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Lamola welcomes Norway’s support to help resolve SA’s triple challenges

Location: News

Lamola welcomes Norway’s support to help resolve SA’s triple challenges

South Africa’s triple challenges of unemployment, inequality, and poverty persist, and Norway’s ongoing support and cooperation to enable the country to resolve these pressing development issues is greatly appreciated. 

This is according to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Ronald Lamola who spoke during the opening remarks on the Working Visit of Norway Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.  

Norway is one of the biggest investors in renewable energy in South Africa and is working towards delivering President Cyril Ramaphosa’s request for private-public partnerships to ensure economic growth and job creation through renewable energy.

“Our struggle for a better South Africa is intertwined with our pursuit of a better Africa in a better world. We welcome Norway’s commitment to collaborate with us as we forge ahead with efforts to promote peace and security on the continent and advance regional and continental integration,” the Minister said on Friday. 

According to Lamola, South Africa also seeks partners to promote peace and reconstruction on the continent through various cooperation mechanisms, not in the form of aid but in a way that substantively enables Africa to leverage its rich endowment. 

“In a manner which helps Africa live up to the aspiration, we sing about the African Union anthem, the clarion call to make Africa the tree of life.”

This morning’s discussions focused on bilateral trade including Norwegian investments in South Africa’s renewable energy sector, multilateral affairs, South Africa’s upcoming Presidency of the G20, and geopolitical developments, including peace and reconciliation efforts in South Sudan, Palestine and Ukraine.

“Our engagement today allows us to review the current state of our bilateral political and economic relations and unlock challenges and opportunities where they may exist.”

He said their talks also afford them valuable opportunities for reflection and an honest exchange of views to deepen common understanding of regional, multilateral, and global issues of mutual concern and interest. 

“I do not doubt that today’s meeting’s outcome will revitalise bilateral relations between our two countries and build on the foundation laid in previous engagements.”

The Minister is of the view that Norway stands as a “beacon of unwavering friendship” to South Africans. 

“It is among one of the few nations that extended a hand to host missions from the African National Congress during our most trying times under apartheid rule.”

He expressed his appreciation to the Scandinavian country for supporting South Africa’s liberation struggle from apartheid and said both countries were united by shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, and social justice.

“South Africa continues to make significant strides in reversing the historic injustices of apartheid. 

“However, this remains a work in progress, as it has only been 30 years since we attained our democracy. We deeply value Norway’s contribution in this regard.”

He labelled multilateralism as being at the heart of the biggest issues facing the world currently.  

These include promoting peace and security, trade, and human rights, ending hunger, preventing health epidemics, tackling climate change, and protecting the environment. 

“We value our cooperation with Norway in multilateral fora and look forward to continued engagement between our countries. 

“Strengthening our engagement on these issues goes beyond individual countries and cultures.”

He told Norway’s Foreign Minister that he hoped their continued collaboration through discussions would enhance and foster the constructive and fruitful relationship that both countries derive from our bilateral relationship. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 12:15

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Read moreLamola welcomes Norway’s support to help resolve SA’s triple challenges

From Deeply Hydrating Balms to Elasticity-Boosting Lotions, Neutrogena’s New Body Collection Is Packed With Derm-Grade Ingredients to Meet All Your Skin’s Needs.

Location: MyPR

Neutrogena, the world’s trusted Kenvue facial skincare brand is proud to introduce its new Body range, marking its entry into the body care market with the same commitment to excellence that has defined its facial skincare products. This new collection of lotions and balms is expertly designed to offer the high level of care and …

Read moreFrom Deeply Hydrating Balms to Elasticity-Boosting Lotions, Neutrogena’s New Body Collection Is Packed With Derm-Grade Ingredients to Meet All Your Skin’s Needs.

Department calls for child immunisation against rubella as cases rise

Location: News

Department calls for child immunisation against rubella as cases rise

The Department of Health has urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date with vaccination schedules against serious diseases that are prevented by vaccines as the country is experiencing an increase in rubella cases in some provinces.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has alerted the department of the notable rising number of rubella cases in various parts of Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is an infectious disease caused by the rubella virus. 

According to the department, it is usually a mild disease in children and adults but can have serious consequences in pregnant women by infecting their unborn babies and causing congenital rubella syndrome.

“The disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and can also be transmitted from mother to foetus during pregnancy.” 

The department said it generally causes a mild illness in children and adults, characterised by a low-grade fever, rash, and sometimes joint pain. 

It can lead to congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus, resulting in death, miscarriages, stillbirth or severe birth defects in infants. 

The department explained that the incubation period of rubella ranges from 14 to 21 days.

In recent weeks, the department said it has received enquiries following the closure of schools in the Northern Cape after a rubella case was detected amongst school learners. 

