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Her love for agriculture and interest in producing food for her late husband and seven children inspired Nowandile Mbana from Mafini village, outside Libode in the Eastern Cape, to start a sheep farming enterprise.

For Mbana, this was an opportunity to make money by selling her Hammels sheep to local buyers for slaughtering and to sell wool.

Mbana, 60, was one of the sheep farmers from OR Tambo District Municipality who received 144 Dohne Merino rams from the Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, during a handing over ceremony held at Hlanganani shearing shed in Mafini.

The handover of the rams is part of the department’s ongoing programmes to commercialise agriculture in the province, with a special focus on farmers in communal land, smallholding farms and farmers who received farms through government’s land reform programmes and other previously disadvantaged farmers.

The department hands over Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics to farmers who already have sheep so that the rams improve the genetics of their animals, the quality of their wool and meat.

Mbana, who has 14 sheep in her kraal, said her flock is full of nondescript rams and ewes, which limits the quality of her wool clip, and reduces the amount of money she gets from wool sales.

She said the Dohne Merino ram she received from the department will improve the genetics of her flock from nondescript to a better quality than she had before.

“I am excited because it feels like God has Blessed me. I say so because acquiring this ram has been one of my desires because my flock was nondescript.

“I expect the ram to mate with my ewes to produce a flock of lambs with superior genetics that will help expand my farming enterprise and increase my profit margins,” said an elated Mbana. 

Papama Madyibi from Vidgiesville, outside Mthatha, who also received rams, said as emerging farmers, getting the rams will bring a huge difference to their farming businesses because they have nondescript sheep.

“By mating them with these rams, we will see the difference. Some local farmers had these rams and we see the quality of their lambs and we are confident that the rams we are getting from DRDAR will make a difference.”

Madyibi, who is hoping to get better income from wool sales, said to sustain effective mating for rams, they will focus on grass and grain feeding, providing medicines and keep rams separate from ewes, until the mating season. 

Pieters, who also handed over eight shearing sheds to local wool growers, said the department delivered the 144 Dohne Merino rams in order to improve the quality and volume of the farmers’ wool clip. 

Pieters said the Eastern Cape government is investing in the construction of shearing sheds to take woolgrowers out of the mud huts they use for shearing. 

The MEC said the department is investing in farmers in rural areas so that they compete with commercial farmers. 

“Foreign countries need meat because they don’t have livestock and OR Tambo is one region that has the highest livestock population in the province. We want to improve the breed of their animals so that it is suitable for the markets, and they can also export it to other countries and earn money. 

“We know that in South Africa, it is only the East London harbour that has capability to load live animals on a ship for export markets. Government wants to ensure that when livestock is sold, farmers from OR Tambo... also benefit from exporting their animals and be paid in dollars so that they can make meaningful profit,” said Pieters. 

The department’s veterinary services also trained farmers to take care of their sheep, feed them and prevent disease. The department strongly urged members of the public and farmers not to eat animals killed by diseases. – SAnews.gov.za

Developed countries need to assist with securing an at-scale, predictable and appropriate funding stream for nature conservation and protection of biodiversity, says Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy.

“We must re-emphasise that 17 of the major biodiverse countries in the world are developing countries. Accordingly, the ambitious targets to preserve our planet will be meaningless unless they are backed with enabling means of implementation for developing countries,” Creecy said on Friday.

She was addressing the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting in India.

“Land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change are interlinked global environmental problems. Twenty-thirty (2030) is a significant milestone for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“We welcome the ongoing discussions under the Indian Presidency, as well as past Presidencies, and look forward to further collaboration including through the implementation of the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats,” the Minister said.

She said South Africa’s mega-biodiversity is both a national and cultural asset and a source of socio-economic development its citizens through the sustainable use of a wide variety of plants, marine living organisms and wildlife.

“This year our government adopted the White Paper on the Sustainable use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity, which outlines four strategic goals of conservation, sustainable use, equitable sharing of benefits and transformation.

“We regard this white paper as our own strategy to implement Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). In December last year, the international community adopted the landmark Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

“A key decision has been the adoption the ambitious 30 by 30 goal which science tells us is necessary to preserve biodiversity, ecosystems and indeed human life itself,” she said.

