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G20 urged to deliver on climate justice

Location: News

G20 urged to deliver on climate justice

With developing nations being considered the most vulnerable to climate change, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says the Group of Twenty (G20) countries must lead in delivering climate justice.

Addressing the closing session for the Joint Sherpa-Finance and Central Banks Deputies' Meeting, Guterres stressed that many vulnerable countries are being forced to respond to a crisis they did not create.

“Meanwhile, they lack the necessary support to seize the benefits of clean energy to spur prosperity and eliminate poverty. We need developed countries supporting developing countries with adequate, affordable and accessible finance and technology, and through meaningful contribution to the loss and damage fund by doubling adaptation finance next year as promised.

“[Climate justice can be delivered] by forging new partnerships like the Just Energy Transition Partnership that South Africa has pioneered to pave the way to a renewable future,” the Secretary-General said on Wednesday in Johannesburg.

On 1 December 2024, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20, which comprises many of the world's largest developing and developed economies.

As part of the work for the G20 Presidency, South Africa has commenced with the first series of the more than 130 meetings that will precede the G20 Summit in 2025.

“G20 countries must lead the way in line with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities but recognise that every G20 country has to do more in the reduction of emissions. Next year, every government must deliver new economic plans in line with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

“These new plans must cover all emissions in the whole economy, accelerate a just fossil fuel phase out and contribute to the energy transition goals agreed to at COP28. We must also ensure that Africa’s critical minerals that can power the renewable future worldwide benefit Africans first and most. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.

Guterres further called on the G20 to lead on technological justice.

“From digital technology to artificial intelligence, the developing world must access and benefit from the technological revolution.

“We need the G20 to support developing countries as they invest in the digital driven systems and solutions that their people need to boost prosperity to create jobs and drive sustainable development,” he said.

South Africa's G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency, and it is also the first African Presidency, followed by the admission of the African Union (AU) as the second permanent African member. 

The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. 

The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.

The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 12/11/2024 - 15:14

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President Ramaphosa commends Welisizwe bridges construction in Mpumalanga

Location: News

President Ramaphosa commends Welisizwe bridges construction in Mpumalanga

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the cooperation between the government departments that ensured the successful completion of Welisizwe Bridges in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.

“We are here as government to report that we have delivered on our promise to address the problem of old and dilapidated bridges in Mpumalanga,” President Ramaphosa said.

Addressing the local communities at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga, President Ramaphosa said communities have needed infrastructure.  

The President embarked on a multifaceted two-day visit to Mpumalanga. The visit is to commence on Tuesday, where the President met with the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Committee. Today, he undertook the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges handover.

“Poor transport infrastructure has been making it difficult to get to and from places of work, school, the hospital and clinic, and to towns and cities from rural areas,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said in some cases, what would normally be a quick journey from one place to another takes double the time because there is no bridge.

“When the rains come or there are heavy floods, crossing becomes difficult and dangerous. As government, we have heard your call as the people of Mpumalanga for this issue to be addressed.

“[Welisizwe] is a ground-breaking method to construct bridges that are sturdy, that last, and are safe for communities. We have been working with speed to deploy the bridges where they are needed most -- in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the North West, Eastern Cape and the Free State. 

“We were all extremely impressed by the quality of the structures we visited [today].”

President Ramaphosa told the locals that government is working hard to ensure that there is water in communities.

“As government, we are doing everything in our power to ensure that there is water in our communities,” the President said.

The President said there are plans to expand the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for people to gain critical skills, which can be used in projects such as Welisizwe.

“With the skills gained, people can go and look for employment or start their own businesses,” President Ramaphosa said.

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson said the President’s visit to Mpumalanga was not just to mark the completion of critical infrastructure, but to celebrate the progress that is being made in restoring dignity to people through the transformative Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme.

“This initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together across all spheres of government and sectors of society,” Macpherson said. 

Macpherson said the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme embodies the work the department has done to ensure that there is infrastructure to bring dignity to communities that were previously isolated.

“These bridges are not just about crossing rivers: they are about ensuring that children can safely walk to school, patients can reach clinics in time, and families can access markets and workplaces that sustain their livelihoods.

“Mpumalanga is known as the 'province of the rising sun', and today’s ceremony is a testament to how infrastructure investment is bringing new hope and opportunities to our rural communities. It is also a testament to the tireless collaboration that has made this progress possible.

“The South African National Defence Force’s technical expertise and commitment have been invaluable in constructing these bridges, often in challenging terrains and under tight timelines,” Macpherson said.

Speaking to SAnews, community member, Thozamile Mbeje, expressed her gratitude for the construction of the bridges. 

“I thank our government for constructing the bridges in our communities. It was difficult to cross the river during rainy seasons. Our children could not go to school because of overflowing rivers.”

Mbeje said they are now able to move to other areas with ease, and that children don’t have to miss school because of overflowing rivers.

Another resident, Isreal Sithole, said before the construction of the bridges, he could not go to work during rainy days.

“It was difficult to get to the other side because of the overflowing river, in the past we had incidences were people were washed away by the river,” Sithole said.

Sithole told SAnews that government should do more to improve people’s lives by bringing more services.ing“Our people need hospitals, clinics and other essential services closer to were they are staying,” Sithole said.

President Ramaphosa has been in Mpumalanga since Monday.

On Tuesday, the President met with the Provincial Executive Committee. Today, he undertook  the second phase of the Welisizwe Rural Bridges handover.

The meeting with the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Executive is part of a series of engagements between the President and provinces aimed at enhancing intergovernmental coordination and improve service delivery, in line with the priorities of the 7th Administration.

The handover and official opening of bridges afforded the President an opportunity to directly witness the work that has been done since the pronouncements made in the 2023 State of the Nation Address.

The Welisizwe Bridges programme is a strategic Integrated Project (SIP) prioritised by the 6th administration.

Collaborative efforts between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Defence have already resulted in bridges being constructed in provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and the North West.

Welisizwe bridges are a key investment in community infrastructure and are giving people dignity, access to opportunities for education and work. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 12/11/2024 - 13:11

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Universities urged to make provision for student accommodation

Location: News

Universities urged to make provision for student accommodation

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has encouraged institutions of higher learning to provide land on campus to build student accommodation facilities in a bid to make it easier to manage the standard of student accommodation and safety.

“It is our collective responsibility to make sure that we create a safe and conducive environment for students, so that the university can produce the necessary labour force that must shape the economy of our country, which will lead to a capable, ethical and developmental State,” Nkabane said.

Nkabane made the call when she unveiled a 200-bed student accommodation facility at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) eMalahleni campus on Monday.

The project was funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training through the department’s infrastructure and efficiency grants of R110 million, as well R8.298 million from TUT.