“Although proactive and effective measures to prevent further spread of the disease are always recommended, the school closure should only be implemented as the last resort after all measures have been employed.

“Children who develop symptoms including nausea, sore throat, red eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, compatible with rubella should be treated symptomatically and remain away from school until they recover.” 

According to the department, all suspected rubella cases should be reported to the nearest health facility or healthcare provider, who will then notify the department using the Notifiable Medical Conditions reporting platforms.

In the meantime, the department is currently rolling out the measles-rubella vaccine as part of the Expanded Programme of Immunisation. 

“This combined vaccine replaces the standalone measles vaccine and is administered at six and 12 months of age. In the private sector, rubella protection is included in the MMR [measles, mumps, rubella] vaccine, which is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 14:55

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Competition Commission Briefs Health Committee on Health Market Inquiry

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Health met to discuss the findings of the Competition Commission's Health Market Inquiry (HMI) Report, which investigates the state of competition in the South African healthcare sector.

The HMI was initiated in 2013 to assess features that may impede affordable healthcare access and its final report was published in September 2019.

Responding to the commission's presentation, the committee focused on various concerns with the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the implications for the healthcare system, particularly in light of the HMI's recommendations.

Committee members asked about the origins of current challenges in the healthcare sector, emphasising that many issues stem from historical changes to medical schemes made before the current administration. During the engagement, it was noted that the previous regulatory environment, which guaranteed payment to providers and uniformity in care, has eroded, leading to confusion and instability. Members made a strong call for a return to foundational principles, including statutory tariffs and guaranteed benefits for medical scheme members, to restore order and fairness in the healthcare system.

The economic implications of the NHI were also highlighted. The committee expressed its concern that the transition could exacerbate existing issues within the healthcare sector. Committee members also called for a thorough investigation into potential collusion among major market players and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the NHI implementation does not lead to further monopolisation of healthcare services.

The committee's discussion also focused on potential challenges in implementing the NHI within the current fragmented healthcare environment. Concerns were expressed that without a coherent regulatory framework, the goals of the NHI may be undermined. Members raised questions about how the government plans to engage with existing healthcare providers and stakeholders to incorporate their perspectives into the NHI rollout.

The need for collaboration between the ministries of Health and of Trade and Industry was another issue mentioned as crucial for creating a unified approach to healthcare reform. The committee indicated that such collaboration is essential for addressing both health outcomes and economic impacts, allowing for the development of policies that promote innovation and competition in the healthcare sector.

The role of the private sector within the NHI framework was also discussed, focusing on balancing contributions from private healthcare providers while maintaining a robust public healthcare system. The committee emphasised the necessity of feedback from both the public and private health sectors to create a fair and efficient healthcare system.

Making his contribution on the report, committee Chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, expressed deep concern regarding maternal healthcare outcomes in South Africa, particularly the stark differences in delivery methods between public and private hospitals. He noted that in public hospitals, approximately one million babies are delivered annually, with only three out of 10 mothers opting for caesarean sections. In contrast, in private hospitals seven out of 10 women delivering via caesarean, raising issues about the motivations behind these choices. Dr Dhlomo emphasised the importance of natural deliveries, highlighting that women are capable of delivering safely without unnecessary surgical interventions.

He criticised the practice of prolonging hospital stays for women who have undergone caesarean sections, pointing out that many are required to remain in the hospital for several days post-delivery, which incurs additional costs and may not be medically justified. He argued that the standard of care should allow for early discharge, particularly for women who meet health criteria within six hours after delivery. Dr Dhlomo called for a revaluation of these practices, advocating for a healthcare system that prioritises the well-being and autonomy of mothers, rather than financial gain.

He urged the Department of Health to respond proactively to these concerns, emphasising the need for systemic changes that support equitable and high-quality maternal care across both public and private sectors.

In his concluding remarks, Dr Dhlomo asked the Department of Health to take note of all the questions and concerns raised during the discussions. He said the department would be given the opportunity to respond in detail when the committee convenes for its next meeting. “This approach ensures that the Department of Health can provide comprehensive answers and engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the issues surrounding the National Health Insurance and the findings of the Health Market Inquiry Report,” said Dr Dhlomo.

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

Read moreCompetition Commission Briefs Health Committee on Health Market Inquiry

SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally

Location: News

SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally

A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first programme in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the international TB treatment policy of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The principal investigator leading this study, Dr Francesca Conradie, explained that the study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step toward a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for TB.

“The BEAT-Tuberculosis study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology. 

“By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics,” said Conradie. 

The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB compared with the established standard of care. 

The standard treatment consisted of a regimen of seven drugs administered over a minimum of nine months, in comparison to a regimen of four to five medications, which included newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, and was administered over only six months.

The BEAT-Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years. 

The study began in 2019 and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in both provinces.  

The study’s other objective was to build research capacity for DR-TB in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, through community engagement and training healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.

