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Infrastructure support for Eastern Cape emerging farmers

Location: News

Infrastructure support for Eastern Cape emerging farmers

The Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department (DRDAR) continues to provide wool improvement infrastructure, equipment and training to communal and emerging farmers in the villages.

DRDAR MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe will on Friday hand over a shearing shed and equipment at an event held at Mgwalana Shearing Shed in Engcobo.

The department said the supplying of the infrastructure forms part of the wool improvement production programme, which has seen the value of wool exported from the province reaching 28 million tons in 2022.

This generated R3.9 billion, with the formerly underdeveloped communal sector exceeding R250 million in annual income.

“To ensure the increased quality and quantity of wool produced by emerging farmers, the department provided 73 new shearing sheds, 81 multipurpose sheds, 72 new dipping tanks, renovation of 248 dipping tanks, and seen shearing sheds,” the department said.

The fenced shearing shed structure with a built-in office and two male and female toilets, includes a 7 425 litre dip plunge, portable small stock handling facilities, wool presser, sorting table, classing bins, and provision of two water harvesting tanks, which will be handed over to the Magwalana Wool Growers’ Association.

The enterprise, which was started in 2010, has 29 members... On top of the R1.1 million investment in the structure, DRDAR also provided training that included understanding of contracts and their sources, managerial expertise and administrative capabilities, business environments and select business opportunities, as well as marketing.

“The farmers have 2 223 sheep that produced 3 778 kg of wool in the previous production season after being sold through BKB in Gqeberha - earning them revenue of R10 95 7500. These returns are expected to rise, since they will be utilising quality equipment and proper structure,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:45

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JR Promotions Showcases Impressive Achievements in Q1 2024

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – JR Promotions, a leading name in the marketing and promotional industry, has demonstrated significant progress and innovation during the first quarter of 2024. The company’s recent newsletter highlights several key achievements and developments that underscore its commitment to excellence and growth. Job Creation Amidst Economic Challenges In the face of South …

Read moreJR Promotions Showcases Impressive Achievements in Q1 2024

President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

Location: News

President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

In a significant milestone for the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024.

“The appointment follows the President’s consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly,” said the Presidency in a statement on Thursday.

In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February 2024, President Ramaphosa informed the Judicial Service Commission of his intention to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Maya as the Chief Justice of the Republic upon the expiry of the term of office of Chief Justice Zondo on 31 August 2024.

The President invited the Judicial Service Commission to provide its views on the suitability of Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice.

Discharging its consultative mandate set out in Section 174(3) of the Constitution, the Commission interviewed Justice Maya on 21 May 2024 to ascertain her suitability to be appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic.

The Commission subsequently assured the President of Justice Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President.

The Commissioners also advised that Justice Maya’s appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as Justice Maya would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice.

“President Ramaphosa appreciates the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her,” said the Presidency.

Maya’s appointment is in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. -SAnews.gov.za
 

Neo
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 09:10

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South Africa: President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, appointed current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024.

The appointment follows the President's consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February 2024, President Ramaphosa informed the Judicial Service Commission of his intention to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Maya as the Chief Justice of the Republic upon the expiry of the term of office of Chief Justice Zondo on 31 August 2024.

The President invited the Judicial Service Commission to provide its views on the suitability of Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice.

Discharging its consultative mandate set out in Section 174(3) of the Constitution, the Commission interviewed Justice Maya on 21 May 2024 to ascertain her suitability to be appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic.

The Commission subsequently assured the President of Justice Maya's suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya's qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President.

The Commissioners also advised that Justice Maya's appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as Justice Maya would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice.

President Ramaphosa appreciates the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read moreSouth Africa: President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice

Well wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga

Location: News

Well wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunga

Government has congratulated Nwabisa Makunga who is the current Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) on her appointment as Chairperson of the forum.

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the appointment of Makunga is a demonstration of her ability and capability. 

“Makunga’s elevation to this important responsibility is an inspiration to many women journalists and proof that the media industry is making great strides in affirming gender equality. It is a further demonstration of the triumph of abilities over obstacles of women in the media sector,” Mnukwa said on Thursday.

Makunga will lead a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.

“The media landscape is going through challenges, especially with the emergence of digital media and the impact of social media. SANEF is, amongst others, ceased with navigating challenges in the media sector such as declining revenues, shrinking media houses, fake news enabled by artificial Intelligence and other emerging threats to the information platforms,” Mnukwa said.