The building, which will be used to accommodate students from the 2025 academic year, is the first phase of the project that will accommodate 200 female students.

Nkabane said student accommodation was one of the main challenges facing the higher education sector and had a direct effect on the performance of students and the quality of graduates produced each year.

“The victims of this challenge, in the main, are the historically disadvantaged students who cannot afford expensive accommodation that is conducive to learning. The issue of accommodation also directly addresses the challenges of student safety, which we are concerned about as a sector,” Nkabane said.

She announced that TUT was part of the Student Housing Infrastructure Programme Phase 2, which is aimed at building an additional 3 500 beds across the TUT campuses for the period 2024/25 to 2026/27.

The Student Housing Infrastructure Programme aims to help universities to develop their infrastructure to address student accommodation challenges.

During Phase 2, the eMahlaleni Campus will benefit from 500 bed spaces.

“The department, together with the National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure, has already allocated R788.382 million, comprising the department’s IEG [Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant] contribution of R450.5 million and National Treasury’s BFI [Budget Facility for Infrastructure] of R337.882 million with the remaining required budget of approximately R235 million to be augmented by debt financing from the DBSA [Development Bank of Southern Africa],” Nkabane said.

The Minister warned that the department would not tolerate delays in the transformation agenda.

“We will monitor all the projects and make sure that they are completed within the specified timeframes, and we will harshly deal with corrupt counter-revolutionary tendencies. We challenge all the students to jealousy guard and protect our infrastructure,” the Minister said.

The unveiling of student accommodation was followed by a visit to the Nkangala Technical Vocational Education and Training College’s Middleburg campus, in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The college has five campuses around the Nkangala District and purchased the Top of the World Training Centre in 2015.

The college invested in the centre after government developed a National Development Plan (NDP) in 2012, which mandated that the country must produce 30 000 artisans annually.

The centre was purchased having only three accreditations, both training centre and trade test centre, including boilermaker, mechanical fitter, and electrician.

“The centre later acquired welder accreditation, and all the accreditations were on legacy. The centre now has six accreditations on New Occupational Programmes: fitter and turner, millwright, mechanical fitter, boilermaker, welder, and electrician.

“The new accreditations will increase capacity from 60 trainees of apprenticeship to 90. The centre is used to train and test artisans, can accommodate 90 apprenticeships and 90 Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning, and 400 NCV [National Certificate Vocational] students. The centre has produced more than 1 300 artisans to date,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 10:55

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New Children’s Edutainment Garden launched in Pretoria

Location: News

New Children’s Edutainment Garden launched in Pretoria

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has unveiled the new Children’s Edutainment Garden at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden ahead of the festive season. 

This space serves as a unique educational resource for foundation-phase teachers and learners. The Children’s Edutainment Garden offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning in an engaging, nature-filled environment. 

“The Children’s Edutainment Garden stands as evidence of a deliberate choice to equip the next generation with knowledge. In the second phase, we will include elements that teach biodiversity in a direct, hands-on manner. 

“We believe that even early steps in understanding living systems help shape informed minds that respect free exchange, prudent stewardship, and independent thought,” the Minister said on Tuesday. 

The project, funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Green Open Space Management Programme, underscores the department’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable use of the country’s environmental resources. 

Teachers can use the space to introduce learners to concepts of personal and shared space, safety and cooperation in a fun, interactive way. For creative arts teachers, learners can practice locomotor movements such as walking, skipping, and running forwards and backwards, while navigating the play equipment. 

Activities promote rhythm, coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and early sports skills, as expected of elementary learners. This interactive play space is designed to inspire imagination, exploration, and outdoor fun for toddlers and young children. Little thrill-seekers can soar on swings, zoom down slides, and test their strength scaling the climbing wall. 

“Creativity knows no bounds in the imagination-inspiring play zone. The Children’s Edutainment Garden features interactive maze games and puzzles that challenge problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

“Our adaptable play area features indigenous games such as ‘morabaraba’ and ‘diketo’ to ensure inclusivity, allowing children of all ages and all backgrounds to join in the fun. The play zone transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures,” South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Shonisani Munzhedzi, said. 

Meanwhile, parents can unwind and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, knowing their little ones are exploring, learning, and growing in a safe and enriching environment. The lawns surrounding the Children’s Edutainment Garden offer a beautifully maintained space for picnics and relaxation.

 These are just some of the many features that visitors can enjoy at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden. For those who are looking for fitness activities in nature, the garden opened a green gym and has several hiking trails. 

Visitors can access all these facilities for the affordable price of just R90 per adult. 

For those who wish to visit the garden more often, the SANBI Gardens Membership offers unlimited access to all 11 national botanical gardens across the country for just R800 per adult per annum and only R400 per child per annum. Children under the age of six years old enter free and pensioners over the age of 60 enter for free every Tuesday, except for public holidays. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 13:22

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President Ramaphosa stresses Job Creation, Inclusive Growth in Mpumalanga

Location: News

President Ramaphosa stresses Job Creation, Inclusive Growth in Mpumalanga

President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the importance of inclusive economic growth and job creation as the central focus of government and its social partners. 

The President was speaking at the meeting between the National Executive and the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Council at the Nkangala District Council Chambers, Mpumalanga. 

President Ramaphosa reiterated that cooperative governance is a constitutional mandate, urging all spheres of government to collaborate more effectively to address common challenges. 

Highlighting Mpumalanga’s potential, President Ramaphosa noted the province's dual role as South Africa’s energy powerhouse, fuelled by its abundant coal reserves, and a hub for agriculture and tourism. 

However, he also acknowledged the significant challenges the province faces, including an unemployment rate above the national average and widespread poverty. 

“For Mpumalanga, inclusive economic growth and job creation must therefore be at the forefront of the efforts of government and all social partners. Like other provinces, Mpumalanga needs to grow faster, and the benefits of growth need to reach more of its people.

“Fortunately, this province has many advantages that it can use to drive growth and development. Mpumalanga is literally South Africa’s powerhouse,” the President said. 

This is the National Executive’s third engagement with a provincial executive council. The Executive has previously met with the provincial leadership of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

Over the next year, the National Executive is planning to meet with the leadership of all other provinces. 

The President pointed to the province's critical role in the country’s just transition to a low-carbon economy, stressing the need to balance environmental objectives with protecting livelihoods.

“Mpumalanga is literally South Africa’s powerhouse. Most of the country’s electricity comes from here, fuelled by the abundant coal reserves in this province.

“Mpumalanga will therefore continue to be vital to the social and economic development of the country for many years to come. For this reason, the province will also be at the centre of the just transition to a low-carbon economy,” the President said. 