“This collaborative effort received crucial support from the National and Provincial Departments of Health that provided essential medication and laboratory infrastructure for safety and efficacy assessments,” said Conradie.

The local research study was made possible by the collaboration of the National Department of Health, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand. 

The results from the study have influenced the WHO policy on the treatment of TB, and at the same time put the Global South centre stage for driving improved treatment for all. 

National Department of Health’s Chief Director of TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, said that in 2022, an estimated 280 000 people developed TB in South Africa, while 54 000 died from the disease. 

TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa.

“With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative changes in RR-TB management worldwide. 

“While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.” 

USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Leslie Marbury, believes that the National Department of Health and his organisation have improved TB patient care worldwide.

Marbury said the organisation celebrates the 400 participants who made this trial possible and brought the world closer to ending TB. 

“We also thank all BEAT Tuberculosis stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Health Departments, and local medical facilities, for their dedication and commitment to this globally recognised study,” she added.  

TB symptoms

The most common symptoms of TB are a cough that lasts more than two weeks, weight loss, drenching night sweats and a fever. 

Anyone with these symptoms is urged to go to their local clinic. 

“You will be asked to produce sputum or phlegm which will be tested for TB. If the test is positive, the correct treatment will be started.” – SAnews.go.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:16

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Bara’s burn unit gets a much-needed upgrade

Location: News

Bara's burn unit gets a much-needed upgrade

The upgrading of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will go a long way in positioning the facility as one of the leading centres in Africa, focusing on the treatment of burns.

This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.

The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training. 

Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.

“The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system. 

“This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that more patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

According to the CHBAH Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures - a critical factor in treating severe burns.

The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities. 

According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.

The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to her body and face. 

She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.

“I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,” she said. 

Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body. 

“I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.”

The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.

This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:23

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Eastern Cape government to embark on veldfire damage tour

Location: News

Eastern Cape government to embark on veldfire damage tour

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) will next month embark on an across-province tour to engage with farmer associations affected by the ongoing widespread and uncontrolled wildfires.

The fires are destroying pastures, livestock, agricultural infrastructure and livelihoods in the province.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said the tour would be held to gain an understanding of farmers’ challenges and discuss the department’s strategies.

“We want to better understand their challenges and discuss the strategies we have in place to support them,” she said, adding that the DRDAR would also collaborate with the Departments of Education, Social Development and Health, and other relevant bodies to address food insecurity.

She said currently, 414 000 households in the province face food insecurity due to high food prices, unemployment and underutilised land.

“Past efforts have been fragmented and ineffective. That is why the Office of the Premier is leading a coordinated Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan with various departments,” said the MEC.

While the department plans to launch this initiative on World Food Day, on 16 October, the ongoing veldfires pose a significant challenge and are becoming an obstacle to the DRDAR’s efforts.

The latest information indicates the following damage:

  • In Mhlontlo, over 593 hectares of grazing land was destroyed, with 171 sheep and 29 goats lost.
  • In King Sabata Dalindyebo, 900 hectares of grazing land has been burned, resulting in the death of 13 animals.
  • In Amahlathi, over 550 hectares have been destroyed; 1 cow, 1 calf, and 2 goats perished.
  • In Emalahleni, 300 hectares was burned, along with significant property damage, including 235 bales of lucerne.
  • In Intsika Yethu, 58 sheep have been lost to the fires.
  • In Elundini, 4 833 hectares of grazing land was burned, with 8 cattle lost and 26 hectares of maize destroyed.

The MEC said the situation highlights the urgent need for collective action to prevent and control these devastating veldfires.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders to work together to mitigate the impact of these fires and support affected communities,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 12:39

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Presidency transfers Department of Mineral Resources and Energy legislation

Location: News

Presidency transfers Department of Mineral Resources and Energy legislation

Legislation previously administered by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has now been transferred to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Electricity and Energy.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the new Cabinet of the seventh administration in June. In announcing the new Cabinet, the President also announced some changes to government departments that involved the merger of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy as well as the announcement of a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.  

“In terms of section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, President Ramaphosa has transferred the administration, powers and functions previously entrusted by legislation to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

The legislation has been transferred as follows:

Legislation transferred to the Minister of Electricity and Energy:
   • Abolition of the National Energy Council Act, 1991 (Act No. 95 of 1991)
   • Nuclear Energy Act, 1993 (Act No. 131 of 1993)
   • Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No. 46 of 1999)
   • National Nuclear Regulator Act, 1999 (Act No. 47 of 1999)
   • Gas Act, 2001 (Act No. 48 of 2001)
   • Gas Regulator Levies Act, 2002 (Act No. 75 of 2002)
   • National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004)
   • Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006)
   • National Energy Act, 2008 (Act No. 34 of 2008)
   • National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, 2008 (Act No. 53 of 2008)
     
