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A steering committee has been established to deal with water and sanitation challenges at the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberly, Northern Cape.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul met with Sol Plaatje Local Municipality leaders to find long lasting solutions to the current water and sanitation challenges in the area.

During the discussions on Thursday, the municipality outlined its challenges relating to bulk water supply and reticulation to communities.  

The steering committee, which includes a technical team from Water and Sanitation and the municipality, will provide a turnaround strategy on the  municipality’s water challenges. 

The committee will also have a political oversight of the Minister and provincial political leadership.

Mchunu said as a Water Services Authority (WSA), Sol Plaatje Local Municipality is responsible for waste water management and treatment of raw water and its reticulation. 

However, he said, through routine inspections and interactions with the municipality, the department identified poor operation and maintenance on both water and sanitation infrastructure, which contributes to sewage spillages, water leaks and water interruptions in the municipality. 

Mchunu said the department has issued several directives that the spillages of wastewater from the overflowing sewer network and pump stations were ponding inside the Kamfersdam and Platfontein pans. However, the municipality indicated that it has financial challenges affecting its ability to address the problems. 

The Minister said the committee will also address issues of high levels of water losses as non-revenue water is estimated at 64% due to old aging bulk and reticulation infrastructure.  

He said he is endorsing the steering committee and is confident that it will improve the services of water and sanitation in the city. 

“Various issues that include operation and maintenance, loss of water through leaks and ageing infrastructure will be dealt with decisively.  We need to improve water and sanitation services in this municipality and ensure that the people get clean, running water in their homes,” Mchunu said. 

Vaal project

Both the Minister and the Premier have also undertaken to expedite the progress of the Vaal Gamagara Phase 2 project, which will be a joint venture between the department and the Mine Leadership Forum in the Northern Cape. 

The project will entail the laying of a 260-kilometre pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station and will service the communities of John Taolo Gaotsewe District Municipality.

The eradication of the bucket system in the Norther Cape Province was also placed under the spotlight during the discussions.

There are currently 7 600 buckets in the province, and Mchunu and Saul said they will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to eliminate the bucket system, particularly in Campbell under Siyancuma Local Municipality.

Meanwhile, Mchunu is today visiting Lichtenburg to meet with representatives of the North West business sector to discuss sustainable solutions to the provision of water and sanitation in the province – SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela

St. Petersburg, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured the seven African leaders involved in the African Peace Initiative that he has carefully reviewed their proposals and is genuinely committed to addressing the issue at hand.

President Putin was speaking in St. Petersburg on Friday evening during a working dinner, where he hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with six Heads of State from Senegal, Zambia, the Comoros (which is currently chairing the African Union), Egypt, the Republic of Congo and Uganda. 

The dinner was held on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit, which took place on Thursday and Friday in the Russian Federation.

“President Ramaphosa, as one of the co-authors of the African Peace Initiative, came up with concrete proposals and shared them. We have given careful thought to the suggestions put forth by our African friends. 

“We are very serious about that and we have given great attention to this matter. We hope, colleagues, that you understand very well the nature and the origins of this crisis,” President Putin said. 

The Russian Head of State told the African leaders that the conflict is not a recent development but has been prolonged due to specific forces that have been preparing for a hybrid war against Russia.

“They were doing everything to turn Ukraine into an instrument to undermine the fundamentals of security of our country and to damage our world and to undermine our statehood. And I have full grounds to say that,” he said. 

Following President Putin’s remarks, the seven prominent African leaders engaged in the African Peace Initiative addressed him, asserting their legitimate right to advocate for peace as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine directly affects the continent.

Citing the direct and adverse impact of the crisis on the continent, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that the leaders are steadfast in their commitment to fostering stability and advocating for peace. 

“We stand on the side of peace, and even in this case with the conflict in the Ukraine, we still advocate for peace. 

“We feel that we have a right to call for peace because the ongoing conflict also negatively affects us as African countries. Apart from wanting to support a peace process all over the world, this conflict is now directly affecting us as well,” the President said.
 
