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From carbon taxes to export tariffs, cost containment to security of supply and sustainability, companies are under increasing pressure to switch to greener fuel sources. However, warns leading steam and boiler operations and maintenance service provider, Associated Energy Services (AES), this pivotal change has some potentially serious knock-on effects. For AES Commercial Director Dennis Williams …
Motsoaledi urges men to take the lead in fight against HIV, AIDS
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has urged men to actively participate in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
This as he kicked off a campaign aimed at enrolling 1.1 million individuals in HIV treatment by December 2025.
Statistics show that 65% of those tested in a 2010 campaign were women, underscoring the need for increased male participation.
“When you go to the clinic, you don't find men. Now, when we ask them, after realising that less than 30% of them are testing, they say, my wife has tested… please help women fight this battle,” the Minister urged attendees on Tuesday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.
He officially launched the campaign in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and other stakeholders in the health sector.
The drive is part of the country’s ongoing interventions to enhance the uptake of life-saving HIV treatment to ensure 95% of people diagnosed with HIV receive and adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve viral suppression.
South Africa has 7.8 million people living with HIV and AIDS, and 7.5 million of them know their status, while at least 5.9 million are on ARV treatment.
The country is making progress towards achieving the ambitious targets, but despite these remarkable achievements, significant challenges persist regarding prevention, treatment initiation, adherence to ART, and retention in care.
The gathering focused on the launch of a campaign to eliminate HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The campaign also aims to build on past successes in eradicating diseases like smallpox and polio, emphasising the need for collective will and action.
The Minister urged action against tuberculosis (TB), citing the history of neglecting other diseases.
“We have known the existence of TB since 1882. But other diseases [we] were able to get rid of them. For instance, the world got rid of smallpox after it achieved 300 million people because there were campaigns to get rid of it. There was a vaccine, but that vaccine did not just get into the bodies of people. Men and women stood up and ran through the whole length and breadth of the world, the whole corner of the world and vaccinated people.”
He used the platform to urge everyone, particularly men, to take an active role in contributing to this important battle.
Motsoaledi also announced that the campaign aims to address cervical cancer. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 15:25
125 views
Company not allowed to base workers’ pay on targets, says CCMA
Load shedding suspension remains on the horizon
Repairs at Eskom’s Majuba power station in Mpumalanga has placed the country closer to the suspension of load shedding, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Minister reassured South Africans that the implementation of load shedding at the weekend was not due to sabotage, but technical issues.
“We are going to have a review later this evening and then we can make an announcement, a promise we make, is a promise we will keep,” Ramokgopa said at an engagement held in Johannesburg.
The Minister explained that despite 300 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply, recent setbacks occurred, including the loss of five generation units at Majuba and four units at Camden power stations.
He added that the setback experienced at the weekend where the power utility implemented Stages 3 and 6 of load shedding were regrettable.
“The setbacks we experienced are regrettable, but we are now able to bounce back, we are coming back much faster than we thought. It is important that we have the lights on for the South African economy,” the Minister said.
Ramokgopa’s comments come as Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 load shedding from Monday’s Stage 4.
At a briefing on Sunday, the Minister assured the nation that the country will overcome the current bout of load shedding by the end of the week.
READ | Load shedding expected to be suspended by the end of the week
“I'm confident that by the end of the week, we should be out of this difficult situation. We are confident we're going to go to conditions of normality. By the end of the week there will not be [any] load shedding,” he said at the time. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 14:38
20 views
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Media called to enter 2025 SADC Media Awards competition
South African journalists/media have been invited to submit their entries for the 2025 SADC Media Awards competition.
The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States.
The awards were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional co-operation and integration in the region.
To promote regional integration and cooperation, the awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region.
The first prize winners will receive their prizes and certificates on the margins of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government that will take place in August 2025.
The first prize winner in each category receives US$2500 and the runner-up receives US$1000.
Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from the www.gcis.gov.za website.
The entry forms can be found at https://lnkd.in/dN9BrxAc.
The rules of the 2025 competition can be accessed at https://lnkd.in/drPn2KBs.
