Proteas Women Squad Confirmed for Landmark Test in Bloemfontein
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the Proteas Women’s squad for their historic one-off Test against England, scheduled to...
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the Proteas Women’s squad for their historic one-off Test against England, scheduled to...
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) sees today’s collapse of aviation fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport as a serious and calamitous failure, risking tourism and investor confidence in South Africa. We call for a full-scale investigation into the root cause of the fuel supply failure today at OR Tambo International Airport by the …
Lamola advocates for the evolution of multilateral institutions
With the world facing complex issues such as climate change, economic inequality, global health crises, and geopolitical tensions, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says multilateral institutions must evolve to meet the global challenges of today.
“While international cooperation and multilateralism are currently confronted with divisive geopolitics and unprecedented challenges such as climate change, slow economic growth and deepening poverty, the G20 must make strides in forging practical, mutually beneficial cooperation that champions an international order that is fairer, just, inclusive and representative,” the Minister said on Monday in Johannesburg.
He was addressing the first G20 Sherpas Meeting, as South Africa commenced with the first engagement of the more than 130 meetings that will precede the G20 Summit in 2025.
WATCH |
The Sherpa Track is led by the personal representatives of G20 leaders, and oversees negotiations and discusses the points that form the summit’s agenda, and coordinates most of the work.
On 1 December 2024, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 group of countries, which comprises many of the world's largest developing and developed economies.
READ | G20 South Africa news articles
It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability.
“The multilateral institutions with economic and developmental mandates must be strengthened, as the need for their intervention is even much bigger now. We all know that many countries, especially the developing world, are still recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19.
“Poverty and weak economic growth remain a challenge for many countries, especially in Africa and the developing world; thus, the themes of our temporary Task Forces focus on these matters,” Lamola said.
According to studies from the International Monetary Fund, trade has been a major contributor to global growth over the past decades, helping to promote economic development, increase economic opportunity and lift millions out of poverty.
“It is for this reason that South Africa supports international cooperation and multilateralism. We also know of the benefit this would bring us, as we seek to grow our economy and support the development of the African continent.
“As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, South Africa seeks to amplify the continued value of the G20 as a forum of the world’s largest developing and developed economies; a forum that provides leadership and momentum towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development; a forum whose work serves to complement and foster the broader processes of the various multilateral spheres,” Lamola said.
He said the global community must remain committed to multilateralism and upholding international law and ensure that the United Nations (UN) remains the centrepiece of this multilateralism.
“Its central role in the international system ensures that sovereign States cooperate to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, and ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all.
“Whereas G20 leaders set the agenda for our partnership, we rely on the immense efforts of our Sherpas to translate these commitments into practical cooperation,” the Minister said.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is being held under the theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" - a theme that seeks to harness global will and capabilities to confront the enormous challenges the world is facing.
“In the spirit of Ubuntu, our shared humanity, we will address these challenges through our high-level deliverables and priorities, which lie at the core of the original G20 mandate of promoting strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth, and by building partnerships across all sectors of society to find collective solutions.
“As we build on the past and set the tone for the future, we must accentuate the need to adhere to universal values, shared norms, and strong multilateral institutions. Now more than ever, multilateral institutions must be strengthened and reformed to deliver broad global consensus and serve as platforms to resolve disputes,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:37
SA kicks off first G20 engagement
South Africa has set the agenda for its Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency with the commencement of the fist engagement of the more than 130 meetings that will precede the G20 Summit in 2025.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, officially opened the first G20 Sherpas Meeting in Johannesburg, on Monday.
The Sherpa Track is led by the personal representatives of G20 leaders. The Sherpa Track oversees negotiations and discusses the points that form the summit’s agenda, and coordinates most of the work.
“The first Sherpa Meeting of the G20 is important traditionally, as it sets the stage for the upcoming Presidency and the critical conversations on some of the most vital issues of our time.
“In the spirit of Ubuntu, our shared humanity, we will address these challenges through our high-level deliverables and priorities, which lie at the core of the original G20 mandate of promoting strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth and by building partnerships across all sectors of society to find collective solutions,” Lamola said on Monday.
WATCH |
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is being held under the theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", a theme that seeks to harness global will and capabilities to confront the enormous challenges the world is facing.
South Africa will use its G20 Presidency to secure urgent progress on shared goals through several priority actions, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response; ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries; mobilising finance for a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.
As part of its efforts to bring the Sherpa and the Finance tracks closer together, three temporary Task Forces, an Initiative and a Commission will be established during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
South Africa’s priorities include Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality; Food Security and Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
“A review of the work of the G20 -- The G20 at 20 years: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the Way Forward -- will also feature as one of South Africa’s deliverables through a Sherpa Track Initiative. South Africa also proposes the establishment of a Cost of Capital Commission during its G20 Presidency,” Lamola said.
