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New Hotel Managers and Executive Chef set to enhance guest experience Africa, June 2024: Minor Hotels, an international hotel owner, operator, and investor with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas, is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional new Hotel …
Biometric identification has been introduced to fight fraud, says agency
International community looks forward to working with new administration
International and local guests who have travelled far and wide for the Presidential inauguration have started to fill the Union Buildings Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre to witness President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa take the oath of office.
The Union Buildings is a hive of activity with ordinary citizens and national and foreign dignitaries, including Heads of State and government.
Top politicians, including party leaders have already arrived, along with former Presidents who are expected to join the proceedings.
The Union Buildings is awash with South African flags for the occasion, as emotions run high for some attendees who are here to observe the ushering in of the seventh administration since the dawn of democracy.
President-elect Ramaphosa was re-elected to serve for the second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections of 29 May where he won 283 votes, against the Economic Freedom Fighters’ leader Julius Malema who received 44 votes.
The Union Buildings, which serve as the official seat of the South African government and houses the offices of the President of South Africa, evokes a sense of excitement and hope.
Diplomatic relations
The United States of America’s Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety described the Presidential inauguration as “historic”.
“It’s a great honour to be here on this historic day for the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and the beginning of the seventh administration,” he told SAnews on Wednesday.
Brigety stated that the relationship between the United States and South Africa is strong - adding that he hopes to emphasise several things even more this year.
The ambassador expressed anticipation for the 'Atlanta Phambili' initiative, aimed at advancing the positive bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa.
“It will take advantage of the rich ecosystem that the US city, Atlanta, brings; to advancing our affirmative agenda at everything from healthcare, trade and investment, job creation and so on. So, we wish the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nation of the people of South Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, Swedish Ambassador to South Africa, Hakan Juholt, expressed his excitement about attending the President-elect’s swearing-in ceremony.
“We were together with the people of South Africa fighting for democracy and now we’re together celebrating democracy.”
He believes that the solutions to today’s diverse problems can be found through collaboration between and within nations.
“This new coalition that we’re looking forward to meeting... This is something that the rest of the world will look into and learn from. This is an exciting day, and we think, from Sweden, an old democracy, that South Africa has shown how mature this young democracy is. We’re very proud to be close friends to the people of South Africa,” he said in an interview with SAnews.
Measures in place and programme of the day
A stone’s throw away, at the South Lawns, crowds are still pouring into the capital to welcome their new President.
Some hundreds of law enforcement officers are stationed in Pretoria with roads in the centre of the city locked down.
With the extensive security measures put in place, the ceremony will feature musical performances from the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and a congratulatory praise poem by Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga.
The South Africa National Defence Forces’ Chaplain General, Brigadier Ernest Thabo Masweu, will lead interfaith prayers.
President-elect Ramaphosa is expected to take the stage just after 11 am.
The guests will join in the national anthem followed by the salute flight and 21-round gun salute before the President-elect takes his oath and delivers the much-anticipated inaugural speech. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:30
Government of National Unity: A moment of profound significance
19 June 2024 is by no means an ordinary day in the collective landscape of South Africa. With President Cyril Ramaphosa having taken his Oath of Office, marking the start of the seventh administration, the country is now firmly in the fold of the creation of a Government of National Unity.
The recently concluded 29 May National and Provincial Elections, while having been conducted in a manner that has been deemed free and fair by the South African Human Rights Commission, among others, demonstrated the maturity of South Africa's democracy since its early steps in 1994. Even though the outcomes of the first democratic election made clear the resounding message of the masses, who had long battled for the right of political and societal agency, a Government of National Unity was formed to help the fragile populace to navigate the treacherous waters of a nation that was new to inclusivity.
While this year's General Election results produced no outright majority winner, the requirement for leaders of different formations to work together is not too unsimilar to what the country had to do to find its way at the inception of democracy. Today, leaders are required to carve a new path, one where cooperation amongst parties with different views have come together, and continue to do so, united in the single purpose of providing citizens with services that are aimed at improving their quality of life and building a sense of national solidarity.
Addressing the public in his inaugural speech, and essentially the world at large who had been following developments in the country, President Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the formation of the Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.
“It is the beginning of a new era,” President Ramaphosa said at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
He said the Government of National Unity requires a common mission, which is anchored in safeguarding national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.
