MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Bryanston, South Africa – Salvador Caetano, the exclusive distributor of GAC Motor vehicles in South Africa, is proud to announce the grand opening of its flagship dealership in Bryanston, Johannesburg. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth and commitment to providing South African consumers with access to GAC Motor’s premium range …
The 8th National Homeless Conversation was held in Durban this week
Africa has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs in the world with more than a quarter of all businesses being started or run by women according to OECD research. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), women make up 58% of Africa’s self-employed population, contributing around 13% of Africa’s total GDP. However, whilst these business …
Call for collaboration to use technological innovations to address sanitation challenges
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has called for enhanced collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society to use technological innovations to help tackle the sanitation-related challenges experienced in parts of the country.
Mahlobo made the call at the Next Generation Water-Efficient Sanitation Technologies Investment Summit held in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The summit, which coincided with World Toilet Day, was hosted by the Water Research Commission (WRC) in conjunction with South African Sanitation Technology Enterprise Programme (SASTEP) to highlight the various innovative solutions for sustainable sanitation and water security.
Mahlobo called for the investment of sanitation infrastructure and technological improvements to address sanitation challenges.
“We need significant investments in modern sanitation infrastructure and creative, forward-thinking solutions. Together, we can drive the change required to overcome the challenges in the sanitation sector,” Mahlobo said.
Mahlobo acknowledged the WRC for its contribution in initiating innovative projects geared towards finding alternative sanitation solutions.
The innovations include, among others, the aptly-termed Next Generation Sanitation Technologies which will not only address the basic human right to sanitation but also align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.
Mahlobo said the reinvented toilets will offer significant advantages over traditional sanitation methods such as water-efficient and energy-neutral systems, which drastically reduce the environmental footprint of sanitation infrastructure.
The reinvented toilets will also safely treat human waste without the need for conventional sewage systems, protecting communities from waterborne diseases and can be deployed in schools, clinics, and public spaces where sanitation infrastructure is often inadequate.
“Furthermore, adding to the technological innovations, the Department of Water and Sanitation has developed the National Faecal Sludge Management Strategy.
“The strategy is aimed at providing guidance to the sector on safe management of faecal sludge to enhance operation and maintenance of on-site sanitation systems, prevent groundwater contamination, safeguard public health, and protect the environment from pollution throughout the sanitation service chain,” Mahlobo said.
More work to be done to bring dignified sanitation services
While noting significant progress made towards addressing the sanitation backlog and providing appropriate sanitation to poor households since 1994, Mahlobo said much more work still needs to be done to bring about more dignified sanitation services to the communities.
Through government and stakeholders’ efforts, the number of households with access to proper sanitation has improved by 22.4% between 2002 and 2021, an increase from 61.7% to 84.1%, with most improvement made in Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces.
“Despite the notable work, we do admit as government that we need to keep our sleeves rolled up to ensure that all citizens of this country get to experience the pleasure of dignified sanitation facilities,” Mahlobo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:56
The Labour Appeal Court will hear an appeal by the Registrar of Labour Relations. The court will decide whether the Simunye Workers Forum can be registered as a trade union.
President Ramaphosa reflects on ’successful’ G20 Leaders' Summit
By Gabisile Ngcobo
Rio de Janiero - President Cyril Ramaphosa says that the two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been a success.
He noted that, despite some members holding dissenting views, a broad consensus was ultimately reached.
“The beauty of this summit is that it allowed everyone to express their views and articulate dissenting views or voices on issues. What we established at this summit is that even as a member or country dissents it will not stop the show,” the President said on Tuesday.
The news broadcaster CNN reported that despite signing the G20 final declaration on Monday, Argentine President Javier Milei told the other Heads of State that he disagreed with some aspects of the document.
Reports said President Milei opposed several issues, including the restriction of freedom of expression on social media, vulnerabilities to the sovereignty of global governance institutions, unequal treatment under the law, and the belief that increased state intervention is the solution to fighting hunger.