The three Task Forces, the Initiative and Commission will be established to deliver tangible results during South Africa's G20 Presidency. All of the priorities, as well as the overall theme, will influence Working Groups’ priorities and work plans.
South Africa assumed its G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, following the astute and successful leadership of Brazil.
“The South African government also recognises the significant strides made by the Brazilian G20 Presidency in enhancing the G20 as a site of democratic global engagement. The South African Presidency will continue this trajectory.
“A comprehensive dialogue with civil society and other State and non-State institutions will be conducted through the existing Engagement Groups.
“Following the approach of the Brazilian Presidency, a G20 Social Forum will be convened, which will precede the Leaders’ Summit in November 2025, to bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society that may offer meaningful contributions to the G20,” Lamola said.
The G20 group comprises many of the world's largest developing and developed economies. It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85 percent of global GDP and 75 percent of international trade.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability.
“I trust that this meeting will set the trend for our subsequent meetings and that, as much as we celebrate the landmark achievements of the G20, we will also, during the course of the year ahead, begin to look ahead toward the strategic imperatives for the next cycle of G20 cooperation,” Lamola said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 12:08
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has released the first tranche of its $1 billion loan to Transnet, the South African state-owned conglomerate managing the country's ports, railways and pipelines. This disbursement is the first in a series of four tranches planned for an unparalleled financing arrangement to support Transnet's business's recovery plan.
Approved by the Bank's Board of Directors five months ago, this funding underpins a recovery plan to address pressing operational challenges of the company, while bolstering South Africa's critical infrastructure.
The funding will allow Transnet to commence the first phase of its ambitious ZAR 152.8 billion (USD 8.1 billion) five-year investment plan to upgrade existing infrastructure while enhancing key logistic chain segments.
“This swift disbursement shows the Bank's commitment to the private sector in Africa, which is essential for supporting sustainable economic growth,” said Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization at the African Development Bank Group, speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco.
The efficiency of the disbursement reflects Transnet's fulfilment of the Bank's rigorous requirements for governance, the environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Following the September 2023 signing of the loan agreement between Transnet and the African Development Bank in Johannesburg, the Bank committed to supporting Transnet's recovery plan with targeted financing.
Transnet has faced significant operational hurdles for several years, including under-investment, equipment theft, vandalism, flooding and the long-lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, the company has restructured and embarked on internal reforms to improve efficiency and management while committing to decarbonization and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.
The African Development Bank commended the South African government's dedication to restructuring Transnet and enhancing governance in the transport sector. Transnet has notably improved governance practices, particularly in tendering procedures and financial management, as part of its broader reform efforts.
With over 30,000 kilometres of railway infrastructure -- the largest in any emerging economy -- Transnet plays a vital role in regional. Its railway network links South Africa's ports with key regional partners, including Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and supports operations at Durban, the fourth-largest container terminal in the southern hemisphere.
The African Development Bank's support for Transnet is therefore crucial for improving South Africa's competitiveness and strengthening the continent's economic integration, while responding to the challenges of the logistics sector, which is vital for Africa's development.
With this disbursement, the African Development Bank has once again demonstrated its agility in the financial support it provides to the African private sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Simple cases are taking years and years to be finalised
WaterCAN says that Joburg and SA’s failure to manage the water crisis is inexcusable. Routine water cuts lasting weeks in Joburg suburbs. Desperate residents on the streets begging for water tankers that don’t arrive. Inadequate management of leaks. Informal settlements “stealing” water cut off. This is what failed governance looks like. We expect the City …
The following address was delivered by DA Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen MP, at a press conference in Johannesburg on 6 December: It is with a sense of urgency that I address you today on the water crisis in South Africa, generally, and Johannesburg specifically. Two months ago the South Hills Water Tower, right here, had …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) announces that JP Duminy has stepped down from his role as the white-ball batting coach...
Incorrectly labelled honey-based syrup removed from Gauteng shops
Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has commended a joint operation to remove products that were incorrectly labelled and sold as honey-based syrup from various stores in Gauteng.
The operation conducted by the Directorate: Inspection Services (D: IS) within the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), targeted products marked as “honey-based” syrup which were red-flagged by the increased number of complaints nationally.
Gauteng was the first province where the directorate conducted joint operations with the assistance from the Provincial Illicit and Counterfeit Goods Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Among the wholesalers visited during the operation, include Crowns Mines and Kempton Park in Johannesburg, and Laudium and Marabastad in Pretoria.
Steenhuisen said from 25 to 29 November 2024, the team seized a total of 1 059 “honey-based” syrups and 388 honey products, which were non-compliant according to marking requirements.
This prompted directions to be issued by the directorate, with SAPS members issued two wholesalers with R1 500 fines for each wholesaler.
