Athletics SA boss may face prosecution for Lottery corruption
But lawyer for acting CEO Terrence Magogodela says his client “expects to be a witness for the state”
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South Africa remains an “attractive investment destination” – President Ramaphosa
South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector is a demonstration of “the potential of South Africa as an investment destination”.
The President said 2023 was a milestone year for South Africa’s automotive sector with the sixth millionth South African built vehicle exported with new vehicle exports reaching nearly 400 000.
“These figures are significant for a number of reasons. They show that our auto sector continues to grow despite a gloomy global economic outlook and disruptions to the flow of goods between countries.
“The growth of the automotive sector also demonstrates the potential of South Africa as an investment destination. It is a good example of how committed investors, supported by government policies and programmes, can achieve good returns for their shareholders while contributing significantly to the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President pointed out that world leading vehicle manufacturers and other companies continue to pour more investment into South Africa.
“By way of example, Volkswagen last month announced a R4 billion investment to expand its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape in preparation for the production of a new vehicle model expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027. This investment is expected to secure the livelihoods of approximately 3500 workers and support an additional estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and opportunities.
“South Africa’s value as an investment destination extends across many other industries, as local and international companies continue to either expand their investments or undertake new investments.
“Investment is important because, among other things, it creates employment, supports the growth of emerging suppliers, generates revenue for the country, and, in doing so, supports our efforts to reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.
According to the President, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has found that net foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa has been consistently positive since the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 – meaning more investment has come into the country than out.
“Last year, FDI inflows amounted to R96.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This supports a trend where foreign direct investment has, on average, been far greater over the last five years than over the previous decade.
“The PwC report notes that South Africa has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources and a transparent legal system. Furthermore, South Africa is ‘a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of sub-Saharan Africa’,” he said.
Addressing challenges
President Ramaphosa highlighted that although there is a “broadly positive attitude towards South Africa among investors”, more work needs to be done to ensure that the FDI as a percentage of GDP is heightened.
“That is why we continue to work to implement our policies and align regulatory and other obstacles, so that we can attract higher levels of investment. Through the auction of broadband spectrum and progress in digital migration, for example, we have greatly expanded opportunities in telecommunications.
“We have significantly reduced waiting times for water use licences and other authorisations that are so important for getting major investment projects off the ground. We are working to get rid of other forms of red tape that impede and slow down investment,” the President said.
He also acknowledged that South Africa’s electricity problems remain a “major challenge to our people and the economy at large” and issues at ports and rail are being addressed.
“Through our Energy Action Plan, we have made much progress in dealing with the country’s electricity crisis. We have seen an improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations and substantial investment in new generation capacity. This has contributed to a sustained decrease in the severity of load shedding.
“The work we are doing with business, labour and other social partners in improving the efficiency of our ports and rail infrastructure is also starting to bear fruit. Further progress in these areas will increase the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President said.
The President assured that government will continue in its path towards economic recovery.
“We will continue to build on the gains that we have made towards creating an enabling business and investment climate that promotes economic growth and creates jobs.
“It is only through attracting higher levels of investment, both foreign and domestic, that a swift, sustainable economic recovery can be assured,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:27
275 views
Winners of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy Announced During Opening Session of Milken Institute Global Conference
Prize program awards Aftrak the $1 million Grand Prize to advance green energy in Africa; OMNIVAT awarded runner-up prize of $250,000; The organisations also launch a new FinTech Award in the next installation of the Prize program; winners will be selected in May 2025.
The Milken Institute (https://apo-opa.co/44yU0nF) and the Motsepe Foundation today announced the winners of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, a $2 million innovation competition to reward entrepreneurs working to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable off-grid electricity in Africa. The winners were announced at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Aftrak (https://apo-opa.co/4bKg4OT), an initiative based out of the UK and Malawi, was awarded the $1 million Grand Prize for its easily assembled solar microgrid and custom-designed tractors, which have tripled agricultural yield, increased farmer incomes, and provided electricity to remote communities. The runner-up award of $250,000 was presented to South Africa-based OMNIVAT (www.OMNIVAT.Tech) for its containerized electricity generation and storage system, which provides clean water, clean energy, and Wi-Fi enriched by virtual reality support for remote communities.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy is the second in the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of multiyear, multimillion-dollar global innovation competitions and awards aimed at advancing technological progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first competition in this program, the Milken–Motsepe Prize in AgriTech, was launched in 2021, and focused on addressing the goals of no poverty and achieving zero hunger.
