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22 July, Johannesburg. The Neighbourhood Square premier convenience shopping centre in Linksfield, Johannesburg, has transferred into the hands of its new owners Flanagan & Gerard Property Group and Burstone Group (JSE: BTN). Burstone Group partnered with retail real estate specialist Flanagan & Gerard to acquire the strategic retail asset, with each owner holding a 50% …
There are advocates who are skilled liars, dissemblers, manipulators and propagandists; they employ the implements of legal practice to bedevil and confuse and dismay - the judiciary and the profession should take action
Provision of basic services top of new administration's agenda
The seventh administration will focus on extending the provision of basic services to those people who still do not have access to basic requirements and improving the reliability and affordability of delivery.
Responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this will require measures to improve the efficiency of local government to deliver on its “crucial” mandate.
President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress in advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) on the provision of basic services, highlighting that 84 percent of South African households now have access to piped water, while 71 percent have access to decent sanitation, and 94 percent of households have access to electricity.
He said Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s determination that all municipalities receive the necessary administrative, technical and financial support for the services to be viable and stable, represents the seventh administration’s clear intention to improve the functioning of municipalities.
“We must address with urgency the governance and oversight challenges at local government level and the serious problem of municipal and consumer debt,” President Ramaphosa said.
WATCH | President Ramaphosa responds to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address
On building and strengthening institutions, President Ramaphosa said government has made significant progress in deepening democracy during the last 30 years of freedom, through safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) are in agreement on the importance of entrenching the country’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“We will continue to exert our every effort to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the media and the work of the institutions supporting democracy. We continue to entrench gender equality across all facets of society, and in promoting the full participation in society of persons with disabilities.
“We have enacted into law the Gender-Based Violence And Femicide (GBVF) Council, which will oversee and coordinate GBV programmes across government and in partnership with all stakeholders,” the President said.
He said an important focus of this work will be women’s economic empowerment, and on leveraging government’s policy of setting aside 40 percent of public procurement for women-owned businesses.
The President also noted that South Africa is a beacon of hope and progress when it comes to the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex (LGBTQI+) community.
“These are all important aspects of our human rights culture,” President Ramaphosa said.
In the same breath, the President acknowledged the challenges that the country still faces. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:56
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses …
SA committed to meeting climate change undertakings
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has assured of South Africa’s commitment to meeting its undertakings under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement.
George said South Africa is working on its second Nationally Determined Contribution, and the country has also committed to updating and submitting its first Biennial Transparency Report.
“We will contribute our fair share and not make false promises that we are unable to keep,” George said.
George was speaking at the Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) Ministerial Meeting held on Sunday, ahead of the 8th Session of the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA) taking place in Wuhan, China.
The Ministers responsible for climate change from the BASIC countries gathered for the bi-annual meeting to discuss key issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP29).
These include the need to finalise the rules around carbon markets, adaptation indicators, the Just Transition Pathways Work Programme, the Mitigation Work Programme, and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on finance.
In his opening remarks, George said South Africa is focused on implementing ambitious actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP).
The implementation of this plan includes actions around electricity, electric vehicles and green hydrogen and, said the Minister, South Africa is interested in partnering with BASIC and other countries towards its implementation.
“The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with some developed countries is only a small component of our much larger energy transition plan, which in turn is only one sector of the all-of-economy and all-of-society just transition we seek in line with the COP28 UAE Vision.
“Our Parliament has adopted a Climate Change Bill [and] since 2011, when we outlined South Africa’s response to climate change in our National Climate Change Response White Paper, we have been putting in place the components of an integrated response. Now, this Bill will integrate all of these components into a robust legal framework, and mainstream climate action across government,” George said.
For South Africa, progress is required in terms of emission reduction obligations, adaptation commitments and the means of implementation “to ensure that we are on track to achieving the 1.5-degree target, and that support for both adaptation and loss and damage will address all likely outcomes”.
The Minister said the country believes that COP29 should enable enhanced, effective and sustained international cooperation on both adaptation and mitigation (equally treated), to achieve the missing ambition in climate actions to date.
“Developed countries’ commitment to providing adequate support to developing countries, is key for the Paris Agreement to be truly applicable to all. The global North should ensure no backtracking on support obligations,” the Minister said.
Ministerial on Climate Action
Meanwhile, MoCA, which is taking place on 22 -23 July 2024, is a key moment for ministers and senior climate diplomats to gather, coming shortly after the UNFCCC intersessional in June.