Entries need to be posted or delivered to the MDDA or any GCIS offices nationwide marked:
MDDA Offices or GCIS Offices
SADC Media Awards Entry SADC Media Awards Entry
GSM Building Government Communications (GCIS)
SABC Auckland Park Campus 1035 Francis Baard Street
Johannesburg Hatfield, Pretoria
2006 0028
All entries must be submitted no later than 28 February 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 09:52
150 views
SolarAfrica (https://SolarAfrica.com/) is proud to take another major step forward in the development of its flagship utility-scale solar project, SunCentral, by successfully reaching financial close on the first 114 MW component of the project alongside funding partners Investec and RMB. The R1.8 billion investment into SunCentral marks the start of the project's rollout in South Africa.
SunCentral is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant located between Hanover and De Aar in South Africa's Northern Cape province. The project will be developed in three phases.
Phase 1, consisting of 342 MW, will be delivered through a staged roll-out of three 114 MW facilities and will deliver renewable energy to a diverse range of off-takers by wheeling it through South Africa's power grid. Phase 2 and 3 will increase SunCentral's capacity to 1 GW.
Unlike similarly sized projects that offer wheeling on a one-to-one basis (with one generation plant supplying one off-taker), SolarAfrica's project will offer wheeling on a one-to-many basis, making it available to a wider pool of businesses in South Africa.
SolarAfrica's Chief Investment Officer Charl Alheit, who spearheaded the financial close, explains: “Reaching financial close on the first 114 MW of our utility-scale wheeling development and Main Transmission Substation (MTS) investment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions for our customers in the commercial and industrial sectors.”
He adds that the substantial size of SunCentral will unlock access to cheaper, greener power for even more businesses across the country. “We are excited to see this project move forward as we continue contributing to the energy transition while delivering long-term value to our customers."
SolarAfrica is part of the greater Starsight Energy Africa Group. The success of SunCentral will act as a blueprint for similar (and possibly smaller) off-site generation projects in other key African markets in which the Starsight Energy Africa Group companies operate.
“The construction of SolarAfrica's SunCentral is a critical step in our journey to expand clean energy adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa, says Paul van Zijl, Group CEO of Starsight Energy Africa Group. “We are excited to move this project forward and continue delivering long-term value to our customers,” he says.
SolarAfrica is backed by world-class investors African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) and Helios Investment Partners who both hold decades-long track records of bringing investment to support African innovation.
“Reaching Financial Close on the first 114 MW on SunCentral is a fantastic milestone for SolarAfrica, says Thor Corry, Investment Director at AIIM.
“The modular approach to construct the MTS and plug in subsequent 114 MW modules provides a superb platform for SolarAfrica to scale at pace to meet the needs of the C&I customers in South Africa who want to secure price certainty and cost efficiencies while furthering South Africa's Just Energy Transition. With South Africa requiring up to 30 GW of new capacity by 2030 to meet its climate commitments and energy needs, projects like this are crucial,” Corry concludes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.
About SolarAfrica:
Founded in 2011, SolarAfrica provides a suite of capex-free green energy solutions to the commercial and industrial sectors in Southern Africa. The holistic suite includes on-site solutions such as solar energy and battery storage together with virtual solutions like wheeling, trading and aggregation.
SolarAfrica partners with businesses in South Africa seeking an energy solution that provides power security, cost savings and carbon reduction – building towards long-term sustainability.
The company has evolved into an ambitious team who are passionate about what they do and the core values they uphold. SolarAfrica has been named the continent's leading solar energy firm twice, scooping the Africa Solar Industry Association's African Solar Company of the Year award in 2021 and 2023.
About Starsight Energy:
Across the continent, Starsight Energy is redefining what it means for businesses to be energy efficient. Starsight Energy provides premier clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to commercial and industrial clients in Africa.
Serving the commercial and industrial, financial, residential, educational and agricultural sectors, Starsight Energy delivers tailored power and cooling solutions to meet client requirements while optimising consumption through energy-efficient appliances and environmentally friendly practices and recommendations.
From load analysis and modelling to demand management and customised solution design, Starsight Energy helps clients optimize energy efficiency and cost savings across the board.