The Ministerial meeting will consider recommendations prepared by senior officials in the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

The Indian G20 Presidency has focused on three priority issues under the ECSWG, namely:

• Arresting land degradation and accelerating ecosystem restoration via an ecosystem-based approach, and enriching biodiversity;
• Promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy to protect the natural environment and the lives and livelihoods dependent on marine resources;
• Encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy to move towards sustainable production and consumption systems.

– SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela

St. Petersburg, Russia - African leaders participating in the second Russia-Africa summit have in unison emphasised to their Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that their aim is to foster a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, while rejecting the notion of a "begging approach".

The African leaders from several countries were speaking during a plenary session hosted by President Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

During the plenary session earlier on Friday, African leaders highlighted several key concerns. These included the urgent need to focus on exporting valuable finished products, ensuring peace and security in the region, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, and facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services within the continental free trade areas. 

These issues, among others, took center stage in the leaders' discussions, with the aim of advancing Africa's economic and social development.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo stressed the importance of synergy for Africa's continued development, stating that self-isolation is not an option for the continent.

Addressing the session at the second Russia-Africa summit, President Nguesso called for the establishment of strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships, firmly asserting that Africa is not seeking handouts. 

“We call for the establishment of a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership. We are not begging for assistance. The Russia-Africa partnership has great potential because Africa has many resources,” he said. 

President Nguesso pointed out that while some small-scale projects are underway, Africa requires large-scale initiatives to drive its progress effectively.

He made it clear that Africa does not expect generosity or financial aid from its partners, instead calling for focus to be placed on creating a prosperous future through collaboration and trust.

“We do not expect any generosity for us. We are not begging for money. The Russian-African partnership has a great future. Africa has vast resources. 

“Our vision of our future of cooperation is a vast vision, and we are doing this in the name of peace, based on the mutual trust and confidence between mutual partners. This would allow us to comply with all the obligations and complete all the initiatives,” President Nguesso said.
 
President Macky Sall of Senegal underscored the immense potential lying in the partnership between Africa and Russia, encompassing vast demographic and natural resources.

He told President Putin that Russia and the African continent can work and cooperate in various areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, digital information technology, security, transportation, and the digital economy.

“However, we should always pursue the pragmatic goals, including investment, finance and partnership. 

“You may have noted that I am not mentioning the word 'help'. I do not believe in assistance. We are not here to beg or ask for something. We are here to work, establish a decent, dignified partnership for the benefit of the good of our people,” he said. 

President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique also addressed the summit, which he views as a crucial event dedicated to peace, development and cooperation. 

He stressed the significance of upholding peace and security as paramount for all African countries. 

In order to ensure effective participation in global decision-making, President Nyusi called for a permanent African representation at the United Nations Security Council.

“We fully adhere to the major principals of equality of the presence and representation of all African countries. Some of them should also be represented on the UN Security Council. It is also important for us that African countries should receive permanent membership at the UN Security council. 

“There is no doubt that in this context, this is the only way for the African countries to take effective part in the long term decision making in the global arena,” he said. 

Furthermore, President Nyusi urged collective efforts to combat terrorism and establish a common foundation among nations. 

“It is critical that we continue our work to establish a common foundation of all the countries in the fight against terrorism. 

“This is also of great importance for peace-building and for maintaining peace and security in Mozambique. We also require political dialogue on an international level,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni put forth a proposal to Africa's allies, including Russia, India and China, urging them to support the continent's economic transformation by making policy decisions that prioritise purchasing value-added products instead of raw materials.

“My proposal to our allies of Russia, India, China is to point out to them that they could help by policy decisions to buy value-added products from Africa, rather than raw materials. 

“Those are products like processed coffee, instead of bean coffee; chocolate, instead of cocoa beans; textiles, instead of just cotton; steel, instead of iron ore; electric batteries, instead of just lithium,” he said. 

President Museveni further addressed issues concerning the free flow of goods and services within the continental free trade areas, acknowledging that resolving this matter would also contribute to alleviating food shortages in African societies.