The meeting will be a chance to elevate sticky issues in climate negotiations to a higher political level.
MoCA is one of the platforms created at the initiative of individual States in support of the UNFCCC negotiations that seeks to identify issues of convergence and divergence at a political level, with a view to bridge building and exploring potential landing zones ahead of the COP.
Convened by China, the European Union (EU) and Canada, MoCA was initiated in 2017 to support the Paris Agreement and the multilateral climate process. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:56
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Phalaborwa farming associations sound the alarm
South Africa welcomes ICJ advisory opinion on Israeli practices
The Government of South Africa has welcomed the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel practices, detailing the legal consequences arising from Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
In its Advisory Opinion, which emanated from a request by the United Nations General Assembly on 30 December 2022, the court unanimously reaffirmed its jurisdiction on the matter, and that the State of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful under international law.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the court was of the view that the effects of Israel’s policies and practices, and its exercise of sovereignty over certain parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, constitute an obstruction to the exercise by the Palestinian people of their right to self-determination.
“This includes Israel’s annexation of parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the fragmentation of this territory, undermining its integrity, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of the enjoyment of the natural resources of the territory and its impairment of the Palestinian people’s right to pursue its economic, social and cultural development,” the department said.
South Africa was amongst 49 Member States of the United Nations, which delivered a statement to the ICJ in February 2024 on the matter.
In summary, the ICJ concluded that:
• The State of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful;
• The State of Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible;
• The State of Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory; the State of Israel has the obligation to make reparation for the damage caused to all the natural or legal persons concerned in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
• All States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the continued presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
• International organisations, including the United Nations, are under an obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and
• The United Nations, and especially the General Assembly, which requested the opinion, and the Security Council, should consider the precise modalities and further action required to bring to an end as rapidly as possible the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Responding to the Court’s Advisory Opinion, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said the ICJ ruling affirms South Africa’s long-standing position that the occupation by Israel of Palestinian territory remains unlawful under international law.
“The international community must act to bring an immediate end to the occupation and the gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people. There is now an additional legal obligation for all States to end complicity in Israel’s illegal actions and to act to ensure respect for international law,” Lamola said.
Lamola said South Africa attaches particular importance to the Court’s finding that Israel is in violation of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which provides that “States Parties particularly condemn racial segregation and apartheid and undertake to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all practices of this nature in territories under their jurisdiction”.
He said the court’s finding reaffirms that the Israeli Government is guilty of practicing the crime of Apartheid.
“As the court put it: The Court observes that Israel’s legislation and measures impose and serve to maintain a near-complete separation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem between the settler and Palestinian communities. For this reason, the Court considers that Israel’s legislation and measures constitute a breach of Article 3 of CERD,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:15
George attends ministerial meetings on climate action in China
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, will on Sunday attend the Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) Ministerial Meeting, ahead of the 8th Session of the Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA) taking place in Wuhan, China.
The Ministers responsible for climate change from the BASIC countries will gather for the bi-annual meeting to discuss key issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP29).
These include the need to finalise the rules around carbon markets, adaptation indicators, the Just Transition Pathways Work Programme, the Mitigation Work Programme, and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on finance.
George emphasised the importance of ensuring a balanced agenda that addresses issues critical to developing countries, and to pressure developed countries to fulfil their commitments.
The BASIC group plays a pivotal role in unifying developing countries and providing leadership in climate negotiations.
“South Africa reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with fellow members of the Global South. We regard the BASIC group as a key strategic platform for articulating and advancing the interests of developing countries towards a more sustainable, just and equitable international order,” George said.
MoCA, which is taking place on 22 -23 July 2024, is one of the platforms created at the initiative of individual States in support of the UNFCCC negotiations that seeks to identify issues of convergence and divergence at a political level, with a view to bridge building and exploring potential landing zones ahead of the COP.
MoCA is convened by China, the European Union (EU) and Canada. It was initiated in 2017 to support the Paris Agreement and the multilateral climate process.
The MoCA in Wuhan is a key moment for ministers and senior climate diplomats to gather, coming shortly after the UNFCCC intersessional in June.
It will be a chance to elevate sticky issues in climate negotiations to a higher political level.
George said such meetings are important because the negotiations often deadlock at the technical level due to geopolitical tensions and the national interests at stake.
South Africa has traditionally played a key role in the UNFCCC process, helping to secure consensus outcomes, including through special co-facilitation, and chairing roles being conferred to successive South African Presidents and Ministers at Climate Summits and COPs over the past two decades.