Rigorous Judging Process
After launching in November 2022, hundreds of entrepreneurs from 79 countries on six continents registered to compete for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, and 160 of those submitted technological design and business models. In June 2023, an independent panel of expert judges carefully selected 20 semi-finalists to receive $20,000 to develop and test their innovations.
Each of the teams underwent a rigorous, independent judging process, which assessed their innovation's potential to deliver 60 kilowatt hours of off-grid electricity in a 24-hour period using only sustainable sources. Five teams were then chosen to advance to the Finalist Round. Each team received an additional $70,000 and showcased their innovations in a live demonstration in partnership with Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
“Meeting the teams and witnessing their work and determination to solve one of the biggest challenges facing Africa was truly inspiring,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. “We congratulate the Green Energy winners and all the finalists. Your innovations show such promise, and we will be watching with pride as you bring your technologies to market.”
The third Milken-Motsepe Prize, focused on FinTech, launched at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference. The prize will award companies that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers $2 million in prizes, with a $1 million Grand Prize for the winning company. Registration is open until August 6.
The transformative potential of FinTech lies in its capacity to empower individuals to start and grow a business, even in the most remote communities. By lowering transaction costs, streamlining processes, and expanding access to capital and financial services, FinTech can enable aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to leverage the potential of FinTech solutions to break down barriers to financial inclusion and contribute to the achievement of key SDGs, including alleviating poverty (SDG 1), promoting human well-being (SDGs 3 and 4), achieving gender equality (SDG 5), and fostering viable economic opportunities for young people (SDGs 8 and 9).
Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Impact
“The impact of Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prizes goes well beyond the financial awards,” said Dr. Emily Musil Church, senior director, environmental and social innovation at the Milken Institute. “This is a global community of entrepreneurs who believe in imagining and building a better, more abundant, and sustainable world. Our role is to identify and support these bold entrepreneurs and to help accelerate their success.”
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is a program of MI Philanthropy (https://apo-opa.co/3JSwhFM), which aims to influence the deployment of philanthropic capital to create a better world. MI Philanthropy's work includes the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), which has, to date, influenced more than $2 billion in medical research funding.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.
Notes to Editors:
For further information or to request interviews with the winners, please send requests or queries to the media contact below.
Media Contact:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About the Milken Institute:
The Milken Institute is a non-profit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit https://MilkenInstitute.org.
About the Motsepe Foundation:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute towards eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed and marginalised people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects
DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated its commitment to fast-track the effective implementation of bulk water projects in water stressed communities in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country, so as to ensure the provision of consistent and reliable water supply.
This comes as the department, through its entity in KwaZulu-Natal, uMngeni-uThukela Water, is working in partnership with different spheres of government to rollout the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
The Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Treatment Works upgrade is a strategic rural-based project to be constructed at a cost of approximately R142 million to ensure access to potable water.
The project, which is set to be completed by January 2025, will supply 12 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d) of potable water from the Maphumulo Water Treatment Works for reticulation by iLembe District Municipality.
Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained that the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme is being implemented in different phases which include, raw water abstraction from iMvutshane River, and new pipelines to distribute water from the treatment works to iLembe District Municipality’s greater Maphumulo area.
Mavasa said Phase 1 of the scheme was completed in September 2013 with Phase 3 of the project currently underway.
“We are currently undertaking Phase 3 of the project which entails the upgrade of the existing six megalitres per day water treatment plant capacity to 12 megalitres per day, and this is due for completion by January 2025. Phase 2 of the scheme include the construction of the iMvutshane Dam,” Mavasa said.
Mavasa added that Phase 4 of the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme will include the construction of a weir on the Hlimbitwa River, raw water pumps, and pipelines to convey raw water into the existing iMvutshane Dam.
After the completion of all phases, Mavasa said the supply scheme will service the areas of Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville.
The service will in the future also include Emtanjeni, Nyamazane, Balcom, and Sindi areas.
“We anticipate that the scheme will provide potable water to approximately 150 000 consumers across Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville,” Mavasa said.