It is against this background that the GCIS is looking forward to further fostering its partnership with the forum and it office bearers, and the media as a whole. 

“I want to reiterate that GCIS recognises the significant contributions made by SANEF in upholding press freedom, ethical journalism, and media diversity in South Africa,” Mnukwa said. –SAnews.gov.za
 
 

nosihle
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:41

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President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law

Location: News

President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented into law the Public Procurement Bill, which aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.

“The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that [the] contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented,” said the Presidency.

As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.
The Act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.

The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness. The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.

It foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.

The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.

There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.

The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding) any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.

Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities. – SAnews.gov.za
 
 

Edwin
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 10:39

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KZN commits to youth-oriented programmes

Location: News

KZN commits to youth-oriented programmes

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli’s commitment to youth-orientated initiatives and developmental programmes.

Ntuli, who led the Executive Council in a two-day Youth in Business Summit recently held in Durban, announced that youth-oriented programmes will be a priority throughout the tenure of his administration.
 
Hosted under the theme “Young people taking charge in leading economic development”, the summit provided a platform for engagement between the government and the youth.

The summit encouraged youth development, entrepreneurship and involvement in the mainstream economy throughout the province.

Speaking at the summit, Ntuli said the summit is a catalyst for change and a platform for dialogue.

The Premier said the Executive Council and provincial government have identified youth unemployment, youth development, and financial backing for youth-owned enterprises as some of the key priorities for the seventh administration.

As part of government’s interventions to fight the scourge of unemployment through the Premier’s Office, the provincial government has created a suite of funding schemes which include the Premier’s Youth Empowerment Fund which has been increased from R60 million to R100 million.

“This programme seeks to afford the youth of this province with an opportunity to interact with strategic business leaders and to also share their views and ideas on how they would want this province of KwaZulu-Natal to aid their initiatives and programmes,” Ntuli said.

eThekwini Municipality Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni commended the Premier-led initiative.
“When we give business access to young entrepreneurs, we will be ensuring that we transform the economy,” Myeni said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 11:07

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National Small Enterprise Amendment Act touted as gamechanger

Location: News

National Small Enterprise Amendment Act touted as gamechanger

The signing into law of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to revolutionise the small business ecosystem.

“We are confident that the National Small Enterprise Act, as amended, will turn the tide in favour of small enterprises, by levelling the playing fields and enabling the provision of more integrated and effective financial and non-financial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and co-operatives,” Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said on Tuesday.

The Act establishes the Office of the Enterprise Ombuds Service, redefines and simplifies the term “small enterprises” and empowers the Minister to declare certain trading practices in relation to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as unfair trading practices.

This streamlines the support services that government provides to MSMEs to broaden their participation in the economy in line with government’s commitment towards placing MSMEs at the centre of the reconstruction and recovery of the economy.

The new Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) will drive economic transformation and inclusive growth in the economy through ensuring the provision of customised financial and non-financial support for MSMEs and cooperatives to enable them to play a strategic role in the value chains of various sectors of the economy.

“The Act also provides for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Services which will serve as an impartial mediator in the disputes, especially for small enterprises, thereby avoiding costly litigation processes.

“The lack of effective and affordable access to a justice mechanism for small enterprises has been a matter of grave concern to all in the small enterprise eco-system. Business-to-business disputes and the late and nonpayment of legitimate invoices remain a significant reality in the lives of small enterprises and cooperatives, with very real implications for their growth and sustainability,” the Minister said.

MSMEs will now avoid the litigation route, which is wearisome and costly, and use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism of the Ombud. 

“The determinations by the Ombud will be mandatory and binding. The provision will still be made within the act for review specifically on the grounds of illegality, procedural unfairness; or irrationality, thus still protecting the constitutional rights of all persons involved,” she said.

Unfair Trading Practices

The Act also enables the Minister to declare certain trading practices in relation to small enterprises as unfair trading practices on recommendation of the Ombud.

“It sets the parameters and procedures in terms of which the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, may declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited unfair trading practices.

“The unfair trading practices relate to exclusionary compliance requirements for small enterprises, retrospective changes to contracts, ambiguous contracts, sudden and unjustified termination of a commercial relationship or termination without reasonable notice to MSMEs and Cooperatives,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 14:16

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President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company

Location: News

President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company

With government moving full steam ahead with plans to establish a holding company for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has been assigned the responsibility to finalise the processes.

