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South Africa, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, is a destination that beckons travellers from all over the world. In the heart of this vibrant nation lie Johannesburg and Soweto, cities that offer a unique glimpse into South Africa’s soul. This blog delves into the exceptional touring experiences available in these …
Born on the Cape Flats, Simone Julies-Wicomb, a self-made entrepreneur who triumphed over adversity, is spearheading a transformation in the realm of business process outsourcing (BPO) through her innovative venture, Black Elegance. Established in 2019, this proudly South African firm is far from being just another call centre; it’s a compelling example of unwavering perseverance …
21 November 2023 King of the Whip 2023 – SA’s premier FMX Event – Returns to Montecasino King of the Whip has sold out for the second year in a row. It takes place on Saturday, 25 November, at Montecasino in Fourways. Doors open at 2pm, and proceedings are underway at 4pm. Julien Vanstippen …
Alfred Nevhutanda sold the car just three months after he bought it for R6.3-million
Details are still sketchy and the plan will not be publicly circulated
Photographic exhibition shows access to sanitation from the perspective of people living in informal settlements
Cabinet reiterates call for an end to Gaza conflict
Cabinet has reiterated the call made by African leaders for an end to the conflict in Gaza, during the African-Saudi Summit in Riyadh hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The summit condemned the targeting of civilians, and the violations of international law by the Israeli government.
“The world cannot simply standby and watch. The global community needs to rise to stop this genocide now,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said during a media briefing on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting, on Monday.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet continues to be concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure.
Ntshavheni noted that it is because of these continued atrocities that are being committed with impunity by the Israeli government with the support and protection of powerful countries that on 17 November 2023, South Africa, together with the Comoros, Djibouti, Bolivia and Bangladesh, jointly referred the situation in Palestine and Israel to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
While the Palestinian Authority did ask the ICC to investigate crimes under the court’s jurisdiction in 2018, the Minister said South Africa believes the current atrocities, particularly in Gaza needs renewed attention with the full backing of state parties.
“Our ambassador in the Hague delivered the referral in person, which asked the ICC to investigate the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide with a view to holding those most responsible accountable. Given that much of the global community are witnessing the commission of these crimes in real time, including statements of genocidal intent by many Israeli leaders, we expect that warrants of arrest for these leaders including Prime Minister Netanyahu will be issued shortly.
“The ICC has been able to investigate the situation in Palestine since 2021 when the issue of territorial jurisdiction was settled, however, we have noted that the office of the prosecutor has continued to drag its feet despite the gravity of the situation. The current atrocities may not have occurred if these investigations took place as soon as the Palestinian Authorities first made its referral.”
Ntshavheni said South Africa now expects that other state parties also add their voices for an end to the impunity by Israel, and the significant levels of evidence available, that international warrants of arrest will be issued by the time the Conference of Parties meet in mid-December in New York.
“Failure to do so will be indicative of a lack of will to act by the ICC and a strong signal to the total failure of the global system of good governance and the need to establish a new system.”
The Minister also noted that more children have been killed over the last month than those killed per annum in all conflicts combined for the last three years. This include more United Nations (UN) staff members who have been killed in Gaza since the founding of the United Nations.
“The numbers of journalists killed have been staggering. These are all people killed by the actions of the Israeli government, not to defend itself, but evinced by the statements of its leaders to clear most of Gaza of Palestinians and to occupy it,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:16
Triumph over pit latrines near yet far
South Africa is poised to turn the corner in eradicating pit latrines in educational facilities before the UN-designated year of 2030, writes Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
On World Toilet Day, 19 November 2023, it is imperative to reflect on the critical role of sanitation in educational and social development to restore dignity while ensuring the safety of learners and educators.
The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), represents a significant undertaking. It transcends the mere elimination of pit latrines, addressing broader issues at the core of adequate educational infrastructure and well-being.
This reflection comes when we’re emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted all aspects of life, including the progress of essential sanitary projects in schools.
Sanitation, fundamentally linked to human dignity, is critical to global health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are not only essential for health but also contribute significantly to livelihoods, school attendance, and the dignity of individuals, fostering resilient communities in healthy environments. Human Rights Watch amplifies this, stating that the right to sanitation, a derivative of the right to an adequate standard of living, ensures everyone is entitled to sanitation services that provide privacy and uphold dignity.