Legislation transferred to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources:
   • Central Energy Fund Act, 1977 (Act No. 38 of 1977)
   • Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act No. 120 of 1977)
   • Petroleum Pipelines Act, 2003 (Act No. 60 of 2003)
   • Petroleum Pipelines Levies Act, 2004 (Act No. 28 of 2004)
   • Mines and Works Act, 1956 (Act No. 27 of 1956)
   • Mining Titles Registration Act, 1967 (Act No. 16 of 1967)
   • Diamonds Act, 1986 (Act No. 56 of 1986)
   • Mineral Technology Act, 1989 (Act No. 30 of 1989)
   • Geoscience Act, 1993 (Act No. 100 of 1993)
   • Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)
   • Abolition of Lebowa Mineral Trust Act, 2000 (Act No. 67 of 2000)
   • Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002)
   • Precious Metals Act, 2005 (Act No. 37 of 2005)

“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy [DMRE] will continue to exist until the legislation and relevant human and financial resources are transferred. The DMRE will then be replaced by two departments: the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Department of Electricity and Energy.

“As an interim arrangement, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has been assigned responsibility for [the] DMRE. A Memorandum of Agreement will be entered into to ensure that DMRE provides the necessary support to the Minister of Electricity and Energy for the remainder of the 2024/2025 financial year and until a new Department of Electricity and Energy is established and resourced,” the Presidency explained. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 09:32

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Scaling up Financing Is Key to Accelerating Africa’s Structural Transformation

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

By Adamon Mukasa and Anthony Simpasa, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org).

Document 1: http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM
Document 2: http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm
Document 3: http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk
Document 4: http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q
Document 5: http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y
Document 6: http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0
Document 7: http://apo-opa.co/47361TE
Document 8: http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t

The calls for structural economic transformation in Africa date back to the 1960s when newly independent nations aimed to eliminate poverty through economic diversification, sustained growth, and job creation. This agenda persists today, as Africa continues to face significant developmental challenges.

Pursuing post-independence economic agendas was particularly important because, behind the euphoria (http://apo-opa.co/4dZMCVX) of independence, laid significant developmental challenges in several African countries: unskilled labor force, political and institutional fragilities, poor health conditions, rapid population growth, wide income disparities, and the legacy of colonialism and exclusion from the modern world. The establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM) in 1963 and the African Development Bank (http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm) a year later aimed to tackle these other challenges in a more coordinated and impactful manner. The African Union (http://apo-opa.co/475z3Sz), successor of the OAU, developed Agenda 2063 (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EQMu) in 2013 as a blueprint for turning Africa into the global growth pole and powerhouse of the future.

Africa's Economic Development Paradox

More than sixty years after independence (http://apo-opa.co/3AzLutK), Africa's structural transformation – the shift of workers from lower to higher productivity employment and intra-sectoral productivity growth (http://apo-opa.co/4dQj0KK) – has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Both policymakers and analysts within and outside the continent are genuinely concerned that achieving structural transformation could remain a mirage for many African countries in the absence of bold structural reforms and financing to support implementation of these policies. Why being so pessimistic? Because historical facts tend to support their pessimism. The African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4g2RATW) report, released in May by the African Development Bank, reveals that Africa's transformation has been slow and uneven. In countries showing signs of transformation, the process has been characterized by low industrialization and predominantly by employment in low-skill, low-productivity services. The agriculture sector, employing 42% of Africa's workforce, is 60% less productive than the economy-wide average. Consequently, many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, low-wage jobs, unable to escape poverty.

As a result, Africa was the only region of the world where the average real GDP per capita contracted in the 1980s and 1990s, the so-called lost decades (http://apo-opa.co/4fYqm0D).

Africa is off-track in achieving almost all SDG targets by 2030, consistently showing the lowest SDG performance globally since the 2000s (Figure 1). Without intervention, it is predicted that by 2030, nearly 9 out of 10 of the world's extremely poor will be in Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4e2weEn) and under current conditions[1], it could take African countries over a century on average to reach high-income status.

[1] This scenario assumes that real GDP per capita of each African country will grow according to its post-COVID-19 (2022–25) average growth rate as computed by the African Development Bank's Statistics Department.

But Africa is a very large, diverse, heterogeneous, region. Some countries have, over the past four decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced episodes of growth accelerations, growth spikes and failed take-offs (http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk). Cases of consistent good performance include Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, routinely ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally. African countries have indeed exhibited remarkable resilience amid confounding shocks, and in 2024, 10 countries[1] in Africa are projected to be among the world's top 20 fastest-growing economies, sustaining the trend observed during the past four decades pre-COVID-19.

Importantly, over the past quarter century, thanks to strong economic reforms and macroeconomic stability, enhanced governance, relative peace and improved political environment and, public investments in soft and hard infrastructure, some African countries[2] have managed to transform their economies and recorded economic growth rates above the global average.

