacy of service to the people of Cape Town and our nation more broadly. May he rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:47

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Symposium to empowerment women in business

Location: News

Symposium to empowerment women in business

A symposium is will be held on Friday with the aim of providing women 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

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Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46

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Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Location: News

Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has lifted the Section 63 intervention in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM).

Mchunu, together with the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, announced the closure of the department’s section 23 special intervention in the metro during a meeting with the NMBM Council.

Mchunu visited the province on 15 - 16 August 2023 to receive updates and progress reports on water intervention projects in the region.

The metro was placed under the Section 63 intervention early last year to avert Day Zero after facing a high risk of running out of water due to drought, which would have had a dire effect on livelihoods, jobs, the local economy and investment.  

Section 63 (2)(B) of the Water Services Act of 1997, (read with section 139 of the Constitution), provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to intervene at municipal level and take full control of a service delivery programme in instances were Municipalities fail to provide water services as a basic human right.

Announcing the withdrawal of the intervention programme and exit of the department from the metro, Mchunu said he was satisfied with the progress made in the interventions in the metro to avert Day Zero through various short-, medium- and long-term projects to expand water supply.

However, Mchunu said the current water restrictions imposed on the metro when dams started drying up will remain as gazetted.

He said the municipality is expected, for the next 18 months, to report quarterly to the department on the business transformation progress, with particular focus on water conservation and demand management; improving the level of service, and the implementation of the business turnaround strategy to ensure resilience.

Mchunu lauded the municipality for the progress made in recovering from an imminent Day Zero and addressing all water leaks backlogs.

He further urged the metro to pay more attention to improving their demand and consumption, which has not reduced even during the drought season and "may threaten future water security". 

“We hope that after our exit, the metro does not regress and is able to maintain the status quo with all the interventions that have been put in place,” Mchunu said.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said, operations are in place to curb the scourge of vandalism. This includes collaboration with communities, security companies and the South African Police Service.

Van Niekerk said the interventions put in place include emergency water supply and expanding water supply through water tankering, and the new groundwater boreholes constructed and linked to distribution system.

Other interventions include upgrades to the Nooidgedacht Water Treatment Works (Low Level Scheme phase 3), which consist of increasing the supply of treated water from Gariep Dam to a total peak supply capacity of 210 megalitres per day, as well as the desalination of sea water as a long-term goal. 

Kouga Municipality hailed for innovative and technological solutions

Meanwhile, Mchunu has hailed Kouga Local Municipality for finding innovative and technological solutions to ensure water security in the municipality.

Accompanied by Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, provincial government and local government officials, Mchunu’s working visit started at Jeffrey’s Bay Water Treatment Works in Kouga Municipality, to assess progress on the Drought Relief Project. 

The municipality was declared a disaster area in 2016 following severe droughts since 2015. This was after dams, including Kouga, Impofu and Churchill, which supply water to the municipality, were not filling due to lack of rainfall, resulting in the municipality losing most of its water allocation from these dams.

As a response to the drought, the department allocated R57 million to Kouga Municipality from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to implement drought relief projects. 

The municipality drilled nine more boreholes, followed by the construction of water treatment plants in Jeffrey's Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and Hankey. 

The municipality has also constructed one of the biggest processing plants in Africa for water contaminated by iron and manganese within the Jeffrey’s Bay Plant to treat water from the boreholes and make it drinkable quality. 

The municipality said these packages are completed and are currently working to treat water being pumped from the boreholes. 

The four water treatment works will allow Kouga Municipality to supply up to 70% of its own average water consumption and rely on the metro for only 30%.

Mchunu said the forward thinking of Kouga is something that many other municipalities can learn from.  

Williams implored leadership in the municipalities to address non-revenue water, improve billing systems, and he encouraged water users to pay for their use in order to keep the systems well functioning.

“We would like to thank the Minister for the intervention and support you are continuously providing to our municipalities. Now it is up to us keep these systems well maintained to ensure continuous services by ensuring that we bill all the users and collect revenue, which in turn will be used to service these water infrastructure and systems,” Williams said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 09:24

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RIP Johaar Mosaval

Location: News

South African Government
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The Western Cape Government is greatly saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable man in the arts – Johaar Mosaval.

Johaar was born in District Six and faced great opposition under the apartheid system when he started dancing in the 1940s. Sadly he was not given the opportunity to perform to his potential in South Africa due to the restrictions on access to theatres and stages. In 1950, two visiting dancers spotted his talent and assisted him to get a scholarship to attend Sadler's Wells Ballet School in London. He would go on to join the Royal Ballet School and within another year he graduated into the Royal Ballet Company. 