The World Bank emphasises the necessity of investing in sanitation to prevent needless deaths, improve lives and livelihoods, and uphold human dignity. This is particularly poignant considering that around 4.2 billion people live without access to safely managed sanitation, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of this deprivation. The Hunger Project further highlights that a lack of access to sanitation is not only a health issue but also a matter of safety and human dignity. Sanitation is now a global priority, and efforts are being made to educate communities about its importance and to provide sustainable solutions like eco-toilets.
Additionally, improvements in sanitation, as part of the broader WASH framework, are fundamental to enhancing people’s living standards. These improvements yield numerous benefits, including better physical health, environmental protection, improved educational outcomes, time savings, and the assurance of a life of dignity, ensuring equal treatment for all genders.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitation, which the DBE had been addressing through its emergency water programme and the SAFE initiative. The latter, albeit delayed by the pandemic, has been a pivotal project to transform the sanitation facilities in South African ordinary public schools.
SAFE’s objective is not just a replacement of outdated pit latrines but a complete overhaul of the sanitation infrastructure in line with the Norms and Standards for school infrastructure. This overhaul is not merely about installing new toilet seats, which are determined by learner enrolment and include age-appropriate facilities for primary schools and those catering to the disabled. The scope of SAFE is extensive, encompassing the assessment of existing sanitation facilities, de-sludging and demolition of old pit toilets, construction of new, appropriate toilets, provision of rainwater harvesting systems, and the construction of accessible walkways.
This initiative, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2018, underscores the power of collaboration for social change. It brought together an array of partners from both the public and private sectors, including Amalooloo, Assupol, AVBOB, Norcros, and international actors like the embassies of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. This collective effort has resulted in the delivery of 126 projects out of a pledged 184. The diversity and innovation seen in these partnerships have been crucial in tailoring solutions to meet various needs, embodying the ‘stronger together’ ethos.
Alongside SAFE, the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) targeted 1087 sanitation projects, all of which have been completed. This achievement signifies not just a quantitative success but a qualitative shift in the educational experience for millions of previously disadvantaged school children. The inclusion of children at the Grade R level in the education system underscored the need for age-appropriate sanitation facilities, a demand that SAFE has been addressing.
To date, 2978 out of 3898 SAFE projects have been completed since the program’s intensification in 2019. This progress is significant, considering the interruptions caused by the pandemic. More than just constructing facilities, SAFE emphasises the importance of hygiene education, ensuring that schools are equipped with better sanitation and the knowledge to maintain these standards.
The urgency of this mission aligns with the United Nations’ UN Water directive, which starkly reminds us that to meet the sanitation target of SDG 6 – safe toilets and water for all by 2030 – the world needs to accelerate its efforts. The DBE, with an expenditure of nearly R 3.7 billion, is confident in meeting these goals within the next two financial years, showcasing a commitment to transforming the landscape of school sanitation in South Africa.
In conclusion, the SAFE initiative is a testament to the power of collaborative effort in addressing critical social challenges. It goes beyond mere infrastructure development, encompassing a holistic approach that includes partnership, innovation, and education.
On this World Toilet Day, as we reflect on the strides made, we are reminded of the ongoing journey towards ensuring that every child has access to safe and dignified sanitation. This fundamental right underpins their health, educational success, and future prospects. It is about our people’s inherent right to dignity. We dare shall not fail.
*Angie Motshekga is the longest-serving Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, post 1994.
Matona
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:27
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Millions of South Africans heed Voter Registration Weekend call
South Africans heeded the call and headed to their voting stations in numbers to register for the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
This, according to Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, who was speaking during a press conference of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Monday, following the Voter Registration Weekend.
Mamabolo revealed that some 2.9 million South Africans interacted with the commission during the weekend of 18 - 19 November 2023.
“The majority of voters – 2.7 million – visited voting stations to register, as well as update their details. A total of 196 511 voters used the online portal to do the same.
“The total registration activity over the two days was 2 904 037. Eligible citizens registering for the first time were 568 374. This accounts for 19.57% percent of total registration activity. Voters who re-registered in the same voting district numbered 1.4 million, and those who re-registered in different voting districts were 929 564.
“The Electoral Commission appreciates and thanks all South Africans who heeded the call to register for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” Mamabolo said.
