KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Seminars Kick-Off With A Vision For The Future
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Seminars, starting with Mpumalanga on...
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Wendy Houses from Wendys Online
Introduction When it comes to versatile and durable wooden structures, Wendys Online stands out as a leading provider in Gauteng. Offering a wide range of wooden Wendy houses, the company has established a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. This article delves into the offerings of Wendys Online, highlighting their commitment to …
Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the sentence imposed on a former Home Affairs official by the Durban Commercial Crime Court.
Judy Zuma was sentenced to an effective 12 years imprisonment this week. She was part of a syndicate which delivered fraudulent passports for reward to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.
The Minister described the sentence as a breakthrough in the fight against organised corruption.
“The message sent by this conviction is crystal clear: if you engage in corruption, we will find you and we will pursue you until you are locked up. We will not rest until we have cleansed the scourge of corruption from the face of Home Affairs,” Schreiber said.
The Minister said the sentence must signal a new culture of zero-tolerance towards corruption.
“The fight against corruption in this department, as demonstrated by the serious nature of the issues raised in this case, is particularly urgent given that Home Affairs sits at the heart of our national security apparatus,” Schreiber said.
The sentence imposed on Zuma translates into an effective 12 years of direct imprisonment, with another 24 years suspended.
She was originally arrested in a sting operation after she tried to bribe a Home Affairs Counter Corruption officer with R10 000.
The court confirmed that Zuma, who was convicted for multiple offences, was part of a syndicate issuing fraudulent passports to foreign nationals who did not qualify for the documents.
Zuma was found to have processed 192 passports between 28 May and 12 June 2021 for foreign nationals who did not qualify to have them. She was paid R4 000 for each passport. She left the department in December 2021, following an internal disciplinary process.
The department said all the affected passports have been red-flagged, meaning that anyone who tries to use these fraudulent documents at a port of entry will be immediately arrested.
“So far, two foreign nationals have already been locked away, serving time for their involvement in this corrupt scheme. Another two were sentenced to four years imprisonment [on Friday],” said the department.
To improve the security of travel documents, the department in 2022 introduced a requirement that passports be activated via fingerprints at the office of application. This means that passports can only be used after the owner has validated them with their own fingerprints.
It is alleged that Zuma was recruited into this scheme by another former Home Affairs official, Zima Shange, who was sentenced to an effective 10 years imprisonment in October 2023.
The Minister said the crackdown on both officials and foreign nationals involved in the syndicate strengthened his resolve to support the work of the Counter-Corruption Branch of the department as the successful convictions demonstrate that the “cancer of corruption can be defeated”.
“I am repulsed by the actions of Zuma and other members of such syndicates, who cheapen our documents, threaten our security, and undermine the work done by committed Home Affairs officials,” Schreiber said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 08/04/2024 - 12:25
2 views
Friendship Fuel: 4 Epic Reasons to Book That Overdue Friends-Only Getaway
“Friends are vitamins for a hopeful soul and medicine for a broken heart.” — Steve Maraboli, Author and Award-Winning Philanthropist. Muffled laughter during late-night chats, a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the thrill of a shared adventure – that’s the magic of friendship. It’s about those people who just ‘get you’, no explanations …
FUTURELIFE® adds Granola Crunch Zero to its Zero Added Sugar Range
Experience the deliciousness without the guilt – the perfect choice for the health-savvy consumer FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s leading functional food brand has launched the latest addition to its popular Granola Crunch range, Granola Crunch Zero. Designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking a delicious, versatile breakfast or snack option, this new variant sets itself apart …
How we know a new medicine is so effective at preventing HIV transmission
There was not a single HIV transmission in a clinical trial in which women volunteers used the twice-yearly injectable drug lenacapavir
Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)
African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).
ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.
Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.
“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.
“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.
Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”
The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.
SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com
Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
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Work opportunities and training for unemployed people, says North West Premier
Work opportunities and training for unemployed people, says North West Premier
Youth empowerment will be one of the apex priorities of the seventh administration, says North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi.