About African Infrastructure Investment Managers (“AIIM”):
AIIM, a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments* (“OMAI”), has been investing in the African infrastructure sector since 1999 with a track record extending across seven African infrastructure funds. AIIM's team of 40+ investment professionals are based out of five locally staffed offices across the continent in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos and Abidjan providing direct on-the-ground coverage of our key markets.
AIIM is Africa's largest dedicated infrastructure private equity manager and currently manages an aggregate AUM of USD2.9 billion in assets across the power, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, mid-stream energy and transport sectors with operations in 19 African countries.
AIIM is a licensed FSP approved by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa.
*Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI) is a private alternative investment manager in Africa, with over USD7.6 billion (ZAR139.4 billion) under management in infrastructure, private equity, hybrid equity and impact funds. It is a member of Old Mutual Investment Group, the investment management arm of Old Mutual.
About Helios Investment Partners:
Established in 2004, Helios Investment Partners is the largest Africa-focused private investment firm, with a record that spans creating start-ups to providing expanding companies with growth capital and expertise. The firm has over $3.0 billion in assets under management and is led and managed by a predominantly African team based in London, Lagos, Nairobi and Paris, with the language skills and cultural affinity to engage with local entrepreneurs, managers, and intermediaries on the continent.
Helios leverages its local and global networks to create attractive proprietary investment opportunities, with an emphasis on building market leaders in core economic sectors and driving performance through a highly engaged approach to portfolio operations. The firm's unique combination of a deep knowledge of the African operating environment, a singular commitment to the region and a proven capability to manage complexity, is reflected in its diverse portfolio of growing, market-leading businesses, and its position as a partner of choice in Africa.
Helios is the second mainstream private equity firm globally, and the largest emerging markets focused private equity firm, to achieve B Corp certification. B Corp status recognizes the firm's longstanding commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
As Dekra Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) embark on a new year, the company reaffirms its commitment to offering a truly holistic service across many different sectors. “By seamlessly integrating non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections together with adult-based education and occupational skills training, Dekra Industrial provides …
Despite waivers, court judgments and assurances from the embassy, USAID funding for projects that provide HIV medication has not resumed
Foreign Ministers’ Meeting backs SA’s G20 Presidency priorities
The Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers have thrown their weight behind South Africa’s Presidency priorities, which focus on sustainable development and debt sustainability for low-income countries among others.
Other priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency are strengthening disaster resilience; mobilising finance for a Just Energy Transition; and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, who addressed the media at the conclusion of the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Friday.
The Minister said the two-day meeting which began on Thursday at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, was productive.
“Let me first express South Africa’s deep appreciation to you all for what has been a very productive First Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 Presidency. I further thank the members of the G20 Troika, Brazil and the United States of America for their support and cooperation during our G20 Presidency,” said the Minister.
The meeting also outlined Task Force One’s focus on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reducing inequality.
Task Force Two focuses on food security, while Task Force Three addresses artificial intelligence, data, governance, and sustainable development innovation.
“Furthermore, we have proposed the additional initiatives – the review of the work of the G20, a cost of capital review, a broadened compact with Africa 2.0, and an initiative on critical minerals,” said the Minister.
South Africa also took note of the fruitful discussions and inputs on the various priorities and high-level deliverables which will enrich various streams of work during 2025.
“We can assure you that all the views expressed will be considered as we progress with our work during this year. We look forward to the active participation and contributions of all your delegations,” the Minister added.
He said the Ministers reaffirmed G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
The gathering also stressed the G20’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for urgent action to accelerate efforts to reaffirm the group’s strong commitment to the SDGs in line with South Africa's theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.
The leaders also noted the impact of ongoing conflicts on economic development and the attainment of SDGs, with a focus on sustainable investments in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
“Concerning the ongoing conflicts and wars in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, the meeting reiterated that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN [United Nations] Charter.”
Guided by international law, Lamola announced that there was an agreement to support all efforts towards a just peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other major conflicts around the globe.
The leaders also touched on the importance of elevating African voices in the G20 and addressing pressing global challenges.
READ | SA expresses concern over conflict situations
The Minister also underscored the need to reform the international system of global governance, inclusive of the international financial architecture, the multilateral trading system, and the multilateral development banks.
The meeting “further stressed the need to reform the United Nations to make it fit for purpose and relevant to the current international reality. This includes the Security Council.”