He also distanced himself from some text related to the 2030 Agenda.
“What we are learning is that in the end, when there is broad consensus - what we would call sufficient consensus - a declaration should be adopted,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa’s commander-in-chief said he would want this practice to be adopted by G20 countries.
The President addressed the media at the conclusion of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which ended yesterday.
“Yes, there’s always an opportunity to have frank discussions about geopolitical issues, some of them quite testing and touching, such as what is happening in Palestine and Gaza, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine.”
He argued that there was no avoidance of the key and thorny issues in discussions.
The President highlighted several key “takeaways” from the gathering and the achievements of the G20 Brazil Presidency. These include a focus on taxing the super-rich, reforming the governance of global institutions and financial organisations, as well as addressing climate change.
“Overall, this has been a very successful G20 Summit, and it lays a very good foundation for us as South Africa, as we now focus on having the next G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa,” he added.
Yesterday, Brazil officially handed over the historic G20 Presidency to South Africa at the closing ceremony of the annual summit.
READ I Brazil officially hands over G20 Presidency to South Africa
President Ramaphosa announced that South Africa had adopted the G20 Presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.
“Whatever pressure we may be facing is a pressure that is exerted on us by the conditions in which people in the world find themselves, particularly in the Global South, poverty, inequality, and joblessness.
“Those are the pressures that we are under, which we’ve got to address,” he told journalists.
He said key priorities include ending hunger, addressing climate change, and focusing on digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
South Africa will also advocate for the African agenda and the interests of the Global South.
“We expect to have a successful summit in Johannesburg, and we’re really glad that many countries that were here are keen and willing to come and support us as we lead up to the summit in Johannesburg.”
He expressed eagerness to collaborate with United States President-elect Donald Trump as South Africa prepares for the summit and handover to the United States in 2026.
“We’re going to be working together for a solid two years, if not three. I’m hoping that diplomacy and the various protocols that exist amongst global leaders as well as countries are going to underpin the way that we work.
“I think we’ll have a good summit in South Africa, with the participation of the United States, and with President Donald Trump coming to South Africa.
“I’ve already invited him for a State Visit, and we look forward to welcoming him.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:00
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has made changes to its Executive Committee with the appointment of Executive: Domestic Cricket and...
At least maintenance on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is on track
JOHANNESBURG: Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri...
Residents say water tanks and trucks are insufficient after the municipality cut their illegal connections
Dozens of organisations have not been paid by the provincial social development department
SA seeks balance between livelihoods and renewable energy ambitions
By Gabisile Ngcobo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the importance of considering the livelihoods and jobs of ordinary people, as the energy sector transitions towards renewable sources.
“As we can go towards renewable energy, there must be a just transition. There is a transition that we in South Africa have to go through and it must be the type of transition that advances the interests of ordinary people, as it grows the economy.
“The opportunities are enormous, and we just need to utilise the enablers to ensure it benefits everyone,” the President said on Sunday.
President Ramaphosa spoke in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly launched the ’Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg’ campaign.
The campaign was launched during a panel discussion with Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen.
The Global Citizen initiative, along with the 2024 G20 Presidency, supported by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, brought together over 450 world leaders, innovators, and advocates on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which kicks off today.
Their goal is to promote urgent action to combat poverty and tackle the climate crisis.
“As we go to renewables, relying more on the sun, wind and hydro, we’ve got to make sure that as people lose jobs and as their livelihoods are eroded, and as towns where we used to draw fossil fuels [become] deserted, we have to make sure that the transition for ordinary people becomes a transition that they benefit from,” President Ramaphosa stressed.
The Head of State believes workers should not fear job loss without being skilled in new technologies.
A prime example of South Africa's commitment to skilling workers in new technologies is the partnership between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government (which is home to about 80% of power stations in South Africa), the Presidential Climate Commission, the Climate Investment Fund and the World Bank. The entities are working together to explore plans on re-skilling and upskilling the most vulnerable in the labour force and supporting small businesses and co-operatives in local communities.