Steenhuisen said the seizures of such products will be expanded to other provinces in a bid to ensure citizens get quality goods they intended to purchase.
The Minister warned that the products pose a health risk, especially to the compromised communities suffering from diseases, such as diabetes.
“The main concern with incorrect labelling, misleading information and quality of these products is that consumers buy them thinking they are buying a product that is beneficial to their health, when in fact it may compromise their health,” Steenhuisen said.
The Directorate: Inspection Services is responsible for enforcement of certain agricultural products in terms of Agricultural Product Standards Act (APS), 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990), among others.
The Act regulates the quality and marking of certain agricultural products and ensures that products comply with the minimum requirements as prescribed by the regulations under the APS Act at point of sale.
“Prescribed marking requirements in these regulations are there for the protection of consumers and providing them with accurate and relevant information regarding a product, and to allow the consumer to make a sound decision on the product,” the Minister said.
Steenhuisen has also encouraged consumers to report foodstuff that is incorrectly labelled.
Complaints regarding the selling of incorrectly labelled foodstuff can be reported to Billy Malose Makhafola, Director: Food Safety and Quality Assurance on (012) 319 6535, or email BillyM@nda.agric.za. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:23
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced a 13-player SA Invitational XI squad set to face England Lions in a...
Cabinet welcomes release of 2nd quarter crime stats
Cabinet has welcomed the release of the 2nd quarter crime statistics, which show that law enforcement agencies' efforts to turn the tide in the fight against crime are starting to yield results, with a decrease in both murder and violent crimes.
Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the murder rate in South Africa has decreased by 5.8%, while sexual offences decreased by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 8.8%.
“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1% respectively,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also welcomed the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national for dealing in and manufacturing drugs, as well as contravening the Immigration Act after a multi-disciplinary operation guided by police led to the discovery of a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Johannesburg, valued at approximately R100 million.
“In addition, the South African Police Service (SAPS), through an intelligence-driven operation, confiscated a container carrying cocaine with an estimated street value of around R86.5 million, which came in from Brazil through the Durban Harbour.
“[Additionally], five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shootout with police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The suspects opened fire on the police after they were cornered at a safe house in Schoongezicht in Emalahleni,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to partner with the police to strengthen the fight against crime.
“By working together, we can create safer communities and public spaces, while ensuring criminals have no place to hide,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/05/2024 - 13:51
Denise Fisher censured for not giving De Broglio attorneys an opportunity to be heard before reporting them to their professional bodies
Bolt And Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.), a leading supplier of engineering products and services, proudly announces a significant customer win with a surface engineering customer, one of South Africa’s leading providers of thermal spraying and coating technology. This collaboration, which underscores B.E.D.’s dedication to providing top-quality welding solutions and exceptional customer service, began a year ago …
Media urged to submit entries to SADC Media Awards competition
South African media practitioners have been called to submit their entries to the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards competition.
“To promote regional integration and cooperation (cross-border issues), 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 Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Wednesday.
The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists/media from the SADC Member States.
They were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional cooperation and integration in 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, which will take place in August 2025.
The first prize winner in each category receives US$2 500 and the runner-up receives US$1 000.
The awards were established following a decision by the SADC Council of Ministers to establish a sector that deals with matters relating to, amongst others, information, culture and sport.
They present a unique opportunity for the SADC region’s journalists to be celebrated and recognised by their peers.
These awards are one of the mechanisms to ensure a link, coordination and synchronisation between formal structures of SADC governments, civil society, academia, labour and the media.
Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/SADCEntryform2025.doc.
Rules of the 2025 competition are available on: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/SADC2025RulesCompetition.pdf.
Entries need to be posted or delivered to MDDA or any GCIS offices nationwide marked:
MDDA Offices GCIS Offices
SADC Media Awards Entry or SADC Media Awards Entry
GSM Building Government Communications (GCIS)
SABC Auckland Park Campus 1035 Francis Baard Street
Johannesburg Hatfield, Pretoria
2006 0028
NB: All entries must be submitted no later than 28 February 2025. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:21
Broken promises and dashed hopes in Mike Ngulube’s desperate quest to locate Memory’s misplaced body
Law enforcement commended for R80m cocaine bust
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended members of various law enforcement agencies in the province for intercepting pure cocaine worth R80 million, packed inside a shipping container at the Durban Harbour.
According to a police report, information was received by the police about a vessel which left Brazil at the beginning of November carrying pure cocaine that was disguised as kidney beans.
The vessel, which came to South Africa via another country, was monitored until Saturday when it docked at the Durban Harbour. The identified container was taken to a warehouse on South Coast Road in the Bluff area for a proper search.
During the search, eight bags of crushed pure cocaine were found and according to the documentation, the shipment was destined for Johannesburg.