“I look forward to the frank political discussions on the progress and complexities around implementing the COP 28 outcomes, the role of carbon markets, the new collective quantified goal on climate finance beyond $100 billion per annum to be set at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as other critical negotiations items needed to be addressed,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 13:05
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Pension Funds Amendment Bill which amends pension-related legislation to enable the implementation of the recently legislated two-pot retirement system, geared towards bolstering retirement savings.
The new Pension Funds Amendment Act amends the Pension Funds Act of 1956, the Post and Telecommunications-Related Matters Act of 1958, the Transnet Pension Fund Act of 1990 and the Government Employees Pension Law of 1996.
The law provides for the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit; the appropriate account of a member's interest in the savings; retirement and vested components, and the deductions that may be made.
The Act requires pension funds to amend their rules, adjust their investment portfolios and prepare administrative systems for pension fund members to apply to access portions of their pension funds from 1 September 2024.
This law complements the Revenues Laws Amendment Act, 2024 (Act No. 12 of 2024), which was signed by the President on 11 June 2024.
Government has proposed a reform to the retirement saving regime, which will see the introduction of the “two-pot” retirement system. From the proposed date of 1 September 2024, one-third of retirement contributions will be split into a savings component and two-thirds into a retirement component.
What is in the “savings component” will be available for withdrawal at any time before retirement. The ability to unconditionally access amounts from the “savings component” will be provided without the member having to cease employment or having to resign. A member will be allowed to make a single withdrawal within a year of assessment.
The minimum withdrawal amount is R2 000. The ability to withdraw from the “savings component” will be applicable on a per fund or per contract basis.
Withdrawals from the “savings component” will be added to the individual's taxable income and will be taxed at their marginal tax rates.
Retirement funds will on or soon after 1 September 2024, be required to create another component known as the “retirement component”, which will be housed within the current retirement fund.
Individuals will be required to contribute an amount of two-thirds of the total individual retirement fund contributions to the “retirement component”.
The assets in the “retirement component” will be required to be preserved until retirement (i.e. withdrawals from this component can only be accessed by the member upon retirement as per the fund rules).
Once a member has reached retirement age and retires, the “retirement component” is to be paid in the form of an annuity (including a living annuity).
This dispensation gives members of retirement funds access to retirement savings without having to resign or cash out entire pension funds.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
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High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama met the new South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola at the Service of Thanksgiving celebrating the 30th Year of South Africa's Democracy. The event was hosted by the High Commission of South Africa in London on 16 July 2024 at Westminster Abbey.
High Commissioner Bogollagama and Minister Lamola exchanged views on strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and South Africa as well as ties within the Commonwealth. Both dignitaries expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation and deeper ties between their respective governments.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka.
Court orders eviction at the request of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality
Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery
Ministers responsible for some of the key portfolios in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have welcomed the renewed focus on some crucial areas of service delivery, as the work that lies ahead for the seventh administration was brought into sharp focus on Thursday evening.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) at the Cape Town City Hall, where he provided the details of the programme of action for the new Executive.
The much-anticipated address followed the ushering in of the seventh administration after South Africans voted in the National and Provincial Elections in May. With no outright majority winner, 10 political parties formed a Government of National Unity (GNU), which enjoins all parties to work together for improved service delivery and advanced economic growth.
After the President’s address, some Ministers who spoke to SAnews in the Parliamentary Precinct in Cape Town, reiterated their support for the goals of this administration, which are articulated in the Statement of Intent agreed to by parties to the GNU.
Chief amongst these targets are the pursuit of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty; safeguarding the rights of workers; stabilising government; building State capacity, and pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
President Ramaphosa highlighted a number of projects ranging from essential infrastructure to improved health care – all geared towards better outcomes for citizens and economic development.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina told SAnews that the provision of water is an issue that requires urgent attention.
“We have mega water projects that we have unblocked, such as the Lesotho Highlands Phase 2, which will assist to provide water to Gauteng, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape,” Majodina said.
She reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that projects of such nature become successful in delivering on their mandate, despite the hurdles that arise.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the President’s call for the proper implementation, at local government level, of the indigent policy so that the old, the infirm and the poor get assistance with the payment of basic services.
“This is the outcome of our engagements and discussions, where we agreed on key priorities… to turn things around and pull together. We are also going to look [closely at] municipalities because if they are not stable, there won’t be economic growth,” Hlabisa said.