The Chief Electoral Officer said young people aged between 16 and 29 account for 78.31% of new voters, with young women dominating that count.
“[The] Commission’s continued focus on young persons is producing a good yield. The Commission will persist with efforts to improve the registration levels of the youth.
“The well entrenched trend of there being more females on the voters’ roll continues. Of the new registrations, 298 500, or 52.52%, were female,” he said.
South Africa’s voters’ roll now has some 26.8 million registered voters, up from 26.3 million before the weekend.
“We further urge and invite persons who manage frail-care facilities and other such institutions to make contact with the Electoral Commission to arrange visits for purposes of registering voters in those institutions. Similarly, persons who are confined at home may also cause applications to be made for them to be visited and registered.
“The Electoral Commission reiterates that these participation levels in the voter registration process are a demonstration of the commitment of South Africans to electoral democracy. For its part, the Commission will spare no effort to ensure that eligible citizens are accorded ample opportunity to enlist on the roll,” Mamabolo said.
Faster processing of applications
Mamabolo explained how the “innovations and efficiencies” of the Voter Management Device (VMD) have sped up the process of how voter registration applications are processed.
“With the VMD, particulars of voters who attended to voting stations over the weekend have now been processed and address details captured onto the voter’s roll.
“Before the introduction of the VMD, it would have taken months to capture address details of voters following a registration event. The VMD processed 834 474 live transactions, while 1 872 352 transactions were captured and later processed. This is testament to the soundness of providing for a mode that enables the VMD to operate in varied connectivity environments,” he said.
The online portal
The Chief Electoral Officer said the online registrations portal has been a success since it was introduced in July 2021 with more than 196 000 transactions recorded.
He added that the commission is “seized with resolving some online registrations that gave a “pending” message”.
“The “pending” message is received by voters in instances where the ID image that they have uploaded cannot be read or recognised by the system, or where an image other than an ID has been uploaded. We urge voters to take extra care and follow system prompts when uploading images of their ID.
“The online registration portal remains available and citizens are urged to continue to use this platform to update their particulars and register to vote. We further urge those whose applications were not concluded on the system to finalise them,” Mamabolo said.
The portal remains available and citizens can continue to register for the elections or update their details.
The site is available at https://registertovote.elections.org.za/voter-online-registration/overview
Mamabolo said the date of a second voter’s registration weekend will be announced in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 17:08
I bring you compliments from the board and management of African Peace Magazine UK (https://AfricanPeace.org/).
Download the document: https://apo-opa.co/49G8Mex
On behalf of the Chairman Justice Suleiman Galadima, JSC, OFR, CFR (Rtd.), the board and management of African Peace Magazine UK, humbly wish to specially invite you to attend the Hybrid Award with the Theme: Africa is open for business: Strategic and Impactful Investment in Africa – That would facilitate peace and achieve sustainability goals.
The African Peace Magazine UK, in conjunction with her strategic partners: Rethink Africa Foundation, African Fact Checkers, Centre for peace and Conflict management in Africa, African Right Watch Television Ltd and several others is set to host the prestigious 13th Edition of African Peace Award at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Dallas Arlington South USA on the 10th December 2023.
The event is designed to host business, political, and diplomatic leaders. It is set to have in attendance, policy makers, and think-tanks on Africa and Africa-related issues.
The African Peace Magazine introduces its awards in the hopes of promoting peace globally and specifically in Africa with the hope of effecting change in Africa first and then globally.
The event is designed to host business, political, and diplomatic leaders. It is set to have in attendance, policy makers and think-tanks on Africa and Africa related issues. The African Peace awards 2023 seeks to honor persons, institutions, organization, governments and others whose actions, and efforts have in one way improved or contributed to peace keeping and conflict management in Africa as well as improving the lives of Africans.
Several African Presidents, Heads of Government, first ladies, Past President and Vice Presidents, top business Executives, diplomats and others have received the award.