He announced on Friday that the provincial government was working towards implementing the Labour Activation Plan that will result in 27 000 work opportunities and training to unemployed people with the focus being the youth.
“Through the National Youth Service Fund, we will implement training and skills development opportunities that will benefit over 1 200 young people at the Departments of Public Works and Roads, Social Development, Human Settlement as well as Arts, Culture Sports, and Recreation,” he told the media.
Mokgosi was speaking during the Provincial Annual Media Day launch in Mahikeng.
Currently, he said, the administration is investigating a new model for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to ensure that this programme assists young people with various skills.
The Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme will also be resuscitated and that the grant will fund no less than 100 students for the 2025 academic year.
Service delivery
The Premier acknowledged that the province was confronted with many challenges and said they would work hard to “speedily” resolve them.
Mokgosi highlighted the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme - Thuntsha Lerole - which he believes has proven to be an important instrument in expediting the provision of services in municipalities.
“We are ramping up the programme with the implementation of phase four whose focus will be on accountability to allow members of the public to give feedback and report cases of bad or lack of service delivery.
“As mentioned during the address last week, the Executive Council will not hesitate to intervene in any municipality if the situation requires such intervention. There are promising signs of improvements in several interventions already being implemented across municipalities,” he explained.
The province was also working around the clock to create economic opportunities for its citizens as they attend to service delivery concerns.
Through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), they have so far garnered investment commitments to the tune of R164 billion that will create over 5 000 jobs.
He said they will be rolling out three mega infrastructure projects in water, sanitation, and road infrastructure in the City of Matlosana, J.B Marks and Maquassi Hills local municipalities.
These projects will cost R19 billion and are expected to create over 60 000 work opportunities targeted at the youth and women.
In addition, through the Growth and Developmental Strategy (GDS), Mokgosi said they will initiate the North West Development Fund (NWDF) in partnership with the private sector.
“The setting up of the fund will be arranged in a way that will ensure good governance principles are adhered to whilst ensuring that there are as few impediments as possible to ensure seamless delivery of programmes and projects.”
He announced that the fund will help resuscitate the province’s ailing tourism sector particularly, provincial parks as well as the refurbishment of the George Dick Montshioa and Pilanesberg Airports.
Media Day
The Premier announced that a Media Day will be held annually after the Premier’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) to communicate developmental initiatives of the administration as well as interventions on various socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty and income inequalities afflicting our communities.
His Office will also hold quarterly media sessions to report progress registered in attending to several challenges, remedial action plans and achievements.
“The media plays an important role in keeping our communities abreast of key government programmes that are primarily aimed at changing the lives of our people for the better.
“We affirm and fully support the independence of the media to hold government accountable as enshrined in our Constitution.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:10
281 views
Nespresso And Chef Mory Sacko Unveil Master Origins Zambia, A New Co-Created Coffee Celebrating Zambia
Johannesburg, July, 2024 – Nespresso South Africa is proud to announce the launch of a new coffee in the Master Origins Collection: MASTER ORIGINS ZAMBIA. Zambia’s altitude, proximity to the equator, and plentiful freshwater sources in the northern province make it ideal for cultivating the finest Arabica coffee. The exceptional terroir produces a coffee with …
Have your say! The V&A Waterfront is calling on members of the public to crown their top eatery or store – and stand a chance to win!
At the water’s edge, where visitors from near and far gather for an unparalleled retail experience, public opinion is paramount. The V&A Waterfront would not be the inclusive, accessible neighbourhood it is without the support of its visitors, which is why this year’s new Neighbourhood Retail Tenant Awards are turning to the people who matter …
iSchoolAfrica Education Trust Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Education in South Africa
On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world's best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth.
iSchoolAfrica's 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability.
The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads' Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support.
By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students.
“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we've achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners' futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica.
Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa's youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all.
Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica's endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.
Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”
Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Key Educational Programmes
iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include:
1. Early Learning
Recognising the critical importance of a child's early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities.
