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Government establishing joint fund to support township, rural businesses

Location: News

Government establishing joint fund to support township, rural businesses

Work to establish a R500 million joint fund to support township and rural businesses - including local convenience shops - is underway.

This is according to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane who briefed the media on interventions to mitigate the uptick in foodborne illnesses in South Africa.

She said the departments tasked with overseeing the joint fund are already hard at work drafting standard operating procedures and guidelines on the use and accountability of the fund.

This work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

“In the short term, approved rural and township businesses will be supported through this fund to improve their infrastructure, regulatory compliance and capacity building. 

“The operational fund application and disbursement process will commence as soon as the registration process is completed and will be subjected to ongoing auditing processes as an early warning system against potential anomalies and fraudulent activities,” she said.

The Minister explained that to qualify for the fund, a business owner must, among others, be “a South African citizen operating within the borders of the country and serving local communities”. 

“The business must be registered with local municipality in accordance with the relevant by-laws and have valid registration with SARS. Funding will prioritise entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years old with much emphasis on female-owned businesses.

“The Department of Small Business Development has started a process to create a nerve centre with geo-mapping capacity to centralise data on the township and rural economy. 

“A national database of registered small businesses and spaza shops will strengthen our capacity to regulate the sector and to ensure effective compliance to avoid the recurrence of future outbreaks,” she said.

Delving further into the issue of the registration of small businesses and spaza shops, Simelane emphasised that lawfully, “every shop owner who is a legitimate trader and meets the legal requirements” is allowed to conduct business.

“In processing these applications for registration, the government will make every effort to ensure that account is taken of every legal prescript that allows people to do business in the country,” she said.

Since the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that all spaza shops must be registered within 21 days, reports have surfaced of South Africans registering these localised shops on behalf of illegal foreign nationals.

This, Simelane said, is a concern.

“This is clear fronting, and we would like to warn everyone who is involved in this illegal activity to stop. The Immigration Act prohibits any person from aiding, abetting, assisting or enabling an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence on his or her behalf, to conduct any business or carry on any profession or occupation. 

“Landlords are obliged by law to ensure that those who rent their premises to conduct businesses, comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act and the standard by-laws regulating local business in the municipalities in which they operate,” she said.

Turning to allegations that civil servants are also involved in the fraudulent processing of registrations, Simelane warned that the law would take its course.

South Africans are urged not to interfere with spaza shop registrations.

“The law enforcement agencies will clamp down heavily on extortionists who want to use this process to enrich themselves. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected corrupt activities through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline 0800 701 701.

“We want to appeal to the members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process. This includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public, and other unauthorised bodies,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 10:39

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Agriculture to conduct inspections of Terbufos manufacturers

Location: News

Agriculture to conduct inspections of Terbufos manufacturers

The Department of Agriculture will, in the next few days, conduct inspections at all five registered manufacturers of Terbufos to ascertain controls, and to determine if markers are put into locally produced products to distinguish between illegally imported and locally produced chemicals.

This follows the death of at least 22 people, including children, with many others hospitalised due to chemical poisoning from food.

Ministers leading the multidisciplinary teams in government, who are responsible for the national response to instances of foodborne illnesses, held a media briefing on Thursday to outline government’s action plan to manage foodborne illnesses.

Speaking at the briefing, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen said there are only five manufacturers of the pesticide Terbufos in South Africa, and the department intends to engage with them on the measures they have in place to protect the supply chain, and to make sure that the end use is legitimate.

Steenhuisen said the department is also waiting for independent laboratory results of samples taken during the inspection of spaza shops in Gauteng to see if there is a potential match in South African products.

“It is the department’s view that the Terbufos found in Gauteng does not emanate from one of the five South African producers but comes instead from across South Africa’s borders. Another substance was found in spaza shops that was banned for production and sale in South Africa in 2016.

“These discoveries indicate that there is a supply chain coming from [outside the country]. However, the department is waiting for the independent laboratory results and the interactions with the five manufactures to understand exactly where these substances are coming from and how the department can stop them coming into South Africa, if this proves to be the case,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister said the department will also strengthen the work of the biosecurity efforts to support the control of the entry of products, organisms and other harmful biological products at the ports of entry.

“Biosecurity is something which is being declared a major priority of the department and it is one of the 70 priorities we identified in our annual performance plan, and we hope to invest the support of all South Africans, as we make biosecurity everybody’s responsibility,” the Minister said.

The inspections by the Department of Agriculture will be complemented by the nationwide cleanup campaigns, which have already kicked off in Gauteng and will be rolled out to other hotspot areas and the entire country. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 12:43

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Health Minister details processes to tackle foodborne illnesses

Location: News

Health Minister details processes to tackle foodborne illnesses

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has acknowledged the challenges in addressing ongoing deaths and infections linked to foodborne illnesses. 

This as Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket after a five-year-old boy died on Wednesday in Diepkloof from suspected food poisoning.

Responding to questions about government’s efforts to deal with the surge in such cases, the Minister emphasised that tackling this issue is still in its early stages and requires time. 

“We are still at the beginning. It is not envisaged that we would have been able to solve this problem in a short space of time,” said Motsoaledi.

He explained that President Ramaphosa recently announced a critical step to combat these deaths, making the death of any child aged 12 or younger a notifiable condition. 

Previously, such deaths were not categorised as notifiable. However, implementing this measure requires amending regulations, which is still in progress.

“We have not even started making it notifiable because we need to follow certain rules... We still have other diseases that are being [made notifiable] but not this one because the President has just announced it last week, and it has to go through processes of amendments and regulations, and we are very sorry that this still continues (sic),” Motsoaledi said. 

The Minister expressed regret over the continued loss of life but stressed the importance of a thorough approach.

Why not close all spaza shops? 

Motsoaledi addressed calls to shut down spaza shops until the issue is resolved, stating that the problem extends beyond these establishments.