The past recipients of Award includes: H.E, the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, The former First Lady of The Federal Republic Nigeria, H.E, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, Hon Justice Stella Anukam Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples Right. The former President of Sierra Leone, H.E Ernest Bai Koroma, Secretary to the Federation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha Esq, The First Lady of Kwara State, H.E Amb. Dr. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, H.E the former First Lady of Taraba State, H.E Bar. Anna Mbasugun Darius Ishaku, Chief Akin Olujinmi SAN former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Ozek home SAN, Ahmed Raji SAN, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman of Green Energy International Ltd and former SA to the President of Nigeria. H.E. Professor Monique Oshame Ekpong (KSJI), the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Angola
Prof Bolaji Owasonye SAN, The former Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, The President of the ECOWAS Court Hon Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Babatunde Irukera Esq, Chief Executive Officer Federal Consumer Protection Council and several others
APM, organizers of the Prestigious African Peace Awards, through its Awards committee has unveiled the following persons as the winners of the African Peace Award 2023 in various categories.
The winners:
Ms. Amina J. Mohammed
The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group
HE. Mutinta Hichilema
The first lady of Zambia
H.E Fatima Maada Bio
The First Lady of Sierra Leone
H.E Mrs. Samia Suluhu Hassan
President of Tanzania
Dr. Demola Sogunle
Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC
Mr. Gaspar Martins
Chairman/ CEO of Sonangol Angola
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the World Trade Organization
H. E Fuad Ademola Adeyemi
H.E Sanusi Kaura Mohammed
H.E Liman Munir Yusuf
H.E Mohammed Onawo Ogoshi
H.E Ojogbane Adegbe
H.E Suleiman Abdul Rahman
H.E Dickson Dominic Tarkighir
Gen Aliyu Gusau
H.E Auxillia Mnangagwa,
The first lady of Zimbabwe
Mr. Akindele Akintoye,
Chairman, Platform Capital
Mpumi Mpofu,
CEO, Airports Company South Africa
João Figueiredo
CEO, of Moza Banco
H.E Nadia Alaoui,
Morocco
Othman Benjelloun
CEO of BMCE Bank of Africa
Chief (Dr.) Mike Ozekhome
SAN, CON
H.E Joao Baptista Borges
Hon Minister Angola
H.E Nialé Kaba
Ivorian Minister for Planning and Development
H.E Philip Mpango
Tanzania's Vice-President
H.E Verde José Ulisses Correia e Silva
Prime Minister of Cabo
H.E Sahle-Work Zewde
Ethiopia's President
H.E Tiemoko Meyliet Koné
Ivorian Vice President
H.E Patrick Achi
Ivorian Prime Minister
H.E Mahamudu Bawumia
Ghanaian Vice President
H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
President of Guyana
H.E. Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
HE Peter Mutharika
Former President of Malawi
H.E. Dr. Terrance M. Dew
Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis
HE Philip J. Pierre
Prime Minister of St. Lucia
HE Lazarus Chakwera
President of Malawi
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Former President of Mauritius
HE Ralph Gonsalves
Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
HE Julius Maada Bio
President of Sierra Leone
H.E. Hage Geingob
President of Namibia
HE Patricia Scotland
Secretary General of the Commonwealth
HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Former President of Kenya
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
WHO Director-General
H.E Princess Fifi EJINDU
Abuja Nigeria
H.E António Henriques da SILVA
Luanda Angola
H.E Bento dos SANTOS
Luanda Angola
H.E Senator Grace FOLASHADE
Luanda Angola
H.E Sabena JOHANNES
Luanda Angola
H.E Téte António,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Luanda Angola
H.E Mário de Oliveira
Minister of Telecommunications Information, Technology and Social Communication
H.E Ricardo d´Abreu
Minister of Transport
Luanda Angola
H.E Domingos Vieira LOPES
The Secretary of State for International Cooperation His Excellency.