“If this is addressed, the other problem of food for African societies will also be partially addressed. In Uganda, we don’t have a problem of food. Uganda is a net-exporter of food; produce like maize, milk, bananas, fruits, fish, cassava, not to mention beverages like coffee, tea, cocoa, vanilla, which are produced in big quantities and, with irrigation, bigger quantities are possible,” he said.

President Museveni concluded that the primary challenge lies in accessing markets, both within Africa and globally. 

“We actually need markets both in Africa and the rest of the world. A lot of African countries produce food but cannot trade in other countries because of access,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

With people from all over the world descending on South Africa to participate in and attend the 2023 Netball World Cup, Acting President Paul Mashatile officially declared the tournament open during a ceremony in Cape Town.

“I would like to welcome you to the Netball World Cup 2023, the first ever on African soil. As the history of the relationship between World Netball and our country amply demonstrates, sport has the capacity to unite people within and between countries.  We are therefore grateful to have been given the opportunity to host this World Cup,” Mashatile said on Friday afternoon.

He is current the Acting President while President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading South Africa’s participation in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation.

“In the next nine days from today until the end of this World Cup on the 6th of August, I will make sure to follow the games when the various national teams battle for first position. I wish every player and the national team success.

“In particular, I wish head coach Norma Plummer, Captain Bongiwe Msomi and the SPAR Proteas team members victory in this World Cup. You will do the country immense pride were you to make it possible for President Cyril Ramaphosa to be here on the 6th of August to carry the cup on behalf of our nation,” Mashatile said.

All eyes are on the SPAR Proteas, as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, which gets underway in Cape Town today.

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. 

The highly anticipated tournament is taking place on African soil for the first time ever, starting on 28 July, and ending on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The participants in the tournament were welcomed with much fanfare on the court, as well as performances from various artists who celebrated South Africa’s diversity and wore traditional attire, displaying the country’s multiculturalism.

“I am honoured and extremely delighted to be standing here before you today. After years of preparation and anticipation, the 2023 Netball World Cup finally begins for the first time on African soil. This is a significant moment for South Africa and the entire African continent.

“I have seen the excitement and buzz in many communities around the country. This has been especially evident this week in places such as Gugulethu and KwaLanga, where government has had activation events to take the Netball World Cup to the people,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, said.

He said the World Cup spirit is at fever pitch, with South Africa being represented in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Banyana Banyana put up another gallant fight this morning in their draw against Argentina.

“In China, Team South Africa is also proudly representing the country at the World University Games. From this buzz and excitement, I can indeed confirm that the Netball World Cup is here,” the Minister said.

Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde welcomed spectators and participants from around the world, noting that it is a privileged for the City of Cape Town to host the tournament.

“It is such an honour and privilege to welcome everyone around the world. Thank you to those who had the vision for the World Cup to be hosted in South Africa. It is an honour to witness the first World Cup taking place in Africa,” Winde said.

The SPAR Proteas will take on Wales in their first match this evening at 6pm.

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus.

Public viewing areas are available for the Netball World Cup.

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department will bring the Netball World Cup action to communities with four public viewing areas (PVAs).

Admission to all PVAs is free. Each viewing area will be equipped with seating, surround sound and live uninterrupted streaming of the games so there is no need to worry about load shedding.

Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase at affordable rates and local entertainment will take place at each location.

As per the official match schedule for the Netball World Cup (NWC) 2023, each PVA will be accessible from 28 July to 6 August from 9am until the end of the last match for the day.

PVAs are equipped with ample parking and ablutions, and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 500 people at a time.

Below are the four PVA locations:

• Proteaville Recreation Centre, c/o Peter Barlow and Abdurahman Streets, Bellville South.
• Langa Civic Hall, c/o Church and Washington (King Langalibalele).
• OR Tambo Multi-Purpose Centre, Jeff Masemola Street, Khayelitsha.
• Portland Indoor Centre, Address: c/o Merrydale & Hazeldene Avenues, Portland, Mitchells Plain.