Also under discussion was the importance of multilateralism, the need for the reform of the UN and the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Spain and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP) in Belém, Brazil.
“South Africa undertook to present a four-stage roadmap of this proposed G20 review, including a briefing on the proposed approach and survey methodology which will involve the participation of G20 members, guest countries and invited stakeholders.”
According to the Minister, the final report will be presented for adoption at the final G20 Sherpa meeting taking place from 16 to 19 November 2025.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the opening of the meeting on Thursday where he urged global leaders to embrace inclusivity, cooperation and reform as South Africa steers the Presidency of the G20 for the first time.
READ | Call for global solidarity at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
– SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 18:22
45 views
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SA expresses concern over conflict situations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has emphasised that military solutions are ineffective in resolving conflicts.
He called on the Group of 20 (G20) nations to persist in advocating for peaceful resolutions through negotiation and dialogue.
In addition, Lamola has expressed South Africa’s growing concern over the deteriorating conflict situations in various regions of Africa, particularly highlighting the challenges in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
South Africa recently lost 14 brave soldiers at the hands of the M23 as fighting in the Goma region escalated.
The rebel group fought intensely against the Congolese armed forces, resulting in the deaths of soldiers from 23 to 27 January during M23’s advance on Sake and Goma.
The soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
“We call on the support of the G20 in our quest to silence the guns in Africa for the attainment of inclusive development and prosperity.”
Lamola addressed the attendees at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Nasrec, Johannesburg, while President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the gathering.
He also took the time to note “satisfaction” with the current efforts being made on various fronts to end the devastating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
“We should all play our part in ensuring the success of these ongoing initiatives. We should also recommit to advancing the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.”
He urged the group to focus on addressing critical debt sustainability weaknesses in the international debt system, including high financing costs and prioritising debt service payments over essential development needs, to mitigate the negative impacts of debt distress.
“Building on G20 initiatives undertaken in recent years, we should advance sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges and extend debt relief to developing economies.”
He encouraged other Ministers to back South Africa’s approach to geo-political issues, recommending discussions only among Sherpas, Foreign Ministers, and leaders to develop consensus-based strategies for peace and human development.
“We also like to caution against focusing exclusively on one conflict situation, to the exclusion of others, especially on the African continent, as has been the practice in the recent past.”
He reminded leaders that the United Nations (UN) remains the appropriate forum for maintaining peace and security, supported by other institutions of global governance.
“We hope that this group continues to play a constructive role in supporting relevant regional and international bodies, such as the AU [African Union], which are central to achieving sustainable development and that the core mandate of the G20 should remain that of promoting economic growth and development.”
Lamola believes that widening geopolitical divisions are at the centre of the crisis.
These divisions, he stressed, have contributed to fostering a climate of distrust, which threatens to unravel the progress made in addressing pressing global challenges such as deepening poverty, resolving armed conflict, climate change, pandemics, and nuclear proliferation.
He said South Africa is committed to collaborating with all G20 members to advance the forum’s work and to play a bridge-building role while preserving the group’s unity during its Presidency.
“It is our firm view that the unity of the group will be key to reaching consensus on this Presidency’s priorities and deliverables,” Lamola added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 10:35
42 views
BMA facilitated smooth arrival of G20 Foreign Ministers
The Border Management Authority (BMA) says the processing of dignitaries arriving for the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, currently underway in Johannesburg, was carried out smoothly.
“The G20 Ministers started arriving in the country from 19 February 2025 and will depart from 22 February 2025, using OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria International Airport.
“Working together with law enforcement agencies, the BMA has ensured seamless processing of the Foreign Ministers in a safe environment upon arrival. To this effect, the BMA has augmented its capacity at these two airports and allocated dedicated Immigration counters for the delegates to ensure speedy processing of all travellers,” BMA Commissioner Masiapato said in a statement.
The two-day meeting which began on Thursday is taking place in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which will culminate in a meeting of G20 Heads of State and Government later in November.
Various sectoral Ministerial meetings will be held throughout the year in the lead up to November.
G20 members include the world’s major economies.
The BMA is a Schedule 3A National Public Entity established in April 2023 with the mandate of facilitating legitimate movement of goods and persons.
Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Nasrec in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil.