In 1956 Johaar was promoted to soloist and performed his first solo for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden. She was joined in the audience by an array of royalty from across the world as well as many others world leaders. 

Johaar's ballet career continued for another 25 years as a principal dancer and he returned to South Africa in 1976.  He opened his own ballet school in 1977 but it was shut down by the regime of the day. 

Western Cape Minister of Cultural and Sport, Anroux Marais said: “Johaar Mosaval was a story of triumph in a dark time in our country. He was able to access opportunities for him to follow his passion for dance and he made a huge impact overseas. It is a tragedy and a devastating sign of the cruelty of Apartheid that he was not recognized and celebrated in his own country during that time. We honour him as a legend of our country, who paved the way for other dancers.” 

Our condolences go out to Johaar's family, friends and all those who knew him. He was a true legend of our country and his memory will long live on. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, and the Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is held under the theme, 'Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region'.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation today. President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

Other activities of the Summit will include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:39

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Call to support women

Location: News

Call to support women

Former Deputy President, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, is convinced that there’s a special place in hell for women who do not support other women.

“I can tell you without fear of contradiction, there is a special place in hell for women who don’t support women!”

The bold assertion was recently received with chuckles, hand claps and no doubt a silent “Amen” from the participants attending a National School of Government (NSG) masterclass event.

The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems.

At a time when the country is commemorating Women’s Month, Mlambo-Ngcuka said sisterhood is an important ingredient in the empowerment of women.

She said that often women are the ones who leave other women behind in society.

“So we depend on you to make sure that you pay particular attention to  women in society…. Your empowerment is an empowerment of the rest of the women. Sisterhood has to be one of your biggest and most important priorities,” she declared.

Mlambo-Ngcuka called on women in the public service to support “other women that you see in the streets and everywhere in the country that need support from you.”

She also stressed the importance of paying attention to the country’s younger women.

“It has to kill us when we hear that children in Grade 4 who are 10 years old cannot read… finding a plan to rescue that rests on you. This is where you show that you care about other women if we hear that girls in schools are getting pregnant … how do I use my advantage of being in the leadership of the public service to intervene in order to make sure that we address this?”

The former Deputy President was referring to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which has shown that many Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, something which government has committed to resolve.

Cabinet has called on South Africans to use Women’s Month which is commemorated annually in August, not only to honour women who fought for the country’s freedom, but also to play their part in building a society that supports women empowerment and guarantees the safety of women and children. 

This year, Women’s Month is being commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women” to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid government.  

The former chair of Parliament’s Public Service Committee reflected on working with the then Public Service and Administration Minister, Zola Skweyiya. The committee worked with the Minister in reconfiguring the new public service after following the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Gender representation

Government at the time came up with the Batho Pele policy of which September 2022 marked 25 years since South Africa adopted the Batho Pele (putting people first) Principles and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery.

Batho Pele is an inclusive concept that refers to all government policies, strategies and programmes aimed at transforming public service delivery.

She recalled how Skweyiya was “very emphatic” that the policy must reflect “equity in the system so that the citizen that is least served … who always falls between the cracks must feel thatgovernment sees them.

“And obviously women were high on that agenda. We wanted Batho Pele to address the issue of gender representation in the civil service but also the civil servant sensitivity about the gender discrimination of women in the society they are employed to serve,” she explained.

While women have gone on to attain much over the years, Mlambo-Ngcuka said the achievements of women must be celebrated and to “never forget the work that still awaits us.”

“Our work is not yet done - there is still much more that we still need to do,” said the former Executive Director of United Nations Women.

Mlambo-Ngcuka referred to the strides made by the SPAR Proteas netball women’s team and Banyana Banyana who made the country proud at their respective World Cup tournaments recently.

Mentorship

Having served the public service in various roles including that of Minister of Minerals and Energy, she stressed the sector’s importance saying it is the “backbone of government”. She highlighted that while women were continuing to break barriers, they should also mentor others.

“Because there is no point if we are breaking the glass ceiling for yourselves when you're not doing anything for the rest of society.  We have to do these things simultaneously.”

“… So lifting as you climb has to be your mantra and the nice thing about mentorship is that it’s not hard, it has to come from here,” she said as she pointed towards her heart.

In his Women’s Day address, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged all sectors of society to advance and improve the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.

“We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives. As government, we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa,” he said.