Details on tickets and travel packages and more information on the Netball World Cup 2023 are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still on offer.

Plans in place to ensure safety

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.

Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the tournament.

“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.

NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).

“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.

“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.

Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.  – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has led a provincial government delegation to receive the mortal remains of Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni during a special prayer ceremony at a chapel near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

KwaZulu-Natal was instrumental in the repatriation of Myeni’s mortal remains, which arrived in the country from the Philippines on Wednesday night.

The final-year medical student passed away in the Philippines while she was about to board a flight on her way back home.

Dube-Ncube and government officials joined Myeni’s family and friends for the special prayer service held on Thursday.

The Premier expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family, saying that Myeni’s death is a great loss to her family, friends, community, KwaZulu-Natal province and the entire country. 

“From a young age, she was passionate about psychology and had a heart for serving others,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier commended Myeni’s mother, Lindiwe Myeni, for raising a humble and caring daughter, who represented KwaZulu-Natal well globally.

Dube-Ncube said while hearts are bleeding due to the loss, she is thankful that Myeni’s mother’s wish to bury her daughter, where she spent her childhood, would be realised.

She also commended the people of South Africa, who are touched by Myeni’s untimely demise. 

“Her painful story brought to the fore South Africans’ compassion and hearts of gold. As we receive Snegugu’s mortal remains and prepare for her funeral to bid our final farewell, we collectively say farewell, daughter of the African soil,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier commend the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), including the Department of Health and the South African Embassy in the Philippines, for their swift and efficient response in repatriating Myeni’s mortal remains.

“On behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Snegugu. Please find solace that your bereavement is ours to share,” the Premier said.

Myeni will be laid to rest on Saturday in Utrecht. The provincial government is also helping the family with her funeral. - SAnews.gov.za

Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

In a statement on Friday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.

“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.

NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).

A committee under the auspices of the NatJOINTS, working closely with Netball South Africa, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the City of Cape Town, has been meeting regularly with relevant role players to develop a security plan for the World Cup.

“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.

“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.

Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.

All eyes will be on the SPAR Proteas as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, set to get underway in Cape Town this evening. 

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. 

The much anticipated match this evening will begin at 6pm.

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, says BRICS must prioritise the objectives of a just transition as the countries transition to low carbon economies.

“As the world is in the midst of significant transformation, the concept of a just transition is increasingly taking centre stage and so as our countries transition to low carbon economies, we must acknowledge the urgent need to achieve a just transition in our respective countries,” Nkadimeng said.

Nkadimeng was speaking at the 2023 BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban, held under the theme, 'Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations'. The two-day forum got underway on 26 July.

Nkadimeng said by embracing renewable energy, circular economies and sustainable practices, the bloc can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on the environment, and ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature and cities, thereby strengthening resilience to withstand climatic shocks.

The countries' efforts to build resilient cities must be underpinned by social equity, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities, services, and a dignified standard of living.

“The challenges posed by urbanisation are not confined to national borders. By uniting as the BRICS bloc, we possess the strength to address these issues collectively, drawing from our diverse experiences and innovative ideas. 

“Our ability to collaborate and share knowledge will be the key to tackling common challenges and unlocking new possibilities for our urban landscapes. It is heartening to witness the exchange of best practice and the formation of partnerships that have taken place over the past two days,” Nkadimeng said.

The Minister said as governments representing their respective countries, they have a crucial leadership and policy formulation role to play. She encouraged the delegates to capitalise on their connections to develop robust strategies that integrate sustainability, resilience, and the imperatives of a just transition into their urban planning and governance systems.

“By learning from each other, we can accelerate progress towards our shared objectives. As we return to our nations, I urge each of you to keep the spirit of collaboration and innovation alive in your work. 

“Let us be agents of change, advocating for policies that prioritise the well being of our urban communities and the protection of our planet. By working hand in hand, we can inspire others and build a network of like-minded nations committed to the greater good,” the Minister said.

The Minister commended the BRICS delegates for their valuable contributions during various sessions held at the forum. She said their insights have enriched their collective understanding in advancing, strengthening and building urban resilience.