He called for investment in new technologies, industries, and skills to drive growth and create opportunities for communities.

President Ramaphosa lauded Mpumalanga's commitment to infrastructure development, which he described as essential for economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. 

“This is a fertile province, which has the ability to sustain a wide variety of agricultural activities. Mpumalanga is a province of natural splendour. It has long been a destination for visitors from across South Africa and across the world. We are encouraged by the determination of the province to invest in infrastructure,” the President said. 

He encouraged provincial leaders to strengthen partnerships with national entities such as Infrastructure South Africa and the Infrastructure Fund.

The meeting, attended by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, and several Ministers and Deputy Ministers, aimed to align national and provincial priorities.

As engagements with other provinces continue, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of leveraging regional strengths to complement national development goals.

“Different provinces have different resources and capabilities. As a country, we must ensure that these are developed and work to complement each other,” the President said.

The gathering is part of the President’s ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation between national and provincial governments to address pressing socio-economic challenges and promote sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 14:40

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Basic Education launches app to track eradication of pit toilets

Location: News

Basic Education launches app to track eradication of pit toilets

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has unveiled the Safe Schools App, a technological solution designed to tackle one of the most urgent issues in South African schools - the eradication of pit toilets. 

The app was unveiled to the media in Tshwane on Monday afternoon during a briefing hosted by the department. 

The Safe Schools App, developed and donated by Vodacom South Africa, is a tool aimed at promoting accountability and transparency in addressing the pressing challenge. 

“The Safe Schools App is more than just an application; it is a bold statement of our resolve to eliminate unsafe sanitation facilities in schools and to do so with transparency, efficiency and accountability,” Gwarube said. 

The Minister outlined three strategic objectives for the app. 

In the short-term, it will provide real-time monitoring of the eradication of pit toilets. The app features a dynamic heat map that tracks progress on the removal of pit latrines nationwide. This feature ensures that government has access to real-time information about its efforts on the SAFE backlog. It also highlights areas requiring urgent attention, ensuring that indeed, no child is left behind. 

In the medium-term, the app will enable crowdsourcing of data to fill existing gaps in information about sanitation facilities across the country.

In the long-term, the department will roll out the use of the app to monitor other key programmes. 

Beyond sanitation, the app has the potential to serve as a key platform to track other critical departmental initiatives, including the National School Nutrition Programme, infrastructure projects, and the delivery of learning and teaching materials. 

Gwarube said the launch of the app represented a significant step forward in the department’s strategy to leverage technological partnerships to improve education outcomes in the country. 

“In today’s world, technology is not just a tool but a necessity. It allows us to enhance accountability, optimise resource allocation, and improve efficiency across the education system. 

“The Safe Schools App is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to address societal challenges that seemed too big and too complex for us to resolve,” she said. 

The Minister invited every South African to play a role in ensuring that the nation’s schools are safe and dignified spaces for learning. 

“This is what education in a modern democracy should look like: engaged, participatory and driven by a shared vision for the future,” she said. 

Mechanism for accountability 

Gwarube said accountability was at the heart of the Safe Schools App. 

By providing a clear and real-time view of progress, the app ensures that everyone involved -- government officials, implementing agents, school administrators, and communities -- remain focused on achieving the goal of eradicating the backlog of SAFE pit toilets by the 31 March 2025 deadline. 

“This tool will enable us to identify and respond to delays, allocate resources where they are needed most, and celebrate successes along the way. It is a game-changer in how we approach infrastructure challenges, and I believe it sets a new standard for accountability and for transparency in public service delivery,” Gwarube said. 

The Minister said the eradication of pit toilets speaks to the dignity, safety, and well-being of children in schools. 

“It is about ensuring that every learner, regardless of their background or location, has access to toilets that reflect the values of a democratic and inclusive society,” she said. 

She said the urgency of the task cannot be overstated because unsafe sanitation facilities not only compromise the health and safety of learners but also impact their ability to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential. 

The Minister urged every parent, teacher and concerned citizen to report pit toilets to www.safeschools.gov.za.

“This is a collective effort, and every contribution counts. By working together, we can ensure that no child has to endure unsafe or undignified learning conditions,” Gwarube said. 

Tragic losses 

Pit latrines in South Africa have claimed the lives of several children, highlighting the urgent need for improved sanitation in schools. 

Tragic incidents include the case of Michael Komape, a five-year-old boy who drowned in a pit toilet at his school in Limpopo in 2014. His death brought national and international attention to the dire state of sanitation infrastructure in rural schools.

In 2018, Lumka Mketwa, a five-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape, died after falling into a pit latrine at her school. 

The South African Human Rights Commission and other organisations have called for accountability and the urgent eradication of pit latrines, emphasising the role of government and private sector partnerships in addressing this critical issue. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:55

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VC4A Connects Funders of Africa’s Startup Success at Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS2024)

Location: News
VC4A

Over 300 Africa-focused delegates converged at the 11th edition of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, and filled up the room for the AESIS Deal Morning ready to engage with Africa's most promising founders. Next to another 15 highly promising startups, VC4A (www.VC4A.com) hosted eight female entrepreneurs from IFC's She Wins Africa program, who took the AESIS2024 stage to pitch their solutions after completing an intensive technical residency in Cape Town. The energy was palpable, reflecting the increasing investor appetite for ventures that not only deliver commercial success but also drive meaningful impact across the continent.

In the opening remarks of AESIS - which took place from the 28th to the 29th of November with the theme “Pioneering Pathways: Innovating Investment Mobilization in Africa” - VC4A CEO Vincent Hoogduijn set the tone for the two-day event. “Why does VC4A organize AESIS every year? The answer is simple - we are here to unite the African early stage investment ecosystem".

The conversations, panels, pitches and ‘investor experiences' resonated deeply with the theme, as a strong call for collaboration not only within the investor community but also from hubs and accelerators, angel groups and venture studios as well as entrepreneurs themselves.

Summing up what was a momentous event, here are the key highlights:

Day 1:

  1. Deep Dive Sessions: The discussions focused on the shifting dynamics of the African ecosystem, particularly around capital market policies, collaborations, and pipeline building. A key takeaway was the need for cross-border collaborations and the role of tech-driven platforms in streamlining the investment process. As Fridah Ntarangwi of Zidi Circle highlighted in the Collaborations and Partnerships panel, "Having functional tech-driven platforms to simplify the investment process, powered by AI and blockchain technology, is key for the ecosystem."
  2. Investor Experiences: An exclusive series of partner-hosted events to close Day 1 of AESIS2024, provided unique and casual style networking opportunities, to promote connections between investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders of industry. Partners include IFC, GIZ-SAIS, FMO Ventures, Lofty Inc Capital, TLCom Capital, Crypto Asset Investment Fund (CAIF), Digital Africa, ENZA Capital, Disraptors and Breega. The relaxed atmosphere facilitated meaningful conversations, affording the opportunity for long-term partnerships and friendships to be built.