“This organophosphate is widespread in our communities. It’s not only spaza shops. It’s sold at taxi ranks, old-age pension payout points, by hawkers in the streets and even on trains, so it's all over and I don't think [we should] target [just] one area,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that investigations into the source of the contamination include a look into the five manufacturers of Terbufos, an organophosphate pesticide intended strictly for agricultural use. 

“The Department of Agriculture is going to follow up on the five manufacturers of Terbufos to see through their processes where a leak could have happened such that Terbufos gets into a community, whereas it was supposed to stay only in agriculture, in the fields. So that's one of the things that's still going to happen,” Motsoaledi said.

Challenges in linking shops to deaths

While some spaza shops have been found to store Terbufos, the Minister explained that legal action requires definitive evidence linking these shops to specific deaths.

“When 84 spaza shops in Naledi were inspected, Terbufos was detected in three. Swabs from counters and food storage areas tested positive. However, without proof that food linked to a child’s death was purchased there, prosecution may not hold in court,” he said.

Motsoaledi said that detectives are continuing investigations to establish these links, but in the meantime, authorities may close shops found with Terbufos as a precautionary measure. 

He said government remains committed to addressing the crisis and ensuring accountability, but the process demands both thorough investigation and adherence to legal frameworks. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 12:49

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SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

Location: News

SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has warned that the police will, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), monitor adherence to the law.

This comes as integrated multidisciplinary teams undertake compliance inspections of food handling facilities, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This includes spaza shops and general dealers.

The President last week announced that a massive campaign of door-to-door inspections of all spaza shops, tuck shops and other informal traders will be undertaken, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

This will be undertaken by teams consisting of the South African Military Health Services, environmental health practitioners, the South African Police Service, the National Consumer Council, labour inspectors and others.

The initial phase of inspections is expected to be completed within a month.

“As the police we expect everyone to cooperate. We will continue to visit warehouses countrywide to ensure that we know what is contained there, to ensure that we know what is being transported and to ensure that there is no illegal stuff that proliferate in the country,” General Masemola said.  

He was briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, along with various Ministers who are leading the multidisciplinary teams in government, responsible for the national response to instances of food borne illnesses.

General Masemola warned that the police would not hesitate to take action if people are not cooperating or where there is non-compliance. 

The NATJOINTS has further encouraged communities to register their businesses and be responsible citizens.

“Government appeals to members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process, this includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public and other unauthorised bodies,” NATJOINTS said.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. 

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau emphasised the importance of registering businesses and ensuring compliance.

“If you continue to trade while unregistered, you are operating outside the framework that allows government to execute its responsibility to the necessary standard that has been set. We need to ensure that there is compliance. This is to protect our people,” Tau said.

He said unregistered enterprises in the townships and in the rural areas are not able to get support from government.

“When you are registered, it is possible for us to provide the necessary support. Our laws are clear on who qualifies to register a business, including a spaza shop,” the Minister said.

The Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams stressed that only individuals and businesses that meet the legal requirements and regulations stipulated by South African laws will be permitted to operate businesses in the country. 

Ndabeni-Abrahams said all must be onboard to address the crisis the country is faced with.

“We need to think bigger and look at the broader picture if we want to deal with the challenge and not only target one aspect of the challenge,” the Minister said.

She said the law stipulates who can do business, whether you are South African or non-South African. “Our laws don’t change because we are faced with a crisis. If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t be able to trade,” the Minister said.

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said municipalities on their own cannot verify the authenticity of all businesses and individuals.

She said they do not have the capacity to conduct identity authentication and hence they were bringing in other departments, like the Department of Home Affairs.

“Everybody running a business in the township, in the village, whether it’s a butchery or a wholesale, you have a responsibility to go and register your business. We appeal to South Africans not to take the law into their own hands,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 12:50

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Drop in CPI welcomed

Location: News

Drop in CPI welcomed

Government has welcomed the decline in consumer price inflation (CPI) from some 3.8% in September to 2.8% in October.

The 2.8% CPI – which marks the lowest inflation rate in at least four years – was announced by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) this week.

“According to Stats SA, October's CPI decline was primarily driven by falling fuel prices. Petrol and diesel prices decreased by 5.3% between September and October, resulting in an annual fuel inflation rate of -19.1%. 

“Notably, the inland price of 95-octane petrol in October stood at R21.05 per litre, the lowest since February 2022, when the price was R20.14 per litre. 

“The significant easing of inflation provides relief for households and businesses by lowering transport and input costs, helping to support overall economic activity,” Acting Director-General of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa said.

Mnukwa said government was hard at work to resolve challenges faced by industries.

“Government acknowledges the challenges that some sectors still face and calls on stakeholders to continue to collaborate in efforts to build a resilient economy that benefits all citizens. 

“Government continues to work on interventions to reduce costs not only in fuel but also in other critical areas to ease the financial burden on citizens and improve the quality of life,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 14:11

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Campaign to raise public awareness of foodborne illnesses

Location: News

Campaign to raise public awareness of foodborne illnesses

Government will draw on lessons learnt during the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent vaccination programme - in its rollout of a public education and awareness campaign on foodborne illnesses.

The campaign was officially announced on Thursday by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane during a media briefing on the scourge of foodborne illnesses.

Simelane said work has already begun in this regard, “using both public and private communication platforms countrywide, as well as multiple social partnerships”.

“Government communication platforms have begun sharing education about food preparation and safety; tips for the transportation, handling and safe storage of food; safety tips for food vendors, as well as information on which chemicals are illegal in South Africa, and also how dangerous chemicals [must] be stored and handled. 

“Information is available on all government and various non-government digital communication platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, X and WhatsApp.  An extensive media engagement plan is underway in partnership with both mainstream commercial and the rich network of community media countrywide,” she said.

Since September this year, some 890 cases of foodborne illnesses have been reported, with at least 22 people having died as a result of this since the beginning of this year.

For its part, the the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has implemented some 145 outreach activities with communities and community media engagements.

“We are particularly grateful to the various organisations who are participants in the National Communication Partnership (NCP), who have come forward to partner with government in amplifying this education campaign,” Simelane said.

The private sector is also playing its role and has launched a countrywide campaign against illicit goods.