The role of finance in fast-tracking Africa's structural transformation

Many factors, both internal and external, could explain the relatively slow progress in structurally transforming African economies. Among them: over-reliance on commodity-led growth (http://apo-opa.co/4fZJTxI), inadequate infrastructure (http://apo-opa.co/4dV5DZE); insufficient pool of skilled workers (http://apo-opa.co/4g49x4g) and low access to affordable finance (http://apo-opa.co/47361D8); weak institutional governance (http://apo-opa.co/4e0O5LG), recurrent conflicts (http://apo-opa.co/4g49rtq), effects of climate change (http://apo-opa.co/3ABuuTU), tightening of global financial conditions (http://apo-opa.co/4fZSFvC) and rising debt vulnerabilities (http://apo-opa.co/4724oWk).

While all these factors are equally important and call for urgent actions from policymakers, financing Africa's transformation (http://apo-opa.co/4fTo1Uy) is a multi-layered overarching challenge that demands special attention and a pragmatic approach to move from billions to trillions. The cost of achieving the SDGs by 2030 in Africa is estimated at about $1.3 trillion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q) annually, equivalent to 42% of Africa's 2023 GDP. Infrastructure needs alone are estimated by the African Development Bank at $181-$221 billion per year over 2023-2030.  The climate finance gap is approximately $213.4 billion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsiTo) annually through 2030.

Insufficient domestic resources (http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y), compounded by the failure of the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/471zU6K) to mobilize and at scale, affordable finance for sustainable development (http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0), have led many African countries to resort to commercial borrowing on unfavorable terms. This has resulted in increased debt vulnerabilities. Africa's Public and Publicly Guaranteed external debt has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching $656 billion in 2022, accounting for 22.4% of the continent's GDP and exceeding Africa's public revenue-to-GDP ratio of 20.4%. In 2024, African countries are expected to spend around $74 billion on debt service, up from $17 billion in 2010. Out of the projected debt service, $40 billion is owed to private creditors.

Even more concerning, debt service payments now account for about 11% of the continent's total revenues. High debt service is diverting resources from crucial investments in infrastructure, education, and health – all critical for economic transformation and long-term growth. As of April 2024, 20 African countries[3] (http://apo-opa.co/47361TE) were either in external debt distress or at high risk of external debt distress.

The AEO 2024 report estimates that to accelerate Africa's structural transformation, the continent needs to close an annual financing gap of $402.2 billion (about 13.7% of its projected 2024 GDP) by 2030. Figure 2 shows that transport[4] infrastructure accounts for the largest share of the gap (72.9%), followed by education (10.4%), energy (9.9%), and productivity-enhancing technologies (6.8%). These figures reflect decades of underinvestment in critical areas for development.

The level of financing gap in transport infrastructure reflects the continent's shortfall explained by decades of public underinvestment to upgrade existing road infrastructure or open new roadways, to match the growing population and economic dynamism across the continent. For instance, Africa's median road density is about 12 km per 100 km2, compared with 42.5 km in high-performing developing countries and 136 km in high-income countries. Only about 27% of African roads are paved, far behind the rest of the world (about 49%) and other developing countries (35.4%).

[1] Niger, Senegal, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Benin, Djibouti, Gambia, and Uganda

[2] Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, eSwatini, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, and Tunisia

[3] Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

[4] Proxied by roads as road transport is the most frequently used means of transporting goods and people across the continent, carrying at least 80 percent of goods and 90 percent of passengers.

On education, vital for equipping the current and future workforce with the required skillset for structural transformation, African countries' median SDG index score was only 51.5 (out of a maximum of 100) in 2022, while other low-income developing countries reached a median score of 87. In addition, according to World Bank's World Development Indicators (http://apo-opa.co/3AGXw4N), African governments currently spend on average $312 annually per student in primary education, $473 on secondary education, and $2,227 on tertiary education, or about, respectively, 3, 2.3, and 1.1 times lower than high-performing developing countries on  SDG 4. On energy, Africa's median SDG 7 index score was 38.8 in 2022, suggesting that a typical African country was 61.2% further away from achieving the best possible outcome on SDG 7 targets. Despite its vast energy potential, electric power consumption per capita in Africa is still the lowest in the world, estimated at 638.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2021, versus 2,056 kWh in other developing countries. Due to poor energy infrastructure, over 600 million Africans have no access to electricity http://apo-opa.co/46YZuJT and this is despite progress in recent years[1]. On productivity-enhancing technology and innovation, the continent lags other regions too. This impedes its ability to either innovate and introduce new products, technologies, and/or services that could support its structural transformation. African countries' average Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) represents about 0.4% of their GDP (against about 1% in the rest of the world) and they spend on average $10.7 per capita on GERD (compared to $403.2 per capita in other regions of the world). Furthermore, the continent displays the lowest concentration of researchers in R&D, with an average of 221 researchers per million people, against 742 researchers in other developing countries.