Day 2:

  1. Deal Morning: 23 promising portfolio companies (https://apo-opa.co/3ZLzcIY) from 6 organizations - DEG Impulse: develoPPP Ventures, Digital Africa: Fuzé, Ennovate Ventures: TheNextFund, IFC: She Wins Africa, Open Startup and GIZ: SAIS program, pitched their innovative solutions to an audience of investors. The high caliber of startups and the strategic insights shared by the judges created a launchpad moment for the future of the African startup ecosystem, showcasing innovative and impactful solutions to real problems
  2. The Partner Series: Keeping momentum of the power-packed first day, the partner series held segments on Capital Mobilization, Gender Lens and Impact. Taking an apt quote from closing remarks by Thomas van Halen, Director of Investor Services at VC4A “The evolution of the African startup ecosystem reflects the growing maturity of the market, but also highlights the need for innovative and flexible exit mechanisms to meet the diverse needs of founders, investors, and funds.”

Inspiring quotes from AESIS2024

“Entrepreneurs are the architects of Africa's success” said Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, the South Africa CEO, Naspers, and the AESIS2024 Guest of Honour who delivered the moving keynote on Day 1.

Anne Kabugi, Regional Gender Lead at IFC, opening the Venture Showcase - She Wins Africa pitches, tasked the delegates with a question, a food for thought: "What if I told you that Africa's food crisis is going to be solved by women?”

Nicola Tyler of The Thinking Company delivered a welcome on Day 2's Deal Morning, charging the audience with a stand out statement: “Africa is not the biggest problem in the world, it is the biggest opportunity”.

Kenza Lahlou of Outlierz Ventures shared on the Global Development Funding Panel “The role of DFIs is not to be there forever but to provide the investments that work and exit.”

Closing out at the inaugural Awards Ceremony of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, Tomi Davies received a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award' for his decades of commitment to promote angel investing in Africa. He delivered a moving speech with all ears listening raptly as he concluded ”Africa's youth population is the best source to build Africa's infrastructure.”

In a statement that perfectly sums up the experience of co-hosting this edition: “AESIS2024 once again pointed out that collaboration is a must,” said Vincent Hoogduijn. “It's been a tough year and we all need to work together to overcome the challenges ahead. Persistence, resilience and adaptability will be key ingredients to see the ecosystem thrive - go fast alone, go far together”

VC4A is grateful for the opportunity to serve the ecosystem as a platform to connect, inspire, and empower. Looking ahead, the collective efforts of investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers will be essential to unlocking Africa's full potential and driving its economic growth. VC4A's commitment is to continue to unite Africa's startup ecosystems. Together with co-hosts ABAN, VC4A looks forward to reconnecting with old and new friends at AESIS2025 next year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VC4A.

Media enquiries:
Boye Abiodun-Adepoju,
boyewa@vc4a.com 

About AESIS:
The Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (AESIS) is a collaborative venture between VC4A and ABAN, dedicated to advancing innovation and growth in Africa's investment ecosystem. Celebrating its 11th anniversary, AESIS2024 brought together investors, industry leaders, and influencers with the aim of accelerating early-stage investing across Africa. Visit https://AfricaInvestorSummit.com for more information.

About ABAN:
ABAN is the largest pan-African organization of Angel investors in Africa. Established in 2015, ABAN represents the growing number of business angel groups in the African early-stage ecosystems' future, providing vital human and financial capital to African startup companies creating jobs across the continent. Today, ABAN is a 75-member network in 37 African countries and the Diaspora representing over 5,000 angel investors. Visit the ABAN website (http://apo-opa.co/4gtDRVk) for more information.

About VC4A:
VC4A is an ecosystem builder that leverages its infrastructure, network, and expertise for the programs that contribute to the startup movement in emerging markets. Since 2007, the organization has designed, structured, and implemented successful entrepreneurship programs in exciting regions. VC4A runs an online platform featuring a database of startups in Africa and Latin America, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, networks, and funding. Visit the global website at https://VC4A.com/ for more information.

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Fight against GBV continues

Location: News

Fight against GBV continues

The South African Police Services’ (SAPS) men and women in blue continue to fight against the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV).

Detective Sergeant Edward Mndeni Mzila who is based at the Serial and Electronic Crimes Investigations (SECI) Unit in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, is among the officers of SAPS making a difference in their communities.

This as the country continues to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

SECI is a specialised investigation unit that deals with the investigation of serial rape cases and sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums such as child pornography.

As an investigator, Sergeant Mzila has dedicated the past decade to investigating serial rapists as well as ensuring that they serve lengthy sentences in prison. 

He ensures that sex predators no longer pose a threat to the community, moreover, especially to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people living with disabilities. 

To date, Sergeant Mzila has secured 79 life term sentences and an additional 1 336 years’ imprisonment for 50 sexual predators.

His outstanding detective work saw him arresting and securing harsher sentences for several serial rapists and sexual predators in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mzila’s career highlights include the arrest and sentencing of a 30-year-old Moses Mavila dubbed the ‘Durban Highway Rapist’ for the manner in which he attacked his victims along the busy M19 freeway in Durban.

Over a period of seven years, Mavila preyed on unemployed women, aged between 20 and 58 years. He would lure his unsuspecting victims to the Westville and New Germany areas under the premise of employment opportunities. He would then rape them and rob them of their belongings.

“Mavila’s case landed on Sergeant Mzila’s desk for further investigation. The suspect was not known for a period of seven years, but the tenacious Sergeant Mzila’s dedication and stellar investigative skills brought Mavila to book.

“Sergeant Mzila meticulously pieced all the evidence together and linked the suspect with DNA to 32 cases of rape, as well as two cases of attempted rape and robbery.

With overwhelming evidence which Sergeant Mzila brought before the court of law, Mavila decided to plead guilty to all charges. On 31 August 2019, the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court sentenced Mavila to 32 life terms and 384 years imprisonment on 32 counts of rape, attempted rape and robbery,” said the SAPS in a statement.

In a separate case involving a Facebook serial rapist, Sergeant Mzila’s investigative skills and hard work put another sex predator behind bars when he secured lengthy sentences for 31-year-old Siyabonga Ndwandewe.

Ndwandwe used Facebook to lure his victims to Durban, offering them prospective employment as child-minders and tuck-shop assistants. Once they arrived in Inanda, he would take them to a secluded area and  rob and rape them at knifepoint.
Sergeant Mzila thwarted his reign of terror, which lasted for two years, when he traced and arrested Ndwandwe in 2020.