President Ramaphosa conveyed to President Putin that, as previously mentioned, food security remains a significant concern. He highlighted the escalating prices of fertilisers in African countries, leading to an increase in the cost of living across the region.

“The cost of living in many of our countries has gone up and we do believe that it is in the interest of humanity and the people of Russia and Ukraine that there should be peace and this conflict should be settled in a peaceful manner,” he said. 

The African Heads of State acknowledged President Putin’s explanation regarding the origins and beginning of the conflict, while expressing satisfaction that he recognises the peace initiative. 

The leaders further noted President Putin’s consideration of their proposal, particularly their call for engagement, which was presented to him last month in St. Petersburg. 

“We are, however, pleased to hear you say you recognise the initiative that we, as seven African countries, have taken and you take this initiative by the seven countries very seriously. You have given due consideration and regard to the proposals that we put forward and you will recall that we said we would like engagement,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The African leaders further emphasised that they stand firm on respect for the United Nations Charter and principles, which they also have appropriated as African Union.

“We do believe that those principles should be respected, and we are pleased to hear you say exactly the same thing. We are pleased to hear you also say that our ideas resonate with your ideas and they also coincide with the ideas that have been put forward by others,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He conveyed to President Putin that during their conversation, the Russian President addressed certain points mentioned in the African proposals, specifically concerning grain. 

They proposed the implementation of the Black Sea initiative, aiming to open the Black Sea to the global market. President Ramaphosa further emphasised that their intention was not to seek donations for the African continent during the meeting. 

“We were not coming to plead for donations for the African continent. We do recognise that out of the generosity of the heart of the Russian Federation, you have decided to donate grain to a number of countries on the continent that are facing challenges with respect to that and we accept that,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

All eyes will be on the SPAR Proteas as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, set to get underway in Cape Town later today.

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions.  

“All the best to the SPAR Proteas. I know you will do the nation proud, as you have always done. Go out on the court and give it your best. Play in the spirit of true sport and enjoy every moment,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, said on Thursday evening. 

The much anticipated match this evening will begin at 6pm. 

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus.

Addressing the 2023 Netball World Cup welcome dinner in Cape Town, the Minister encouraged the netball teams from around the world to enjoy the beauty of South Africa and its cultures.

“While your focus will be firmly fixed on the tournament, I’m sure you can make room for some fun activities as well. Let us take this opportunity tonight to meet new people and make new friends.

“Tomorrow is a new day, where the battle lines will be drawn as the teams get onto the courts and showcase their skills and talent,” Kodwa said.

The highly anticipated tournament is taking place on African soil for the first time ever, starting on 28 July, and ending on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Kodwa has encouraged South Africans to support the national netball team.

“Let us cherish and appreciate the power of sport to bring us all together, to provide us with lessons in tolerance, discipline and respect, amongst others. I would like to wish Netball South Africa and the World Cup Local Organising Committee a successful tournament.

“More so, I would like to pay tribute to the SPAR Proteas, South Africa's national netball team, who head to the World Cup as the highest ranked African team, and one of the top five ranked netball teams in the world.

“The SPAR Proteas have shown world class standards and enter the Netball World Cup as one of the tournament favourites,” he said.

Kodwa said netball continues to grow and develop at an extraordinary pace.

“There is so much potential in bringing the World Cup to South Africa. I encourage world netball to make strides to grow netball in this region, which has so much talent in the sport.

“South Africa has had such an incredible year in showcasing its sporting talent, with these sportswomen in particularly achieving many firsts.

“We successfully hosted the Under-19 and T20 Women’s Cricket World Cups for the first time in South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Her love for agriculture and interest in producing food for her late husband and seven children inspired Nowandile Mbana from Mafini village, outside Libode in the Eastern Cape, to start a sheep farming enterprise.

For Mbana, this was an opportunity to make money by selling her Hammels sheep to local buyers for slaughtering and to sell wool.