Vandalism
The department has also called on residents to report and refrain from vandalising water infrastructure, warning this has a major impact on water security to communities.
“Vandalism is a serious concern to us because not only does it impact on the provision of reliable water supply, but it also has a negative impact on the effective implementation of bulk water projects.
“We therefore call on residents to please play their part. Vandalism is a criminal offence, and we will not hesitate to allow the relevant authorities to act harshly against the perpetrators,” Mavasa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:39
26 views
Decoding Kosher Certification: Your Guide to Kosher Foods
Ensuring Dietary Adherence with Kosher Certification Understanding kosher certification can significantly enhance the dining experiences of those who follow kosher dietary laws. Kosher certification signifies that a food product complies with the rigorous standards of kosher law, making it permissible for consumption by those observing these dietary rules. The types of kosher certification vary, with …
City Power’s Eskom debt reaches “unprecedented levels”
City Power's Eskom debt reaches "unprecedented levels"
Eskom says it will approach the courts in a bid to have City Power pay its R1 billion debt to the national power utility.
City Power is a company wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg which purchases, distributes and sells electricity within the city coupled with maintaining and installing electrical infrastructure.
The power utility said City Power’s debt stood at some R1.073 billion at the end of March this year.
“The escalating City Power debt…has left Eskom with no choice but to apply to the High Court in Johannesburg for a declaratory order to force City Power to pay what is due to Eskom. The case has been enrolled for hearing on 4 June 2024. The power utility started to default on its payments from October 2023 and no payment was received for the March 2024 invoice.
“The debt owed by City Power has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating Eskom’s already strained financial situation. This dire situation not only undermines Eskom’s financial sustainability but also threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure, invest in new technologies and meet the growing energy demands of the province,” Eskom said.
According to the national power utility, City Power has “declared a dispute regarding potential overbilling on bulk purchase invoices dating back to 2021”.
“Eskom denies the claims made by City Power and will prove its position through the arbitration process.
“In terms of the electricity supply agreements sanctioned by the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, if a municipality raises a dispute with Eskom, it must still pay. The dispute does not absolve it of its legal obligations to pay Eskom for the bulk electricity it has received.
“Eskom remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of providing reliable and sustainable electricity to assist in growing the economy of Gauteng, making the province an investment destination of choice,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:16
140 views
Reuseable bottles vs beverages packaged in plastic: Which comes out top?
One of the most enduring misconceptions about PET, the recyclable and food-grade plastic most often used for beverage bottles, is that it pollutes our environment. As a result, many are pushing consumers to switch to reusable/re-fillable bottles but few are asking the important question: Do reusable bottles trump beverages originally packed and sold in PET …
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Government activities for the week 06 – 10 May 2024
Government activities for the week 06 - 10 May 2024
On Monday, 06 May, the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers together with the Executive Mayor will hand over 600 title deeds in the Overstrand Municipality.
On Tuesday, 07 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially open a new, purpose-built Department of Home Affairs office in Mokopane, Limpopo, and unveil 100 new mobile offices that will extend the reach of the department’s services, especially in remote areas.
Also on Tuesday, 07 May, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Professor Blade Nzimande, will launch the 4IR Centres of Excellence at TVET Colleges at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria.
On Wednesday, 08 May, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will hand over the 30-Year Review Report of South Africa’s democracy to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
Janine
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:36
309 views
Real Estate Agent, Heinz Mueller, Triumphs in Red Feather Charity Run, Inspiring Hope and Resilience as He Completes 10km Distance
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Africa’s Business Heroes Takes 40 Entrepreneurs to China and Extends 2024 Application Deadline
Between April 20-27, the Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, hosted 40 participants—consisting of top 10 Heroes, other finalists and partners from across Africa—in Hangzhou, China. Participants engaged in an immersive experience at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou and have returned to their home countries enriched with valuable insights to further enhance their entrepreneurial endeavors on the continent.
During their visit, the ABH Heroes (spanning cohorts from 2019 to 2023) participated in a wide range of activities. These included deep dives that explored various facets of the digital economy from cloud computing, AI-driven logistics to e-commerce villages. They participated in a series of workshops and site visits—all designed to elevate entrepreneurs to a higher level of success. The Heroes also exchanged knowledge and explored opportunities for collaboration with business leaders from Alibaba and with each other. These activities provided the participants with new knowledge and perspectives that they can potentially apply to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and scale their businesses.