“This initiative, led by the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, will roll out the education about food labelling and how to check if the food you are buying is fit for consumption. We appreciate such efforts to expand our communication efforts and call upon all social partners to join this effort. 

“We remind South Africans that if you see any fake or expired foodstuffs being sold in your communities, please report this immediately to the National Consumer Commission on 012 065 1940. The National Consumer Commission is engaging mobile network operators to zero-rate the number so that it does not cost the callers,” Simelane said.

Citizens are also implored not to spread false and misleading information on foodborne illnesses, which the Minister said has the “potential to cause public panic and confusion and incite violence”.

Report misinformation to the National Helpline at 0800 012 322 or info@health.gov.za.

“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure is coordinating government's response to these foodborne illnesses and illicit trade. 

“President Ramaphosa has appointed the District Development Champions, who are part of the National Executive and will work jointly with Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structures to ensure compliance. We will keep the public informed through regular updates using different communication platforms,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 11:08

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Citizens urged to allow spaza shop owners to register for permits

Location: News

Citizens urged to allow spaza shop owners to register for permits

Government has appealed to South Africans not to block those people who want to register their spaza shops.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities as part of decisive measures to address the recurring foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of children across the country.
 
The interventions, the President explained, include getting hazardous pesticides off the street, protecting children from exposure to these substances, and the prevention of future outbreaks.

To ensure compliance, the President ordered that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.

Speaking during a media briefing hosted by Ministers leading the multidisciplinary teams in government responsible for the national response to instances of foodborne illnesses, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, appealed to the people of South Africa not to take the law into their own hands.

“We know some of them might have seen something wrong being done by South Africans assisting foreign nationals to register the spaza shops, but our call and our request [is] let us not take the law into our hands,” Hlabisa said.  

Hlabisa assured that the system was not going to allow a spaza shop to be operated by a foreign national, even if the spaza shop is registered by a South African and given to a foreign national to operate.

“A person whom we registered as the owner of a spaza shop, is the one who must operate the spaza shop. If a person opts to allow another person to operate his or her spaza shop, [they] will have to go back to the municipality and get the approval.

“That is why we are appealing to the law enforcement agencies to assist in dealing with those who want to take the law into their hands…but that must be the last thing to do,” Hlabisa said.

READ I Government simplifies the process to apply for spaza shop permits

Hlabisa maintained that the 21 days given to the owners to register their businesses is sufficient.

“It takes only one day to register a business [and] people must not wait until the last day to register. If you want to do it on day 21, you might have some outstanding documents and cannot register. 

“Twenty-one days is enough, but the call is go and register your business today, not tomorrow, then you won’t have a problem in terms of 21 days...it will be done,” the Minister assured.

The government has introduced a new standard draft by-law for township economies, which offers a simplified permitting and registration process.

The move is aimed at creating an enabling environment for small businesses in townships and supports conomic inclusion, job creation and community empowerment.

The by-law was issued in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on 7 November 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 11:30

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Foodborne illnesses declared a National Disaster

Location: News

Foodborne illnesses declared a National Disaster

South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, classified the recent uptick in foodborne illnesses across the country as a national disaster.

This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.

This after a spate of foodborne illnesses as a result of several factors have claimed the lives of some 22 people including children this year and left others hospitalised.

Since September this year, at least 890 incidents of foodborne illnesses have been reported.

The President addressed the nation on government’s response to the recurring instances of foodborne illnesses.

On Thursday, Simelane said measures to standardise municipal by-laws regulating businesses will be expedited to clamp down on the problem.

“The implementation of the standard by-laws for rural and township economies, which among others, advocate for mandatory proper waste disposal and recycling practices to ensure that business areas are free from obstructions and pollutants will be expedited. 

“This will also go a long way in dealing with the issue of rat infestations in our communities, which gives rise to the harmful use of dangerous and banned chemicals like pesticides. 

“Several Municipal Councils around the country have already adopted standard by-laws. We urge other municipalities who are yet to adopt the by-laws to urgently do so, to assist the compliance process and save lives,” she said.

Health interventions

Simelane told the media briefing that a team of health experts who will serve in the Ministerial Advisory Committee is being appointed with an announcement in this regard due in the next few days.

She explained that the committee is expected to, among other things, develop medium-to-long-term prevention measures to curb the incidents of foodborne illnesses in the country.

“The directive to notify the deaths of patients 12 years and below is a critical one and will be implemented as a matter of urgency. This will help us to understand the burden of disease and the population at risk in real time instead of waiting for a long period of time.

“The Department of Health is currently amending the Notifiable Medical Conditions Regulations such that the death of anybody 12 years and younger becomes notifiable. The Regulations may be published based on the State of Disaster being declared by the Minister of COGTA,” she said.

On the shortage of environmental health inspectors, Simelane assured that the issue is receiving urgent attention to capacitate all districts and metropolitan municipalities to effectively enforce inspections across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 10:34

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SA sets sights on industrialisation opportunities presented by decarbonisation

Location: News

SA sets sights on industrialisation opportunities presented by decarbonisation

South Africa is making the most of the available opportunities to drive industrialisation through global decarbonisation efforts, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau.

Tau on Wednesday led a team of officials from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to a joint briefing session of Parliament’s Portfolio Committees on Trade and Industry and Science, Technology and Innovation. The aim of the session was to engage on South Africa’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy and the White Paper on Electric Vehicles.

Tau told the Members of the Portfolio Committee that South Africa has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emission, as envisaged in the national Just Energy Transition. Above its own contributions to reduce emissions, South Africa has partnered with the rest of the world to decarbonise.

Tau said South Africa has to decarbonise its own economy but also position itself to commercially benefit from the global shift to greener technologies.

“Green hydrogen presents an opportunity to export natural resources such as sunshine and wind, which South Africa has in abundance. 

“The global demand for green hydrogen presents ample industrialisation opportunities not only for South Africa but for other African countries, so we need to collaborate and integrate efforts to drive the industrialisation agenda for the continent as a whole. 

“The speed with which we move will determine whether we are able to take full advantage of the transition or we are left behind,” he said.