Mbana, 60, was one of the sheep farmers from OR Tambo District Municipality who received 144 Dohne Merino rams from the Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, during a handing over ceremony held at Hlanganani shearing shed in Mafini.

The handover of the rams is part of the department’s ongoing programmes to commercialise agriculture in the province, with a special focus on farmers in communal land, smallholding farms and farmers who received farms through government’s land reform programmes and other previously disadvantaged farmers.

The department hands over Dohne Merino rams with superior genetics to farmers who already have sheep so that the rams improve the genetics of their animals, the quality of their wool and meat.

Mbana, who has 14 sheep in her kraal, said her flock is full of nondescript rams and ewes, which limits the quality of her wool clip, and reduces the amount of money she gets from wool sales.

She said the Dohne Merino ram she received from the department will improve the genetics of her flock from nondescript to a better quality than she had before.

“I am excited because it feels like God has Blessed me. I say so because acquiring this ram has been one of my desires because my flock was nondescript.

“I expect the ram to mate with my ewes to produce a flock of lambs with superior genetics that will help expand my farming enterprise and increase my profit margins,” said an elated Mbana. 

Papama Madyibi from Vidgiesville, outside Mthatha, who also received rams, said as emerging farmers, getting the rams will bring a huge difference to their farming businesses because they have nondescript sheep.

“By mating them with these rams, we will see the difference. Some local farmers had these rams and we see the quality of their lambs and we are confident that the rams we are getting from DRDAR will make a difference.”

Madyibi, who is hoping to get better income from wool sales, said to sustain effective mating for rams, they will focus on grass and grain feeding, providing medicines and keep rams separate from ewes, until the mating season. 

Pieters, who also handed over eight shearing sheds to local wool growers, said the department delivered the 144 Dohne Merino rams in order to improve the quality and volume of the farmers’ wool clip. 

Pieters said the Eastern Cape government is investing in the construction of shearing sheds to take woolgrowers out of the mud huts they use for shearing. 

The MEC said the department is investing in farmers in rural areas so that they compete with commercial farmers. 

“Foreign countries need meat because they don’t have livestock and OR Tambo is one region that has the highest livestock population in the province. We want to improve the breed of their animals so that it is suitable for the markets, and they can also export it to other countries and earn money. 

“We know that in South Africa, it is only the East London harbour that has capability to load live animals on a ship for export markets. Government wants to ensure that when livestock is sold, farmers from OR Tambo... also benefit from exporting their animals and be paid in dollars so that they can make meaningful profit,” said Pieters. 

The department’s veterinary services also trained farmers to take care of their sheep, feed them and prevent disease. The department strongly urged members of the public and farmers not to eat animals killed by diseases. – SAnews.gov.za

Developed countries need to assist with securing an at-scale, predictable and appropriate funding stream for nature conservation and protection of biodiversity, says Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy.

“We must re-emphasise that 17 of the major biodiverse countries in the world are developing countries. Accordingly, the ambitious targets to preserve our planet will be meaningless unless they are backed with enabling means of implementation for developing countries,” Creecy said on Friday.

She was addressing the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting in India.

“Land degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change are interlinked global environmental problems. Twenty-thirty (2030) is a significant milestone for achieving Land Degradation Neutrality as one of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

“We welcome the ongoing discussions under the Indian Presidency, as well as past Presidencies, and look forward to further collaboration including through the implementation of the G20 Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats,” the Minister said.

She said South Africa’s mega-biodiversity is both a national and cultural asset and a source of socio-economic development its citizens through the sustainable use of a wide variety of plants, marine living organisms and wildlife.

“This year our government adopted the White Paper on the Sustainable use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity, which outlines four strategic goals of conservation, sustainable use, equitable sharing of benefits and transformation.

“We regard this white paper as our own strategy to implement Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). In December last year, the international community adopted the landmark Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

“A key decision has been the adoption the ambitious 30 by 30 goal which science tells us is necessary to preserve biodiversity, ecosystems and indeed human life itself,” she said.