“Through the ballots that they have cast, the people of South Africa have made plain their expectation that the leaders of our country should work together."
President Ramaphosa said the people of South Africa have directed their representatives to put aside animosity and dissent, to abandon narrow interests and to pursue together only that which benefits the nation.
“As leaders, as political parties, we are called upon to work in partnership towards a growing economy, better jobs, safer communities and a government that works for its people.”
President Ramaphosa said from across the political spectrum, parties have answered that call.
“Understanding that no party can govern alone and make laws alone, these parties have agreed to work in partnership, to employ their talents for the good of the country and the progress of its people.
“Together, they have resolved to establish a government of national unity to pursue a common programme of fundamental and lasting change.
“As the leaders of this country came together in a Government of National Unity 30 years ago to forge a common future and build a united nation, the parties in the government of national unity of today have agreed to work together to address the most pressing challenges before our nation,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the parties have adopted a Statement of Intent, in which they have committed to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to create a more just society by tackling poverty, to safeguard the rights of workers, to stabilise government and to build state capacity and to pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
“As South Africans, we must each do what we can to achieve this mission. We will invite all parties, civil society, labour, business and other formations to a National Dialogue on the critical challenges facing the nation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the parties have made a commitment to invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care, to address crime and corruption, to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation and the will of the people shall be done without any doubt or question.
“The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone.
“We will seek, as we have done at so many important moments in our history, to forge a social compact to realise the aspirations of our National Development Plan.
“As individuals, as families, as communities and in our many formations, let us draw on our every strength to turn our dream for a better South African into reality,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 13:43
South African countries performed well on their financial inclusion, between 2011 and 2021. Progress is partly attributed to rapid adoption of digital financial services including mobile money, according to financial experts at a webinar on the African Financial Sector Southern Africa.
Organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the webinar is part of a Series themed, Regional Dialogues on the African Financial Sector - regional profile.
The aim of the regional profiles is to provide detailed information on the countries' financial sectors, documenting recent trends, progress, challenges, and opportunities for a deeper financial sector.
In her opening remarks Eunice Kamwendo, ECA's Director of the Subregional Office for Southern Africa noted the potential for growth, innovation and sustainable investments in the financial sector in Southern Africa.
“Southern African region's financial sector faces financial challenges that include liquidity issues, debt distress, limited access to financial services, high levels of informality and regulatory constraints; Despite these challenges, it is important to prioritize the development of the financial sector to create stability, mobilize domestic resources and foster a stable environment for investment,” said Ms. Kamwendo.
Presenting a report on the demographic economic landscape of the Southern African region, Andrew Bamugye, Senior investment manager SME, Trade and Development Bank said the banking sector in Southern Africa has remained solvent with adequate capital; banking liquidity remained sufficient, with most banks seeing profitability between 2021 and 2023.
“The challenge in the banking industry in the region is the strong interconnection between the banking system and non – banking financial institutions and foreign markets, which leads to the risk of contagion,” said Mr. Bamugye.
He proposed that governments should increase fiscal space by expanding government revenues through diversification of the tax base and simplification of tax systems to reduce the exposure of banks to sovereign risks.
Punki Modise, Chief strategy and sustainability officer, ABSA Bank highlighted the varying levels of debt to GDP ratios across African countries and noted that some countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt have adopted unsustainable debt strategies. She also emphasized the importance of project preparation and bankability in the private sector.
“Authorities should enhance competition in the banking systems through the promotion of new players especially those that help to improve financial inclusion,” she said.
In addition, she said banks operating in Africa need to have a more end-to-end approach to risk management, considering bankability at all stages.
On capital markets most countries in the Southern African region have a low market capitalization. The Johannesburg stock exchange, which is the leading stock exchange in Africa has a market capitalization of $1022.8 trillion representing 133% of GDP in 2023, against 51.9% of Mauritius and 18.6% of Namibia.
A lack of liquidity characterizes the bulk of the South African stock market and the breadth of the stock market in the region remains limited.
Furthermore, a small, listed number of companies and corporate bonds tend to dominate the fixed income market while the proportion of government bonds in the normal value is much higher.
“A deeper pool of insurers is required for the acceleration of green bonds growth in the region especially among corporate borrowers,” said Mr. Bamugye.