Diarra BOUSSO, Founder & Creative Director of Diarrablu and ABH 2020 top 10 Hero, who was among the participants in the trip to China, expresses her gratitude for the experience, stating: “This trip was so inspiring in so many ways. First, meeting all these entrepreneurs who are the top entrepreneurs on the African continent and spending a week together was an incredible experience. And second: being immersed in the world of Alibaba and all the companies Jack Ma and his team built over time and understanding the vision behind it was like a dream come true.”
In another exciting development, ABH is extending its deadline for 2024 entries from May 19 to June 9 to accommodate more entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition. Candidates selected for the top 50 will gain access to a host of resources, including training, mentorship and networking opportunities, as well as a supportive network of fellow African business leaders. US$1.5 million in grant funding will be distributed among the top 10 finalists; the first prize winner will receive an award of US$300,000.
This year, ABH has also hosted information sessions and community events across the continent to facilitate the application process and nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial community. These events have taken place in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Senegal. These events are conducted in partnership with local entrepreneur organizations and key ABH stakeholders including judges, Heroes and partners.
To date, ABH has received applications from entrepreneurs spanning all 54 African countries. Entrepreneurs from across the continent – regardless of sector, age or gender – are invited to participate. Applications can be submitted in English or French at: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/apply-now.
Individuals are also encouraged to nominate eligible entrepreneurs who they believe are creating impactful and sustainable solutions to challenging issues here: https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/nominate
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room:
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English:
Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic:
Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
Follow ABH on:
X (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs)
LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda)
Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa)
Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9) and
YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH)
For more information about ABH 2024, please visit https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/en/.
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
Discover the Benefits of Lou Appels Scrap Yard in Johannesburg
A Leader in Auto Recycling and Spare Parts Lou Appels is one of Johannesburg’s premier destinations for quality used auto parts and scrap yard services. Established with a long history in the auto spares industry, Lou Appels offers an extensive inventory that caters to a wide range of vehicle makes and models. Comprehensive Services and …
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Two new King of the Hill champions and new record set at 2024 Simola Hillclimb
Robert Wolk earns first King of the Hill title in Single Seater, Sports Car and Sports Prototypes category with Infinity Indycar V8-powered Pillbeam MP58 Dawie Joubert powers his way to first Modified Saloon Car victory in Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige after intense battle and lots of drama amongst top contenders JP van der Walt secures fourth […]
Newly launched Dube TradeZone attracts R1.8 billion in early investment
Newly launched Dube TradeZone attracts R1.8 billion in early investment
The Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has officially launched the second phase of the highly successful industrial precinct and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport, the Dube TradeZone 2.
The business entity of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government recently hosted a ribbon-cutting event where they also previewed two factories worth over R180 million which are currently under construction within the precinct.
DTPC Board Chair, Mpumelelo Zikalala, said despite the constrained economic environment over the past two years, the corporation has secured seven private sector investors for Dube TradeZone 2.
Four of these investors have begun constructing their facilities.
The total private sector investment value secured in Dube TradeZone 2 amounts to R1.8 billion and is expected to create 600 jobs within the next five years.
Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing, logistics and automotive sectors while facilitating the planned expansion of several phase one-based enterprises.
The launch of the second phase of the TradeZone follows the successful implementation of Dube TradeZone 1, which has 50 investors and full tenants. These include international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, welcomed the investment as he reflected on the 30 years of freedom and democracy.
He noted the establishment of SEZ as one of the achievements of a democratic government.
He cited this investment as an indication that SEZs are instruments for job creation and economic development.
“As government, we are focusing on SEZ for a good reason. They are designed for specific developmental purposes, to develop export-orientated industries, attract foreign direct investment and technology transfer and achieve the generation of employment opportunities.”
The MEC said SEZs are an effective instrument to resolve “disturbing” levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment, which are strongly marked by spatial, racial, class and gender factors.
In addition to job creation, Duma said SEZs are broadening the municipal revenue collection base to improve the quality of life in the municipal areas, as well as the quality of municipal services.