2. Numeracy and Literacy
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa's literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.
3. Disability and Inclusion
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients' education during treatment.
“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School.
4. Coding and Robotics
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs.
“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa's youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.
NOTE TO EDITORS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.
Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women's Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion
Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker
Marine Protected Areas: Protection from whom?
Subsistence fishers battle for permission to fish while illegal fishing boats plunder our oceans
Empowering digital tools for your job search
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
Joburg community plays cat-and-mouse with City Power over illegal connections
City Power technicians removed over 18,000 kilogrammes of illegal wiring on Wednesday. But minutes after they left, people were seen making new electricity connections
Women in Wine launches exclusive range at Shoprite
Women in Wine, a small enterprise in South Africa fully owned, controlled, and managed by a broad base of women, has uncorked a new range of wines exclusively available at Shoprite and Shoprite LiquorShops nationwide. Beverly Farmer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Women in Wine, says the partnership with Shoprite goes beyond just making …
PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced the introduction of the new blue and white modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the Central Line, along with the extension of the service from Nyanga to Mandalay station in the Western Cape.
This marks a significant milestone as this is the first time PRASA deploys the “People’s Train” on this corridor, following the completion of essential electrical and perway infrastructure between Nyanga and Nolungile.
Communities along the Central Line, now join many who have enjoyed the service using the new high-tech modern trains in other corridors. These state-of-the-art trains are equipped with advanced features such as automated doors, CCTV cameras, and air-conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and secure trip for all passengers.
“In addition to the new trains, the completion of signalling from Langa to Mutual Line marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of our services. Work to re-signal the rest of the Central corridor continues. This modern signaling system will not only improve the frequency and punctuality of our trains but will also reduce delays and congestion,” PRASA said on Thursday.
READ | PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains
The rollout of the new trains and the advanced signalling system shows the agency’s commitment to revitalising and modernising commuter rail services.
“This important development in the region ensures we offer a safe, efficient, and dignified service to the 40% of Cape Town's commuters who rely on this key route. Extending the service on the Central Line to Mandalay station is expected to bring positive socio-economic benefits to the communities of Langa, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and other areas along the line.
“This notable development builds on PRASA’s recent achievements, including the reopening of 31 out of 40 commuter rail corridors and the refurbishment of 263 out of 463 stations,” PRASA said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 13:21
240 views
Generated AI Actors To Disrupt SA Marketing
July 31, 2024 – South Africa: AI has broken a new barrier of imagination on the continent of Africa this week. Immersive Fox, led by software engineer, entrepreneur and former Tech Lead at Meta, Alisa Patotskaya, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking AI-driven world’s fastest text-to-video AI actor technology in South Africa. C-suite decision …
Verreynne And Brand To Lead SA ‘A’ Squads Against Sri Lanka A
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the 15-player South Africa A (SA ‘A) squads for the multi-format tour...
Stay Fit and Fabulous: Join Hyde Park Corner’s sunrise Yoga sessions this Women’s Month!
Find your zen at Hyde Park Corner, where the spotlight is on self-care this Women’s Month. Made to Move sunrise Yoga sessions are the perfect opportunity to show yourself some love and celebrate Women’s Month with wellness and joy! Every Saturday from 3 August to 31 August, join us for a rejuvenating morning of yoga, …
SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy
SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says it is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth and export-oriented economy.
To this end, the department will support local industries to increase their manufacturing capacity and volumes, enhance their competitiveness and identify suitable export markets for their manufactured products.
Whitfield was speaking during a debate on the Budget Vote of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Tuesday.
“It is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth.
“Manufacturing is indeed less volatile and less vulnerable to economic downturns and will create real, sustainable and decent paying jobs for our people.
“South Africa must also create an export-oriented economy. A dedicated focus on manufacturing growth will also lead to export growth,” he said.
Whitfield said one of the dtic’s key focus areas under the new administration will be a renewed export drive to lower the risk of slow domestic growth, while also identifying high growth opportunities.