Ntuli said increased police surveillance at targeted crime hot spot areas is yielding positive results, as law enforcement intelligence operations continue to thwart criminal activity in all the corners of the province.
“We commend the excellent work being done by members of various law enforcement agencies to ensure that we close ranks. We are sending a strong message to all criminal syndicates that we are on high alert, we have adopted a zero-tolerance stance against all criminal activity,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli also acknowledged the Border Management Authority (BMA) effort, who are working around the clock to tighten security measures at all ports of entry and borders of the province.
He said the provincial government and law enforcement agencies under the banner of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has developed an integrated multi-disciplinary crime prevention plan during the festive season to ensure that the province remains the destination of choice for holiday makers and tourists to create a safe environment conducive for the growth of business, and to boost investor confidence.
The Premier has reassured the people of KwaZulu-Natal that targeted intelligence driven operations will be affected throughout the festive season and beyond.
“Our provincial government has called for augmented numbers of police deployed during this period especially at identified crime hot spots like the Durban harbour. We are going to clamp down on all crime elements in our province,” the Premier said.
Ntuli encouraged the community members to continue coming forward with critical information to assist law enforcement to crack down on criminal activity in our province. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 13:04
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is proud to announce that it has, through international media rights partner IMG, secured a...
OUTA is at the Nersa public hearing to object to Eskom’s MYPD6 price increase application Today OUTA is at the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) public hearings in Midrand, objecting to Eskom’s application for price increases over the next three years. OUTA has already made a written submission to Nersa, objecting to the increases, …
WaterCAN slams poor timing of Rand Water’s planned shutdown amid ongoing Johannesburg water crisis, asks for shutdown to be reconsidered or alternatives to be explored to mitigate disruptions. WaterCAN has expressed reservations about the planned maintenance by Rand Water at the Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes pump stations, scheduled from 13 to 16 December 2024. The 86-hour …
Dear Editor Floyd Brink, the City of Joburg (CoJ) City Manager, must resign his position after the Johannesburg High Court found that his reappointment was unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid, agreeing with the DA’s case and awarding the DA costs. This ruling comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) challenged Brink’s appointment in court after the ANC/ …
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced a 15-player squad for the three-match KFC T20 International (T20I) series against...
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki received the esteemed Leadership in Sport...
G20 Presidency to establish three dedicated task forces
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will pursue progress on cross-cutting issues through the establishment of three dedicated task forces.
Speaking during the launch of the G20 Presidency on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa said the first task force is on Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality.
The second task force is on Food Security, while the third task force is on Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
WATCH |
“It is critical for South Africa that the G20 remains focused on its core responsibilities to address global economic and financial challenges. It should not replace existing international institutions and platforms, such as the United Nations and associated bodies.
“At the same time, G20 initiatives should support, not diminish, the responsibilities that countries have to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action and other commitments,” the President said.
To ensure that the G20 remains focused, the President said that South Africa will not create any new working groups or permanent structures.
“We will build on previous presidencies and provide momentum to existing structures and processes. We will reflect on the impact of the G20 over the last 20 years and positioning it to enhance its impact over the next 20-year cycle,” he said.
The President emphasised that it is important for South Africa that its G20 Presidency is inclusive.
“Dialogue with civil society and other non-government institutions will be conducted through various engagement groups. These engagement groups are organised according to sectors, such as business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies and the judiciary.
“These engagement groups also include science bodies, think tanks, and audit institutions, as well as institutions of higher learning, specific groups for women and youth including vulnerable groups,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the nation also intends to support the creation of a new engagement group, Township20 (TS20), to spotlight the potential of South Africa’s township economies.
“This will highlight the creative, cultural, financial and innovative capacities that our own country has to give when it comes to small and medium enterprises as well as cooperatives and how these operate in rural areas as well as townships where our people live,” he said.
Following Brazil’s example, South Africa will host a G20 Social Forum, amplifying the voices of civil society, women, youth and vulnerable groups.
“South Africa firmly believes that civil society serves as a bridge between the G20 leaders and the people who have the greatest interest in their deliberations,” the President affirmed.
Looking ahead to the Leaders’ Summit
The G20 Presidency will culminate in the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, where world leaders will adopt a declaration outlining collective actions to address critical global challenges.
With over 130 meetings planned across all provinces, and thousands of delegates expected, the G20 Presidency presents an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s potential and hospitality.
“The G20 Presidency is an opportunity to present to the world the great opportunities and experiences that South Africa has to offer. We look forward to welcoming our friends and partners to our beautiful country,” the President said.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.
This Presidency is not only a significant moment for South Africa but also for the African continent and the Global South, amplifying their voices on the global stage, while advancing shared goals of economic growth, sustainability and equality. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 12/03/2024 - 13:02