The Ministerial meeting will consider recommendations prepared by senior officials in the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

The Indian G20 Presidency has focused on three priority issues under the ECSWG, namely:

• Arresting land degradation and accelerating ecosystem restoration via an ecosystem-based approach, and enriching biodiversity;
• Promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy to protect the natural environment and the lives and livelihoods dependent on marine resources;
• Encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy to move towards sustainable production and consumption systems.

– SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela

St. Petersburg, Russia - African leaders participating in the second Russia-Africa summit have in unison emphasised to their Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that their aim is to foster a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership, while rejecting the notion of a "begging approach".

The African leaders from several countries were speaking during a plenary session hosted by President Putin at the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

During the plenary session earlier on Friday, African leaders highlighted several key concerns. These included the urgent need to focus on exporting valuable finished products, ensuring peace and security in the region, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, and facilitating the smooth flow of goods and services within the continental free trade areas. 

These issues, among others, took center stage in the leaders' discussions, with the aim of advancing Africa's economic and social development.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo stressed the importance of synergy for Africa's continued development, stating that self-isolation is not an option for the continent.

Addressing the session at the second Russia-Africa summit, President Nguesso called for the establishment of strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships, firmly asserting that Africa is not seeking handouts. 

“We call for the establishment of a strategic, mutually beneficial partnership. We are not begging for assistance. The Russia-Africa partnership has great potential because Africa has many resources,” he said. 

President Nguesso pointed out that while some small-scale projects are underway, Africa requires large-scale initiatives to drive its progress effectively.

He made it clear that Africa does not expect generosity or financial aid from its partners, instead calling for focus to be placed on creating a prosperous future through collaboration and trust.

“We do not expect any generosity for us. We are not begging for money. The Russian-African partnership has a great future. Africa has vast resources. 

“Our vision of our future of cooperation is a vast vision, and we are doing this in the name of peace, based on the mutual trust and confidence between mutual partners. This would allow us to comply with all the obligations and complete all the initiatives,” President Nguesso said.
 
President Macky Sall of Senegal underscored the immense potential lying in the partnership between Africa and Russia, encompassing vast demographic and natural resources.

He told President Putin that Russia and the African continent can work and cooperate in various areas, including agriculture, oil and gas, digital information technology, security, transportation, and the digital economy.

“However, we should always pursue the pragmatic goals, including investment, finance and partnership. 

“You may have noted that I am not mentioning the word 'help'. I do not believe in assistance. We are not here to beg or ask for something. We are here to work, establish a decent, dignified partnership for the benefit of the good of our people,” he said. 

President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique also addressed the summit, which he views as a crucial event dedicated to peace, development and cooperation. 

He stressed the significance of upholding peace and security as paramount for all African countries. 

In order to ensure effective participation in global decision-making, President Nyusi called for a permanent African representation at the United Nations Security Council.

“We fully adhere to the major principals of equality of the presence and representation of all African countries. Some of them should also be represented on the UN Security Council. It is also important for us that African countries should receive permanent membership at the UN Security council. 

“There is no doubt that in this context, this is the only way for the African countries to take effective part in the long term decision making in the global arena,” he said. 

Furthermore, President Nyusi urged collective efforts to combat terrorism and establish a common foundation among nations. 

“It is critical that we continue our work to establish a common foundation of all the countries in the fight against terrorism. 

“This is also of great importance for peace-building and for maintaining peace and security in Mozambique. We also require political dialogue on an international level,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni put forth a proposal to Africa's allies, including Russia, India and China, urging them to support the continent's economic transformation by making policy decisions that prioritise purchasing value-added products instead of raw materials.

“My proposal to our allies of Russia, India, China is to point out to them that they could help by policy decisions to buy value-added products from Africa, rather than raw materials. 

“Those are products like processed coffee, instead of bean coffee; chocolate, instead of cocoa beans; textiles, instead of just cotton; steel, instead of iron ore; electric batteries, instead of just lithium,” he said. 