In last year's State of the Province Address, former Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane assured citizens that plans towards the Just Energy Transition will leave no one behind.
READ | Just energy transition to be inclusive
South Africa faces challenges due to its reliance on fossil fuels, while witnessing growth in the climate sector.
Currently, only 3% of global investments in renewable infrastructure are allocated to Africa, while the European Commission aims to triple renewable energy investment by 2030.
“Africa is well endowed with sun and wind, and that can be utilised to good effect to grow our economies to ensure that at a social level, people have access to electricity,” President Ramaphosa said.
However, he stated that this does not come cheaply and requires financing and clear decisions by leaders, not only on the African continent but globally as well.
He emphasised the need for collaboration between African countries and developed nations to fulfil commitments and secure essential funding and technology.
According to the President, energy drives growth and economies.
The 12-month ’Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg’ campaign aims to scale renewable energy in Africa by leveraging South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
The initiative seeks to tackle issues of inequality and promote sustainable development, to provide access to power to millions who currently lack electricity.
According to President Ramaphosa, South Africa's G20 Presidency will also focus on the importance of solidarity and equality in addressing global challenges, particularly in the context of Africa’s history of inequality.
Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025. South Africa is set to assume the Chair of the G20 from Brazil on 1 December this year.
The country’s first citizen also touched on the role of the upcoming 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in focusing on a just transition and the importance of global support for this transition.
In her address, Von der Leyen outlined the European Green Deal and its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. While underscoring the importance of global cooperation, she said there was a need to ensure no continent is left behind, particularly Africa.
“But if we want to be successful in fighting climate change and protecting nature, we must think globally.
“We will only be successful if we leave no continent behind, and [ensure] the transition in Africa is a just one.
“Africa has, as we said, all the resources necessary in abundance -- sun and wind, and 60% of the best solar places worldwide. But only 3% of the global investments in infrastructure for renewables go to Africa. And with that, the task is clear. We must step up,” Von der Leyen said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 02:25
President arrives in Brazil to lead SA’s participation at G20 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Brazil on Saturday night to lead South Africa’s participation in the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will be held between 18 and 19 November 2024, will focus on “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”.
“Brazil’s G20 Presidency continues the global south rotating Presidency and during its tenure prioritises social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty, energy transitions and the promotion of sustainable development in its economic, social, environmental dimensions and the reform of global governance Institutions,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Sunday, 17 November 2024, President Ramaphosa will participate in the launch of the Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg Campaign.
On Monday, 18 November 2024, at the beginning of the Leaders’ Summit, the President will present South Africa’s statements during plenary sessions. These statements will focus on the fight against hunger and poverty and the reform of global governance institutions.
South Africa will officially receive the G20 Presidency during the Leaders’ Summit and will continue to build on the initiatives of its Global South predecessors starting from 1 December 2024, under the rallying call of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.
The G20 is the leading forum for global economic cooperation and governance, representing 85% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the global population.
It serves as a platform to promote effective multilateral cooperation by uniting the world’s major economies to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth worldwide.
The G20 consists of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, it includes two organisations: the African Union and the European Union.
The President is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the margins of the Leaders’ Summit.
According to the Presidency, South Africa’s participation in the G20 is guided by the four strategic foreign policy pillars.
These include advancing national interests to attain domestic objectives, enhancing the African agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and influencing the global multilateral architecture by advancing the agenda of the South through North-South dialogue.
“South Africa’s participation in the G20 therefore seeks to provide strategic direction in establishing a more equitable, representative and fit-for-purpose international order, in support of the main multilateral processes under the United Nations.”
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 05:58
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced Ola South Africa as its official ice cream partner for the current...