While it is said that a woman’s work is never done, we all can lend a hand in ensuring that hell freezes over to advance the interests of all women. –SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:03

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BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

Location: News

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

The New Development Bank (NDB) has successfully issued its debut ZAR bond in the South African bond market, becoming the highest rated issuer to issue in this market since 2015.

The bond, which was issued on Tuesday, was well supported, with over R2.5 billion in bids across both the three-and five-year tranches.

This allowed the NDB to exercise its option to upsize the trade from R1 billion to R1.5 billion. Ninety-four percent of bids were within or lower than price guidance, with the outcome representing the tightest spreads achieved by any non-government issuer in the South African Debt Capital Markets in 2023.

The orderbook was well diversified, with 71% of bids being allocated to institutional investors and the remainder taken up by local banks.

“The NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries to fund its robust portfolio of local currency loans. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and the successful outcome sets the benchmark for future issuances by NDB,” NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Maasdorp, said.

The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:35

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R400m tender fraud trial to open in May next year

Location: News

R400m tender fraud trial to begin in May next year

Four people are expected to have their day in court in May next year in a case related to tender fraud amounting to some R400 million.

The tender was awarded to airline SA Express by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) in 2014 and was subject to scrutiny at the State Capture Commission, which subsequently recommended a criminal probe into the matter.

In the dock in May 2024 will be former head of the provincial Department of Transport, Thabang Mohlokoleng; Tebogo Van Wyk, Nothando Dube and Sipho Phiri, together with companies, Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings and Lavao Estevao (PTY) Ltd.

The four face 34 charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, with charges of racketeering also expected to be added to the docket.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the charges stem from the provincial government’s 2014 bid to reintroduce commercial airlines to airports in Mmabatho and Pilanesberg on a subsidy of some R400 million.

“An amount of R183 million was then paid to SA Express between 2015 and 2017, for the services rendered by the ground management companies, which Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri are linked to. The State alleges that of the amount… R51 million was channelled irregularly through the charged companies,” he said.

Mathomane said the tender awarded to the airline was done without “following the proper supply chain management processes”.

“The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by the fourth accused. Mohlokoleng signed on behalf of the Department of Transport as the then Accounting Officer, in his capacity as the head of the department. The deal was allegedly riddled with procurement irregularities and monies were paid for services not rendered.

“The irregularities prejudiced the North West government of millions of Rands that could have been directed to service delivery,” Mamothame said.

Pre-trial conferencing is expected to commence in January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:52

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Gerhard Ackerman sentence on charges of possession of child pornography welcomed

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South African Government
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The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the 12 life sentences handed to Mr Gerhard Ackerman on charges of possession of child pornography by the South Gauteng High Court today, 14 August 2023. The FPB played a crucial role in conducting analyses of the images found in possession of Mr Ackerman, which were crucial in his successful prosecution. The South Gauteng High Court accepted the FPB's content analysis report drafted by the Child Protection Team.

Both the State and the Defence Lawyer adopted the content analysis report and confirmed its accuracy without any amendments. The charges were brought against Mr Ackerman according to the Films and Publications Act 56 of 1996, as amended, which makes the creation, possession and distribution of child pornography as well as exploitation of children for this purpose, a criminal offence. 386 images found in his possession were confirmed to be Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“We warmly welcome the heavy sentence and hope it sends a strong warning to other offenders out there that we, together with the Law Enforcement agencies and other partners, will sniff them out of the corners wherever they are hiding. We shall never rest until each one of them are behind bars. This is also a historic moment for the FPB as an online content regulator. We wish to congratulate our Child Protection team for working tirelessly in providing quality reports to court, resulting in this prosecution,”, says Chief Executive Officer of the FPB, Dr Mashilo Boloka.

He continues to say, “In our pursuit of eradicating the scourge of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), we employ internationally certified content analysts who are trained to ascertain whether people depicted in suspected content are in indeed children. FPB Child Protection Officers are trained on Safety and Risk Assessment in the field of Child Protection and are Certified Content Analysts. The rise of the digital space has made the work of the FPB and Law Enforcement in fighting CSAM particularly challenging. Sexual predators find an anonymous home on the internet where it is easy to build a persona that is very different from reality that can be used to exploit others”.

The FPB works in partnership with like-minded organisations in South Africa and around the world to close in on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children. Working through the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) and their links to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the FPB is able to track CSAM that has been created or distributed through international syndicates and finds its way to South African online perpetrators. The problem of child sexual abuse and CSAM is insidious and requires the vigilance of everyone in society to curb it.