President Museveni further addressed issues concerning the free flow of goods and services within the continental free trade areas, acknowledging that resolving this matter would also contribute to alleviating food shortages in African societies.

“If this is addressed, the other problem of food for African societies will also be partially addressed. In Uganda, we don’t have a problem of food. Uganda is a net-exporter of food; produce like maize, milk, bananas, fruits, fish, cassava, not to mention beverages like coffee, tea, cocoa, vanilla, which are produced in big quantities and, with irrigation, bigger quantities are possible,” he said.

President Museveni concluded that the primary challenge lies in accessing markets, both within Africa and globally. 

“We actually need markets both in Africa and the rest of the world. A lot of African countries produce food but cannot trade in other countries because of access,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

With people from all over the world descending on South Africa to participate in and attend the 2023 Netball World Cup, Acting President Paul Mashatile officially declared the tournament open during a ceremony in Cape Town.

“I would like to welcome you to the Netball World Cup 2023, the first ever on African soil. As the history of the relationship between World Netball and our country amply demonstrates, sport has the capacity to unite people within and between countries.  We are therefore grateful to have been given the opportunity to host this World Cup,” Mashatile said on Friday afternoon.

He is current the Acting President while President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading South Africa’s participation in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation.

“In the next nine days from today until the end of this World Cup on the 6th of August, I will make sure to follow the games when the various national teams battle for first position. I wish every player and the national team success.

“In particular, I wish head coach Norma Plummer, Captain Bongiwe Msomi and the SPAR Proteas team members victory in this World Cup. You will do the country immense pride were you to make it possible for President Cyril Ramaphosa to be here on the 6th of August to carry the cup on behalf of our nation,” Mashatile said.

All eyes are on the SPAR Proteas, as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, which gets underway in Cape Town today.

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. 

The highly anticipated tournament is taking place on African soil for the first time ever, starting on 28 July, and ending on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The participants in the tournament were welcomed with much fanfare on the court, as well as performances from various artists who celebrated South Africa’s diversity and wore traditional attire, displaying the country’s multiculturalism.

“I am honoured and extremely delighted to be standing here before you today. After years of preparation and anticipation, the 2023 Netball World Cup finally begins for the first time on African soil. This is a significant moment for South Africa and the entire African continent.

“I have seen the excitement and buzz in many communities around the country. This has been especially evident this week in places such as Gugulethu and KwaLanga, where government has had activation events to take the Netball World Cup to the people,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, said.

He said the World Cup spirit is at fever pitch, with South Africa being represented in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where Banyana Banyana put up another gallant fight this morning in their draw against Argentina.

“In China, Team South Africa is also proudly representing the country at the World University Games. From this buzz and excitement, I can indeed confirm that the Netball World Cup is here,” the Minister said.

Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde welcomed spectators and participants from around the world, noting that it is a privileged for the City of Cape Town to host the tournament.

“It is such an honour and privilege to welcome everyone around the world. Thank you to those who had the vision for the World Cup to be hosted in South Africa. It is an honour to witness the first World Cup taking place in Africa,” Winde said.

The SPAR Proteas will take on Wales in their first match this evening at 6pm.

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus.

Public viewing areas are available for the Netball World Cup.

The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department will bring the Netball World Cup action to communities with four public viewing areas (PVAs).

Admission to all PVAs is free. Each viewing area will be equipped with seating, surround sound and live uninterrupted streaming of the games so there is no need to worry about load shedding.

Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase at affordable rates and local entertainment will take place at each location.

As per the official match schedule for the Netball World Cup (NWC) 2023, each PVA will be accessible from 28 July to 6 August from 9am until the end of the last match for the day.

PVAs are equipped with ample parking and ablutions, and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 500 people at a time.