The Foreign Ministers' Meeting, hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, takes place under South Africa's G20 Presidency theme of 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and faces unique challenges, such as the impact of climate change, development needs and the effects of global trade dynamics.
“The Summit's location underscores the need for African voices to be heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy,” President Ramaphosa said in his address on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 09:43
86 views
Cape Town to host B20 meeting
With South Africa due to host the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit this year, Cape Town is set to host the Business 20 (B20) – the official dialogue forum for domestic and international business communities next week.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province and Cape Town look forward to welcoming the world once again.
This as the province will host the B20 from 24-25 February in the year that South Africa hosts the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit.
“This is an important milestone for our province, country, and continent. It is a huge honour for us all to showcase the region to the world. We did this so well this last holiday season and again with the recent Mining Indaba and other major events. Now it is our opportunity to host the B20. Let us all put our best foot forward and send delegates home as marketers of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” he said.
According to the Premier, the B20 serves as an important networking platform for local companies and businesses to link up with international counterparts, who are eager to join hands with them in exploring ways in which to take economic growth and job creation forward.
The B20 offers several benefits, including attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism, enhancing the international reputation of the Western Cape and South Africa, and influencing global policy discussions.
The B20 summit will focus on the theme ’Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Participation.’
Key areas of priority for the summit include trade and investment, infrastructure development, education, and climate change.
“We have a vital opportunity to showcase our economic successes, further highlight the region as an investment destination of choice, build on our achievements together with global partners, and deepen international ties to tackle critical issues.
“The issues that will be discussed at the B20 can influence the G20 and so we will ensure our voice is heard,” Winde added.
Meanwhile, more than 100 meetings of the G20 will be held throughout the year, 40 of which are planned to take place in the Western Cape.
“The Western Cape is ready to host even more meetings and gatherings linked to the G20 if need be. We must maximise the hosting of these events to enhance our global standing.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa will today officially open and address the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg.
The Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola takes place under South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” on 20 and 21 February at the Nasrec Expo Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 09:45
385 views
Call for global solidarity at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to embrace inclusivity, cooperation and reform as South Africa steers the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) for the first time.
Speaking at the opening of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Nasrec in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa emphasised the significance of hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil.
The Foreign Ministers Meeting, hosted by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, takes place under South Africa's G20 Presidency theme of 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability'.
“Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and faces unique challenges, such as the impact of climate change, development needs and the effects of global trade dynamics.
“The Summit's location underscores the need for African voices to be heard on critical global issues, like sustainable development, the digital economy and the shift toward green energy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said this was a great opportunity to promote greater collaboration between African nations and the rest of the world.
He highlighted pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic inequality and food insecurity, warning that the world’s fragile coexistence was under threat.
“These challenges are interconnected. They require responses that are inclusive and coordinated. Yet, there is a lack of consensus among major powers, including in the G20, on how to respond to these issues of global significance,” he said.
He called for greater consensus among major powers within the G20 to address these issues.
The President also highlighted that there are just five years to 2030, the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He said the international community committed to this ambitious agenda to end poverty and hunger, to protect the planet, to achieve gender equality, universal education and health coverage, and to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth.
“Our commitment to achieve these targets we must not waver. The nations of the world look to the G20 for leadership on the most pressing issues confronting our world.
“Just as cooperation supported the progress of early humans, our modern-day challenges can only be resolved through collaboration, partnership and solidarity,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said this was why South Africa had placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of its G20 Presidency.
“We would like our G20 Presidency to be one in which all voices are heard and in which all views count. The G20 represents over two-thirds of the world’s population.
“Its decisions and policies must reflect the needs and aspirations of all who form part of the G20 family,” he said.
He also called on the G20 to seek to reflect the needs and aspirations of all people who call this planet home.
A call for UN and global financial system reforms
With the United Nations marking its 80th anniversary, President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s call for reforming the UN Security Council, the multilateral trading system, and the international financial architecture to make them more representative and responsive to today’s realities.
“The UN must change accordingly. We continue to call for the UN Security Council, the multilateral trading system and the international financial architecture to be reformed to make them more representative, more agile and more responsive to today’s global realities.
“As the G20, it is critical that the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism and international law remain at the centre of all our endeavors,” the President asserted.