With a water-tight case brought against him by Sergeant Mzila, Ndandwe was left with no option but to plead guilty on all seven charges of rape. He was sentenced to 175 years’ imprisonment in the Ntuzuma Magistrates’ Court. 

Currently, Sergeant Mzila is investigating a case of the murder and rape of a 17-year-old girl, where he managed to trace and arrest three suspects within a short period of time.

Mzila has vowed to fight for justice for vulnerable groups in society and has pleaded with the victims of gender-based violence to speak up and report perpetrators to the police. 

“Working on these cases has given me the drive and passion to fight the scourge of gender-based violence not only within ‘16 Days of Activism’ but as an ongoing thing.

“Looking at the degree of violence perpetuated against women and children, including people living with disabilities who can’t fight for themselves, I took it upon myself to use my skills to fight for them and put perpetrators behind the bars for the rest of their lives,” said Mzila.

The 16 Days campaign forms part of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence against Women and Children".

The campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. 
– SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 10:29

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Read moreFight against GBV continues

South Africa’s progress in 2024 sets the stage for hope in the New Year

Location: News

South Africa’s progress in 2024 sets the stage for hope in the New Year

As the year draws to a close, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reflected on South Africa’s achievements and challenges, expressing optimism for the year ahead in his weekly newsletter.

This year marked three decades since the advent of democracy, with the country commemorating its progress in building a constitutional order rooted in freedom, equality and human rights. 

Among the highlights was South Africa’s seventh successful General Election, with 70 political parties contesting. The Electoral Commission was lauded for its efficient management of the polls, reflecting a maturing democracy.

“Our democracy has evolved and matured. We have a Government of National Unity comprising 10 political parties from across the political spectrum. They have agreed on three strategic priorities for this administration. The first strategic priority is to grow our economy and create jobs.

“The structural reforms initiated under the sixth administration are continuing to create conditions for our economy to grow and to create jobs,” the President said. 

Economic growth and energy stability

Efforts to grow the economy and create jobs have borne fruit, with over 250 days of uninterrupted power supply this year. This achievement was credited to improved maintenance by Eskom, increased renewable energy capacity, and widespread adoption of solar solutions. 

“The work of the National Energy Crisis Committee continues. It is working to get more power onto the grid, expand our electricity infrastructure, diversify the market for the benefit of consumers, and lay the groundwork for an energy-secure future,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the recovery of commuter and freight rail services also marked a turning point. Passenger rail saw a surge in usage, with 31 of 40 corridors operational and passenger numbers climbing to 40 million from 15 million in the previous year.

Ports in Durban and Cape Town also experienced operational improvements, further boosting economic activity.

“We are making progress in the recovery of freight rail and dealing with longstanding operational challenges in our ports. We are seeing improvements at the container terminals in Durban and Cape Town, as well as with infrastructure upgrades,” the President said. 

Tackling poverty and the cost of living

Turning to poverty and the cost of living, the President noted a significant drop in consumer inflation, bringing down prices of essential goods, including food and fuel.

While unemployment levels remain extremely high, the President said more South Africans are finding jobs.

Government continued to sustain a substantial social wage, dedicating 60% of the national budget to social grants, subsidized housing, free basic services, and no-fee schools.

“These are the measures that reduce poverty and directly improve people’s lives. In addition to the provision of grants to vulnerable groups and unemployed people, this social wage includes subsidised housing, free basic services, no-fee schools and school nutrition. Government has been able to sustain these measures, even as public finances are under severe pressure,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Strengthening State capacity

The President said the administration has worked to enhance government’s ability to deliver basic services, despite the challenges of poor governance and financial constraints in many municipalities.

“The third strategic priority of this administration is to strengthen the capacity of the State to deliver on its mandate. Our efforts to improve the capacity and capability of the state to deliver on basic services continue,” the President said. 

The President cited disruptions in the supply of electricity and clean water as a major problem in many municipalities. He added that many local councils are plagued by poor governance, limited capacity and severe financial constraints which affect service delivery. 

“These are the challenges we are grappling with. We have identified local government as a major focus in this administration. Through initiatives like the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, we are bringing all stakeholders together to solve local problems,” the President said. 

Challenges and Future Plans

While progress has been made, the President acknowledged persistent challenges.

Unemployment remains high, crime and violence are widespread, and service delivery disruptions are a major concern. However, he emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, business, labour, and civil society to address these issues.

“The progress we have made this past year and during the course of the previous administration shows that we can overcome the difficulties our country faces.

“As government, business, labour and civil society, we are able to achieve a great deal when work in unison to overcome our common challenges,” the President said. 

G20 Summit in 2025

Looking ahead, South Africa will host the G20 Summit in 2025, further positioning itself as a key player in addressing global challenges. 

The administration also plans to launch a National Dialogue to unite citizens in crafting a shared vision for the country.

“In the new year, we will embark on a National Dialogue that will draw together all South Africans in crafting a common vision for the country,” the President said. 

Concluding his message, the President expressed hope for 2025, vowing to build on the momentum of 2024. 

“Overcoming poverty and underdevelopment, creating more jobs, and addressing societal ills like gender-based violence, requires that we must all play our part, where we can.

"On many fronts, this year has been better than the last. We will build on these achievements in 2025. 

"Wherever you may be this festive season, I wish you well,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:24

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Read moreSouth Africa’s progress in 2024 sets the stage for hope in the New Year

Water transboundary partnerships benefit SA  

Location: News

Water transboundary partnerships benefit SA  

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa continues to enjoy transboundary partnerships on shared water resources with neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Mahlobo highlighted some of the partnerships during a session with Ambassadors accredited to South African Missions, held in Centurion on Friday.

These include, among others, the current implementation of the R42 billion Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The project includes the construction of the new Polihali Dam and associated infrastructure to provide additional water to Gauteng and parts of the Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape provinces.

READ | Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel maintenance on schedule

South Africa and Zimbabwe have also signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from the Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Mahlobo said the transfer of treated water is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.  
“The two countries have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina Town in the Republic of South Africa,” Mahlobo said.  

Another partnership includes the mobilisation of resources between South Africa and Namibia for the feasibility study of the Noordoewer/Vioolsdrfit Dam.

South Africa and Netherlands Governments have also undertaken to forge more cooperation opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in efforts to strength the existing relations between the two states.

“Both the countries have signed a Blue Deal agreement which aims to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experiences, assisting the national, regional and local organisations, and cooperate with key stakeholders,” Mahlobo said.

As part of diversifying the water mix, the Deputy Minister highlighted that government was increasingly making use of groundwater as one of the viable options to augment the current available water and increase supply.