Luanda Angola
Hajia Bola Muinat Shagaya
MON
Abdul Samad Rabiu
CFR, CON, is the Chairman of BUA Cement Plc
Jacques Piekarski
Chief Financial Officer / Executive Director of BUA Cement Plc
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Founder and Chairman of APO
Senator Daisy Danjuma
Executive Vice Chairman of SAPETRO South Atlantic Petroleum Limited
Joycee Awosika
Founder of Nigeria First Wellness Spa Franchise
His Excellency Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON
Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aliko Dangote GCON
Chairman, and CEO of the Dangote Group
Craig Morkel
Chairperson - Gas Economy Leadership Team at South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA)
Simone Santi
President Leonardo Group
Mozambique
Mike-Anthony Johnson
CEO JIC Holdings
Hon Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa
OON, CEO,NIDCOM (Nigerians In Diaspora Commission)
Mr. Elliot Ibe,FNAPE
President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE)
Her Excellency, Dr. Esperanca da Costa
Vice President of the Republic of Angola
Dr. Jose Chinjamba
Board of Director, Angola's Agency for Private Investment and Exports Promotion (AIPEX)
Engr. Felix Obike,
The Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Mr. Gwueke Ajaifia
(Executive Director) Oil Producers Trade Section (opts)
Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, FCA
President Lagos chamber of commerce and industry Alausa Lagos
Festus Osifo
Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN)
Bala M. Wunti
The Group General Manager of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS),
Mr. Farouk Ahmed
The Authority Chief Executive, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
The President, Eze, Sir Mike Elechi, JP, FNIM, NPOM
The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA)
Mele Kolo Kyari OFR
Group Chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum company limited (NNPC limited)
Mr. Umar Isa Ajiya
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Nigerian National Petroleum company limited (NNPC limited)
Senator Hagiya Habibah Ireti Kingiba
Mario A. Caetano Joao
Minister of Economy and planning Angola
Markus Klaushofer
Chief Executive Officer Bei Alanova Aviation Partners
Francisco Mendes
Managing Partner Mc Kinsey and Company Angola
Ansalmo Neves
Director Regional Banco de Fomento Angola
Daniel Pires
President of the Textile Industrial Forum Angola
Jorge Cruz
Professor Agostinho Neto University Angola
His Excellency Dr. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo
Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of the Republic of Angola
Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim
Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization, APPO
Silvester Scott Beaman of Delaware
Chair Mimi Alemayehou of Washington DC
Rosalind Brewer of Georgia
Viola Davis of Rhode Island
Helene D. Gayle of Georgia
Patrick Hubert Gaspard of New York
C.D. Glin of Connecticut
Osagie Imasogie of Pennsylvania
Almaz Negash of California
Chinenye Joy Ogwumike of Texas
Ham Serunjogi of California
Kevin Young of Washington, D.C.
Deniece Laurent-Mantey
Rev Dr Michael Evans
Pastor Ropo Tusin
Pastor Laide Tusin
Theophilus Maku
Victoria Maku
Divine Oshideko
Shola Kareem
Dr Oladele Olusanya
Dr Edward Olutoke
Pastor Darolyn Brock
Pastor Robert Madu
Pastor Victoria Madu
Belinda Babila
Hon. Bobby DigiOlisa
Festus Adenisimi
HE Joaquin Chissano
Former President of Mozambique
HE Jakaya Kikwete
Former President of Tanzania
HE Hailemariam Desalegn
Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Adaralegbe Akintayo
CEO of TPumpy Concept Limited
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Peace Magazine.
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The development of rural tourism gives visitors a unique experience beyond the traditional sites. On the KZN South Coast, the Agri Tourism Route is one such offering, with the farmlands offering a chance for outdoor adventure and home-grown tastes. Now, the KZN South Coast has another addition to its popular Agri Tourism Route with the …
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Cabinet approves Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan
Cabinet has approved the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET IP), which will guide South Africa’s transition to a low carbon economy through the scaling up of renewable energy sources.
The JET IP sets out a number of interventions South Africa needs and investments required for the country to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy in line with the National Determined Contributions presented to the United Nations.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Monday Cabinet is of the view that the JET IP demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to a just transition in line with the country’s energy needs.
She said the JET IP will be driven by a combination of reforms in the energy sector, including the Mpumalanga Just Transition, new energy vehicles and green hydrogen, among others.
“The plan further responds to South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as NDP [National Development Plan] commitments.
“The Jet IP will enable South Africa to gradually meet its carbon emissions reduction commitments while at same time, it will ensure inclusive economic growth, energy security and employment,” Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet media briefing.
Criminal Assets Recovery Account
Cabinet has also approved the use of monies in the Criminal Asset Recovery Account to fight against illegal mining and other crimes.
Ntshavheni said R2 172 359 is allocated to fight illicit mining which continues to be a threat to the South African economy.
“The money is allocated to the SAPS [South African Police Service], SANDF [South African National Defence Force], Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Agency. The SAPS will use the funding to buy vehicles, helicopters, nyalas and will deploy more than 4000 officers for 18 months,” Ntshavheni explained.