Linked to decarbonisation efforts is the worldwide move to electric vehicles, which Tau described as advancing at a fast pace.

Through the White Paper on Electric Vehicles and support for the automotives industry, South Africa is embracing the transition and adapting its Automotive Strategy to current global trends. 

The White Paper on Electric Vehicles outlines a commitment to ensuring that the transition is not just about decarbonisation but is also leveraged for growth by deepening the automotive value chain, fostering local industry growth, and aligning with economic priorities, the approach aims to be pro-growth and pro-investment.

Regarding the carbon intensity of the South African economy, Tau indicated that government is  cognisant of the fact that some of the measures, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by the European Union, do require that the country challenge them at the level of the World Trade Organisation, as they likely to have a negative impact on economic growth efforts. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 15:21

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Call for collaboration to use technological innovations to address sanitation challenges

Location: News

Call for collaboration to use technological innovations to address sanitation challenges

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has called for enhanced collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society to use technological innovations to help tackle the sanitation-related challenges experienced in parts of the country.

Mahlobo made the call at the Next Generation Water-Efficient Sanitation Technologies Investment Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The summit, which coincided with World Toilet Day, was hosted by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in conjunction with South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) to highlight the various innovative solutions for sustainable sanitation and water security.

Mahlobo called for the investment of sanitation infrastructure and technological improvements to address sanitation challenges.

“We need significant investments in modern sanitation infrastructure and creative, forward-thinking solutions. Together, we can drive the change required to overcome the challenges in the sanitation sector,” Mahlobo said.  

Mahlobo acknowledged the WRC for its contribution in initiating innovative projects geared towards finding alternative sanitation solutions.

The innovations include, among others, the aptly-termed Next Generation Sanitation Technologies which will not only address the basic human right to sanitation but also align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.  

Mahlobo said the reinvented toilets will offer significant advantages over traditional sanitation methods such as water-efficient and energy-neutral systems, which drastically reduce the environmental footprint of sanitation infrastructure.

The reinvented toilets will also safely treat human waste without the need for conventional sewage systems, protecting communities from waterborne diseases and can be deployed in schools, clinics, and public spaces where sanitation infrastructure is often inadequate.

“Furthermore, adding to the technological innovations, the Department of Water and Sanitation has developed the National Faecal Sludge Management Strategy. 

“The strategy is aimed at providing guidance to the sector on safe management of faecal sludge to enhance operation and maintenance of on-site sanitation systems, prevent groundwater contamination, safeguard public health, and protect the environment from pollution throughout the sanitation service chain,” Mahlobo said.

More work to be done to bring dignified sanitation services

While noting significant progress made towards addressing the sanitation backlog and providing appropriate sanitation to poor households since 1994, Mahlobo said much more work still needs to be done to bring about more dignified sanitation services to the communities.

Through government and stakeholders’ efforts, the number of households with access to proper sanitation has improved by 22.4% between 2002 and 2021, an increase from 61.7% to 84.1%, with most improvement made in Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces.

“Despite the notable work, we do admit as government that we need to keep our sleeves rolled up to ensure that all citizens of this country get to experience the pleasure of dignified sanitation facilities,” Mahlobo said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:56

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Government urges citizens to save water

Location: News

Government urges citizens to save water

Government has reiterated its call for all citizens to play their part in saving water, as the country’s water resources are under severe pressure.

“Government acknowledges the impact of water supply challenges in our communities, particularly households, hospitals and schools. It is for all of us in the country to take this situation very seriously,” government said in a statement.

Government urged citizens to save water by fixing any leaks in their homes and report leaking or broken pipes and infrastructure to the local municipalities.    

“Play your part in saving water by following measures, such as not leaving the tap to run while washing your face or brushing teeth, filling kettles with just enough water for the specific need and not rinsing dishes under a running tap. Invest in a rainwater harvesting system and use it to water gardens, car washing and cleaning of paving, etc.” 

Government said it is also working with municipalities to improve the maintenance and performance of water distribution infrastructure by building additional reservoirs and pumping stations to improve the resilience of their systems.

“South Africa remains a water scarce country. Let us protect and conserve the country’s water resources.”

To report illegal water connections and people who damage water infrastructure, the public can visit police stations close to their areas, or call Crime Stop number on 086 00 10111 or report through MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:28

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Eskom reaches no load shedding milestone

Location: News

Eskom reaches no load shedding milestone

Eskom has reached a new milestone having recorded its longest stretch of not implementing load shedding in five years.

South Africa has not experienced planned rolling blackouts since 26 March this year.

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, told a media briefing that this is an indication that government’s Energy Action Plan, coupled with Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, is showing resilience.

“This means two things: load shedding is still an area that requires intervention. I have said that at the right time, when we are meant to call it, we’ll [say] its over but I’m not in a position to make that firm pronouncement.

“The second message this conveys is that the interventions are resilient. By that I mean that even if you have a cluster of units failing, the system is able to carry itself without us having to resort to load shedding. That’s important because it means that we have built some degree head space to allow for incidents where clusters of units fail,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that although the interventions are bearing fruit, “we want to sustain this momentum”.

“The system is performing exceptionally well. It is exceeding our own expectations. 

“We have been able to drastically reduce the amount of megawatts that are not available at any given time. In the comparable period, we were sitting at about 16 400MW not available at any given time and now we are averaging about 11 235MW. 

“There’s an improvement of that 5000MW of the same period last year. From an Energy Availability Factor, this marks an improvement of about 7.3%,” he said.

Ramokgopa highlighted that Eskom has spent at least R15 billion less than last year.

“That’s significant going into the future because these savings are going to be factored into the cost of electricity supply. So going into the future we’ll know that the primary energy, we were able to reduce that cost by R15 billion. 

“We are doing this as we maintain the health of the system. We are not compromising on our planned maintenance so in terms of our summer outlook, we are at about 6900MW of planned maintenance,” he said.

Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2023 (IRP 2023)

Ramokgopa told the media briefing that in terms of the Draft IRP 2023 stakeholder engagements, some 4338 public comments have been received while three rounds of public consultations and at least 26 other virtual and in-person engagements with civil society, industry, academia and government entities took place.

“Of these 4000 plus comments, 136 of these were substantive. There are people who were challenging a number of aspects or making suggestions on how best we can improve this model,” he said.

The Draft IRP is described by the department as South Africa’s electricity generation plan which lays out plans to ensure security of electricity supply by balancing supply with demand, while taking into account the environment and total cost of supply.

“Then next step is that we are deepening that conversation. So we are not [re]starting the public consultation…we are going back to those people who made those substantive submissions having done some degree of revision on the back of the submissions that we have received.

“We will have a physical engagement some time next week and we will have the targeted engagements. We will then consolidate those inputs,” he said.

A report emanating from consolidated inputs will then be tabled before Cabinet which will make a final decision on the plan. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:19

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VFS Global Expands UK Visa Services in Sub-Saharan Africa in Second Phase of Rollouts

Location: News

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VFS Global (www.VFSGlobal.com) is proud to announce that residents of Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, travelling to the UK can now book appointments to submit their visa applications through VFS Global's new state-of-the-art Visa Application Centres (VAC).

From 19 November 2024 customers applying for a UK visa will be directed to VFS Global to book an appointment to complete their visa application. Customers will also have the option to choose additional services designed to make the application process easier.

VFS Global has been contracted by UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, offering visa services in 58 countries prior to the new contract. In 2023, VFS Global was awarded the new contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide.

Mr. Alok Singhal, Head- Sub-Saharan Africa, VFS Global, said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with UK Visas and Immigration here across Sub-Saharan Africa. We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with UKVI since 2003 and look forward to now bringing travellers from Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, our best-in-class services.”

UK visa customers can now choose from a range of optional services, depending on their location, offered by VFS Global to provide enhanced comfort and convenience. These include document upload assistance, Prime Time for application submission outside of business hours, SMS notifications, document checking service, and courier return of the passport once a decision has been made. VFS Global's Keep My Passport While Applying service allows customers in all these locations to keep their passport once their application is submitted and biometrics have been enrolled. Customers will only need to re-submit their passport if a visa is issued.

Customers in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Uganda can also submit their UK visa applications from the comfort and safety of their home, office, or any other preferred location with our On Demand Mobile Visa service. In addition, our Premium Lounge service offers a personalised submission experience with dedicated staff members, which is available in Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The services can be booked in advance on www.VFSGlobal.com or at the Visa Application Centre at the time of the appointment. These services are completely optional and have no bearing on the processing timeline and outcomes of visa applications.

In the African region, VFS Global will provide Visa Application Centres for the UK in 31 countries. Under the new contract, VFS Global is already operating UK Visa Application Centres in nine other countries across Sub Saharan Africa since October 2024, including South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana.

UK Visa Application Centres

Angola: Rua 28 de Maio, Edificio Kende nº15 /17 , 1st floor F, Maianga, Luanda
Botswana: Game City Mall, 1st floor, Unit U101, A1 Lobatse Road, Kgale Hill, Gaborone
Cameroon: 4th Floor, Immeuble Ekang, Opp Palais Des Sports, Warda, Yaounde, 
Ethiopia: 6th Floor, NIB International Bank HQ, Ras Abebe Aragay Street, City Centre, Addis Ababa
Malawi: La Piazza Mall, Shop 7,  Plot Number 4/068-069 in Lilongwe
Mozambique: Maputo Shopping Centre, 6th Floor, 604 Maputo
Namibia: Hilltop Village, Section 27, corners of Grove and Ombika Street, Kleine Kuppe, Windhoek 
Rwanda: 5th Floor -KN 4Avenue, 63 street, Cogebanque Building, Kigali 
Senegal: Immeuble Atryum-Center, 1st Floor, KM 8  Route de Ouakam, Dakar
Sierra Leone: Flat 7, floor 3 Aberdeen complex Building,58, Sir Samuel Lewis Road
Tanzania: 1st Floor, Right wing, Nature Building, Toure Drive, Masaki, Dar Es Salaam
Uganda: Plot No. 42, Wing C,2nd Floor, Lugogo House, Lugogo Bypass, Kampala
Zambia: Zep-Re Building, Alick Nkhata Rd No. 54, Plot No. 356184, Lusaka
Zimbabwe: Sam's Levy Village, Suites S And T, Sam Levy's Village, Borrowdale

Angola                                                                                                                                                      Website: https://apo-opa.co/4fx7MMr Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri)

Botswana                                                                                                                                                      Website: https://apo-opa.co/3YW6Bis   Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Cameroon                                                                                                                                              Website: https://apo-opa.co/4i0MfgT Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Ethiopia
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3YXsQVd Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Malawi
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3AYcd3G Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Mozambique
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4hPTckR Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Namibia
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4hYqZZ6 Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Rwanda
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3ZgdLzq Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Tue to Thur)

Senegal
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4fDAyLw Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon, Wed & Fri)

Sierra Leone
Website: https://apo-opa.co/40Wt55M Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon, Wed & Fri)

Tanzania
Website: https://apo-opa.co/3UYrsR7 Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Uganda
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4fB7K63 Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Zambia
Website: https://apo-opa.co/4hUbqBD Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

Zimbabwe
Website: https://apo-opa.co/40Wt5Tk Business hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (Mon to Fri)

*Except public holidays

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.

Media Contact:
George Cherian
georgec@vfsglobal.com
communications@vfsglobal.com

About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments.  Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 299 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

Read moreVFS Global Expands UK Visa Services in Sub-Saharan Africa in Second Phase of Rollouts

Government simplifies the process to apply for spaza shop permits

Location: News

Government simplifies the process to apply for spaza shop permits

Government has introduced a new standard draft by-law for township economies, which offers a simplified permitting and registration process.

The move is aimed at creating an enabling environment for small businesses in townships; supports economic inclusion, job creation and community empowerment.

The by-law was issued in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, on 7 November 2024. 

“We are excited about this by-law as it is more than just a regulatory tool. It reflects our vision for township economies as key contributors to South Africa’s growth. 