“We are looking at using groundwater which remains untapped. Although it has also been threatened by climate change and the levels of evaporation, we are looking at utilising it more.

“We are looking forward to enhancing our technological partnership around groundwater and its high level of treatment. We should use groundwater optimally because it is not of inferior quality, but it is also a source of water,” he explained.

Held under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of sustainable partnership, strengthening partnerships with international partners and forging a shared future”, the meeting hosted by Water and Sanitation, aimed to brief the Ambassadors on South Africa’s state of water sector .

This also includes water reforms currently underway and fortifying international collaboration and capacity-building endeavours in the water sector.

Among the countries represented at the meeting included China, Japan, Cuba, Egypt, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Senegal, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Denmark, and Finland. – SAnews.gov.za   
 

 

GabiK
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:42

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Companies Plan to IT Security Budgets up to 9% in the Next Two Years

Location: Business
Kaspersky

Companies are planning to increase their investments in information security against the background of growing financial losses from cyber incidents. This trend was revealed in the recent Kaspersky's (www.Kaspersky.co.za) IT Security Economics report.

Kaspersky IT Security Economics is an annual report that unpicks the changes in budgets, breaches and business challenges affecting IT Security decision makers. It is based on interviews with IT and IT security professionals working in organisations of various sizes and industries. The survey was conducted across 27 countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region, Latin and North America.

According to the research, companies plan to increase their IT security budgets by up to 9%. The median cybersecurity budgets for large enterprises were $5.7M with $41.8M allocated for IT generally, while SMBs invested $0.2M in IT security from a median IT budget of $1.6M.

Possible reasons for the increased investment can be found in the analysis of financial losses from cyber incidents. Large enterprises experienced an average of 12 incidents this year, spending $6.2M to recover from them — 1.1 times higher than the budget allocated for IT security overall. Despite the greater resources and advanced security infrastructures, the sheer scale and complexity of large enterprise organisations make them more susceptible to costly breaches. While these enterprises are often better equipped to detect incidents quickly, the time required to fully respond and mitigate these threats can span for hours, underscoring the challenge of managing widespread, complex IT environments.

As for SMBs, these organisations experienced an average of 16 incidents this year, while spending $0.3M for remediation, which is 1.5 times higher than their overall IT Security budget. SMBs are the most disproportionately affected group in terms of budgetary impact. They often lack robust cybersecurity policies and procedures, which leaves them vulnerable to incidents involving employees, public cloud misconfigurations, and high-level permissions.

In the META region, organisations of all sizes reported to have experienced on average 13 incidents within a year. In South Africa, organisations of all sizes reported to have experienced on average 19 incidents within a year.

“This data illustrates the continuation of the current trend of increasing cybersecurity spending across all market segments. This growth is driven by at least three key factors. Firstly, and obviously, the constant growth in the complexity of cybersecurity threats forces companies to adopt more advanced solutions to enhance the detection of attack traces and automate responses. Secondly, increasing concerns from governments regarding digital sovereignty leads to the emergence of new regulations and regulatory requirements and, as a result, increased expenses. The third factor influencing the growth of cybersecurity budgets and costs is the constant increase in salary expectations for professionals in various cybersecurity fields,” comments Veniamin Levtsov, Vice President, Center of Corporate Business Expertise at Kaspersky.

To protect companies against a wide range of cyber threats, Kaspersky recommends:

  • Use all-encompassing solutions, such as those from the Kaspersky Next (https://apo-opa.co/3VwBRnf) product line, that provide real-time protection, threat visibility, advanced investigation and response capabilities for companies of any size and industry.
  • Adopt a managed security service such as Kaspersky Managed Detection and Response (https://apo-opa.co/49pxUXj) if companies lack qualified InfoSec professionals. It will provide the necessary expertise and give them the best possible advanced automated security services. Thanks to its analysis of corporate data gathered every day, in real time, 24/7, it can shield businesses against sophisticated cyberattacks.
  • Educate your employees. Dedicated training courses can help, such as those provided in the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness (https://apo-opa.co/3VtJyuu) Platform.

To gain more insights about IT security costs and budgets in businesses visit the interactive IT Security Calculator (https://Calculator.Kaspersky.com).

To read the full report “IT Security Economics”, that is based on a survey conducted in Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, UK and US, visit the website (https://apo-opa.co/3Zp3ik9).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://INKandCo.co.za)
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3OLZioQ
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Blog: https://apo-opa.co/3OKs219

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.

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Government activities for the week 9 – 13 December 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 9 – 13 December 2024

On Monday, 9 December, the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy and the Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa will visit Lebombo Border Post to lead the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency’s Cross-Alive Road Safety Campaign as well as to assess the state of operations at the port of entry. 

On Tuesday, 10 December, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, will visit Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal to hand over birth certificates to over 180 citizens who had laid claim to South African citizenship through the late registration of birth.

On Wednesday, 11 December, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, will visit the Lebombo Border Post in Mpumalanga to unveil the new use of technology.

On Thursday, 12 December, President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

Also on Thursday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition will host a forum on trade and investment between South Africa and Angola in Pretoria.

Friday, 13 December, no confirmed events.

 

Neo
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:49

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 9 – 13 December 2024

International communities commended for supporting SA’s water sector

Location: News

International communities commended for supporting SA’s water sector

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has acknowledged international communities for supporting South Africa’s water and sanitation sector since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.

Mahlobo was speaking at a session with Ambassadors accredited to South African Missions in Centurion on Friday.

The meeting was hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of sustainable partnership, strengthening partnerships with international partners and forging a shared future”.

The meeting aimed to brief the Ambassadors on the state of South Africa’s water sector and water reforms, and to fortify international collaboration and capacity-building endeavours in the water sector.

Countries represented at the meeting included China, Japan, Cuba, Egypt, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Senegal, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Kingdom of Denmark and Finland.

Mahlobo acknowledged the international community’s support, which helped South Africa to achieve the democracy it enjoys today.

He commended the international community for their contribution to the country’s water and sanitation sector, which has guaranteed a sustainable and equitable water supply to all South Africans.

He said all the countries played a big part in various degrees to assist South Africa in its struggle for democracy.

“Your unwavering support did not go unnoticed, and your partnership continued to ensure that South Africa provided equitable and sustainable water supply, and dignified sanitation to all its citizens. We therefore would like to thank you for the notable contributions you have made,” Mahlobo said.

He encouraged partnerships between South Africa and the countries to continue to grow to ensure water security in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the rest of the continent.

“When you engage with us here as the Department of Water and Sanitation, we should strive to maintain our partnership and forge ahead for the next 30 years, also taking into account the advances we have made.  