According to the experts attending the meeting, the pension fund penetration remains low in most Southern African countries. However, the high pension penetration rate in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana were the result of good investment returns on the funds, based on a diversified investment strategy coupled with a strong asset allocation process,
Bernard Yen, Actuary and managing director Aon Solutions Ltd, Mauritius highlighted the challenge of encouraging people in the formal sector to save and discussed the importance of structural changes to increase participation in pension funds.
He suggested that structural changes such as tax incentives and simplified registration processes could drive participation. He also emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to increase pension fund participation in the region.
“Countries should explore ways to increase participation of informal sector workers in multi-employer pension funds,” he added.
On the question of tapping into southern African SMEs, participants noted that the majority are financially constrained and face a lack of skills in corporate governance, financial management and often contend with high collateral requirements.
Mr. Bamugye noted the need to help SMEs develop bankable business plans and called for streamlining government support programs towards them.
He emphasized the importance of blended finance structures to address the challenges faced by SMEs in the region including the need for risk capital and conditionality and use of unfunded guarantees to unlock local liquidity.
He acknowledged the obstacle of bank credit access in the region particularly for SMEs and encouraged innovative and creative solutions to promote financial inclusion advising that countries should continue to explore innovative instruments and blended approaches to solve SME credit access problems.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Workers recruited in informal settlements are well placed to manage the process
The Haven’s shelters are already 85% full
The Springbok Sevens squad are keen to make their third opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics count and join their regular foes at the Rugby Sevens event in Paris. France, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, Australia, Ireland, USA, and Samoa all confirmed their spots for Paris, and having beaten all of them during the HSBC SVNS season, the South Africans would want to join them at the Olympic showpiece.
According to experienced forward, Impi Visser, the team understands that this will be it for them should they fail to win the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco on Sunday.
“We really did ourselves no favours this time around,” said Visser in explaining their mission.
“First, we finished outside the top four in the Series and then we lost to Kenya to qualify through the continental route. That was not great at all, but luckily for us, we have one more opportunity and this time we must make it work,” according to Visser.
The Blitzboks arrived in Monaco on Monday and on Tuesday had a good training run at Stade Laurentin Rugby in the city of St Laurent du Var near Nice, which is 40 minutes outside Monte Carlo.
Visser emphasized that their Olympic dream is still burning brightly: “Some of us were in Tokyo last time around, but we did not get a podium finish, so in a way there will be unfinished business for us. However, the reality is that we need to get the job done here first, before thinking about anything else.”
Visser also represented South Africa at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games and said playing for his country remains an unbelievable honour, and highlight.
“That will remain a privilege, and to be able to run out this weekend will be another huge moment for us, especially with what is at stake for us. We are determined and dare not disappoint the country,” reckons Visser.
Visser has seen plenty of knock-out tournament action before, but for Tristan Leyds, a 2024 HSBC SVNS debutant with the Blitzboks, this is an all-new experience.
“Talking about the Olympics is exciting, and one can get carried away about what is to come, but that is of no use if we don't do the business this weekend,” said the lanky flyhalf.
“All that matter is this weekend's performance, and we don't look past that."
According to Leyds he enjoyed his debut season with the Blitzboks.
“Let's hope there is more to come,” he said about his debut season.
“People are getting to know how I play, and it is becoming tougher to be as effective on attack, for example, but that is what it is all about. You need to improve and grow as a player and be at your very best for the big occasion. And this weekend is such an occasion,” according to Leyds.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Note to editors:
Audio notes of Tristan Leyds can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/4ctjN3l).
For further information, please contact lease contact:
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GM: Communications and Commercial
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Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane elected unopposed as Chair of NCOP
The African National Congress’s Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane was elected unopposed as the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Saturday.
The newly-elected Chairperson vowed to execute the obligations of her Office in accordance with the Constitution.
This morning, delegates from nine provinces were sworn in at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) at the first sitting of the NCOP since the General Election in May.
In the first sitting of the National Assembly (NA) on Friday, new Members of Parliament (MPs) took the oath and affirmation. This session also saw the election of Speaker Thoko Didiza and the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who presided over the proceedings, also administered the prescribed oath and affirmation to the NCOP members and presided over the election of the NCOP Chairperson.
Mtsweni-Tsipane, who is the outing Premier of Mpumalanga, emphasised the need for transformative leadership, women’s inclusion, and progressive governance in the provinces.
“It is with great humility and a deep resolve to honour your trust that I assume the position of Chairperson in the National Council of Provinces during the seventh parliamentary dispensation.