President Ramaphosa also addressed ongoing global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Sudan, the Sahel and Gaza.
He welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, calling it a crucial first step toward lasting peace and urging diplomatic solutions to global conflicts.
“As the G20, we must continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions. Our own experience as South Africa is that the peaceful resolution of conflict through inclusive dialogue is the foremost guarantor of sustainable, lasting peace,” he said.
Key priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency
Outlining South Africa’s vision for its G20 Presidency, President Ramaphosa identified four key priorities, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising climate finance for a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals for sustainable development.
He emphasised the need for international financial institutions and the private sector to scale up post-disaster recovery efforts, particularly in vulnerable nations.
With many developing economies burdened by high borrowing costs, he called on G20 leaders to renew efforts in addressing debt sustainability, especially in Africa.
On the third priority, President Ramaphosa urged developed nations to fulfil their obligations in supporting developing economies’ green energy transitions, in line with global climate agreements.
Turning to the last priority, the President proposed an inclusive G20 framework on green industrialisation and investment to promote value addition and beneficiation of critical minerals. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 16:19
258 views
Conference discusses strategies to achieve women’s economic inclusion
Without a dedicated plan and political will to combat patriarchal forms of exploitation, Africa’s commitment to eradicating “all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls” by 2063, will remain hollow.
These were remarks made by the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.
The Minister was speaking at the Southern African Regional High-Level Conference on Advancing Economies of Women in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa on Thursday.
The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation, is hosting the first Southern African Regional consultation to advance women economic empowerment in the SADC region.
The high-level two-day consultation forum, held in Sandton, Johannesburg, brings together women leaders from the SADC region, including senior government officials, policymakers, and representatives from other African Union (AU) Member States.
The forum, which will conclude on Friday, aims to discuss strategies to achieve women’s economic inclusion, financial access and Economic Justice and Rights (EJR) across the SADC region.
In her address, Chikunga acknowledged that women own fewer productive assets and that their businesses have fewer opportunities to trade. She also said that women experience financial exclusion and have limited access to markets and procurement.
She warned that without concrete measures in place, the continent’s aspiration to ensure that African women in all spheres -- granting them equal social, political, and economic rights, including the right to own and inherit property, sign contracts and manage businesses -- will remain unfulfilled.
“Similarly, rural women’s access to productive assets such as land, credit, inputs and financial services, will remain idle and futile without deliberate action. Without a deliberate skills revolution, the desire to position our youth at the forefront of knowledge and as catalysts of innovation and entrepreneurship, will fall short.
“Only when education and skills are accessible to all, will we be able to cultivate the creativity, energy and innovation of Africa’s youth into a driving force behind the continent’s political, social, cultural and economic transformation,” she explained.
Despite the continent’s noble vision, the Minister argued it will remain a distant reality “until we put in place concrete measures with firm timelines, deliverables and accountability mechanisms to ensure its realisation.”
She emphasised that the success of Agenda 2063 rests squarely on the seriousness of the leaders’ commitment to uplift women and girls, enabling them to pull the entire continent forward.
According to the AU, Agenda 2063 is Africa's development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.
Beyond Agenda 2063, the Minister highlighted the region’s support for the consultative forum, which is also inspired by the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which both reflect the region’s developmental aspirations.
She underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in regional development, enhancing equal access to opportunities, achieving gender parity, strengthening gender mainstreaming at both national and regional levels, and combating gender-based violence (GBV).
Economic participation
Chikunga emphasised that the economic potential of the region cannot be fully realised when half of its population remains underrepresented in trade, financial systems, digital economies, and entrepreneurship.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring that girls and women have access to quality education, as this is essential for meaningful economic participation to help address barriers. These barriers include early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and other societal norms that hold back the girl child.
‘We must provide young women with the kind of vocational and technical training that is tailored to market demands and empowers women to participate in diverse sectors, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
“We must note that, as things stand, women make up less than a third of the workforce across STEM careers, a number that should alarm all of us.
“The historical and ongoing exclusion of women from STEM is a tragedy we must confront urgently. Tangible programmes are needed to correct societal and cultural beliefs that use gender stereotypes to perpetuate scientific inequality,” she explained.