Automechanika Johannesburg, one of the leading global trade fairs for the automotive aftermarket industry, will be co-located with the Futuroad Expo 2024 from 19 to 21 November 2024, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. This strategic partnership brings together two major events that will cater to the full spectrum of the automotive and commercial …
In response to high rates of heroin use, the government will pilot an opioid agonist therapy program
Gauteng police confiscate illicit goods worth over R1m
Gauteng Police have conducted a counterfeit goods operation, where they seized 869 illicit and counterfeit goods worth R1 795 000.
On Wednesday, the Gauteng Visible Policing Team that deals with counterfeit and illicit goods, together with brand protectors, conducted an operation in Randburg in the Johannesburg District.
Three suspects were arrested for dealing with counterfeit and illicit goods. The police seized a total of 896 illicit and counterfeit goods, including illicit clothing, shoes, watches and cellphone accessories valued at R1 795 000.
The arrested suspects will appear before the Magistrate’s Court soon.
According to the police, the operation demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the community from counterfeit goods and protecting consumers from substandard products.
Communities are urged to report any suspicious activities or dealing in counterfeit goods. Please contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App for anonymous tip-offs. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 08:50
JOHANNESBURG: Proteas Men’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, as...
Top SAFA boss appears in court
President of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, together with two co-accused, have been granted bail after appearing in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on allegations of fraud of over R1.1 million.
Jordaan, together with former SAFA Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Gronie Hluyo, and former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling appeared in the court on Wednesday.
“They were all charged with three counts of fraud, three counts of theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.
“The allegations stem from a 12-month Service Level Agreement [SLA] allegedly entered by SAFA, represented by Jordaan, and Grit Communications in December 2017, for the provision of public relations and communication services to SAFA,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
She explained that the state alleges that Jordaan “in contravention of the SAFA statutes, signed the SLA that was neither sanctioned nor approved by SAFA, and that he and Neethling backdated the agreement to 01 October 2017”.
Grit Communications is alleged to have been employed to protect Jordaan’s personal image after allegations of rape surfaced against him in 2017.
“Furthermore, that he allegedly acquired protection services worth over R40 000 purported to be for SAFA from Badger Security, during the SAFA 2018 elective congress, whilst these protection services were allegedly exclusively rendered to him.
“According to SAFA statutes, Jordaan was precluded from doing so, as only the CFO and Chief Executive Officer of SAFA were authorised to sign contractual agreements. The PR services were already rendered to SAFA by its existing department that handled PR and communication.
“Despite full knowledge of the unauthorised and unlawful nature of the actions of both Jordaan and Neethling, it is alleged that Hluyo approved the payments to Grit Communications and Badger Security,” she said.
The three were granted bail of some R20 000 each and are expected back in court on 05 December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:36
The City of Johannesburg says the land occupation is stopping a housing development
Cabinet updated on SA’s water challenges
Government has urged the residents of Hammanskraal in Gauteng to exercise patience while work is underway to install a new water treatment plant at the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works.
The call was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Cape Town on Wednesday.
“In 2023, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation directed Magalies Water to urgently intervene in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997) and to design and install a new water-treatment plant at its Klipdrift Water Treatment Works near Hammanskraal.
“This will help ease the water challenges and provide long-term solutions. This additional water treatment plant will supply water to certain reservoirs in the city’s water distribution system to increase the supply of clean drinking water to Hammanskraal.
“Government urges the people of Hammanskraal and surrounding areas to be patient while this work is underway. The first phase is expected to be completed by 15 November 2024. This will allow the City of Tshwane to deliver potable water to some areas of Hammanskraal,” she said.
Ntshavheni acknowledged that the water challenges facing the community continue to negatively affect the lives of the people, including the provision of healthcare services at local facilities such as the Jubilee Hospital.
She moved to assure residents that Cabinet had received and considered a report from the Water and Sanitation Department on Hammanskraal.
“The City of Tshwane is currently implementing a R278 million project to repair the previously dysfunctional Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW).
“It is expected that increasing the capacity of the Rooiwal WWTW will cost about R2 billion. Cabinet was informed that the City of Tshwane will have to fund this project through revenue, borrowing or its Urban Settlements Development Grant allocations from the Department of Human Settlements,” she said.