Illegal mining and other organised crimes cost South Africa billions of rands each year and it affects the country’s position as an investment destination, the Minister said.
National Petroleum Company Bill
Cabinet has also approved the publication of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill for public comment.
The Bill gives effect to the Cabinet decision to merge PetroSA, South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund.
Ntshavheni noted that the Bill makes provisions for the establishment of a state-owned company that will ensure South Africa participates meaningfully in oil and gas development.
“It will also guarantee the country’s security of energy supply to support economic development and growth. The SANPC will oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country’s petroleum resources and this will contribute to development and job creation,” the Minister explained.
Draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy
Cabinet also approved the Gazetting of the draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy for public comment.
The policy proposes that South Africa’s public transport funding should move from subsidising a particular mode of transport to a user-subsidy model.
“Government recognises that the transport sector is at the heart of the country’s development with most households completely reliant on public transport for mobility.”
African Peer Review Mechanism celebrations
Meanwhile, Cabinet has considered and supported the request for South Africa to host the 20th anniversary celebrations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APMR) from 23 to 30 November 2023.
The Minister said South Africa supports the APRM mission to promote the African Union’s shared values of democratic governance and inclusive development on the continent.
The 20th anniversary celebrations will include the participation of current and former Heads of State and government, and the African Union Commission. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:50
City of Cape Town announced as Host City for the Betway SA20 Final on 10 February 2024 – the partnership...
Embarking on a new venture is an exhilarating journey filled with possibilities and challenges. And now that you’ve managed to raise funding, things are about to get even more interesting. Far from being the end of the journey, this is just the beginning. However, without proper financial management and keeping your investors up to date …
As a young professional, isn’t it time you bought a property or a share in one? You can! Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, has some advice for young, aspiring property moguls. In South Africa, with its combination of economic challenges, urban hubs, and a young, dynamic population, sharing accommodation when you’ve got your foot …
The 17th Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meeting of the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa officially opened today in Johannesburg, South Africa. The MDT meeting is an annual event, which provides a platform for different FAO units and Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and development partners to jointly review achievements and challenges, while designing innovative approaches for sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
The five-day MDT meeting is held under the theme “Enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.”
The MDT meeting is attended by high-level officials including Winston Makabanyane, Head of Africa Desk, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa; Domingos Hove, Director, Food Agriculture and Natural Resource in the SADC Secretariat; Permanent Secretaries of the SADC Member States, Regional Economic Communities; Abebe Haile-Grabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa; development partners, FAO Representatives and senior technical experts from Headquarters and across Southern Africa.
“For the next five days, the subregion and country offices will share the successes, milestones and challenges in programme implementation, as well as outline how we envisage to respond by enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood system transformation in Southern Africa,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa in his welcome remarks during the official opening ceremony of the MDT meeting.
The 17th MDT meeting is taking place at the start of the renewed mandate of the FAO Director-General, Dr Qu Dongyu, which focuses on the emergence of a new vision of agriculture that will work towards the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life – leaving no one behind.
“I would like to assure you that the regional office eagerly looks forward to the outcomes of this year's MDT meeting and will be there to provide guidance and support for implementation of the agreed programme priorities. I encourage you to utilize the next five days to engage in fruitful discussions and interactions to fully meet the expectations of this meeting,” said Abebe Haile-Grabriel affirming FAO Regional Office's support to the subregion.
Defining and aligning priorities to the FAO 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) and the new biennium
Taking place at a time when FAO will be holding its 33rd Africa Regional Conference (ARC33) in April 2024 in Morocco, the discourse of the MDT meeting will give participants the opportunity for the subregion and its Member States to prepare for the Conference to present subregional priorities and technical assistance expectations of Member States and RECs for deliberations at the Conference. In addition, the MDT deliberations will be conducted with a view to informing priorities for the new Biennium (2024 – 2025).
“SADC has a mandate and obligation to support member states as they strive to achieve agrifood systems transformation. In particular, FANR's mandate has a major focus on a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector in line with the theme of this year's MDT meeting and as outlined in SADC's Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-2030,” said, Domingos Hove underlining the critical importance of co-development, co-ownership and implementation of country and regional programme priorities.