“Your insights have shed light on the innovative approaches being implemented in urban water resilience projects, human settlements and alternative infrastructure provision, and have brought to the fore the critical role of data as a critical component of urban infrastructure and a foundational resource to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of urban environments,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has boldly declared Africa’s intention to prioritise the export of valuable finished products instead of raw materials from the continent’s minerals. 

President Ramaphosa told his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that Africa wants to export finished products, which will set Africa on a path to unlock unparalleled opportunities for the continent’s economies. 

The President was speaking during a plenary session at the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation. The two-day summit kicked off on 27 July. 

“We no longer want to export ore, soil, dusts and rocks from the minerals of our continent. We want to export finished products that have value. 

“There must be respect also for what we do as countries, and we must stop those countries that count their wealth and their assets in terms of minerals that reside in the African soil like they did in the past when they counted their wealth in the number of slaves that they owned, taken from the African continent. 

“Respect and mutual benefit underpin what we as Africa do when we relate to other countries in the world,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa expressed Africa’s pursuit of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade and investment. 

He emphasised that the continent’s aspirations for its goods, products and services to compete on an equal footing in the global economy. 

This stance underscores Africa’s determination to establish a reciprocal relationship, advocating for a fair and level playing field in international trade. 

“African countries should, as sovereign States, be able to pursue their own independent foreign policy approaches that are not beholden to any of the major global powers or blocs. 

“This second Russia-Africa Summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen international cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the focus on further cooperation between Russia and Africa to promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost capacity to produce and export manufactured products. 

He asserted that the proposed Russia-Africa Action Plan for the coming years should align with the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063 to ensure better coherence and more action-orientated interventions. 

“We should also ensure joint monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan. We need to jointly allocate the necessary funding for implementation and be accountable for concrete deliverables,” the President said. 

Focus on cooperation

Touching on the current geopolitical tensions, the President told the session that the ripple effects are causing distress and negatively affecting countries across Africa. 

“As part of Russia-Africa cooperation, we must repeat our call for existing global institutional mechanisms to be both strengthened and reformed. Greater participation of countries in the Global South will promote inclusiveness and engender trust. 

“In this regard, the reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the reform of the United Nations Security Council remains a priority for us. It is totally unfair, inequitable and unacceptable that a continent that represents 1.3 billion people continues to not be represented at the UN Security Council,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that in the interlinked global community, the repercussions of conflict and instability in other parts of the world have far reaching consequences and affect everyone. 

He told the session that all nations have a responsibility to work for peace, support peacebuilding, and lend every effort to bring an end to conflict and war. 

“As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation, dialogue and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflict. 

“It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. As South Africa, our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible,” he said. 

The President concluded that he looks forward to the second Russia-Africa Summit playing a key role in supporting objectives of African integration, economic growth, peace and common prosperity.

In response to President Ramaphosa's remarks, President Putin said that Russia shares the same views when it comes to the prospects of development of Russia-Africa relations. 

"We are constantly keeping in touch and we will continue to do so, as I have already mentioned, today. We will focus on the situation related to Ukraine," President Putin said. 

On the BRICS summit scheduled to take place in August in South Africa, President Putin wished the summit every success, saying he is confident that the meeting will be held at the highest level. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has, in terms of Section 30C(1)(b), read with section 30C(3) of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 (Act), appointed Naheem Ebrahim Essop as a Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator.

The appointment is for a term of three years and is effective from the date of assumption of duty, which is expected to be 1 August 2023.

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) was established in terms of the Pension Funds Act. The OPFA is required to dispose of complaints lodged in terms of Section 30A(3) of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

Essop holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and is an admitted attorney. He started his career as a candidate attorney in 2004.

Thereafter, he practiced as an attorney from 2006 to 2015. He then joined the Financial Services Board (now the Financial Sector Conduct Authority) as a Specialist Analyst in the Pension Funds Department in 2015, where he worked until 2020.

He is currently a Senior Legal Advisor at the OPFA. Essop is an alternate member-elected trustee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority Pension Fund in which the OPFA participates.