The long-term psychological damage to an abused child is multiplied when the images which have been circulated online are easily accessed. Members of the South African public are urged to report any suspected exploitation or grooming of children or instances of suspected CSAM in circulation to hotline@fpb.org.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreGerhard Ackerman sentence on charges of possession of child pornography welcomed

SIU files leave to appeal in Telkom case

Location: News

SIU files leave to appeal in Telkom case

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to file an application for leave to appeal a High Court judgement which deemed its authorisation to investigate the affairs of Telkom as invalid.

The judgement was delivered last month after the unit was authorised through a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of “serious maladministration, malpractice, and possible corruption” at the telecommunications company.

“The High Court found that Telkom is not a state institution and therefore, the SIU could not investigate allegations of serious maladministration, malpractice, and possible corruption in the affairs of Telkom.

“After consulting with our legal team, the SIU is of the opinion that there is reason for an appeal,” the SIU said.

The unit insists that the court must “give a fuller picture of what constitutes a state institution as this can set a legal precedent” on which institutions it can investigate.

Currently, government directly holds a 40.5% shareholding in Telkom with a further 15.3% shareholding through the Public Investment Corporation.

“It is important that the issue of the “state institution” must be decided and settled. If this is not clarified, it may create an unwelcome precedent that some public institutions may inadvertently be shielded from investigation by the SIU,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:01

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BRICS countries urged to support township economy

Location: News

BRICS countries urged to support township economy

BRICS countries have been urged to continue to support and invest in the township economy in an effort to reshape the perception of townships, and foster a brighter and inclusive future for all.

The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Maropene Ramokgopa, led a first of its kind Township Economy in BRICS Dialogue in Orlando West, Soweto, on Tuesday. 

Ramokgopa said that BRICS member countries have the capacity to leverage the combined resources, experiences and expertise to support each other in nurturing vibrant township economies. 

She said joint ventures, investment partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives can bring a transformative impact.

“As a BRICS nation, we must continue to support and invest in the township economy. By doing so we can rewrite the narrative of our township and create a brighter and more inclusive future for all. 

“Let us seize this moment to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship and build a thriving township economy that stands as a beacon of hope both in South Africa and across the globe in particular BRICS countries,” Ramokgopa said. 

The inaugural dialogue was hosted by the Township Economic Commission of South Africa (TECSA) with the support of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) BRICS Directorate. 

The dialogue is convened exactly a week before the commencement of the much-anticipated 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg. 

Minister Ramokgopa emphasised the critical importance of implementing policies that promote and empower small enterprises in order to fully unlock the capabilities of the Township Economy. 

She highlighted that currently, the Department of Small Business Development and the National Planning Commission are collaborating with The Presidency Red Tape team to develop a targeted agenda for regulatory SMME reform in South Africa aimed at improving the business-enabling environment.

“We are excited that this time around, we are involving the township economy in this particular summit, all this that we are doing here are going to culminate in what will be discussed in the summit,” she said. 

In order to ensure the sustained growth of the township economy, Ramokgopa said a multi-pronged approach is essential. Firstly, she highlighted that education and skills development must be prioritized. 

“Providing quality education and training equips township residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to build, expand and explore new economic sectors. By investing in a skilled workforce, we are in a better position to attract more investors to stimulate economic development,” the Minister said. 

Secondly, she said partnerships between the government, the private sector, and civil society are critical. 

She highlighted that through effective and targeted social compacts, government has the potential to remedy some of the challenges experienced by township entrepreneurs. 

“Government policies should be tailored to encourage investment, while private sector entities can offer mentorship, funding, and market access. Thirdly, we must leverage on our country’s enabling legislation to capacitate, support and accelerate township economies,” she said. 

Ramokgopa emphasised that townships remain the gateway to the economic participation of millions of our people adding that government must be deliberate about taking BRICS to townships and townships to BRICS. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:43

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Ramaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023. 

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.

The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

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

Read moreRamaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Southern African leaders are expected to gather at Luanda in Angola for the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, is expected to attend the summit.

It will be held on Thursday under the theme “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region.” It will be preceded on Wednesday by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

“Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, and Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will accompany the President. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:18

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It is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

It is all systems go for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

By Michael Currin

It is Women’s Month and Government is delighted to be hosting an important group of leading emerging markets and developing countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit. Together BRICS has around 42% of the world's population, 27% of global GDP and around 20% of international trade.

It is our third time hosting this important event as a country and South Africa is privileged to be the chair of BRICS this year.

Our theme is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.