The financing gap varies significantly across countries. The cross-country heterogeneity is mainly explained by differences in current SDG performance related to structural transformation as well as differences in demographics (current and projected population size and composition, land size, and the like) and socioeconomic characteristics (current and projected GDP per capita, and spending on education, infrastructure, and so on). As shown in Figure 3, the estimated annual financing gap represents at least 10 % of 2024's projected GDP in 36 African countries, and in nine of these, at least 50 % of GDP. For such countries, closing the financing gap by 2030 is, therefore, realistically impossible.

[1] For instance, the average share of people with access to electricity increased from about 38 percent in 2000 to about 59 percent in 2022. In 28 African countries, the percent of people with access to electricity has more than doubled between 2000 and 2022, out of which it has increased at least fivefold in 8 countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda).

Note: COG: Congo; CPV: Cabo Verde; GHA: Ghana; CIV: Cote d'Ivoire; GAB: Gabon; GNQ: Equatorial Guinea; MUS: Mauritius; SYC: Seychelles; ZAF: South Africa. Source: Authors' computation based on the African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 database

A more realistic approach would be to allow for a gradual but steady transformation process over a longer period, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063. This would enable countries to mobilize more resources domestically and externally, without jeopardizing debt sustainability.

What next?

Scaling up finance to accelerate Africa's structural transformation should be a key priority for policymakers. While implementing structural reforms is crucial for sustainable growth, success depends on the availability, timeliness, and scale of long-term development financing and enhancing spending efficiency. African countries should therefore, inter alia, focus on: i) scaling up investment to build requisite human capital suited to local realities, circumstances, and development priorities; ii) boosting domestic resource mobilization and improving efficiency of public finance management; iii) creating targeted and streamlined incentives to attract private capital for key transformation sectors; and iv) launching ambitious national infrastructure programs with assured positive returns to attract affordable financing.

The international community should reform the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t) to facilitate African countries' access to long-term, concessional development financing at scale, complementing domestic resources.

By addressing these financing challenges and implementing targeted reforms, Africa can accelerate its structural transformation and move closer to achieving its development goals as espouses in Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Urology Hospital Tackles Myths and Prioritises Women’s Urological Health at Wellness Day

Location: MyPR

Gender dynamics and South African societal roles can hinder women’s healthcare as one-in-three women suffer from urinary incontinence, and one-in-four have pelvic floor disorders, conditions often overlooked, leaving many to suffer in silence. Additionally, CANSA reports breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers as the top three cancers affecting women. “At Urology Hospital we aim to dispel …

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Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally

Location: News

Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally

As South Africa transitions towards a low carbon economy, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, says the benefits of energy renewable projects should be shared equitably with communities.

Addressing the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of addressing potential job losses in the coal sector. 

South Africa’s plans for the just energy transition will focus on the transition of the energy sector, as it navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy.

“It is essential that we approach this transition with humanity, providing support, training, and creating new opportunities within the renewable energy sector. A holistic approach is required, one that embraces clear and comprehensive national renewable energy policies sets defined targets and provides a roadmap for the transition.

“Community participation and ownership in renewable energy projects must be a cornerstone of this policy, ensuring that the benefits of this transition are shared equitably,” Singh said on Monday.

While necessary, he said the just energy transition does come with its set of challenges. 

“Acknowledging our current economic growth's stagnation, the reliance on coal for energy, and the coal industry's role as a significant employment sector, we understand the complexities involved.

“Moreover, the challenge of making renewable energy technologies affordable and accessible cannot be overlooked. We need innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that clean energy solutions are within reach for all South Africans, especially those in low-income communities.

“As we chart our course forward, it is clear that no single solution can address the multifaceted challenges we face,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said for South Africa to truly succeed, it needs more than just policies and roadmaps.

“…We need action and commitment from every sector of our society. From all spheres of government to the private sector, from civil society to every citizen, we must unite in our efforts towards a sustainable future. Now is the time for us to harness the incredible potential of renewable energy, to innovate, to build, and to grow together.

“Therefore, our call to action as a responsible, interdependent, and interrelated government is not just to listen but to participate actively in this transition. Let us collaborate, innovate, and implement the solutions that will power our nation forward. 

“Let us build a future that aligns with our environmental, economic, and social imperatives. A future where sustainable energy drives our progress, where no one is left behind, and where we stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of global challenges,” Singh said.

He stressed that local government is at the coal face of the country’s efforts, as this is where policy legislation and regulation turn into action. 

“We must be focusing on a back-to-basics approach, getting the basics right with respect to our daily deliverables. More than half of the battle will be won if every local sphere of government gets the basics right. Innovation and consistently good service delivery are what will carry the day,” the Deputy Minister said.