The Minister further highlighted the need for financial inclusion and access to investment opportunities, including access to land, productive assets, and property rights.
She also called for the provision of smartphones for women in the marketplace, including access to the internet, and digital tools that can enhance their economic participation. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 17:30
59 views
South Africa to host a "fruitful" first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
South Africa's G20 Sous Sherpas, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo and Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, have expressed confidence in the success of the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will host the meeting on Thursday and Friday at Nasrec, Johannesburg, welcoming his international counterparts.
Ahead of the gathering, Ambassador Mabhongo and Advocate Jele briefed the media on the significance of the event, outlining its objectives, key attendees, and expected outcomes.
“We have every faith and confidence that the next two days will be fruitful, useful and successful,” Jele said.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
The country has successfully hosted its first Sherpa meetings from 9 - 10 December 2024 and has since been conducting various G20 working group meetings.
Jele explained to the media that the G20 comprises two tracks: a Sherpa Track, led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which consists of 15 sectoral working groups, and a Finance Track, led by the National Treasury, which includes eight sectoral working groups.
“South Africa's G20 Presidency carries tremendous responsibility, given that the decisions taken by the G20 can impact the lives of all members of the global community, notably the most vulnerable and needy.
“South Africa is the only African country that is a permanent member of the G20 and therefore this is the first time in the G20’s history that an African country will preside over this August bloc of developing and developed countries,” Jele said.
Global Challenges and South Africa’s G20 Priorities
With the world facing multiple challenges, including sustainable development setbacks, South Africa’s Presidency seeks to promote global solidarity and multilateral cooperation.
Advocate Jele emphasised that the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has become an important platform for discussions on international issues and cooperation.
“The world faces a myriad of global challenges and continued Sustainable Development reversals. The current global situation suggests that the international community requires a profound paradigm shift characterised by solidarity, harmony and mutual respect.
“In this regard, the G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to address these challenges and achieve sustainable development,” she said.
At the core of South Africa's G20 presidency, the country aims to secure urgent progress on shared global goals.
“The meeting of G20 foreign ministers has grown in importance and become a valuable forum for discussions on a wide range of international issues and matters of shared concern.
“G20 Foreign ministers are uniquely placed to monitor major global risks, convene dialogs on strategic matters and encourage cooperation to revive multilateralism in addressing global challenges,” Jele said.
Programme of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Ambassador Mabhongo outlined the programme of the two-day meeting and priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, followed by discussions on the global geopolitical landscape.
“This is one of the reasons that we have convened the meeting of foreign ministers, so that they can reflect on the geopolitical situation that the world faces today and see how the G20 can position itself to respond and contribute to that,” the Ambassador said.
The second day of deliberations will focus on South Africa’s overarching priorities, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for just energy transitions, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Mabhongo explained that these are the four over aching priorities that the President announced as being the guiding light for South Africa’s presidency.
“In addition to this, we have established three high level task forces, the first one is on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reduced inequality. The second one is on food security and the third one is on artificial intelligence for sustainable development,” he said.
The ambassador importantly noted that South Africa’s Presidency is the last in the first cycle of G20 presidencies since the forum was elevated to leaders’ level.
“One of the aims of our presidency is to undertake a review of the G20 at 20. That is, to see what has the G20 achieved during the past 20 years. So this is part of the work that will be done during our presidency,” Mabhongo said.
Addressing debt and economic inequality
South Africa also aims to address the high cost of capital for developing nations, which remains a major barrier to economic growth. The G20 Presidency will also focus on broadening the G20 Compact with Africa, a partnership co-chaired by South Africa and Germany, to enhance its effectiveness.
“When we talk about debt and some of the challenges that are facing developing countries, we cannot shy away from the fact that there is a problem with the cost of capital. Therefore South Africa seeks, during its presidency, to also undertake a review of the cost of capital, why is it that developing countries struggle and have to pay higher when they borrow to finance their debt and other challenges than other countries.
“We also seek to work on a broadened compact with Africa. During our presidency, we therefore wish to also see how we can expand and make this compact with Africa more impactful and more effective,” the Ambassador said.
Furthermore, Mabhongo said discussions on critical minerals, a key topic in global forums like the United Nations and G7, will be prioritised.