“As our partners, do not be polite with us, but engage with us if there are matters of policy that make it difficult for your participation. You need to raise matters that you don’t understand because we are an open-minded water sector,” the Deputy Minister said. 

The Ambassadors assured South Africa of their continued partnership in the water sector.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa and the Eritrean Ambassador to South Africa, Salih Omar Abdu, said the partnerships have guaranteed water security and have ensured access to clean water by most of the countries in the continent. 
   
“As we deliberate on the partnership with South Africa, it is important to adapt to a new perspective on the role that water plays in our regional and international agendas. Water is not only a resource to be consumed, but it is also a catalyst in economic growth, social equality and environmental sustainability in the region,” Abdu said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 10:55

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Read moreInternational communities commended for supporting SA’s water sector

Godongwana welcomes IDC CEO appointment

Location: News

Godongwana welcomes IDC CEO appointment

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has expressed confidence in the appointment of Mmakgoshi Lekhethe as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Lekhethe is currently the Deputy Director-General of Asset and Liability Management at the National Treasury and will become the IDC’s first female CEO.

She first joined National Treasury in 1996.

“Ms Lekhethe is an accomplished public servant and a proven leader. She has a proven track record and is without a doubt a benefit to any organisation. She has served the National Treasury for close to two decades and as sad as we are to see her go, I am glad that she is not lost to government entirely.

“Ms Lekhethe’s considerable local and international experience in financial markets and economic policy puts her in good stead to lead the IDC’s push to reinvigorate South Africa’s industrial policy agenda at time when economy needs it most. I wish her well on this new journey,” Godongwana said.

 Chairperson of the IDC’s Board of Directors, Busi Mabuza, welcomed the appointment.

“The Board of the IDC is delighted to welcome Ms. Lekhethe as our new CEO and look forward to leveraging her exceptional leadership skills, strategic insights, and deep industry knowledge. Her experience and appointment is a testament to her suitability to lead the IDC and contribute to its mandate.

“The Board would like to thank the IDC leadership team, especially the Interim CEO Mr. David Jarvis, for leading the organisation during the search process. The continuity and stability of the IDC during this interim period will serve as a strong foundation for Ms. Lekhethe to build upon,” Mabuza concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 12/08/2024 - 09:41

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Work underway to resolve SA’s challenges

Location: News

Work underway to resolve SA’s challenges

Collaboration between businesses and government is essential to overcoming the country’s challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile has said.

He told Members of Parliament (MPs) that economic growth remains government’s number one priority. 

“We have always appreciated the role of the private sector in the growth and development of our economy,” he said on Thursday.  

In attracting investments, and stimulating economic growth, the Deputy President stated that the previous administration adopted reforms aimed at improving energy and logistical constraints reducing barriers to private sector investment. 

Meanwhile, he said the sixth administration worked hard to address structural rigidities in the labour market as well as to tackle crime and corruption. 

The Deputy President was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of national and international issues of public importance. 

He also touched on Phase 2 of the Business and Government Partnership launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October this year. 
READ | Second phase of Government - Business Partnership launched

This partnership is aimed at supporting government efforts to accelerate the country’s path towards sustainable inclusive economic growth and job creation, through increased investment.

Since then, about 140 CEOs from leading South African businesses pledged to work with government in increasing gross domestic product (GDP) growth, creating jobs, and promoting investor confidence. 

“The collaboration between businesses and the government is essential in overcoming the current crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for South Africa.” 

He stated that Phase 2 will also strengthen the acceleration of the market reform needed for long-term energy security and infrastructure development for inclusive economic growth. 

Over the medium term, the Deputy President said the State was transforming its approach to public sector infrastructure by creating the conditions to attract private sector participation.

“Private sector resources were mobilised to address the energy crisis. As we are all aware we have not had an uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024, which is over 250 days. Together with the private sector, we are now focusing on augmenting public sector capability and to provide new channels for financing.” 

Meanwhile, he said the focus has now shifted to addressing water and infrastructure-related challenges, including freight and logistics. 

“We will continue to mobilise private sector resources to augment the capability of the public sector to fast track the provision of sustainable energy and critical infrastructure to support inclusive economic growth.”  

Intergovernmental debt

On the question of the growing intergovernmental debt, the Deputy President admitted it was a challenge that hampers government efforts to deliver services, particularly at local government level.   

He announced that the National Treasury will also consider “top slicing” budgets of departments that owe municipalities to settle the debt. 

He assured MPs that the State was implementing several measures to address debt. 

According to the Deputy President, Accounting Officers are required to settle all contractual obligations and pay all monies owed, including inter-governmental claims, within 30 days of the submission of an invoice, or on a specific period agreed upon with creditors or suppliers. 

In addition, he said the Treasury is enforcing the implementation of section 216 (1) of the Constitution by withholding the Local Government Equitable Share and other conditional grants for persistent municipal failure, including non-payment of bulk suppliers and third parties. 

The National Government Debt Forum, chaired by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, is aimed at resolving the current challenges of non-payment of municipal accounts by organs of State. 

The forum deals with challenges such as those relating to property ownership, incorrect tariff charges, unjustified huge interest charges as well as budget constraints. 

“We will continue to implement these and other measures to eliminate the challenge of intergovernmental debt, and to improve the delivery of services to our communities,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:58

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Read moreWork underway to resolve SA’s challenges

POWERADE Launches the Athletes Code, a Commitment to Supporting Mental Health in Sports

Location: Sport
POWERADE

POWERADE (www.POWERADE.com) today announced The Athletes Code, a commitment to a more inclusive and progressive relationship with athlete partners to support their mental well-being. Launching in partnership with Olympic Gold Medalist and World Cup Champion Alex Morgan, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tatjana Smith, South African footballer Linda Motlhalo, and Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Douglas Matera, The Athletes Code is a contractual provision that allows athletes to pause their partnership commitments to focus on their mental well-being, without losing their sponsorship.

The Athletes Code launches at a time when athletes are under immense pressure to perform, often at the cost of their mental health, as stepping away to address these needs could risk their sponsorships. This new contractual protection developed by POWERADE provides athletes with the time and space they need to care for their mental health, and most notably, ensures the continuation of their sponsorship with POWERADE.

Inspired by athletes and their courage to speak up openly about such an important topic, The Athletes Code underscores POWERADE's core values of inclusion and dedication to fully protecting their athletes who need to pause their partnership commitments to support their mental wellbeing.  

The Athletes Code launches with support from Team Powerade, a global roster of international athletes who represent the embodiment of strength, resilience and dedication.