“Through inclusive, streamlined, and supportive governance, this initiative lays a foundation for sustainable economic activity in historically underserved areas, empowering individuals to participate meaningfully in the economy,” the Minister said earlier this month.

The new by-law is a statement of the department’s commitment to transforming townships into vibrant economic hubs that provide sustainable opportunities for residents. 

“This regulation is designed to harmonise township business ecosystems by providing standardised norms and facilitating easier entry and operation for both formal and informal businesses. 

“It supports businesses with tailored resources, including permit registration processes and designated trading spaces, ensuring streamlined operations within municipal jurisdictions,” the department said.

Key features of the by-law include:

  • Enhanced freedom for business activities. Any individual with a business license may now conduct business within designated areas, subject to local quotas that ensure equitable opportunities for South African citizens and residents. This regulation aligns with the Constitutional right to freedom of trade, supporting entrepreneurial efforts that contribute to township vitality.
  • Designated business zones. Municipalities are empowered to establish business zones, creating spaces specifically tailored to retail, industrial, and mixed-use enterprises. This targeted approach ensures an efficient use of space, aligning township development with broader spatial planning goals to attract investment and infrastructure improvements.
  • Business support and capacity building. To further support township businesses, municipalities will facilitate workshops, training, and access to essential resources such as infrastructure and markets. This proactive approach helps small business owners improve operational capacity, while also promoting compliance with relevant laws and standards.
  • Simplified permitting and registration. The new standard draft by-law introduces an efficient permit and registration system that provides clear guidelines for businesses, including both physical and online access to application forms. Municipal officials will assist applicants in the process, ensuring timely approvals and smooth operations for new and existing businesses.
  • Safety and compliance assurance. The by-law mandates that all business activities align with public health and safety regulations. Regular inspections and public awareness campaigns will ensure that township businesses uphold the highest standards, protecting both entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.
  • Inclusive growth strategy. Recognising the economic significance of townships, the by-law places a strong emphasis on skills development, mentorship, and market access initiatives to support businesses and help them thrive within local and broader markets.

CoGTA said it remained dedicated to engaging communities and stakeholders in the implementation of the by-law, ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of South Africa’s townships.

To read the full gazette go to https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/local-government-municipal-systems-act-2000/. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:25

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Read moreGovernment simplifies the process to apply for spaza shop permits

Guide to register spaza shops

Location: News

Guide to register spaza shops

With the clock ticking for rural and township spaza owners and vendors to register their businesses, government has provided a guide for entrepreneurs on how to approach the process of applying for a traders' permit.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities as part of decisive measures to address the recurring foodborne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children across the country.   

The interventions, the President explained, are aimed at getting hazardous pesticides off the street, protecting children from exposure to these substances, and preventing future outbreaks. 

To ensure compliance, the President last Friday ordered that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.

Small business owners can follow these guidelines to ensure that they are compliant with government regulations:

  1. Registration for trading permits for spaza shop owners and vendors is done in municipality offices or designated sites that the municipalities will communicate to residents.
  2. All spaza shop owners and vendors must register with their respective municipalities from 15 November to 13 December 2024.
  3. Application forms for registration or permits to conduct business can be accessed physically at the municipal offices or on the municipality website. 
  4. The completed application form is to be received only by the municipal manager or a delegated official within a municipality.
  5. The completed permit application should contain the business owner's full name, surname, gender, and disability status.
  6. Other details that must be included in the application for a trading permit are:
    1. the identity number of the business owner;
    2. the physical and postal address of the business concerned;
    3. location where the business will be operated;
    4. the description of the goods or services that the business will be selling or providing to the community;
    5. the citizenship status of the applicants and
    6. the passport number, section 22 asylum seeker permit, section 24 refugee permit, and a valid visa allowing foreign nationals to be in the Republic to work or conduct business. 
  7. The applicant must provide an affidavit stating that he/she is not engaged in the trade of illegal goods, as defined in this by-law and that his/her business will operate according to the applicable norms and standards. 
  8. The municipality may conduct background checks on applicants, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, to verify the legality of their business activities. 
  9. After the application has satisfied all the conditions stated by the municipality, the business owner will be issued a registration card or permit that must be always displayed and be available for inspection. 

Reporting illegal business practices

Municipalities are also expected to communicate to residents a complaints procedure that can be used by residents and community members to report illegal business practices by the business establishment

This complaints procedure will also include details about the appeals process for the application process. 

According to the Immigration Act of 2002, it is a criminal offense to assist or enable an illegal foreigner to conduct any business in the Republic of South Africa.

It is also a criminal offense to assist an illegal foreigner to obtain a licence for him/her to conduct any business. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 15:57

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Read moreGuide to register spaza shops

Spaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

Location: News

Spaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

As township and rural entrepreneurs throughout the country are getting their papers in order to ensure they are compliant with government regulations to run a spaza shop, the great news is that once they have a valid trading permit, they can apply for funding from government institutions.

Through programmes like the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) or the Spaza Shop Support Scheme, entrepreneurs can access much-needed financial relief.

Earlier this month, government introduced a new standard draft by-law for township economies that offers a simplified permitting and registration process.

“To further support township businesses, municipalities will facilitate workshops, training, and access to essential resources such as infrastructure and markets. This proactive approach helps small business owners improve operational capacity, while also promoting compliance with relevant laws and standards.

“The new standard draft by-law introduces an efficient permit and registration system that provides clear guidelines for businesses, including both physical and online access to application forms,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said earlier this month.

Municipal officials will assist applicants in the process, ensuring timely approvals and smooth operations for new and existing businesses.

“This by-law, issued in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, aims to create an enabling environment for small businesses in townships, supporting economic inclusion, job creation, and community empowerment,” the department said.

The full gazette can be accessed at https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/local-government-municipal-systems-act-2000/.

President orders registration of spaza shops

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities as part of decisive measures to address the recurring food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children across the country.
  
The interventions, the President explained, included getting hazardous pesticides off the street, protection of children from exposure to these substances, and the prevention of future outbreaks.

To ensure compliance, the President ordered that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.

President Ramaphosa further announced the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the deaths and stricter regulations to protect communities.

READ I Spaza shops implicated in child deaths to be shut down

Township and rural entrepreneurs who are in need of funding are encouraged to consider applying for the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) or the Spaza Shop Support Scheme. The National Youth Development Agency also has numerous programmes targeted at assisting young people in business.

The TREP targets township and rural-based enterprises which are owned by entrepreneurs who are based in the townships or rural areas.

The programme is aimed at assisting entrepreneurs overcome the legacy of economic exclusion by creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial activity and providing dedicated business support to enterprises in rural and township areas including access to funding.

Township or rural-based entrepreneurs must apply for support including funding through the common application template from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Owners of the business must be South African nationals.

How to apply:

•    Register on https://smmesa.gov.za/ and complete the information required. Once complete, you will receive an email with your unique smmesa.gov.za reference number.
•    The application form is available at https://www.eservices.gov.za
•    Create a user profile (account) with the email address used to register on smmesa.gov.za, the email address and smmesa.gov.za reference number is linked to the eservices platform.
•    Once registered and logged in, you are able to apply for the programmes available on the application window.
•    On the option <<apply for finance>>, choose the common application template.
•    Upload the required statutory documents: CIPC documentation, and proof of address as applicable.
•    All statutory documents must be submitted before an application is considered.
•    In case of application to purchase equipment/s and/or CAPEX, the applicants must submit quotations/proforma invoices for the equipment/CAPEX required.
•    Applications can also be submitted to trep@sefa.org.za should there be difficulties with the portal.
•    Application form can be accessed on the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) website: https://www.dsbd.gov.za/programme/township-and-rural-entrepreneurship-programme.

Spaza shop support programme

Sefa’s spaza-shop support programme is targeted at township and rural entrepreneurs who own spaza shops, general dealers or grocery stores.

It is offered in partnership with Nedbank through the Sefa Khula Credit Guarantee Scheme. Each application will be assessed in terms of the following criteria:
•    The spaza shop/store must be owner-managed and -operated.
•    The owner must have a valid South African identification document.
•    S/he must register with the SMMESA (https://www.smmesa.gov.za/).
•    Spaza shop owners must hold a licence to trade or a municipal permit – if they do not have one, they must obtain one before they can access support.
•    Qualifying owners must go to their nearest Nedbank branch or the Nedbank desk at their nearest Boxer store for assistance in applying. 

The following documents will be required:
•    A valid South African ID document.
•    A valid and original municipal trading licence/permit to trade, or business licence in the case of a general dealer. Copies are not acceptable, and only permits/licences issued by a municipality, not a counsellor, will be accepted.
•    Qualifying spaza shop/general dealer owners must register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), in cases where they are not already registered with these organisations.

Qualifying owners must:
•    Undertake to comply with consumer and customer protection and national disaster management regulations and directions.
•    Be willing to submit monthly management account.
•    Employ 70% South Africans.
•    Have been trading for a minimum of six months.
•    Have a valid business bank account (including newly opened).
•    Be willing to participate in the bulk-buying scheme as organised by the DSBD or any of its agencies.
•    Operate in a township or rural area.

How to qualify for the scheme:
•    The spaza shop, general dealer or grocery store owner must go to their nearest Seda office to physically submit the required permits and their ID, or they can submit these documents to Seda online.
•    Seda will assist with compliance registration and due diligence.
•    The owner will complete the application form, which will be submitted to the Department of Small Business Development for approval.
•    If approved, the owner will be advised to collect his/her bank card from a bank (appointed bank).
•    Clients can also apply directly to sefa by completing the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (soc) limited (Sefa) spaza shop support facility cardholder application form The application form must be accompanied by all supporting documents. To submit the application form directly to Sefa please send them to spaza@sefa.org.za. - SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:39

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Read moreSpaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

Government, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against “construction mafia”

Location: News

Government, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against "construction mafia"

The signing of the Durban Declaration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and stakeholders involved in the fight against “construction mafias”, has been welcomed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson

The department and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Treasury and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) have agreed to work together to bring an end to criminal disruption at construction sites.

The Durban Declaration was signed by the Minister, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Sarupen and CIDB chairperson Khulile Nzo, at the end of the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Durban Declaration marks a historic partnership and commitment between different sectors of society to work together to bring an end to the so-called construction mafia and ensure that infrastructure projects continue uninterrupted. 

“It binds sectors to implement certain interventions to discourage criminality at construction sites, reduce opportunities for disruptions to occur, and hold the guilty accountable,” Macpherson said.

“From the moment I was appointed as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, it was clear to me that unless we bring an end to these stoppages at infrastructure projects, we would never be able to attract additional investment which will grow our economy and create jobs. 

“As job creation is the Government of National Unity’s key priority, it was therefore imperative to address the issue head-on, and the signing of the declaration today is a fulfilment of this commitment,” he said.

The Durban Declaration proposes a series of interventions to end the disruptions at construction sites to be implemented over the course of the next year, including:

• Strengthening the legislation governing the construction industry

• Implementing appropriate policies for the development of the construction industry

• Improving the data and reporting systems

• Enhancing the rapid response to lead to arrests for extortion on construction sites and prosecutions

• Developing standard frameworks and guidelines for embedding social facilitation in project planning and implementation

• Providing for the systematic and structured development of emerging enterprises and skills development

• Establishing collaborative platforms for industry stakeholders to share best practices

• Collaborate on solutions to the problems faced by the construction industry

“By the time the next National Construction Summit takes place next year, I look forward to reporting that meaningful progress was achieved in these focus areas and that there has been a significant decline in the number of construction disruptions reported. 

“I have no doubt that by working together, we will be able to bring an end to the construction mafia and build a better South Africa. Together, let’s build South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:32

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Read moreGovernment, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against “construction mafia”

Government considers intervention in Eskom electricity tariff hike application

Location: News

Government considers intervention in Eskom electricity tariff hike application

Government is preparing to present an intervention regarding Eskom’s proposed tariff hike.