“The creation of an export-oriented economy can be realised through a dedicated focus on implementing measures to boost the competitiveness of local industries in global markets, streamlining export processes, lowering trade barriers, offering financial and technical assistance to exporters and cultivating beneficial trade alliances with other nations,” explained Whitfield.
He said South Africa’s exports in May this year totalled over R178 billion and the country recorded a trade surplus of over R20 billion, significantly higher than forecast, and the widest trade surplus in six months.
“This is commendable and illustrates the important contribution that exports can make to our fiscus. We will support local industries by building a supportive and competitive ecosystem to drive manufacturing growth.
“We will also identify intermediate goods that could make our manufacturers more competitive; as well as identify products that we produce competitively and the markets that consume those products in large and/or growing volumes,” Whitfield said.
Earlier this month, dtic Minister Parks Tau reiterated the commitment to “smart industrial policy”, which will support the successful implementation of government’s development imperatives.
READ | The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President
“In line with what the President said [during the Opening of Parliament Address] when talking about smart industrial policy, the dtic group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail and agro-processing sectors.
“Smart industrial policy speaks to underlining beneficiation and export-led growth. It highlights the imperatives of the Public Procurement Act that will complement the essential legislative tools to unlock localisation and transformation.
“Every year the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, it is also out of sync with our developmental needs,” Tau said.
The Minister said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others. He noted that smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:31
344 views
dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act
dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday.
Tau was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the debate on his department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday.
“In the spirit of transparency and in the hopes that we further improve the ease of doing business, we welcome President Ramaphosa’s ascension to the Companies Amendment Act. The Act aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that our company law is consistent with well-established principles that are not over-burdensome on businesses,” he said.
Tau said the new Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand, as well as addressing public concerns regarding high levels of inequality in society.
“The Act will go a long way in ensuring adherence to sound corporate governance, accountability and transparency, and that directors carry their duties with integrity and care,” he said.
READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
Tau also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Climate Change Bill into law, saying that all South Africans needed to celebrate its ascension.
The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The signing of the law came at an opportune moment because as the department, we had already taken significant steps towards identifying opportunities in industrial decarbonisation and manufacturing of green products for both local and export markets,” he said.
The Act makes provision for an active role by provinces and municipalities in coordinating the country’s climate change responses, as well as setting emissions targets for manufacturing and related sectors.
“In this regard, our department has developed the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which will be implemented.
“In the next few weeks, we will be meeting with provinces and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to map these out further and ensure that we all channel our energies towards building a greener and climate-resilient South African economy,” Tau said.
During his speech, Tau said the department will accelerate the roll out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme in order to achieve better spatial equity.
“Fortunately, there are local success stories we can learn from to accelerate the SEZ model in other under-serviced areas,” he said.
He cited the Coega Industrial Development Zone, which is presently home to 63 firms, employing approximately 10 000 people and with cumulative investments of about R11.5 billion.
Tau told the NCOP that his administration will ensure that industrial opportunities resulting from policy, regulatory and private-sector decisions were maximised to enable manufacturing-led growth.
“Manufacturing induces or catalyses growth and jobs in upstream and downstream sectors. These jobs are typically permanent, pay relatively decent wages and provide workers with sustainable careers. And as you would agree, these jobs offer a sense of dignity to our citizens and communities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:42
207 views
President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill
President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill has been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the Presidency, the new law is aimed at “affirming the institutional and operational independence” of IPID and empowers the directorate to “investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers, whether they were off duty or not”.
“The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
“This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter, which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight,” the Presidency said.
The newly assented to law also amends provisions in certain appointments, what the IPID can investigate and savings provisions for officials working in that office.
This includes:
- The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director’s responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters.
- The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.
- The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
- IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
- The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.
“The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.
“The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 15:21
164 views
President Ramaphosa assents to Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation affirming the institutional and operational independence of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and empowering IPID to investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers whether they were off duty or not.
The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.
The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters.
The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight.
The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director's responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters.
The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.
The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.