The meeting is structured in a strategic format that will enable the subregion (FAO, Members States and development partners) to take stock of progress to learn and adopt progressive innovations and investments for sustainable agrifood systems transformation. Member States will also have the opportunity present best practices for regional cross-learning and experience sharing. The meeting will delve into the “forecasting” the future of food and agriculture through adopting measurable recommendations for enhancing innovation and investments for a resilient and competitive agro-industrial sector and agrifood systems transformation in Southern Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa commends Auditor-General of South Africa, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.
President Ramaphosa appointed Ms Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.
Ms Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.
She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.
Ms Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency.
UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
President Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa's governance institutions”.
The President wishes Ms Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Fatma Samoura honoured in recognition of her achievements as Secretary General; Progress in women's football and development schemes central themes of speech; Vows to continue work against discrimination after stepping down at the end of the year.
Fatma Samoura has received the Choiseul Grand Prix award at a ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco, in recognition of her achievements during more than seven years as FIFA Secretary General.
Appointed in 2016 and the first female, African and Muslim Secretary General in over a century of FIFA history, Ms Samoura has since worked tirelessly alongside President Gianni Infantino to rehabilitate FIFA's image and increase transparency.
She has also been a staunch advocate for women's football, and her tenure has seen a major increase in the number of girls and women playing the game as FIFA work towards the goal of 60 million female players in organised football by 2026.
In her acceptance speech, Ms Samoura highlighted the success of the expanded FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, which saw nearly two million fans attend matches in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and noted the significant impact the tournament would have not only on the women's game, but also society.
“As my journey with FIFA draws to a close, I have had some time to look back on the last seven-and-a-half years and see just how far we have come. FIFA itself has changed significantly. When I stepped into the role in June 2016, it was basically a toxic brand due to all the corruption scandals. So along with President Infantino, I had to take a leading role in cleaning up the organisation, inside and out. Today FIFA is a more accountable, better governed and more transparent organisation that puts football in the center of its activities, and I am hugely proud to have contributed in some small way to creating that.” said Ms Samoura at the event organised by Institut Choiseul, an independent, non-partisan and non-profit thinktank focused on finding solutions to economic challenges in Africa.
Ms Samoura has also contributed to changing the face of FIFA. Since the founding of the Women's Football (https://apo-opa.co/3G7NOrE) Division in 2016, the FIFA Council (https://apo-opa.co/46kZotR) now features seven female members, including one FIFA Vice-President, while over 40 percent of FIFA employees are female.
But she has also been a driving force behind development schemes such as the FIFA Football for Schools programme (www.FootballForSchools.FIFA.com), this week attending the launch in Ethiopia (https://apo-opa.co/46qshVE) as the East African nation became the 102nd of FIFA's 211 Member Associations (MAs) to join the initiative, which aims to give children around the world skills for life as well as football.
She also highlighted the benefits of the Talent Development Scheme (https://apo-opa.co/46j6ZsT), which provides the most promising young players a pathway to fully exploit their potential, and the FIFA Forward programme (https://apo-opa.co/49VJNUX), which funds MAs' football-related development projects and has seen a seven-fold increase in support since 2016.
The FIFA Talent Development Scheme (https://apo-opa.co/47DbFuR) helps raise the standards of national-team football around the world for both men and women. The scheme supports MAs in making the most of the talent available to them with FIFA approved a funding allocation of USD 200 million. FIFA's ambition is that by 2026, all MAs will have at least one high-performance centre of excellence for players between the ages of 12 and 16.
Ms Samoura was also a driving force behind FIFA's partnership with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) (https://apo-opa.co/3MRbDaG). The partnership has seen projects to mitigate Covid 19 effects, projects on mental health co-financed with the GIZ (the German Development Cooperation) (https://apo-opa.co/3sEkaXQ), and the Championnes programme. The Championnes programme is an important project that promotes leadership among girls and promotes gender equality in Africa through football.
The most recent co-financed FIFA/AFD initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3sEinC4) – with Play International and Diambars as implementation agencies – is an inclusive football academy programme launched in Djibouti, Malawi and Mauritania.
The benefits of these programmes in Africa can already been seen in recent FIFA tournaments including the FIFA Women's World Cup™️ which saw an increase to four African teams qualify for the finals, with a record three of them – Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa – reaching the knockout rounds. African nations have also impressed in the FIFA U-17 World Cup™️, currently being held in Indonesia. Three out of the four CAF nations – Morocco, Mali and Senegal – have qualified for the knockout rounds with Morrocco finishing top of their group.