Water restrictions
Meanwhile, the Minister said Cabinet was given an update on the level 1 water restrictions in Johannesburg which are due to begin on Thursday.
The restrictions were announced earlier this week and will see water supply throttled from 9am to 4pm daily.
READ | City of Johannesburg to implement water restrictions
“Cabinet was appraised of the level 1 water restrictions that are in place in Gauteng due to continued water demand as a result of high consumption caused by population growth, illegal connections, leaks and [the] misuse of water.
“The average consumption in Gauteng is 279 litres per capita per day compared to the international average of 173 litres per capita per day. Whilst the metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng have level 1 water restrictions in place, very little enforcement is undertaken by the municipalities.
“The Minister of Water and Sanitation and the Premier of Gauteng have requested the municipalities to impose level 2 water restrictions which will come with fines if consumers do not adhere to the restrictions,” Ntshavheni said.
She added that a National Water Crisis Committee is in the works to bolster water-related work nationally.
“Cabinet supported the decision by the President to augment the work that is currently spearheaded by the Deputy President [Paul Mashatile] by elevating the water matters as a crisis and establish a National Water Crisis committee that will develop a water action plan and bring in water experts in order to intervene to the nation-wide water challenges in the local government space,” she said.
Municipal water debt
Ntshavheni warned that the R23 billion collectively owed by municipalities to water boards was rising and unsustainable
She said Cabinet had been appraised on this debt.
“The debt threatens the financial viability of the water boards and the entire water sector. Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, recently met with several of the affected municipalities and received commitments to pay from most non-paying municipalities.
“Cabinet had previously approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to address municipal turnaround. The IMC will also prioritise measures to address municipal debt payments to water boards, particularly those facing imminent bankruptcy,” she said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 14:54
SA inches towards G20 Presidency
The countdown to South Africa assuming the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” has begun.
“The Leaders Summit will be held in Johannesburg, Gauteng and the IMC [Inter-Ministerial Committee] is working with other provinces to host Ministerial and Working Groups meetings. We will launch the South Africa G20 programme on the 1st of December 2024,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.
This as the country will participate in the upcoming G20 Summit on 18 and 19 November 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the 19 member countries.
READ | SA to play key role at upcoming G20 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously said in his weekly newsletter that when South Africa takes over the G20 Presidency later this year, it will focus on the priorities of Africa and the Global South.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from December 2024, approximately five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The President said that as a signatory to the Pact for the Future, the country aims to push for a people-driven, sustainable development.
“When South Africa assumes the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) later this year, we will prioritise the needs and aspirations of our continent and the Global South. As a signatory to the Pact for the Future, we want people-driven, sustainable development to become a reality,” the President said at that time.
International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed the filing of South Africa’s memorial to the ICJ, which shows how the government of Israel violated the Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza.
READ | Government condemns genocide disinformation efforts
The memorial of more 1300 pages – supported by exhibits and annexures – contains evidence of Israel’s genocidal acts, and its failure to prevent incitement to genocide.
“The filing of the memorial takes place at a time when Israel is intensifying the killing of civilians in Gaza and is intent on following a similar path of destruction in Lebanon.
“The memorial is a reminder to the global community of the atrocities perpetuated against the people of Palestine and the need for solidarity to stop the catastrophe.
“The filing also comes in the footsteps of the United Nations resolution condemning the actions of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 15:00
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the arrest of South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan, who has been charged with fraud after allegedly misappropriating R1.3 million of the association’s funds for his personal benefit. Jordaan, along with SAFA Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo, has been treating the association’s finances as their personal …
Johannesburg is facing a severe water crisis that demands immediate and sustained action from authorities, businesses and residents. The recent water crisis meeting between the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng Premier, Rand Water and the City of Johannesburg (see the joint statement here) was a critical step, bringing together key stakeholders from the …