“This makes SEZs one of the key instruments for municipal economic growth and development,” the MEC explained.
To date, the 26-hectare TradeZone 1 has attracted more than R2.8 billion in private sector investment from enterprises focused on air-related logistics, distribution and light manufacturing.
It includes the Dube TradeHouse, a dedicated facility for freight forwarders and shippers with airside access via an overhead conveyor air bridge to the adjacent, state-of-the-art Dube Cargo Terminal.
Dube TradeZone 1 is home to notable exporters that service the sub-Saharan African market as well as markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
In 2023/24, Dube TradePort tenants exported goods worth R610 million.
Dube TradeZone 2, will open an additional 45 hectares of industrial land for development and brings to market another 23 fully serviced sites, which range in size from 3 000m² to 57 000m².
It will also include three Dube TradePort-owned warehouses, one of which will accommodate medium-sized businesses enabling the expansion of small businesses located in the mini factories.
The two factories include the R166-million Yangtze Optical Africa Cable plant and R17.5 million development by HRMP, a 100% Black South African-owned logistics company that specialises in the warehousing and distribution of graphite electrodes. This new facility was funded by Ithala Development Finance.
Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) CEO, Sihle Ngcamu, welcomed further foreign investment by Yangtze Optical Africa Cable, which is already producing optical fibre cables and home solution cables for the local, Zambian, Namibian and Botswanan telecommunications markets at its facility in TradeZone 1.
This latest investment is expected to deliver a further 250 jobs over the next five years.
To date, Dube TradeZone has attracted a total of R4.6 billion in private sector investment and created more than 5 000 permanent jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 08:11
532 views
IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad
IEC finalising preparations for voting abroad
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is finalising preparations for the 78 092 South African citizens who applied to cast their special vote abroad.
Working with the Department of International Cooperation and Cooperation (DIRCO), the IEC said it has begun shipping voting materials. These include voting booths, ballot boxes and papers, stationery packs, and all the relevant lists.
The commission said voting out of the country will take place in 111 foreign missions.
South African citizens in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh and Tehran will vote on 17 May.
The rest of the 102 missions will make their mark on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
The voting stations will be open from 7am to 7pm, allowing 78 092 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.
“In respect of the mission in the United Kingdom, the commission has determined two days of special voting. These are Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 May 2024 from 7am to 9pm.”
The IEC explained that the extended voting hours are intended to enable proper arrangements for the 24 535 voters registered to cast their vote at the mission.
“Similarly, extended voting hours have been prescribed for the mission in Washington DC and New York. The voting hours are 7am to 9pm.”
As per IEC, the largest international voting stations by population are London (24 535), followed by Hague (6 659), Canberra (3 674), Dubai (3 266), Dublin (3 040), Wellington (2 292), Abu Dhabi (1 825), Washington DC (1 799) and Berlin (1 476).
Voters will need to be present in person at the mission where they are registered or where they successfully applied for by VEC 10 notice.
“After the voting process, cast national compensatory ballots will be transported through a source channel back to the national office of the Electoral Commission for counting. The votes will be counted in the presence of agents presenting contestants.”
The IEC has since thanked its stakeholders, staff and employees from DIRCO for tirelessly working to ensure that registered voters make their mark in the upcoming elections.
“The commission is aware that voting is not possible in some countries for security reasons. DIRCO has confirmed that the missions in Sudan, Tel Aviv and Kyiv remain closed. Unavoidably and regrettably, voters registered at these missions will not be able to vote in the forthcoming elections if they were not able to make arrangements by the 22 April deadline to vote at another mission.”
Meanwhile, IEC said it will operate extended hours on both voting days abroad to assist voters with queries. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 05/05/2024 - 13:09
81 views
Thrilling opening day of King of the Hill at 2024 Simola Hillclimb
Robert Wolk topped the timesheets in Single Seater and Sports Prototypes category with Infinity Indycar V8-powered 1989 Pillbeam MP58. Exceptionally close battle between the Modified Saloon Car contenders, with Dawie Joubert holding the overnight advantage in Ferrari-powered Lotus Exige. Three-time Road Car and Supercar champion JP van der Walt once again set the benchmark in […]
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Families to leave ancestral lands as coal mine expands
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