He also serves as the OPFA Deputy Information Officer, registered in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

The Minister would like to congratulate Essop on his appointment to this important position which is crucial in contributing towards the integrity of financial markets and institutions, and the fair treatment of customers by retirement funds and all other stakeholders in the industry. – SAnews.gov.za

 

The Gautrain has announced the provision of a free bus service for ticket holders attending the Springboks Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July 2023.

Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, said the provision of free bus service to rugby fans this weekend, follows a similar initiative during the Nedbank Cup Final, when Gautrain trains and busses were released to ferry spectators to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Hatfield, free of charge. 

“Our provision of these free services is in tandem with and support of the province’s strategy of rebuilding the economy of Gauteng, with big sporting events as a great tool to boost the economy of the province. Gautrain would like to reposition itself as a mobility of choice in the province as we transport people in the province to work, but also places of fun and entertainment,” Kgobe said.

Kgobe emphasised that the free bus transfer from Gautrain Park Station to Emirates Airline Park is only for match ticket holders who travel by Gautrain, and standard train and parking fees will apply.

“The first bus will leave Gautrain Park Station for Emirates Airline Park at 1pm. The last bus will leave Emirates Airline Park for Gautrain Park Station at 8pm. Standard Gautrain rules will apply, including no eating or drinking on the train, bus or at stations,” Kgobe said.

The build-up to match will start at 4pm, with the match starting at 5pm – SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other African Heads of State and Government, were this evening hosted at a Welcome Reception by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

President Ramaphosa is leading a delegation at the second Russia-Africa Summit which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent. 

Delivering his opening remarks, President Putin told the African leaders that he was glad that the Heads of State and Government, leading politicians and statesmen from almost all African countries have arrived in his country.

“This august assembly that gathered in our northern capital is a brilliant testimony of the neutral willingness of Russia and the African continent to reinforce and deepen mutually beneficial ties and contacts. 

“This is also testimony to our real willingness and our joint determination to propel relations between Russia and African countries to renew advanced level in politics, security, economy and the social sphere. 

“We cast an optimistic glance into the future because Russian-African relations are founded upon the indivisible ties of friendship and neutral help that has been accumulated as well as the experience of joined work and our rich history full of events,” he said. 

He highlighted that the Soviet Union provided an important support to African countries in the fight against colonialism, racism and apartheid, adding that Russia will continue to sustain these good traditions.

“It is also worth noting that currently Russia and the African countries are working together advocating a just multipolar world, based on such principles as sovereign equality of countries, non-interference within their domestic affairs, and also respect for the rights of countries to set their own future and of course, our country is going to make a real contribution to settling the current crises and preventing the emergence of new ones,” he said. 

He added that Russia is willing to work for the future, building a genuinely strategic, mutually beneficial partnership.  

African Peace Initiative

Earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with African Heads of State who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the Russia-Ukraine War. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit. 

This meeting precedes the Working Dinner, which the African Peace Initiative will have with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on Friday. 

The Heads of State involved in the peace initiative include President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Union of the Comoros and chairman of the African Union Azali Assoumani, President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso who was represented by  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Claude Gakosso.  

Last month, the seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia in a bid to foster peace between the two countries.  

Following the meeting with the African Heads of State, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt. 

South Africa and Egypt share good diplomatic ties and both countries are part of the African Peace Initiative which is in pursuit of a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine War. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Transformation must take place via opportunities being made available, and not by dismissal or retrenchment of any group, stakeholders in the labour sector say.

This is the message that resonated during a joint workshop with the Department of Employment and Labour and Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the recent amendments to the Employment Equity (EE) Act and setting of EE targets.

The workshop was held in Rustenburg, North West, on Wednesday. 

Employment and Labour Deputy Director of Employment Equity, Niresh Singh, said in implementing employment equity and affirmative action, race alone should not be a qualification, but competence and ability should take priority. 

“Since 1998 when the EE Act was introduced, we are still found wanting when it comes to equity implementation. We need more African and coloured-owned businesses in place. 

“Government needs to put programmes in place. We need to be aggressive, go a step further by empowering women-owned businesses and those owned by people with disabilities,” Singh said. 