Alex Morgan, Tatjana Smith, Linda Motlhalo, and Douglas Matera bring The Athletes Code to life through powerful storytelling that captures their firsthand experience with navigating the intense pressures of unrelenting performance demands and the impact it can have on mental health. In addition to sharing their personal stories, these athletes reflect on the role of mental health support in sports, their appreciation for sponsors who champion athlete well-being, and the meaningful change they believe The Athletes Code will create for current and future partners.

“POWERADE'S new commitment creates a platform that gives athletes the peace of mind to know they'll be supported unconditionally,” said Alex Morgan. “What POWERADE is doing offers a level of support and reassurance to athletes at all stages of their journey, whether they're an up-and-coming star chasing their dreams or a new mom balancing her sport and motherhood. With the incredible pressures athletes face today, whether student athletes to professionals, I couldn't be prouder to help create the space for athletes to take the time they need without the fear of consequences.” 

Tatjana Smith added: “I'm so grateful to be a part of The Athletes Code, because I know how much pressure has been put on me in the past and how it has impacted me. This level of protection is something athletes definitely need, and that unwavering support – that is what athletes want.”

Said Linda Motlhalo,“The Athletes Code is an amazing thing. It's something that fully protects players; it doesn't focus only on our performance on the field, it also takes into account what we might be facing in our day-to-day lives off the field. Having a partner who cares enough about what you might be experiencing outside of your sport – that's the type of support that can improve athletes' lives everywhere.”

“Athletes face immense pressures, both on and off the field,” said Douglas Matera. “Knowing that my sponsor has my back if I ever need to pause is a game-changer. It gives me and so many others the freedom to focus on ourselves when needed.”

Additional Team POWERADE athletes supported by The Athletes Code include Alberto Abarza (Chile), CJ Bott (New Zealand), Dmitrij Ovtcharov (Germany), Emma Twigg (New Zealand), Florian Jouanny (France), Harrie Lavreysen (Netherlands),​ Ji So-Yun (South Korea), Kaylene Corbett (South Africa), Lydia Williams (Australia), Mathilde Gros (France), and Tyler Wright (Australia).

An extension of POWERADE's “Pause is Power” platform, The Athletes Code continues to challenge the “win at all costs” mentality and continues the conversation around fully protecting athletes' wellbeing.

“POWERADE has been a long-time partner to athletes around the world, supporting their journeys on and off the field,” said Matrona Filippou, President, Global Hydration, Sports & Tea. “Following the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we recognized the opportunity to be a stronger ally to our athlete partners. We believe that true strength comes from knowing when to pause to comeback stronger, and we're proud to encourage this belief by formally giving them the ability in their contracts to prioritize their mental health. We look forward to continuing to support athletes at every stage of their journey."

POWERADE's "Pause is Power" platform, which first debuted in 2022, defines pausing as the key to powering and prioritizing life over winning. Now in the brand's third year of this journey, POWERADE consistently advocates the "Pause is Power" narrative through creative campaigns and community-level activations that inspire passionate people around the world to experience the power in pause. 

The Athletes Code was created by WPP Open X, led by Ogilvy and supported by Burson, EssenceMediaCom, Hogarth and VML. The hero film and supporting creative was developed by Ogilvy New York, and directed by Let It Rip Pictures director Babak Khoshnoud.

For more information, visit https://apo-opa.co/49qP2Mv.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of POWERADE.

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Communities urged to refrain from illegal registration of spaza shops

Location: News

Communities urged to refrain from illegal registration of spaza shops

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on locals to refrain from registering spaza shops for illegal immigrants, which is considered an unlawful activity.

“We have realised [there is] a tendency where some of South Africans were seen to try to register, but not for themselves to operate. They are registering for illegal immigrants. It’s an illegal activity that authorities must tackle,” Deputy President Mashatile said on Thursday. 

The country’s second-in-command was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of national and international issues of public importance. 

He emphasised the importance of South Africans owning spaza shops and addressed the issue of some South Africans registering businesses for illegal immigrants. 

“I call upon communities to refrain from illegal registration of the spaza shops. We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, and particularly our children.”

His address underscored the need for compliance with regulations to ensure legitimate business operations in light of the incidents of foodborne illness facing the country, with over 890 cases and about close to 30 deaths since September.

In October this year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop. 

Forensic tests have revealed that they were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called terbufos.

“There is no suffering like losing a child. As government, we condemn in the strongest of terms, the irresponsible acts that have led to the loss of lives due to food-contamination cases affecting mainly children in recent weeks.” 

The Deputy President stressed that foreigners who are in South Africa legally should be allowed to operate businesses, provided they meet certain criteria, such as providing a sufficient threshold of funds to the authorities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation recently to outline measures to address the incidents of foodborne illnesses. The measures include, among others, requiring municipalities to register all spaza shops and food-handling facilities within 21 days. 

The Deputy President said this will go a long way towards enforcing the legal status of the spaza shops that are pivotal for township economies. 

“We have a duty not only to provide a legal framework but also to mainstream this into the broader economy.” 

Meanwhile, he told the Members of Parliament (MPs) that the Department of Small Business Development was implementing measures to support small businesses to adhere to health and safety regulations. 

These include offering grants and loans to improve business infrastructure, customising training programs for food handling, hygiene, and safety standards, and training shop owners to verify product authenticity through serial numbers, and packaging. 

In addition, the Minister of Small Business Development has established a task force to coordinate and align programmes for the township economy. 

He stated that this will ensure the eradication of counterfeit goods and the development of new initiatives to support township and rural entrepreneurs and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). 

A joint fund of R500 million to support township and rural businesses has been established by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. 

“The funding will be used for business refurbishment and non-financial support such as technical skills, regulatory compliance, and capacity building.” 

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is part of joint operations that are being conducted throughout the country as a monitoring mechanism for compliance of suppliers.

“Any premises found to be non-compliant are closed, and illicit products found are confiscated. 

“In the short term, we will establish Provincial Inspection Teams, and increase investment in the awareness campaigns, product authentication, supplier vetting, and reporting mechanisms.” 

In the meantime, he said government was working around the clock to improve supply chain visibility and monitoring to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the value chain and foster relationships with reputable suppliers to ensure genuine products. 

“In the long term, government will review and strengthen laws such as the Business Act and Business Licensing Bill to control business operations, govern counterfeiting, and increase penalties for offenders.” 

He also assured his colleagues that government was tackling foodborne incidences and unregistered spaza shops through the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which is a multi-sectoral intervention plan. 

“The plan includes training spaza shop owners on food trading legislation, registration processes, and sourcing safe products from health-certified suppliers.  

“Most importantly, we urge local communities to report suspicious activities and promote awareness to Environmental Health Officers of their local municipalities.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 12/06/2024 - 09:44

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Read moreCommunities urged to refrain from illegal registration of spaza shops