“It is indeed an honour for me to serve our Constitution, which is the base framework for democratic governance in South Africa, far from being purely prescriptive and constraining. Our Constitution is permissive and enabling, putting the power of the State in pursuit of a positive project of achieving equality, justice and freedom,” she told the House.
Since its inception, she said the NCOP has always played an important role in the promotion of the principles of cooperative governance and inter-governmental relations.
“The NCOP will need to address the uncertainty which is rife around the status of intergovernmental relations, decisions and recommendations. We must also address issues relating to who takes responsibility for the follow up of recommendations and key executive undertakings while addressing the lack of horizontal integration between the activities of various government departments,” said Mtsweni-Tsipane.
According to Mtsweni-Tsipane, the NCOP has been strategically repositioned over the past few years to improve the quality of life of ordinary South Africans, particularly the poor and the marginalised.
“As we begin with the task of the seventh parliament, the NCOP must foster and maintain a dynamic relationship with provinces, particularly the provincial legislatures, as well as the communities that we serve.”
She said she hoped that permanent delegates would serve as active agents for the ongoing promotion of a dynamic interaction with their provinces.
“The significance of this ongoing interaction cannot be overemphasised, as this facilitates a useful link between both provincial and national spheres of government is faced with a wide variety of developmental challenges, which include the high levels of inequality and unemployment, slow economic growth, as well as the gender-based violence and femicide.”
The Chairperson believes the House has made great strides in institutionalising key oversight and report back programmes.
These include the Women’s Parliament, Youth Parliament, Men’s Parliament, as well as the provincial women’s charter report back programme.
She said the NCOP must collectively strive to work cooperatively with all stakeholders to address the developmental challenges of the nation.
Kenneth Mmoiemang, who is a member of the Northern Cape delegation, was also elected unopposed as the Chief Whip of the NCOP.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Justice Zondo explained the contents of the oath and affirmation.
The delegates promised to fulfil their duties as permanent delegates to the NCOP or as members of their provincial legislatures to the best of their abilities.
The NCOP is one of the two Houses of Parliament and consists of 54 permanent members and 36 special delegates.
Delegations consist of 10 representatives from each province and the NCOP must have a mandate from the provinces before it can make certain decisions.
The House aims to represent provincial interests in the national sphere of government.
South African Local Government Association (Salga) President Bheki Stofile congratulated Mtsweni-Tsipane on her election while the heads of delegations from provinces also offered their messages of support. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sat, 06/15/2024 - 12:17
Mpox cases rise to seven in SA after new infection recorded in W Cape
The Department of Health has advised people on medication for any health condition to adhere to their treatment, as the number of Mpox cases has risen to seven.
The department has noted that all diagnosed patients have chronic illnesses, suggesting a high probability of immunocompromise, unless adherent to prescribed treatment.
“Treatment adherence can prevent new or worsening health problems, and failure to adhere to your prescriptions can negatively impact the quality of your life,” the department said.
The latest confirmed case is a 39-year-old male patient, who was admitted on 28 May 2024 at a local private health facility in Cape Town.
On Thursday, he tested positive for Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, at a private laboratory.
“The patient presented with extensive lesions and he is RVD (retrovirus disease) positive with unknown CD4,” the department said.
The latest patient listed his residential address as Northcliff, Gauteng.
On Thursday, Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla announced a second death linked to Mpox.
Meanwhile, the department said it was scheduled to receive a batch of Mpox treatment, Tecovirimat, which has been described as effective in preventing morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, especially when initiated within a few days of incubation and diagnosis.
In addition, the department said it was working closely with other stakeholders and will continue with surveillance, contract tracing and health education activities across the country and empower citizens with information to make well-informed health choices.
“The effectiveness of contract tracing and case finding depends on the cooperation and accuracy of information provided by both confirmed and suspected cases.”
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands or lymph nodes.
The painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital and/or anal regions. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sat, 06/15/2024 - 12:28
President Ramaphosa re-elected to lead South Africa
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of the Republic of South Africa, who will lead the seventh democratic administration.
After a full day of proceedings during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament, Ramaphosa -- the President of the African National Congress -- was on Friday evening nominated for the position of President.
The sitting took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape.
Three hundred and thirty-nine ballot papers were issued and counted, with 12 invalid ballots. Ramaphosa received 283 votes against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, who received 44 votes.