Improving health outcomes
On the provision of health services, President Ramaphosa once again reassured that through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), government will be able to bring stakeholders together, resolve differences and “clarify misunderstandings”, a sentiment echoed by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
On 15 May 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance Bill into law.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
The NHI Bill seeks to provide universal access to health care services in the country, in accordance with the National Health Insurance White Paper and the Constitution of South Africa.
The Bill envisages the establishment of a National Health Insurance Fund and sets out its powers, functions and governance structures.
Motsoaledi said government intends to ensure that all are treated equally at health facilities.
“As government, we want people to be treated the same. This is what we are striving [for].”
The NHI Bill will also create mechanisms for the equitable, effective and efficient utilisation of the resources of the fund to meet the health needs of users and preclude or limit undesirable, unethical and unlawful practices in relation to the fund. It further seeks to address barriers to access.
The Bill was initially tabled in Parliament and introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Health on 8 August 2019 for processing. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 22:21
CoGTA Minister describes GNU as 'a bold, necessary step in the right direction'
Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised his party’s commitment to a stable and successful Government of National Unity (GNU).
“The GNU is not about politics but about the will of the people for the future of our country. We campaigned and expressed our views to the electorate, but the electorate in response, said ‘work together',” Hlabisa said.
Hlabisa, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, spoke during Friday’s debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).
The debate is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s OPA delivered in Cape Town on Thursday, where he outlined government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years.
Hlabisa told Members of Parliament (MPs) that his party will continue in their founder’s footsteps, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who spoke “loudly” on behalf of the people.
“We will continue to play that role constructively in the GNU for the good of our country,” he said.
He described the GNU as a bold and necessary step in the right direction.
“We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself and the future of our generation and the generations to come.
“The real way of changing the lived reality of every South African must proceed with the utmost haste. The change voters demand must be practically seen, felt and experienced in the next few months.”
Hlabisa welcomed the plan laid out yesterday evening by President Ramaphosa.
He is of the view that the President’s OPA opened a new chapter for the country under the collective wisdom, skills and capabilities of leaders who chose to work together for the sake of the people of South Africa.
Municipalities
The IFP has welcomed the position taken by the President about reviewing the Municipal Funding Model to ensure that municipalities become fully functional.
Hlabisa is of the view that this marks a turning point in the country’s 30-year history.
“The IFP believes that local government is a critical sphere of government to impact development and change in the lives of the people of South Africa.”
As the Minister of CoGTA, Hlabisa said he was determined to see all municipalities receive the administrative, technical and financial support needed to become viable, stable, and able to deliver and maintain infrastructure.
He took the time to thank the President for his commitment to appoint political champions of the District Development Model (DDM) to fast-track the “one-plan” solution.
“With the DDM institutionalised, champions working tirelessly and CoGTA playing its role, we will ensure that every municipality works.”
Hlabisa said his party will also champion the interests of and deepen working partnerships with traditional and Khoi San leaders as they play a key role in a stable democracy.
Disaster management
The Minister touched on climate change, which has necessitated a new approach to disaster management that is proactive, less bureaucratic and timeous.
He also spoke about the devastation that has engulfed the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal residents following the floods and wildfire.
“The IFP is committed to the continued development of a new approach in dealing with disaster management.”
He stated that the GNU must be seen to be responsive, empowering and a force for good.
“It must work, as the IFP has always done, hand in hand with the people.”
In addition, he said his party was committed to a national dialogue to address social cohesion, landlessness and the growing gap between the rich and poor.
“We are committed to creating a stable GNU, that is responsive and delivers. This is our commitment to South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 12:58
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GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has provided an opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa.
Speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to debate the President’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Steenhuisen reiterated that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), joined the Government of National Unity because it wants to play its part to build South Africa.
Steenhuisen said the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which necessitated the creation of a multiparty government, offers the country a powerful opportunity to carve a new path.
“The recent expanded Cabinet Lekgotla has given us the key ingredients we need to accelerate growth and private sector investment in our economy. The Government of National Unity has identified rapid and inclusive growth to create jobs as our apex priority,” Steenhuisen said.
To achieve this, he said the GNU has committed to a responsible fiscal path that reduces the national debt in order to free up resources for productive investments.