Below are the four PVA locations:

• Proteaville Recreation Centre, c/o Peter Barlow and Abdurahman Streets, Bellville South.
• Langa Civic Hall, c/o Church and Washington (King Langalibalele).
• OR Tambo Multi-Purpose Centre, Jeff Masemola Street, Khayelitsha.
• Portland Indoor Centre, Address: c/o Merrydale & Hazeldene Avenues, Portland, Mitchells Plain.

Details on tickets and travel packages and more information on the Netball World Cup 2023 are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still on offer.

Plans in place to ensure safety

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.

Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the tournament.

“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.

NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).

“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.

“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.

Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.  – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has led a provincial government delegation to receive the mortal remains of Snegugu Ntobeko Myeni during a special prayer ceremony at a chapel near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

KwaZulu-Natal was instrumental in the repatriation of Myeni’s mortal remains, which arrived in the country from the Philippines on Wednesday night.

The final-year medical student passed away in the Philippines while she was about to board a flight on her way back home.

Dube-Ncube and government officials joined Myeni’s family and friends for the special prayer service held on Thursday.

The Premier expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family, saying that Myeni’s death is a great loss to her family, friends, community, KwaZulu-Natal province and the entire country. 

“From a young age, she was passionate about psychology and had a heart for serving others,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier commended Myeni’s mother, Lindiwe Myeni, for raising a humble and caring daughter, who represented KwaZulu-Natal well globally.

Dube-Ncube said while hearts are bleeding due to the loss, she is thankful that Myeni’s mother’s wish to bury her daughter, where she spent her childhood, would be realised.

She also commended the people of South Africa, who are touched by Myeni’s untimely demise. 

“Her painful story brought to the fore South Africans’ compassion and hearts of gold. As we receive Snegugu’s mortal remains and prepare for her funeral to bid our final farewell, we collectively say farewell, daughter of the African soil,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier commend the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), including the Department of Health and the South African Embassy in the Philippines, for their swift and efficient response in repatriating Myeni’s mortal remains.

“On behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Snegugu. Please find solace that your bereavement is ours to share,” the Premier said.

Myeni will be laid to rest on Saturday in Utrecht. The provincial government is also helping the family with her funeral. - SAnews.gov.za

Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

In a statement on Friday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.

“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.

NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).

A committee under the auspices of the NatJOINTS, working closely with Netball South Africa, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the City of Cape Town, has been meeting regularly with relevant role players to develop a security plan for the World Cup.

“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.

“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.

Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.

All eyes will be on the SPAR Proteas as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, set to get underway in Cape Town this evening. 

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. 

The much anticipated match this evening will begin at 6pm.

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, says BRICS must prioritise the objectives of a just transition as the countries transition to low carbon economies.

“As the world is in the midst of significant transformation, the concept of a just transition is increasingly taking centre stage and so as our countries transition to low carbon economies, we must acknowledge the urgent need to achieve a just transition in our respective countries,” Nkadimeng said.

Nkadimeng was speaking at the 2023 BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban, held under the theme, 'Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations'. The two-day forum got underway on 26 July.

Nkadimeng said by embracing renewable energy, circular economies and sustainable practices, the bloc can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on the environment, and ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature and cities, thereby strengthening resilience to withstand climatic shocks.

The countries' efforts to build resilient cities must be underpinned by social equity, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities, services, and a dignified standard of living.

“The challenges posed by urbanisation are not confined to national borders. By uniting as the BRICS bloc, we possess the strength to address these issues collectively, drawing from our diverse experiences and innovative ideas. 

“Our ability to collaborate and share knowledge will be the key to tackling common challenges and unlocking new possibilities for our urban landscapes. It is heartening to witness the exchange of best practice and the formation of partnerships that have taken place over the past two days,” Nkadimeng said.

The Minister said as governments representing their respective countries, they have a crucial leadership and policy formulation role to play. She encouraged the delegates to capitalise on their connections to develop robust strategies that integrate sustainability, resilience, and the imperatives of a just transition into their urban planning and governance systems.