He said electricity is the backbone of progress, an enabler that unlocks industrial growth, drives the economy, and promotes inclusivity. 

“Yet, the sustainability of our progress hinges on our ability to shift towards clean energy. The spectres of poverty, inequality and unemployment cannot be exorcised without robust GDP [gross domestic product] growth, which in turn demands a stable and sufficient energy supply. 

“However, our journey is compounded by the environmental cost of our past reliance on coal. This has left us with a legacy of environmental degradation and health issues, making our commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources crucial for our environment and the well-being of our communities,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mon, 08/26/2024 - 14:30

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Safe Abortion Clinics in Soweto, Randfontein, and Germiston

Location: MyPR

Access to safe and professional abortion services is a critical aspect of healthcare. In areas like Soweto, Randfontein, and Germiston, finding a reliable abortion clinic is important for those who need it.   Understanding the Role of Abortion Clinics Abortion clinics provide essential services for individuals seeking to terminate a pregnancy safely and legally. These …

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Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, delves into what ultra-processed foods are, their potential dangers, and the benefits of reducing their intake. “Ultra-processed foods are popular because they’re convenient, affordable, and often have a longer shelf life. This makes them especially appealing to people with busy lives or tight budgets,” says Murray …

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Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners

Location: News

Medico-legal claims a feeding trough for unscrupulous legal practitioners

Unscrupulous and greedy lawyers and advocates have attempted to swindle billions of rands from the State and embezzled monies from their ill clients through fraudulent and irregular medico-legal claims.

This was revealed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi during a media briefing held on Saturday.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been, through a proclamation, investigating medico-legal claims against the State since 2017, in which allegations of fraudulent claims have been uncovered.

“So far, in the matters completed by the SIU, the sum of [at least] R3 billion has been saved for various Departments of Health. We believe that this amount will increase as the investigations are still ongoing,” Motsoaledi said.

The damning and ongoing investigation by the SIU has revealed that some legal practitioners have been targeting provincial Departments of Health – at times with the help of health practitioners working for the State.

“[The] Department of Health noticed several claims which were completely out of sync and made no sense at all. There were claims that were evidently fraudulent.

“Just as an example, a claim was submitted in which the claimant demanded R70 million for a supposedly botched circumcision by a doctor in a hospital in Limpopo province. On investigation of this claim, it was found out that no such circumcision was ever performed,” Motsoaledi said.

The Minister explained that during the investigation, it was revealed that during 2015, the number of medico-legal claims grew exponentially.

“This explosion happens to have coincided with the Road Accident Fund (RAF) strengthening its systems. It is common cause that RAF had been hollowed out by a multiplicity of claims that brought it to its knees.

“In the aftermath, legal practitioners who used to litigate against RAF seem to have migrated en masse to the health care sector. In response, the Department of Health convened a medico-legal claim summit in 2015,” Motsoaledi said.

In the main, claims against Health institutions were “targeting cerebral palsy, a condition in which babies develop some form of brain damage due to depravation of oxygen during the process of birth”, the Minister said.

Grandparents taking care of children left behind by their parents were also targeted.

“While it is recognised that cerebral palsy is a very debilitating and unfortunate occurrence to come from the health care system, it is a matter of very serious concern that it is abused by legal practitioners, due to sheer greed. The level of abuse was such that the SIU found that some of the claims were made on behalf of patients without their knowledge.

“Elderly people, who are taking care of their grandchildren in the absence of their mothers, were tricked into signing the Power of Attorney to sue, whereas they were told that they were signing SASSA forms for child support grants. This simply means that legal practitioners or their scouts were masquerading as social workers,” the Minister said.

Eating at the trough 

The provincial breakdown of medico-legal claims investigations finalised by the SIU is as follows:

  • Eastern Cape: 89 matters to the value of R1.2 billion (unfinalised matters: 108 matters to the value of R2.6 billion)

  • Free State: 30 matters to the value of R280 million (unfinalised: 22 matters to the value of R120 million)

  • Gauteng: 58 matters valued at R66 015 234 (unfinalised: 2 392 matters valued at R23 783 535 552)

  • KwaZulu Natal: 107 matters valued at R2 416 284 800 (unfinalised: 1 420 matters valued at R18 020 272 612.60)

  • Mpumalanga: 902 medico-legal claims unfinalised investigations valued at R10 115 964 997.77

  • Limpopo: 63 medico-legal claims valued at R139 753 944.09 (unfinalised: 698 medico-legal claims valued at R2 732 710 053)

  • Northern Cape: one medico-legal claim finalised valued at R23 250 000 (unfinalised: 19 medico-legal claims valued at R535 305 250)

  • North West: 12 medico-legal claims to the value of R32 million (unfinalised: 20 medico-legal claims to the value of R190 million)

  • Western Cape: Preliminary assessment of raw data/databases of claims provided by the Office of the State Attorney is still underway.