This according to Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who briefed the media on Wednesday.

The power utility has asked the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) to approve its multi-year price determination which would mean, for direct Eskom customers, a 36.15% electricity tariff hike for 2025/26, an 11.81% increase in 2026/27 and a 9.10% rise in 2027/28 – sharply bringing into focus electricity affordability and upping the cost of living.

Nersa is currently holding public hearings on Eskom’s application.

“As government, we will be fashioning interventions to ensure that we provide relief. It’s still a process that is underway inside government. Before Nersa makes that determination, we’d have made our submissions.

“I want to say – with a degree of confidence – that we will get to a situation where we don’t realise a 36, 40% tariff increase. It should be something significantly lower than that. [This will be] taking into account the need for the industry to be competitive; the pressures that the households are experiencing,” he said.

The Minister reminded South Africans that the seventh administration has committed to ensuring that “we fight poverty and reduce the cost of living”.

“We know that the cost of utilities – electricity and water – is a big component of the spending of households and in fact, it’s more disproportionate when you get to low income households.

“I want to say to the country that: rest assured, we will be making interventions that will provide significant amount of relief. What that percentage [tariff increase] that will be, Nersa will make that determination,” he said.

Ramokgopa insisted that despite government’s intervention, “we will not undermine the ability of Eskom to continue to operate”.

“Some of the assumptions and basis of the application of Eskom has got some justification. 

“[However] we think we can do both…Eskom’s ability to execute on its mandate and on the other side, the need for us to provide some degree of relief to households and industry. I am confident, we can find that,” he said. 

The Minister implored South Africans to continue making their voices heard at Nersa’s public hearings on Eskom’s proposed tariff increases.

Public hearings continue as follows:

  • 20 November at the ETC Conference Centre, Spondo Street, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
  • 21 and 22 November at the Transnet National Ports Authority, N-Shed Passengers Terminal, Quayside Road, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
  • 25 November at the Bon Hotel Bloem Plaza, East Burger Street, Bloemfontein, Free State.
  • 27 November at the Mbombela Civic Centre, 1 Nel Street, Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
  • 29 November at the Jack Botes Hall, 14 Bodenstein Street, Polokwane, Limpopo.
  • 2 December at the Protea Hotel, Barend and Margaretha Prinsloo Streets, Klerksdorp, North West.
  • 3 and 4 December at the Eskom Academy of Learning, Dale Road, Midrand, Gauteng.

“What is important is that all of us…let’s subject ourselves to the [Nersa hearings]. So that we allow Nersa the opportunity to have the benefit of the mulitiplicity of views,” Ramokgopa said.

Nersa’s decision on Eskom’s application is expected to only be made on 20 December this year. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:06

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Read moreGovernment considers intervention in Eskom electricity tariff hike application

Government consults plastic industry on combatting pollution

Location: News

Government consults plastic industry on combatting pollution

While South Africa supports the development of an internationally legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution,  government has assured the plastic industry that the problem of plastic pollution and the measures necessary to tackle it will be taken in consultation with the industry and organised labour.

This as South Africa has a significant plastics industry that sustains approximately 60 000 formal jobs.

“A just transition contributes to the goals of decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty. A just transition puts people at the centre of decision making, especially those most impacted - the poor, women, people with disabilities and the youth - empowering and equipping them for new opportunities of the future. 

“So, as we move forward, it will be necessary to establish certain principles to guide our negotiations on this matter. All our decisions must be based on the best available science and what this science tells us about the impact of certain products on our environment,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, said on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister was addressing a virtual consultative stakeholder meeting on South Africa’s negotiating position ahead of the 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) on the International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment.

INC-5 is scheduled to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from 24 November – 1 December 2024.

Swarts explained South Africa’s position to support the development of an internationally legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution at the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in the first quarter of 2022.

“At that time, we recognised the threat plastic pollution poses to human health, ecosystem functioning, and the marine environment. In signing up for this process, we recognised our constitutionally imposed obligation to protect our environment and human health. 

“Consequently, on the domestic front, we understand that this requires a wholistic approach that understands the full life cycle of plastic manufacturing, use, and disposal in the context of the National Waste Management Strategy, 2020,” Swarts said.

Accordingly, South Africa has focused on three aspects that include supporting and strengthening municipal waste management services to prevent plastic leaking into the environment.

Developing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes to collect, reuse and recycle plastic waste with the aim of promoting a circular economy in the plastic industry as well as promoting public awareness and clean up campaigns to remove plastic waste from rivers, wetlands, and beaches.

As part of the principles to guide the negotiations on this matter, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need to be open and transparent in sharing information about the chemicals used in plastic production, given the various applications of plastics in food contact applications. 

“This new international legally binding instrument will likely result in the need for new regulatory controls on a domestic level. Should the international instrument lead to obligatory measures to curb plastic pollution, there will be a need for these measures to be supported by equally ambitious means of implementation. 

“So, developing countries will argue for a financial mechanism that would ensure predictable and adequate financial resources to assist in curbing plastic pollution in developing countries. INC-5 provides a key platform for broader conversations on the variety of options linked to several obligatory measures that have been proposed,” Swarts said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:15

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Read moreGovernment consults plastic industry on combatting pollution

Deputy President to attend SADC Extraordinary Summit

Location: News

Deputy President to attend SADC Extraordinary Summit

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile is expected participate in the Extraordinary Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Deputy President will attend Wednesday’s meeting on behalf  of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic of South Africa.

In a statement, the Presidency said the Summit will amongst others, receive an update on the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and also consider a report carried out on the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), as well as review the mandate to inform the future of the mission before it expires on 14 December 2024.

“South Africa, through its participation and contribution to the SADC Mission in the DRC, continues to play an important role in efforts to bring about peace and security in the SADC region,” the Presidency said on Monday.

The Summit will be preceded by the Extraordinary SADC Organ Troika Summit plus SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to be held on Wednesday morning. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 11/19/2024 - 11:44

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Read moreDeputy President to attend SADC Extraordinary Summit