In terms of the attendance of the of the meeting, Mabhongo said all G20 members will be represented.
“We also have a list of guest countries or invited countries, all of them have also confirmed their attendance, so we look forward to a very good and successful meeting of foreign ministers at the beginning of our G20 Presidency,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 14:50
222 views
But Joburg City Councillor Juwairiya Kaldine’s actions remain questionable
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will visit South Africa from 19-21 February. Her visit will aim to strengthen EU-South Africa relations and include participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting.
The visit comes as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the EU-Africa partnership, culminating in a Summit with EU and African leaders.
On 19 February, Kaja Kallas will co-chair the Ministerial Political Dialogue in Cape Town with South African counterparts to prepare for the 8th EU-South Africa Summit on 13 March. They will discuss key topics such as security, trade, and investment. The meeting will be followed by a joint press statement by High Representative Kallas and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola. The High Representative will also engage with students, entrepreneurs, and civil society.
On 20-21 February, the High Representative will participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Johannesburg, under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability." The two-day gathering will focus on the global geopolitical situation and South Africa's G20 Presidency priorities.
All audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EbS.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Union External Action: The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar will be visiting Johannesburg, South Africa on 20 & 21 February 2025 to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) at the invitation of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Ronald Lamola.
2. EAM's participation in the G20 FMM will strengthen India's engagement with G20 countries and bolster the voice of the Global South in this important forum. EAM is expected to hold few bilateral meetings in the margins of the FMM.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Weather service issues weather warning
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall over Gauteng, the North West and the north eastern parts of the Free State province.
According to SAWS, the rainfall is expected to continue today and on Wednesday.
An orange level 5 warning is for flooding of roads, bridges and settlements.
“We are particularly concerned with flooding in the major rivers,” SAWS said in a statement.
Pretoria is expected to be cloudy with morning thunderstorms on Tuesday, cloudy with rain throughout on Wednesday and cloudy with scatter thunderstorms on Thursday. Friday is expected to be mainly clear with afternoon showers.
Johannesburg will be cloudy with rain throughout on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday is expected to be cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 12:32
73 views
NBA Africa and Safaricom (NSE: SCOM- https://apo-opa.co/4gKHaas), the region's leading technology company, on Saturday launched the M-PESA Jr. NBA program that will provide basketball development and financial literacy programming to more than 10,000 boys and girls in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, marking the league's most expansive youth development program in East Africa to date.
The first year of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, which tipped off with a clinic for more than 100 local coaches at SABIS International School in Nairobi, will consist of four regional tournaments for youth ages 13-16 in Nairobi (Feb. 22-23), Mombasa (March 8-9), Eldoret (March 15-16) and Kisumu (March 22-23).
In each city, 20 boys' and 20 girls' teams will participate in skills development sessions and competitive games. The top 80 players will then be grouped into four boys' teams and four girls' teams that will play games in a round-robin format. The top 16 boys and girls from each city will be selected to attend an elite top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa in April.
In addition to the basketball development programming, M-PESA, Safaricom's innovative mobile payment platform, will host financial literacy workshops for the participating youth, empowering them to develop healthy financial habits.
“Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”
“Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment, as Safaricom's M-PESA will celebrate its 18th anniversary this March, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa. “Through M-PESA Go, this collaboration transcends beyond basketball. It is driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, not only in sports but also in the broader context of youth empowerment. We are committed to nurturing potential, building character, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-PESA Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fifth season in April 2025. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWny) and @ theBAL (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWE4) on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Safaricom:
Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities, and people to information. We keep over 45.9 million customers connected and play a critical role in the society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly while our total economic value was estimated at KES 393 billion ($3.1 billion) for the 12 months through March 2022.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and with annual revenues of close to KES 335.4 billion as of March 2024, Safaricom provides connectivity through wide range of technology, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G in aggregate covering over 99% of Kenya's population.
Safaricom is an equal opportunity employer, actively recruiting staff from different backgrounds reflecting the communities that we serve. We are committed to equal gender representation at all levels. Our target is to achieve 50:50 senior management gender parity by 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we continue to work towards improving energy and resource efficiency in our network and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and our fuel consumption. We remain committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.