“The planned review of sector master plans to identify obstacles to growth, the emphasis on increasing our focus on exports, and our shared commitment to slashing red tape to crowd-in private sector investment, gives us the key ingredients we need to succeed,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address on the policy interventions to expand the basket of food items exempt from VAT, to review and reduce the fuel price, to prevent undue political interference in the public service, and to set up specialised policing units to fight violent crime and the construction mafia.
“These policy changes are ones that the DA has long advocated for, and they will make a meaningful impact on reducing the cost of living, enhancing the capacity of the state, and tackling the violent crime that plagues too many of our communities,” Steenhuisen said.
While the Government of National Unity has met the requirement for sufficient consensus as outlined in the Statement of Intent on some key matters of economic policy, Steenhuisen acknowledged that there are still areas of divergence that require attention.
These include the need for universal health coverage, which he said has serious problems of corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector.
“The National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form does not do enough to address these problems... The same goes for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill and some other initiatives.
“However, in all of these areas of divergence, I am convinced that we can find a way forward. It will require us to be honest about disagreements where they do exist, and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions,” Steenhuisen said.
Steenhuisen maintained that if the Government of National Unity succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, “then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all”.
“This Government of National Unity reflects the will of the people, who have told us loud and clear that they want an end to single party domination in favour of multiparty cooperation. The DA, alongside our partners, have heeded that call, and we have put forward our best weaver birds to help build South Africa,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 13:28
The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President
Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Minister Parks Tau says his department's mandate is clear in that it will work to support and enhance the programmes instructively outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Opening of Parliament Address in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
“This is important, especially if we calculate the costs of poverty which constitutes 60 percent of the National Budget,” Tau said.
Responding to the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Tau said the reality is that government has to adopt a mission-oriented approach to industrial policy and strategy.
“As such, we must implement with laser focus, the programme of priorities outlined in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to benefit all South Africans, most particularly, women, the youth majority and people with disabilities,” Tau said.
He said if government does not implement the priorities of social justice, and poverty alleviation, then the nation-building and social cohesion projects will remain an elusive ideal.
“In line with what the President said 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.
Tau said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others.
He said smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles.
“As you know, in February this year, the Minister of Finance announced that the government will introduce an investment allowance for new investments. This will see producers having the opportunity to claim 150 percent of qualifying investment expenditure on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles within the initial year.
“On structural transformation relating to B-BBEE, the dtic group will use the public procurement regime to advance B-BBEE and SMMEs. We will work with National Treasury to ensure that the Procurement Bill, under consideration by the President is implemented,” Tau said.
The Minister said government is aware that the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) elements of the B-BBEE Codes have the potential to raise several billions from the private sector.
“Therefore, working closely with the B-BBEE Commission in monitoring the contributions of the ESD, black industrialists and SMMEs will benefit from such financial contributions.
“Our common prosperity is contingent on building a better life for all, and not for some. In line with what the President said, the DTIC group will refocus on industrialisation in a targeted manner using available policy instruments.
“Our message to our SADC partners is a call-to-action for a united effort to promote regional industrialisation. This will leverage South Africa’s trade with Africa which has increased significantly, growing from just over R343 billion in 2019, to just under R547 billion in 2023,” Tau said.
In his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government had decided to place inclusive economic growth at the centre of the work of the Government of National Unity and at the top of the national agenda.
“The Government of National Unity will pursue every action that contributes to sustainable, rapid economic growth and remove every obstacle that stands in the way of growth,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 15:33
17 July 2024, Johannesburg: As the nation grapples with ongoing stark inequalities, pervasive poverty and a dire youth unemployment rate, Afrika Tikkun, a leading youth development non-profit organisation, marks its 30-year legacy of creating holistic development, sustainable impact and tackling South Africa’s (SA’s) entrenched socio-economic disparities to foster an equitable society for all. The country’s …
LG Electronics (LG) (www.LG.com) has announced its new campaign of short videos under the “Life's Good” brand slogan, titled Get More Care, following the success of previous themes “Get More Love” and “Get More Magic”, aimed at highlighting how LG products enable small gestures of love and care among family members so that they can enjoy true “Life's Good” moments amidst unforgettable experiences.
Throughout the video series, LG will showcase those sometimes unnoticed loving moments experienced in the home while shining a subtle light on how its products enhance everyday lives through the brand's innovative technology intricately interwoven into its customers' everyday lives, by chasing their vicarious football dreams, or simply following their favourite teams in 4K clarity.