“By learning from each other, we can accelerate progress towards our shared objectives. As we return to our nations, I urge each of you to keep the spirit of collaboration and innovation alive in your work. 

“Let us be agents of change, advocating for policies that prioritise the well being of our urban communities and the protection of our planet. By working hand in hand, we can inspire others and build a network of like-minded nations committed to the greater good,” the Minister said.

The Minister commended the BRICS delegates for their valuable contributions during various sessions held at the forum. She said their insights have enriched their collective understanding in advancing, strengthening and building urban resilience.

“Your insights have shed light on the innovative approaches being implemented in urban water resilience projects, human settlements and alternative infrastructure provision, and have brought to the fore the critical role of data as a critical component of urban infrastructure and a foundational resource to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of urban environments,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has boldly declared Africa’s intention to prioritise the export of valuable finished products instead of raw materials from the continent’s minerals. 

President Ramaphosa told his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that Africa wants to export finished products, which will set Africa on a path to unlock unparalleled opportunities for the continent’s economies. 

The President was speaking during a plenary session at the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation. The two-day summit kicked off on 27 July. 

“We no longer want to export ore, soil, dusts and rocks from the minerals of our continent. We want to export finished products that have value. 

“There must be respect also for what we do as countries, and we must stop those countries that count their wealth and their assets in terms of minerals that reside in the African soil like they did in the past when they counted their wealth in the number of slaves that they owned, taken from the African continent. 

“Respect and mutual benefit underpin what we as Africa do when we relate to other countries in the world,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa expressed Africa’s pursuit of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade and investment. 

He emphasised that the continent’s aspirations for its goods, products and services to compete on an equal footing in the global economy. 

This stance underscores Africa’s determination to establish a reciprocal relationship, advocating for a fair and level playing field in international trade. 

“African countries should, as sovereign States, be able to pursue their own independent foreign policy approaches that are not beholden to any of the major global powers or blocs. 

“This second Russia-Africa Summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen international cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the focus on further cooperation between Russia and Africa to promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost capacity to produce and export manufactured products. 

He asserted that the proposed Russia-Africa Action Plan for the coming years should align with the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063 to ensure better coherence and more action-orientated interventions. 

“We should also ensure joint monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan. We need to jointly allocate the necessary funding for implementation and be accountable for concrete deliverables,” the President said. 

Focus on cooperation

Touching on the current geopolitical tensions, the President told the session that the ripple effects are causing distress and negatively affecting countries across Africa. 

“As part of Russia-Africa cooperation, we must repeat our call for existing global institutional mechanisms to be both strengthened and reformed. Greater participation of countries in the Global South will promote inclusiveness and engender trust. 

“In this regard, the reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the reform of the United Nations Security Council remains a priority for us. It is totally unfair, inequitable and unacceptable that a continent that represents 1.3 billion people continues to not be represented at the UN Security Council,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that in the interlinked global community, the repercussions of conflict and instability in other parts of the world have far reaching consequences and affect everyone. 

He told the session that all nations have a responsibility to work for peace, support peacebuilding, and lend every effort to bring an end to conflict and war. 

“As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation, dialogue and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflict. 

“It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. As South Africa, our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible,” he said. 

The President concluded that he looks forward to the second Russia-Africa Summit playing a key role in supporting objectives of African integration, economic growth, peace and common prosperity.

In response to President Ramaphosa's remarks, President Putin said that Russia shares the same views when it comes to the prospects of development of Russia-Africa relations. 

"We are constantly keeping in touch and we will continue to do so, as I have already mentioned, today. We will focus on the situation related to Ukraine," President Putin said. 

On the BRICS summit scheduled to take place in August in South Africa, President Putin wished the summit every success, saying he is confident that the meeting will be held at the highest level. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has, in terms of Section 30C(1)(b), read with section 30C(3) of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 (Act), appointed Naheem Ebrahim Essop as a Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator.

The appointment is for a term of three years and is effective from the date of assumption of duty, which is expected to be 1 August 2023.