Lawyers and advocates who have been found to have been submitting fraudulent claims have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal prosecution and to the Legal Practice Council for violation of the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners and the Legal Practitioners Fidelity Fund (LPFF) to consider reimbursing claimants whose funds were embezzled by their legal representatives.

“We wish to take this opportunity to make an offer to lawyers, who might have knowingly submitted claims that are fraudulent, to withdraw them within two weeks and there will be no consequences. Failure to withdraw within two weeks would mean that the offer will have lapsed and the SIU will strike,” Motsoaledi warned. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sat, 08/24/2024 - 11:55

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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Announces CHF 40 Million Appeal as Africa Faces Surge in Mpox Cases

Location: News

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
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The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an CHF40 million regional emergency appeal to bolster mpox preparedness and response across Africa. This funding will help us reach 30 million people in countries with an active outbreak, including DRC and neighbouring countries at high risk of the virus spreading further.  

Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director says: 

“It's a serious situation that could potentially spread like wildfire across the continent and beyond, if we don't act fast. We have already ramped up our mpox response in DRC which is bearing the brunt of this mpox outbreak putting its neighbours at high risk.” 

 The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the epicentre of a rapidly escalating mpox epidemic. The virus is now in all 26 provinces of the DRC, with different variants (‘clades') being spread simultaneously. Alarmingly, cross-border transmission from the DRC's eastern regions, particularly North and South Kivu, is rising, affecting non-endemic countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Meanwhile, outbreaks in endemic countries such as Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Africa and Cote d'Ivoire are re-emerging or escalating. This marks the first time that sustained transmission of multiple variants is being reported concurrently both endemic and non-endemic regions across Africa.  

Dr Irene Kiiza, IFRC, Manager - Africa, Health and Care in Disaster and Climate Crises says: 

“We are quickly deploying available resources to focus on hotspots like DRC and Burundi, but we need more to ensure the virus is contained. Our priority is to curb the spread of the virus through community-based surveillance, contact tracing, mental health support and targeted interventions partnering with local health authorities and communities.” 

In response to this crisis, the DRC Red Cross has intensified its efforts. Leveraging skills and strategies honed through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) with USAID and the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union, DRC Red Cross volunteers are actively engaged in health information dissemination, community-based surveillance, and the provision of psychosocial support. USAID also provided additional funding since April 2024 to support the DRC Red Cross response to mpox in Equateur, one of the hardest hit provinces. 

 Mercy Laker, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation, Kinshasa:  

“We have been working in the mpox response as well as other disease outbreaks such as Ebola and COVID-19. Our team, including staff and volunteers, are on the ground, helping keep communities safe during this tough time. The funding from the appeal will help boost our operations in DRC and Burundi.”   

In Burundi, the government has a comprehensive response plan to tackle the ongoing health crisis. With more than 100 active cases, the Burundi MOH is focused on boosting the capacity of health facilities and laboratories nationwide, while the Burundi Red Cross is providing direct support to affected communities to ensure they are aware of the risks and can access the care available.  

Through this appeal, the IFRC will strengthen African National Societies' capabilities to fulfil their auxiliary role and support national governments in enhancing disease surveillance, providing community health education, providing care and support for mpox patients - and delivering psychosocial support. The response will be tiered, with specific interventions tailored to the level of outbreak in each country including heightened risk case importation, imported cases and established mpox transmission.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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R25 million to provide sanitation for Nelson Mandela Bay communities

Location: News

R25 million to provide sanitation for Nelson Mandela Bay communities

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has committed R25 million over three years to provide dignified sanitation solutions for communities across the metro.

MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering, Khanya Ngqisha, said for the past decade, the municipality has experienced the mushrooming of illegal informal settlements across the metro.

“These settlements have exerted pressure on the already strained system, with communities demanding sanitation, water, and electricity. These demands come on top of the already existing backlog of the bucket system,” Ngqisha said.

Ngqisha said in 2015, the municipality had 32 000 bucket toilets and through focused interventions dating back to 2019, the number has since been reduced to 6 100 buckets.

Ngqisha said for the next three years, the metro plans to eradicate the remaining buckets entirely, ensuring that every resident has access to dignified sanitation.

To facilitate this goal, cluster service providers have been appointed to construct various sanitation typologies, including communal ablution blocks and single toilet units.

“This initiative is designed not only to improve health and hygiene but also to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents. As part of the rollout, contractors have been introduced to local councillors and community members [with] some contractors already on site, actively working.

“As a critical element of this project, the directorate is also conducting community engagement sessions to ensure that contractors understand the unique needs of the areas they serve before they start with construction,” Ngqisha said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 08/23/2024 - 09:32

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