African National Congress Member of Parliament (MP), Mdumiseni Ntuli, nominated Ramaphosa for the position of President, and was seconded by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader and MP, Velenkosini Hlabisa, during a process that was presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
The President’s election came after former Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza was elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly after a vote in the House.
READ | Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker
Didiza was declared by Justice Zondo as a Speaker after receiving 284 votes against her contestant, Veronica Mente from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 49 votes.
The Democratic Alliance's Dr Annelie Lotriet was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly for the seventh Parliament. This after she received 273 votes, while fellow nominee, Vuyolwethu Zungula, the African Transformation Movement leader, received 54 votes.
The first sitting of the National Assembly took place after the General Election on 29 May. The day’s proceedings started with the swearing in of Members of Parliament, who either took an oath or affirmation that enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.
READ | New Members of Parliament sworn in
South Africa’s recent National and Provincial Elections were the most contested and most compelling since the dawn of democracy in 1994. As in the post-1994 election period, President-elect Ramaphosa is expected to lead a Government of National Unity into the future.
This will be his second term as the leader of South Africa’s government.
He is expected to be inaugurated next Wednesday, 19 June.
Messages of congratulations
After Justice Zondo declared the re-election of President Ramaphosa, various political parties took turns in congratulating him.
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said the day is a historic day for the country, and the start for a new chapter of building, cooperation, and putting the country’s interests and future first.
“In these elections, the voters chose not to give any party its own majority, and in doing so, they have told us that they want us to work together to build a prosperous non-racial, united South Africa, with a great economy that works for everybody. We must now rise to the occasion and rise to the call of South Africa,” Steenhuisen said.
EFF leader Julius Malema also congratulated the President, saying his party accepts the results and the voice of people of South Africa expressed during the elections.
“We are going to ensure that this Parliament is functional,” Malema said.
Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said this is the beginning of a new era.
“The IFP stands ready to serve in the government of South Africa. We enter the government of national unity with an open mind and eyes wide open.”
READ | Date set for Presidential inauguration
Ramaphosa was sworn in as the President of South Africa for the first time on 15 February 2018 and again on 22 May 2019 after the 2019 elections.
The early years
The President was born on 17 November 1952 in Johannesburg. His family was moved from Western Native Township to Soweto in 1962, where he attended Tshilidzi Primary School.
He completed high school at Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda in 1971.
Ramaphosa began his studies at the University of the North in 1972, where he became involved in student politics, joining the South African Student Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC).
The President holds a law degree from the University of South Africa, and has received several honorary doctorates from local and international universities.
He received the Olof Palme prize in Stockholm in 1987 and was awarded the National Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2009 for his contribution to the multiparty negotiations and for chairing the Constitutional Assembly.
Prior to becoming the President of South Africa, Ramaphosa served as the Deputy President since 2012. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Sat, 06/15/2024 - 00:09
Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker
The newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of the seventh administration, Thoko Didiza, has committed to ensure that Parliamentary debates are conducted within the rule of law, and in a manner that is fair.
Didiza made the commitment as she took the seat of the Speaker of the National Assembly during the first Joint Sitting of Parliament, held at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape on Friday.
The outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and African National Congress member took the seat of the Speaker after receiving 284 votes against her contestant, Veronica Mente from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 49 votes.
Didiza commended Members of Parliament from across the political divide for supporting her nomination, as the new government of national unity starts to take shape, and for participating in the democratic process of electing the Speaker.
“As a country and a democratic State, we have an opportunity to express our views, representing our constituencies, and we have to elect and participate in such process,” Didiza said.
She emphasised that Parliament is an important institution of the country, where members have to pass laws and ensure that they play an oversight role on the Executive.
“I also commit that I will work with all the parties, led by their whips and representatives to make sure that we conduct the business of this parliament in a manner that indeed reflects the will of the people of South Africa,” Didiza said.
Didiza presided over the election of her Deputy, which was contested by African Transformation Movement leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, and the Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet.
With 273 votes, Lotriet is now the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 19:00
Limpopo Legislature elects first female Premier
History has been made in Limpopo where Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier - the first woman to hold the position in the province.
Ramathuba was elected during a sitting of the seventh Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday.
She takes over the reins from outgoing Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, who held the post during the fifth and sixth administration terms.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also women. Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of “this great province”.