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) was established in terms of the Pension Funds Act. The OPFA is required to dispose of complaints lodged in terms of Section 30A(3) of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

Essop holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and is an admitted attorney. He started his career as a candidate attorney in 2004.

Thereafter, he practiced as an attorney from 2006 to 2015. He then joined the Financial Services Board (now the Financial Sector Conduct Authority) as a Specialist Analyst in the Pension Funds Department in 2015, where he worked until 2020.

He is currently a Senior Legal Advisor at the OPFA. Essop is an alternate member-elected trustee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority Pension Fund in which the OPFA participates.

He also serves as the OPFA Deputy Information Officer, registered in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

The Minister would like to congratulate Essop on his appointment to this important position which is crucial in contributing towards the integrity of financial markets and institutions, and the fair treatment of customers by retirement funds and all other stakeholders in the industry. – SAnews.gov.za

 

The Gautrain has announced the provision of a free bus service for ticket holders attending the Springboks Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July 2023.

Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, said the provision of free bus service to rugby fans this weekend, follows a similar initiative during the Nedbank Cup Final, when Gautrain trains and busses were released to ferry spectators to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Hatfield, free of charge. 

“Our provision of these free services is in tandem with and support of the province’s strategy of rebuilding the economy of Gauteng, with big sporting events as a great tool to boost the economy of the province. Gautrain would like to reposition itself as a mobility of choice in the province as we transport people in the province to work, but also places of fun and entertainment,” Kgobe said.

Kgobe emphasised that the free bus transfer from Gautrain Park Station to Emirates Airline Park is only for match ticket holders who travel by Gautrain, and standard train and parking fees will apply.

“The first bus will leave Gautrain Park Station for Emirates Airline Park at 1pm. The last bus will leave Emirates Airline Park for Gautrain Park Station at 8pm. Standard Gautrain rules will apply, including no eating or drinking on the train, bus or at stations,” Kgobe said.

The build-up to match will start at 4pm, with the match starting at 5pm – SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other African Heads of State and Government, were this evening hosted at a Welcome Reception by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

President Ramaphosa is leading a delegation at the second Russia-Africa Summit which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent. 

Delivering his opening remarks, President Putin told the African leaders that he was glad that the Heads of State and Government, leading politicians and statesmen from almost all African countries have arrived in his country.

“This august assembly that gathered in our northern capital is a brilliant testimony of the neutral willingness of Russia and the African continent to reinforce and deepen mutually beneficial ties and contacts. 

“This is also testimony to our real willingness and our joint determination to propel relations between Russia and African countries to renew advanced level in politics, security, economy and the social sphere. 

“We cast an optimistic glance into the future because Russian-African relations are founded upon the indivisible ties of friendship and neutral help that has been accumulated as well as the experience of joined work and our rich history full of events,” he said. 

He highlighted that the Soviet Union provided an important support to African countries in the fight against colonialism, racism and apartheid, adding that Russia will continue to sustain these good traditions.

“It is also worth noting that currently Russia and the African countries are working together advocating a just multipolar world, based on such principles as sovereign equality of countries, non-interference within their domestic affairs, and also respect for the rights of countries to set their own future and of course, our country is going to make a real contribution to settling the current crises and preventing the emergence of new ones,” he said. 

He added that Russia is willing to work for the future, building a genuinely strategic, mutually beneficial partnership.  

African Peace Initiative

Earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with African Heads of State who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the Russia-Ukraine War. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit. 

This meeting precedes the Working Dinner, which the African Peace Initiative will have with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on Friday. 

The Heads of State involved in the peace initiative include President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Union of the Comoros and chairman of the African Union Azali Assoumani, President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso who was represented by  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Claude Gakosso.  

Last month, the seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia in a bid to foster peace between the two countries.  

Following the meeting with the African Heads of State, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt. 

South Africa and Egypt share good diplomatic ties and both countries are part of the African Peace Initiative which is in pursuit of a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine War. – SAnews.gov.za