The Football Unites the World campaign, and the wide range of social issues given greater visibility at the FIFA World Cup last year in Qatar and this year's FIFA Women's World Cup, such as gender equality and education for all, have all been causes close to Ms Samoura's heart during her time in office. She said she intends to keep promoting those issues when she steps down as FIFA Secretary General at the end of the year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Download more images: https://apo-opa.co/3SMBEvO
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
AG appointed UNESCO External Auditor
Auditor-General of South Africa Tsakani Maluleke has been commended on her appointment as External Auditor of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for a period of six years, from 2024 to 2029.
In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “On behalf of government and the nation, I congratulate our Auditor-General on her election to a global role which as an acknowledgment of her personal capabilities and the leadership capacity and integrity that resides in South Africa’s governance institutions.”
The President appointed Maluleke, on recommendation of the National Assembly, as Auditor-General with effect from 1 December 2020. She had previously been Deputy Auditor-General and the first woman to hold this office.
Maluleke is a Chartered Accountant and registered auditor who holds a B Comm (Accounting) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Cape Town.
She also obtained a Post-graduate Diploma in Development and Public Management from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2016.
Maluleke was elected to her UNESCO role on 16 November 2023 by members of various committees and subsidiary organs of this United Nations agency. UNESCO contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information.
The President wished Maluleke well as she embarks on her new oversight position. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:24
Eskom ramping up load shedding to replenish emergency reserves
Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said on Sunday that Eskom was ramping up power cuts to replenish emergency reserves.
This comes as the state-owned power entity announced it was implementing Stage 3 load shedding from 9:00 this morning until 5:00 on Monday to replenish emergency reserves in preparation for the week ahead.
This is because Eskom lost a “cluster” of units from different power stations across the country, amounting to over 2 700 megawatts (MW), shy of three stages of load shedding.
“And if we had not experienced that, of course, you would not be seeing the kind of intensity of load shedding that we are experiencing,” the Minister explained.
Meanwhile, he said that the return of Units 1 and 3 in Kusile Power Station has been significant.
“As big units return, when you see the kind of cluster of failures that we’ve seen, the intensity of load shedding is not as acute. Of course, we’re on Stage 3 [load shedding] and that’s the highest that we have experienced. But what Unit 1 and 3 have done is to create an additional buffer and why it’s important that Unit 2 and 5 also return.”
On the other hand, he said this kind of failure of generating units has resulted in the continued burning of diesel and open-cycle gas turbines (OGGT) running on stream.
“That’s something that we haven’t done and avoided over the past four or five weeks before the last two weeks. We’ve been burning very little diesel and preserved that and ensured that we rely on the ability of the units on their own to give us the megawatts that are required.
“That’s why the media statement that went out by Eskom today is to say to say we want to build that emergency reserve because we have depleted them.”
Eskom, according to Ramokgopa, did not anticipate the extent of the current breakdown.
“Failure will be given in any engineering component. But I think what has been the major issue here is the clustering of this failure.”
However, he was optimistic that the five units would return by tonight. This includes units from Duvha, Majuba and Lethabo power stations.
“This messaging is a function of our ability to keep to these timelines. And of course, you can see that some of them were already delayed but we are confident about their ability to bring these units back on stream to ensure that we’re able to address this situation.”
Unit 1 at Koeberg Power Station was successfully synchronised to the grid on Saturday, after almost a year.
Eskom said this was the longest outage in the history of the power station during which the original three steam generators were successfully replaced by three new steam generators.
Once Unit 1 is considered stable, Unit 2 will be taken offline to have its steam generators replaced.
“The expectation is that it must return back to service on time. But if you had to draw from the experiences of Unit 1, it doesn't give us that degree of confidence and that's why there's that discussion that we have with the management.
“We expect the second synchronisation to happen on the 2nd and 3rd of December. And then that's when I'm sure that we will be able to take out Unit 2 for the kind of attention that is required so that we're able to meet the licensing requirements.”
Meanwhile, he told the media that government was moving with speed in policy issues and giving certainty to what will constitute South Africa’s energy mix, transmission intervention and additional generation capacity expected end of December this year. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 11/19/2023 - 11:58