The newly appointed Premier committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.
“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity. I am recommitting the new administration to inclusivity, [and] access to qualify basic services,” Ramathuba said.
She also called on the Executives to carry out their duties with diligence.
“I call upon the members of this Legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence and dedication, ensuring that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,” the new Premier said.
She acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.
Ramathuba’s election came as a number of provinces held their first sittings of their respective Legislatures on Friday.
In Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu was elected as the new Premier, taking over from Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane who took office in 2018.
In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him.
“I am committed to upholding and building upon the legacy that the previous premiers have left for us. We are continuing with the journey which was started by Premier Matthews Phosa up until Premier Refilwe. Premier, you have done your part,” Ndlovu said.
Oscar Mabuyane was re-elected as Premier of the Eastern Cape for a second term and MaQueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae was elected Premier for Free State.
Meanwhile, Alan Winde was re-elected as the Western Cape Premier during a sitting of the Western Cape Parliament on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 14:39
The road to vehicle ownership is often paved with financial complexities, and the current challenging economic landscape has added a variety of speed bumps and road hazards to further complicate the journey. Rising inflation, lingering interest rate uncertainty, and shifting consumer spending habits all have a profound impact on car financing options and affordability, making …
Panyaza Lesufi re-elected as Gauteng Premier
Panyaza Lesufi has been re-elected as the Gauteng Premier for the seventh administration.
Lesufi was elected unopposed during a Special House Sitting on Friday at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature at the Selborne Hall in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature held its first sitting since the General Elections last month.
Former Arts and Culture MEC in Gauteng, Marakane Mosupyoe, was elected Speaker of the Legislature unopposed.
Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Dunstan Mlambo presided over the swearing-in of new members of the Legislature.
“The people of the province have spoken and we have heard them. We’ve been asked to work together... We’ve been asked to combine our ideas for a better Gauteng, to combine our ideas, we will do, together (sic),” Lesufi vowed.
He told the Legislature that he accepted the Premiership with “deep humility” before declaring that “no one will be left behind” in this new administration.
“Our task from today is to build a better Gauteng. Our task from now on is to make Gauteng attractive for all families, all forms of investment, for workers, youth and students and attractive for sporting and cultural events.”
He also highlighted the importance of the safety of women and children in the province.
“Our mandate is simple: crime and lawlessness, your time is up. Our mandate is simple: municipalities play your part, we will play our part.
“Our mandate is simple: Johannesburg CBD, Alexandra township, Sethokga hostel, Makause informal settlement, we are ready to make you beautiful again.”
The Premier expressed his appreciation to all the political parties in the House and urged them to make the government of unity a reality.
“My sincerest appreciation to the officials and staff of the Gauteng provincial government and former leaders and members of this legislature.
“I am nothing without the ANC and our alliance partners. The movement of the people, by the people. Thank you so much for assigning me to be an instrument of change, an instrument of liberation.”
"Failure is not an option but success is compulsory. Less talk, more work. Let us grow Gauteng together,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 15:04
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New Members of Parliament sworn in
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has urged newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to reflect on past mistakes and commit to improving democracy in South Africa.
The Chief Justice on Friday presided over the swearing in of hundreds of Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament.
Zondo described the first sitting of Parliament after the General Elections last month as an important milestone for South Africans.
“We get an opportunity to look back on the road we have travelled and see where we have made mistakes, and see where we have done well and make sure that in the fourth decade of our democracy, we will not repeat those mistakes,” he told the House.
READ | Parliament ready for National Assembly sitting
Zondo took the time to congratulate the MPs who were sworn in and reminded them of the position they occupy in the National Assembly.
“They make laws for our country and in that way, shape the future of our democracy. Therefore, as you take the oath or make the affirmation that you will make today, you will recall the responsibility that the people of South Africa have placed on your shoulders and the honour that you have been given, and the privilege to be part of this very important body in our country.”
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of the oath taken by MPs, which enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.
Zondo reminded MPs that the oath or affirmation is "binding... on their conscience".
The election of the Speaker of the National Assembly is now underway after two nominations were put forward for this position. After this process is concluded, the elected Speaker will preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.
WATCH |
First sitting of the National Assembly
Today, MPs will also elect a President to form the seventh administration for the nation, and a government of national unity after the ruling party did not secure an absolute majority. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 12:37
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