A key highlight of the campaign is the immersive family viewing experience provided by LG's groundbreaking OLED screens – such as the LG Signature OLED M3 4K Smart TV, offering a portal to new universes. With unparalleled picture quality and vivid colours, and sound refinements of α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, LG OLED screens transform an otherwise ordinary viewing into an unforgettable experience of resplendent immersion, bringing families closer together.
Additionally, the campaign will showcase the convenience of LG's WebOS, a smart platform that offers seamless access to a wide range of entertainment options and smart home features. Whether it's finding the perfect movie or the latest TV shows for family night, explore a vast array of content with built-in streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV+. LG's intuitive WebOS interface also means receiving personalised sports updates and tailored content recommendations is as easy as accessing further built-in apps like Music and Sports, making family time entertainment effortless and enjoyable.
The cutting-edge InstaView knock-knock feature is another standout in the campaign, perfect for revealing those sometimes-hidden signs of love. This technology, available on LG's latest refrigerators, allows users to see inside with a simple knock, making meal preparation more interactive and fun. Families can easily decide what to cook from the fridge without opening a door.
“We are excited to introduce ‘Get More Care' as our new brand campaign,” said Elena Yiallouris, Corporate & PR Marketing Specialist at LG Electronics South Africa. “Through these heartwarming short films, we aim to show how our products make everyday moments more special and meaningful. At LG, we believe that technology should enhance the way we care for each other, and this campaign perfectly encapsulates LG's ‘Life's Good' vision.”
LG's commitment to human-centered innovation and user-centric design is at the forefront of this campaign, demonstrating how the company's products contribute to a more connected and caring lifestyle. By showcasing the practical benefits and emotional value of LG's technology, “Get More Care” aims to resonate with families across the region.
The four-episode Get More Care video campaign, which launches in July, showcases fun and touching stories in the home, and ties in effortlessly with LG's brand direction and visual identity, while maintaining and reiterating the brand's core values of ‘Uncompromised Customer Experience', ‘Human-centered Innovation', and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile'.
To learn more about LG's campaign, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3W3dRHK.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG's four companies - Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions - combined for global revenue of over KRW 84 trillion in 2023. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.
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Help for struggling municipalities
To achieve rapid and inclusive growth, South Africa must address struggling municipalities and appoint qualified professionals to top positions.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered a televised Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday evening.
“Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work,” the President said.
The Head of State took the time to outline the government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years in a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament.
The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year following the May 29 General Elections.
President Ramaphosa said municipalities should provide social services and promote inclusive economic growth.
“They must work to attract investment. This approach can encourage businesses to expand and create more jobs in municipal areas. Investors are attracted to areas with reliable and modern infrastructure.”
eThekwini municipality
The President also spoke at length about the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which is currently under the Presidential Working Group, to enhance support from the national and provincial government and turn the metro around.
“When I visited eThekwini earlier this year, I met with residents of the city, with local business leaders and municipal officials. They told me that they wanted to work together to build a city that they could be proud of again.”
He said the group was working around the clock to fix the problems in water and sanitation to attract new investment.
“We will extend the same approach to other metropolitan cities that face serious challenges so that our cities can be engines of growth and dynamic centres of opportunity.
“eThekwini must be restored to its former glory,” he stressed.
Simplifying and speeding up planning and regulatory processes can make it easier for businesses to invest and operate in a municipality, thus creating more jobs.
“As the national government, we have both a Constitutional responsibility and a clear electoral mandate to assist municipalities in the effective exercise of their powers and functions.
“We will ensure that the institutional structure and funding model for local government is fit-for-purpose and that municipalities are financially and operationally sustainable.”
Qualified professionals
In addition, the President assured South Africa that government will ensure the appointment of capable, qualified people to senior positions in municipalities as well as independent regulation and oversight of the appointment process.
“As an immediate priority, we will bring stability to governance in our metros and restore the delivery of services. We have already begun this work,” he said.
On Tuesday, newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the seventh administration was committed to working towards turning around dysfunctional municipalities.
Hlabisa used his Budget Vote Speech to acknowledge some of the challenges faced by local municipalities.
He said the department will continue to implement and enforce compliance with Municipal Support and Intervention Plans (MSIPs) and employ financial recovery plans in distressed municipalities.
The Minister said the current leadership plans to prioritise five additional municipalities that are in severe financial and governance distress which has negatively impacted service delivery.
Some of the five additional municipalities that will receive attention include Ditsobotla in the North West, Kopanong and Mafube in the Free State, Emfuleni in Gauteng and Thabazimbi in Limpopo. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:00