This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Since January 2023, we have held a large number of meetings across all three pillars of cooperation, namely:

1. Political and security,

2. Economic and financial; and

3. Social and people-to-people cooperation.

GCIS has supported various Ministerial meetings held to precede BRICS across all provinces. Our Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts, in Sandton, on 24 July 2023.

The Friends of BRICS is a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS, those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited as per the Chair’s prerogative and henceforth invited as per the consensus reached between the host and fellow BRICS members. The Friends of BRICS countries who attended this meeting are Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Various other meetings took place headed by various Ministers such as the BRICS Foreign Ministers, the BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Ministers of Communication, the BRICS Youth Forum, the BRICS Urbanisation, BRICS Ministers of Health, and BRICS Ministers of Science and Innovation have all concluded their meetings.

Cabinet has encouraged BRICS meetings to be held in different towns and cities so that our guests have a wide range of experience of our beautiful country. It is also important that the tangible economic benefits of hosting our BRICS partners are experienced in a variety of communities.

All these activities build up to the XVth BRICS Summit which will provide an opportunity for BRICS Leaders to reflect on all the elements of BRICS cooperation. The XVth BRICS Summit will also provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of our friends in Africa and the global South with the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the XVth BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg and we are running a countdown to hype the upcoming activities of the Summit. South Africa Chairs BRICS in a dynamic global environment where the eyes of the world are on us.

Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting a content-rich BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August which seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa. As an outcome of South Africa's Chairing of BRICS in 2013, the BRICS Business Council celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2023 and we look forward to the celebrations as well as the outcomes of the review of the work of the Council in its first ten years.

The BRICS Summit programme

The first event on the BRICS Leaders' programme is the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 August. The Leaders will get a report on the outcomes of the deliberations during the BRICS Business Forum and will deliver statements reflecting on BRICS economic relations.

Following the Business Forum, the Leaders move to a quieter venue for the BRICS Leaders Retreat. This is a signature event of South Africa as BRICS Chair. Leaders meet in a comfortable setting in a private venue for an unscripted discussion of contemporary issues of importance. There is no set agenda and Leaders can initiate a discussion on issues of choice such as BRICS membership expansion, reform of global governance, or use of local currencies.

On 23 August, the XVth BRICS Summit continues with a closed plenary followed by an open plenary session.

The BRICS Leaders will deliver national statements which will be followed by reports by the President of the New Development Bank, the South African Chair of the BRICS Business Council and the South African Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.

It is befitting during Women’s month to re-emphasise my focus on the BRICS Women's Business (WBA) Alliance. This will be the first in-person engagement with BRICS Leaders as it was established in 2020 under the Chairship of Russia during the height of the pandemic. This Alliance aims to empower and advance women entrepreneurs in BRICS to create a vibrant network in partnership with others that facilitates knowledge-sharing, skills development, and business opportunities for women across diverse sectors and industries.

Their flagship meeting is the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference to be held in Durban from 20 to 21 August which brings together over 500 women-owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, from BRICS and Africa. The conference will include the first in-person joint meeting of BRICS WBA national chapters and develop recommendations to be presented to BRICS Leaders at the Summit.

Following the reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the Summit is expected to adopt the eGoli Declaration as the main outcome document of the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

South Africa is also pleased to welcome the first meeting of Ministers responsible for Women Affairs as an important step in mainstreaming women's issues across all areas of BRICS cooperation.

This is also a concrete step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. As a partnership, BRICS operates on the principles of openness, solidarity, mutual respect and understanding as well as mutually beneficial cooperation that is seen to deliver tangible benefits.

The XVth BRICS Summit is the venue and occasion for the voices of BRICS, Africa and the global South to converge and be heard. We meet to reflect on the status of cooperation, to consider regional and global developments and to assess the status of global governance reform.

The Summit is not the final event of South Africa as Chair of BRICS. We continue our programme of mutually beneficial cooperation until the end of 2023.

We look forward to further meetings including the Ministers for Disaster Management, Ministers of Tourism, possible Ministers of Transport meeting, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Foreign Policy Dialogue, Young Diplomats and the first workshop on incident management later in the year. We particularly look forward to the return of the BRICS Games in October.

We are confident that we will leave 2023 having strengthened the BRICS partnership and having delivered benefits to the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.

Government calls on South Africans to continue to extend the warmest of South African welcomes to the many official delegates, businesspeople, media and civil society who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the world shortly for the Summit.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and  Stakeholder Management (ICSM) at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

 

Janine
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:39

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Read moreIt is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit