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Introduction South Africa’s real estate market is a vibrant and dynamic field, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. Recent years have seen significant growth in residential developments, designed to cater to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. From luxurious coastal residences to sophisticated urban apartments, these developments offer something for everyone, …
CAPE TOWN, 19 February 2024: Thought leaders, policy makers and investors with an interest in Africa’s green economy transition are gathering in Cape Town ahead of this week’s Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place in the city from 21-23 February 2024. The summit, now in its second year, is centred around connecting the global investment …
Relocation options unsatisfactory for many of the occupiers
Ward councillor says the move is urgently needed in order to fix sewage pipes affecting the whole area
A 2012 court judgment ordered the municipality to provide clean water. It has still not complied
Condolences for Green Army member
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Mbali Hlophe has expressed deep grief at the passing of a worker that was fatally shot while on duty at Jabulani Hostel in Johannesburg.
Mduduzi Mbense (38) was a member of the department’s Green Army - an Expanded Public Works Programme established to deal with waste management and greening through clean-ups of illegal dumping and litter-picking in communities, main roads, and open spaces.
Mbense was shot on Friday as he was leading a team of the Green Army at the hostel where he worked and resided.
The MEC has called on the police to leave no stone unturned in order to bring to book the perpetrator of the crime.
“We are gravely devastated for this untimely loss. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. May you all find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 11:17
Most of Cape Town’s sewage treatment works are failing, including the city’s largest one which releases effluent straight into the sea
Strategic integrated projects
By Nomonde Mnukwa
It is often said that water is life, and this is indeed the case as no life can be sustained without water. However, very few people give a second thought about the infrastructure required to ensure clean, drinkable water.
In South Africa government is undertaking a massive infrastructure investment and build programme in the form of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), which are aimed at improving the quality of life for all South Africans.
Government is working to transform key sectors of our economy such as electricity, rail, ports and telecommunications through infrastructure. We are also working to rebuild and renew infrastructure in critical areas such as student accommodation, social housing water and sanitation.
Our focus on infrastructure is critical to driving economic growth and creating employment, while also ensuring that we can change lives and empower communities.
Over the medium-term the public sector is projected to spend R903 billion on infrastructure and a number of these projects have been completed, while many others are in the construction and procurement phases. In July 2020 a total of 62 Strategic Integrated Projects were gazetted that hold significant value in terms of growing our economy and driving development. These projects are currently being implemented across all three spheres of government, state-owned entities and the private sector.
Infrastructure in its most basic form is about bricks and mortar, but it is so much more than that. Every new road built enhances mobility and creates economic activity for communities. New schools open up the doors of learning and progress, and new housing developments bring hope and dignity.
The Strategic Integrated Projects are breathing life into many sectors of the economy, including potentially new and game changing ones. South Africa has amassed a pipeline of Green Hydrogen Projects with a value of over R300 billion, which are in project preparation stages. Among these projects, is the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen in the Northern Cape with a potential to progressively create around 35 000 work opportunities. .
Since the first round of SIPs were gazetted in 2022, an additional 26 have been added, bringing the number of gazetted SIPs to 88. These include infrastructure projects in energy, water and sanitation, transport as well as digital communications infrastructure. The SIPs also cover human settlements, agriculture, and agro-processing.
A number of projects to the value of R21.4 billion have already been completed covering roads, energy and human settlements, while the total value of projects currently in construction is R313.5 billion. A number of projects are also in the procurement stage to the value of R295.2 billion.
There are various projects that have also been registered in the energy sector which once fully operational will assist in ensuring greater energy security for the country. The energy sector infrastructure project pipeline includes R180 billion of embedded generation investment.
Once all 88 SIPs are concluded there will be a massive increase in energy and water security. They will also further boost our Fourth Industrial Revolution ambitions and capabilities, while also ensuring that we provide homes, accommodation and revitalise the agricultural value chain.
Our investment in infrastructure is turning bricks and mortar into hope for a better tomorrow for all. It is creating new frontiers of growth and progress and will ultimately ensure that we create the South Africa we want.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS
Janine
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:53
The world is changing, and so are our energy needs. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy sources, more homeowners are exploring the possibility of installing solar panels on their properties. Solar power not only reduces your carbon footprint but can also lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. However, the upfront …
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place from 21-23 February 2024 in Cape Town, not only features the continent’s major sustainability thought leaders, but also provides a springboard for companies operating in the green sector to sell themselves to investors. The event brings together key African stakeholders – including investors, project …
The Earthshot Prize will travel to Cape Town, South Africa this November for Earthshot Week 2024, featuring The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony. Across five days of landmark events, The Earthshot Prize will celebrate the groundbreaking work of fifteen global environmental solutions and convene leading innovators, Earthshot Alumni, partners, investors and philanthropists for inspiring conversations and action on catalysing solutions to protect and restore our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is an ambitious global environmental prize which aims to discover and help scale the world's most innovative climate and environmental solutions to protect and restore our planet. The Prize is centered around five ‘Earthshots'; simple but aspirational goals to ensure our communities, oceans and ecosystems can thrive together in harmony for generations to come.
This year, The Earthshot Prize will bring its annual celebration to South Africa for the first time, following events in London in 2021, Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023. Over the coming months, a rigorous selection process will unearth fifteen Finalists from around the world, of whom five will be awarded a £1 million (R23 800 000,00) prize to scale their solutions, during the ceremony in Cape Town.
Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize said: “This is the Earthshot Decade, a decade in which we must, by 2030, reduce CO2 emissions by over 40 percent, and protect 30 percent of nature, oceans, and freshwater. The nominations to The Earthshot Prize remind us that human ingenuity, grit and determination can turn the seemingly impossible into the new normal. We're delighted to be working with changemakers and partners across Africa to spotlight the incredible innovation emerging across the continent, to convene courageous conversations about scale and finance, and to partner with young creators and filmmakers to tell the story of changemakers across Africa.”
Nearly 400 nominees for this year's Prize are Africa-based, highlighting the trailblazing creativity and innovation across the continent with the potential to inspire optimism and provide pathways to transformative change around the world. One of The Prize's inspiring 2023 finalists was Cape Town's ABALOBI, a non-profit partnership between fishers and scientists aimed at protecting small-scale fishing communities while arming their customers with better information about the origin of their seafood.
Despite contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest emissions, Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change. In 2022 alone, more than 110 million people across Africa were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards according to the World Meteorological Organization. Yet in the face of these challenges, nearly all African countries have committed to enhancing climate action through reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience.
Earthshot Week will begin with The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony, an evening of extraordinary storytelling and star-studded performances, celebrating the work of the fifteen Earthshot Prize finalists. The ceremony will be followed by Earthshot+, a day of thought-provoking conversations aimed at multiplying the impact of The Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists.
During Earthshot Week, Cape Town will also play host to the annual Earthshot Fellowship Retreat which will kickstart the yearlong Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. The programme is a key element of the wrap-around support that each cohort of fifteen Finalists receives in addition to the £1 million prize, providing mentorship, resources and technical support, helping to accelerate the growth of each groundbreaking solution. That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of the world's largest businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.
The Prize has recently completed its annual nominations process, culminating in nearly 2500 entries submitted from 432 Official Nominators from around the world, doubling the nominations from any previous year. Nearly 400 of the 2024 nominations are headquartered in Africa, three times more than in any previous set of nominations. The fifteen new finalists chosen this year will be emblematic of a growing global movement of innovators, gamechangers and entrepreneurs creating transformative solutions that, if scaled, could accelerate a green, just transition to a net zero world.
The Prize's first three cohorts of 45 Finalists have already driven incredible impact to repair and regenerate our planet with more than 1.5 million people benefiting directly from their solutions. Over 7,000 hectares of land and almost 2.1 million hectares of ocean have been protected or restored, while over 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, avoided or sequestered. The Prize's 2023 Finalists, announced this past autumn, are well on their way to creating similar impact.
The Earthshot Prize is proud to partner with MultiChoice Group to bring Earthshot Week to Africa. As a member of The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance of Partners, the MultiChoice Group is part of a global network of non-profit and international organizations committed to the environment and sustainable development. It is one of the fastest-growing entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. In partnership with MultiChoice, The Earthshot Prize will provide a platform to African Youth Creators to spotlight and celebrate African solutions and the people behind them.
Imtiaz Patel, MultiChoice Group Chairman, said: “As the leading entertainment company in Africa, we are immensely proud to be the African Broadcast partner for Earthshot Prize at such a monumental time. This marks the first time the prestigious prize comes to our continent.
MultiChoice is well positioned to not only amplify the urgent message of climate change but also to inspire and galvanize innovators, corporate partners, and governments to prioritize sustainable solutions. This partnership signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Africa, and we look forward to playing a pivotal role in advancing the goals of The Earthshot Prize.”
The 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists will be unveiled in September. More details about The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony and Earthshot Week in Cape Town will be released in due course.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
Contact:
For The Earthshot Prize:
earthshotprize@fgsglobal.com
For MultiChoice Group:
Litlhare.moteetee@multichoice.co.za
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About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.
The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organizations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Legado Para A Juventude, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust and Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari.
Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organizations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organizations each year. For full list see website: Global Alliance - Earthshot Prize.
Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners.
They are: Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group and Walmart. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthShotPrize.org.
About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television.
(DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets. Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
City to deal with the 32-million litres of raw sewage it pumps out to sea every day
This Valentine’s Day, elevate your celebrations with an exclusive offering from Clico Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Rosebank. Prepare for an unparalleled romantic experience as Clico Restaurant presents a meticulously crafted Valentine’s Day menu, set to captivate your senses and create memories to cherish forever. Escape the ordinary and book one of only 8 …
Event organised by Nal’ibali and the City of Cape Town
These tips come from BA Systems – a building automation and management installer whose mantra is simple; “If you can measure it, you can manage it!” BA Systems have extensive experience in specifying and installing Building Management equipment that allows the owner to monitor, measure and manage their consumption of scarce and increasingly expensive resources …
6 February 2024: Absa has reaffirmed its commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves, by launching sustainable food gardens in schools across five provinces. As the proud title sponsor of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY 10K Series since 2021, the bank unveiled its 2023 campaign, aptly named “Together we can do …
Task team to review municipalities’ water service delivery mechanisms
A national coordinated task team has been set up to review service delivery mechanisms for water and sanitation services by the Departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
This was one of the resolutions adopted during a recent water summit hosted by DWS with the 144 municipalities that are water services authorities (WSAs).
The task team which was established to initiate and coordinate Municipal Systems Act Section 78 processes in certain municipalities, aims to address the decline of water and sanitation services, as outlined in the recent Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The drop reports indicated a general decline in performance.
Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the task team will focus on the 105 municipalities that are in the critical and poor performing categories in terms of the Blue and Green Drop reports.
Mavasa said the DWS, including CoGTA, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury, are providing extensive support to assist water services authorities with the provision of water and sanitation services.
“This includes providing water and sanitation infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion per annum; providing technical and engineering support and assistance; capacity building and training, and financial management advice and support.
“However, despite all this support, the drop reports indicate that municipal water services have declined sharply. This indicates that there are limitations to which support from the national government can solve the problems, and that more fundamental reforms are required,” Mavasa said.
Routine maintenance and operations must be funded by revenue from the sale of water by municipalities to customers, and municipal councils must take the required decisions to prioritise budgets for this.
She emphasised that the Water Services Act states that the WSA can approve any legal entity to function as a water services provider (WSP) in the municipality, and “almost all WSAs in South Africa are currently both WSA and WSP”.
“The Water Services Act requires the WSA and WSP functions to be managed and accounted for separately by municipalities, but this is generally not happening. The Act states that the key role of the WSA is to ensure that the WSP provides services which meet minimum norms and standards – and this is also generally not happening, as borne out by the results of the Drop assessments,” Wisane said.
Other key decisions taken at the summit include that all WSAs must develop action plans to address their drop results and submit them to DWS by the end of February 2024; training institutions should prioritise the training of uncertified process controllers to enable them to become certified; and that all WSAs must issue advisory notices without fail when their drinking water fails to meet microbiological water standards. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 11:57
Set within an indigenous coastal forest teeming with wildlife, the stunning Serenity Hills is an eco-focused estate with a drive towards sustainability. Tasked with overseeing the estate’s maintenance, safety, and preservation – including that of the indigenous wildlife – is Ryne Ferguson (36), the newly appointed Estate Manager. “The position at Serenity Hills is a …
In the world of landscaping, brushcutters and trimmers are generally seen as essential tools for maintaining lawns and managing vegetation. However, beyond their practical applications, these tools can also be used as artistic instruments, offering several creative possibilities in outdoor spaces. This is according to Wynand Lombaard, Product & Pricing Specialist at Husqvarna South Africa. …
Lamola condemns protest actions in Groblersdal
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services has condemned protestors’ attempts to forcefully enter the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court premises and their brandishing of the colonial era Vierkleur flag.
The court was hearing a case against two men – Piet Groenewald and his son Stephen Greef – who allegedly assaulted one of their workers whom they accused of being drunk on duty.
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said: “We applaud the [SA Police Service] for swiftly arresting all the protesters that attempted to block or enter the Court forcefully. This has restored the dignity of the Court and sends a message that our courts cannot be a playground for lawlessness.”
The department described the display of the Vierkleur flag by the protestors as deeply troubling as “it evokes memories of a time when discrimination and inequality prevailed”.
The flag features three horizontal red, white and blue stripes with a vertical green stripe at the hoist.
“We have noted, with concern, images in the media of a group of protestors brandishing the Vierkleur flag. The Vierkleur is a flag that was used by the old Boer Republic of the Transvaal which existed in the 2nd half of the 19th century until the Boers defeat in the Anglo-Boer War.
“The Vierkleur flag, is a symbol that represents a bygone era of colonisation and aparthied. This flag holds historical significance, but it also carries connotations of a time when black people were denied their basic rights.
“In August 2019 the Equality Court…ruled that the display of the old apartheid flag constitutes hate speech in South Africa. The Court held that the Constitutional Court has time and again emphasised the importance of historical context when considering human dignity, especially the history of racialized inequality in South Africa,” the department said.
The matter is expected to be referred to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
“By brandishing the Vierkleur flag, individuals are openly rejecting the core values of democracy, equality, and the Constitution. This act is reminiscent of the old apartheid flag and cannot be tolerated.
“The Ministry firmly denounces the waving of this flag and will take decisive measures to ensure that the [SAHRC] thoroughly examines this matter,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 10:46
Hi-Tec’s selection of clothing & accessories for Golf & Tennis enthusiasts. At the beginning of the year, thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions – it’s time to take on a new active sport that will improve one’s health. Every activity has a dress code and the key to achieving this code is in the pieces …
The recent official release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to December 2023 underscores the rising momentum of South Africa's tourism sector.
International tourist arrivals from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million, representing a remarkable 48.9% increase when compared with same period in 2022.
Africa continues to lead the Way
Strong Momentum from the Americas
Strength in European Markets
Noteworthy growth from the Asia markets
Robust Gains in the Middle East
Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille expressed delight at the impressive numbers from the African continent and highlighted the strategic decisions that contributed to the growth in specific markets.
She adds “Kenya's remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime in 2023 as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns”.
“This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travellers,” the Minister said.
Minister de Lille emphasised the charm and magnetism of South Africa as a tourism destination, with specific mention of the reopening of the Chinese market and the resumption of direct flight routes in 2023.
Looking ahead, Minister de Lille emphasised the need to unlock barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access and airlift for sustained growth.
The Minister expressed commitment to working with partners and government colleagues to facilitate policy and regulation revisions.
In conclusion, minister de Lille thanked all visitors for choosing to visit South African and likewise thanks South Africans for their continuous hospitality and warm welcome to visitors, expressing optimism for sustained charm, attractiveness, and relentless tourism growth.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa.
Increase in international arrivals in 2023
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has expressed delight at the impressive number of travellers coming to South Africa from the African continent and has highlighted the strategic decisions that contributed to the growth in specific markets.
This comes after Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said from January to December 2023, South Africa recorded an increase in the number of international arrivals which underscored the rising momentum of South Africa's tourism sector.
According to Stats SA, international tourist arrivals from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million, representing a remarkable 48.9% increase when compared with the same period in 2022.
South Africa welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of the African continent between January and December 2023, marking a significant 75.6% of all arrivals.
Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 70.8% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to 2022, totalling 2.1 million arrivals, while Kenya recorded a 99% surge when compared to 2022, reaching 42 403 arrivals for January to December 2023.
“Kenya’s remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime in 2023 as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns,” de Lille said.
“This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travellers,” the Minister said.
Tourist arrivals from the Americas registered at 455 901 reflecting a 39.8% growth compared to the same period in 2022.
The United States of America saw 353 975 arrivals to South Africa, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.
Strength in European markets
From January to December 2023, South Africa saw 1.2 million tourist arrivals from Europe, a 38.2% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The United Kingdom remains the top European source market with 356 160 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 25.8% growth compared to 2022.
Germany experienced a 41.6% increase in arrivals compared to 2022, amounting to 245 259 tourists.
This was followed by the Netherlands which saw an increase of 45.5% when compared to 2022, amounting to 131 371 tourist arrivals between January and December 2023.
Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 74.7% when compared to 2022, contributing 28 357 arrivals in 2023
Noteworthy growth from the Asian markets
Asian markets also showed significant growth with a total 199 308 arrivals from the region, representing an astounding 69.1% when compared to the same period in 2022.