Singh was addressing the workshop held under the theme, 'Real transformation makes business sense'.  
 
The department and CCMA are currently conducting the 2023 EE roadshows in the form of national workshops. 

The focus of this year's workshops is to create awareness on the recently promulgated EE amendments, sector targets and regulations.

Singh said the country’s laws in the main are about inclusivity, and acknowledged that there may be “unintended consequences” in implementing the EE plan.

Employers must strive to achieve the Economically Active Population (EAP) stats, among other factors, to deal with underrepresentation of various population groups at the different occupational levels and for people with disabilities, Singh said. 

According to the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE), the EAP is used as a benchmark to assist employers in the analysis of their workforce to determine the degree of under or overrepresentation of the designated groups in the workforce. 

It also guides employers in the setting of numerical goals and targets for the achievement of an equitable and representative workforce. 

In the 22nd CEE report, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) figures showed that in 2021, Africans accounted for 79.4% of the EAP, compared to 9.1% of coloureds; 2.7% Indians and 8.8% whites. 

Singh said it is not an “unreasonable request to ask employers to transform”. 

The EE workshops are targeted at employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, and employees and other interested stakeholders. 

The national series workshops started on 18 July 2023 in Thohoyandou and will end in Durban on 29 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has encouraged young people in rural areas, who want to participate in the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme, to submit their applications before the closing date of 8 August 2023.

NARYSEC, which was established in September 2010, is one of the department’s contributions towards alleviating the high levels of unemployment among young people in rural areas.

NARYSEC is linked to the National Development Plan (Vision 2030) and Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).

The primary objectives of the programme are:
•    Recruiting unemployed rural youth as part of the District Development Model (DDM) and other approved government programmes and initiatives, working with provinces, the private sector, municipalities and local traditional councils.
•    Building the capacity of rural youth through various skills development interventions.
•    Facilitating the transition of the recruited youth to participate in economic activities.
•    Providing post-programme support to youth who have exited the programme and linking them to economic opportunities.

NARYSEC is recruiting for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The two intakes will be in September 2023 to December 2023.

The nature and duration of the skills development opportunities will be determined by the skills requirements of the identified exit opportunities (jobs or enterprise development) that the youth have been recruited for in a specific province and district municipality.

“Skills development opportunities will be provided by public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and agricultural colleges. Recruitment is linked to the priority skills and occupations deemed as critical to the Republic of South Africa, with a specific focus on the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), and priority areas in the Built Environment. 

“Skills development interventions will relate to agricultural production, processing and equipment maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, automotive motor mechanics, construction, welding, pharmacy assistance, phlebotomy, security services, tourism and hospitality and environmental practices, etc.

"Business development and work readiness interventions will be provided in accordance with confirmed economic opportunities,” the DALRRD explained.

Selection criteria

The programme targets unemployed rural youth aged 18 to 35 years old of all demographics.

Youth must be South African citizena residing in a rural area.

The minimum required qualification is Grade 9.

Youth with disabilities and females are encouraged to apply.
 

Application procedure

•    Download the application form from the department's website - www.dalrrd.gov.za.
•    Complete the application form in full and attach the required documents.
•    Submit to the email address allocated to the district you reside in. – SAnews.gov.za

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel today launched the Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund.

This is part of the Energy Mitigation Strategy through the National Energy Crisis Committee. President Cyril Ramaphosa had tasked Invest South Africa to establish an Energy One Stop Shop to deal with and fast track applications from energy developers.

The Energy One Stop Shop is expected to input to the streamlining of regulatory processes required for private investment in electricity generation, facilitate pre-investment screening for all energy projects and thereby fast-track the approval of energy applications.

This is to be achieved through timely intervention on blockages and red tape, and consequently reduce both the time and cost of getting energy projects onto the grid.

The requirement for predictable energy availability has led the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to formulate a series of interventions, including alternative energy generation solutions, storage and efficiency measures aimed at supporting businesses to become energy resilient.

Speaking during the launch, Minister Patel said the Energy One Stop Shop was developed to address a key constraint that energy developers face, namely that the many regulatory and other measures that need to be complied with, can and do slow down approval of energy supply projects.

“The Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund are critical steps towards alleviating the challenges faced by our industries during this energy crisis. We are committed to fostering a resilient business environment and accelerating private-sector investment in electricity generation to secure a stable energy future,” Patel said.

Patel said government is committed to fostering a resilient business environment and accelerating private-sector investment in electricity generation to secure a stable energy future.

“While the Presidency is exploring ways to simplify these processes we have seen that having a dedicated resource available to the private sector, to address blockages, has worked in other parts of the economy.

“It is worth noting that we have also put in place several other instruments to support the energy transition – from new standards on light-bulbs issued in May this year, to exemptions granted to companies to collaborate on both the supply of energy and on demand-measures,” Patel said.

Acting Director-General at the dtic, Susan Mangole: Energy Resilience Fund Launch, said the dtic acknowledges the need to assist businesses in alleviating the impacts of load shedding through the implementation of alternative energy systems or processes.

“To contribute towards easing the impacts, the dtic, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) established a blended funding facility, the Energy Resilience Funds (ERF) to support companies affected by loads shedding,” Mangole said.

Mangole said the support is provided to assist companies with alternative energy solutions including inverters, batteries, related electrical wiring and components, solar energy systems and any other energy efficient interventions.

“The supported alternative energy systems should not have any additional costs to operate. ERF supports any business adversely affected by the energy crisis across all sectors of the economy.

“The alternative energy interventions must be meaningful for a company to largely remain operational in times of loads shedding. Entities supported through this scheme must retain the same number of jobs or increase jobs for the duration of the term of the funding,” Mangole said.

Chief Executive Officer of Energy Council of South Africa James Mckay said South Africa is re-shaping the regulatory landscape to facilitate the energy transition to distributed, decentralised and traded energy.

“There is significant reform still required and the One-Stop-Shop will play a significant role in developing this evolving landscape,” Mckay said.

Mckay said they need all technologies, collaborative partnerships and significant investment.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said it had availed R240 million to be administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) under the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme’s Energy Resilience Fund to support companies through interest-free loans, while R150 million will be dispersed in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to support businesses operating in townships. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi says if all spheres of government work together, unemployment – particularly that of the youth – can be tackled and reduced.

Nxesi was speaking at the Nasi Ispan ("Here is work") mass recruitment programme held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

The programme is the Gauteng Provincial Government’s plan to recruit thousands of youth into State jobs, with nearly 40 000 youth already recruited.

“As the Department of Employment and Labour, we applaud the good work being done by the Gauteng government to find work opportunities for unemployed young people. I believe that with the same level of commitment and ambition across government, we can make an impact on unemployment. If all of us at different spheres of government, in all the provinces, do this, it will be a big dent on unemployment.

National government is expected to join the Nasi Ispani programme and expand it even further.

“We are putting together the training programmes which are targeting the youth and we are saying, it’s not just going to be training. Once you have been trained, you are going to be placed in a job whether it’s in the private sector or in government. Those opportunities are coming.

“The numbers that we are talking about, with all the departments combined…we are talking job opportunities that will be not less than 400 000,” he said.

Nxesi said government remains concerned about South Africa’s unemployment which currently stands at 32.9%.

“Government is very mindful of the unacceptably high rate of unemployment in South Africa and the terrible waste of human talent this represents, both for the individual concerned and for the society as a whole.

“Government takes the view that whilst ultimately, we need economic growth to impact unemployment, government is also an economic actor and a major employer and has a duty to mitigate the high unemployment rate,” he said.

The Minister said government, through programmes similar to Nasi Ispani, is making its own attempts to curtail unemployment.

“You’ve heard about the Presidential Youth Unemployment programme. We remember the thousands of jobs, close to a million, which were created. As the department… we’ve worked with the President to develop the National Pathway Management Network to digitally link young people to the work and training opportunities.

“We have established the national public employment programmes… [such as] the EPWP and CWP. We are now upgrading those programmes, including NARYSEC, which is the youth leadership development programme. It is providing work experience, some training and it’s giving astipend to young participants,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za