South Africa welcomed 79 774 tourists from India, a 43.7% growth compared to 2022
Notably, there were 37 164 arrivals from China, a massive 204.9% surge in 2023 when compared to 2022
Robust gains in the Middle East
The Middle East saw a robust increase with 54 339 arrivals in the January to December 2023 period - a 33.7% growth when compared to the same period in 2022. South Africa received 16 351 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in 2023, marking an increase of 42.6% when compared to 2022. The United Arab Emirates saw 6 511 arrivals to South Africa, a remarkable 110% increase when compared to 2022.
The Minister emphasised the charm and magnetism of South Africa as a tourism destination, with specific mention of the reopening of the Chinese market and the resumption of direct flight routes in 2023.
Looking ahead, de Lille said there was a need to unlock barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access and airlift for sustained growth.
The Minister expressed commitment to working with partners and government colleagues to facilitate policy and regulation revisions.
She thanked all the visitors for choosing to visit South Africa and likewise thanked South Africans for their continuous hospitality and warm welcome shown to visitors. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 11:22
SA sends first shipment under AfCFTA agreement
The implementation of the preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has become a reality with South Africa sending its first shipment of products to other countries trading under the agreement.
South Africa is the first among the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member states, which consists of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland, to practically realise the AfCFTA Agreement.
“For South Africa, as with many other African countries, the start of preferential trade will create great opportunities for growth and development. Not only will it benefit our country’s producers, but it will also see a huge increase in traffic through our ports, our airports and our land-based border posts.
“The products made in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape will flow through these ports to markets beyond our borders,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday in Durban.
Officiating the launch of South Africa's first shipment and preferential trading under the AfCFTA, the President said the levels of intra-African trade have been growing in recent years, but remain small by global standards.
Intra-Africa exports are reported to stand at around 16% of Africa’s total exports, compared to 55% in Asia, 49% in North America and 63% in the European Union.
“African countries trade with the rest of the world but we have limited trade among ourselves. The reason for this is clear: we are principally exporters of raw materials, selling rocks and black liquid to the world, instead of harnessing our oil and the minerals to industrialise our continent. We need to change this.
“We have a unique opportunity to lift millions of people out of poverty by empowering women and young people to change the continent’s business environment. That is why, as the South African government, we are focused on implementing our Freight Logistics Roadmap to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s rail lines and ports,” the President said.
He said government is working closely with industry to fix Transnet’s rail and port operations in the immediate term and to ensure greater investment in infrastructure into the future.
“Over the last few years, our trade ministers have been finalising rules of origin of what constitutes an African product. They have done well to finalise 92% of the products that nations trade with each other. We need them to be even bolder in further rules of origin. The products that we trade among ourselves must truly be ‘Made in Africa’.
"The modalities for trade in goods has moved faster than for services. We therefore need to put more effort into building African champions in finance, retail and telecommunications, and in expanding tourism between African countries. That is the only way in which our economies will grow faster and sustainably,” President Ramaphosa said.
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, and has the potential to bring transformative change and tremendous opportunities to African economies and businesses.
The President said the implementation of the agreement will accelerate the development of regional and local value chains, offering investors access to a population of 1.7 billion people with a fast-growing continental gross domestic product (GDP).
“Industrial development is core to Africa’s integration. It builds Africa’s productive capacities, adds greater value to our products and diversifies trade beyond the traditional commodities. We have already seen the potential of greater cross-border collaboration.
“South African automotive companies source leather car seats from a factory in Lesotho employing close to a thousand workers and wiring harnesses from Botswana at two plants employing several thousand workers,” Ramaphosa said.
They source copper wire from Zambia, rubber from Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and Cameroon, and steering wheel components from Tunisia.
“These are installed in cars that are then exported from South Africa to other parts of the world. These inputs alone accounted for more than $200 million worth of products traded among African countries and the scope to do more is available to us.
“But it requires bold rules of origin. For every one percent of extra African content, there is an opportunity for a factory or mine based on the continent to supply the products. And as the world moves to green industrialisation, Africa is well positioned to use our critical minerals to leverage industrialisation on the continent,” the President said.
He said the opportunities are vast, with prospects in food and beverages, in cars and trucks, in clothing and textiles.
“We have the capacity to produce more of our own pharmaceutical products and medical equipment. Investment can flow to the production of chemicals, machinery and equipment, household goods and many, many more.
“Beyond the industrialisation of which I have spoken, this continental market can help us promote agricultural development and food security. Through our work, we can ensure that young people and women-owned firms are active in export markets,” the President said.
He said the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade will help ensure that the African Continental Free Trade Area contributes to inclusive growth and development. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 13:15