“The SOEs that were previously under the stewardship of the Department of Public Enterprises will report to their respective line departments in terms of policy and regulatory matters,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday in Parliament.

Responding to the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote speech, the President reiterated that government is introducing legislation to establish a state-owned holding company to oversee and coordinate key strategic SOEs.

“The legislation will assign the functions of the holding company, which will cover issues of governance, financial management, remuneration standards and similar matters.

“This is in line with global best practice and is the approach taken by many countries with SOEs that successfully fulfil a social and economic development mandate.

“While some in this House might be dismissive of the work being coordinated in the Presidency, let us not lose sight of what these measures mean for the everyday lives of South African citizens. They mean more affordable and reliable electricity, cleaner water, efficient trains and lower data costs,” President Ramaphosa said.

Meanwhile, turning to other issues, the President said with just a small team of dedicated officials in the Presidency and National Treasury working closely with a wide range of government departments and entities, the President said the reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela have had a measurable impact on growth and investment.

“These structural reforms are in the most strategic and critical sectors of our economy, as I indicated yesterday. They are in energy, in logistics, in telecommunications, in visa reform and in water. 

“The reforms that are underway in the water sector – like reinstituting water quality monitoring systems, developing a raw water pricing strategy, and establishing a Water Partnerships Office to develop water infrastructure – have direct and material benefits for service delivery,” the President said.

Improved water infrastructure ensures more reliable and sustainable water supply while water quality management systems mean cleaner water and a reduced health risk.

“The ultimate beneficiary is the people of South Africa, and strengthening and enhancing the economy of our country,” the President said.

He said the reforms being implemented are laying a robust foundation for sustained economic and social progress.

“We have noted calls for programmes to involve young unemployed people in various forms of work, training and development. Contrary to some suggestions in the debate, we do have such programmes.

“These include the successful National Rural Youth Service Corps programme – known as NARYSEC – which provides opportunities to unemployed rural youth. We also spoke yesterday about other public and social employment programmes that have a large number of young participants.

“The challenge we have now is to scale up these programmes within available resources to ensure that they have a greater reach and impact,” the President said.

Size of the Executive

On the matter of the size of the Executive, the President said at this moment in South Africa’s history, the country faces complex and urgent challenges, which require strong coordination from the centre of government.

“While we continue to seek ways to use the resources of the state optimally, we have also had to ensure that we achieve inclusivity and balance. We believe that this is important for ensuring governance outcomes that serve the interests of all South Africans.

“Most importantly, we will ensure that the machinery of government works efficiently, and that it is used to advance the people’s interests and improve their lives.

“We will ensure that we reduce waste, rationalise and restructure our state-owned entities, and continue to direct the majority of our budget towards sustaining the social wage and investing in infrastructure,” the President said.

He said now more than ever, government must demonstrate what the people of South Africa can achieve when they work together.

“We must seize the opportunity that this Government of National Unity presents to restore these people’s trust in our democracy, and to realise the promise of dignity and equality that is contained in our Constitution.

“Five years from now, let us be able to say that we have made a difference in the lives of our people. Let us ensure that we take our beautiful country closer to the society of which we have all dreamed. And let us make sure that we leave no-one behind,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 15:32

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Read morePresident outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company

Ayashisa ama-tekkie for growing Sneaker Cleanic

Location: News

Ayashisa ama-tekkie for growing Sneaker Cleanic

In South Africa the word tekkie is generally used to describe sneakers, but Lesego Gumede’s Sneaker Cleanic business has ignited a flame of hope for a better future to his employees who wash sneakers on a daily basis.

Sneaker Cleanic is a shoe-cleaning business that started as a casual conversation between colleagues.

“I realised that my [former] boss’s sneakers were clean when I was still working at a major clothing store. I questioned her about who cleaned them, and she told me that she paid someone R50 per pair to clean them. This made me decide to resign from my job and invest R2500 to launch Sneaker Cleanic,” he said.

What some may have considered a chore turned into a pot of gold for the 28-year-old who is determined to break new ground in the sneaker-cleaning business.

“All I saw was a hot business, ayashisa ama-tekkie,’’ he chuckled.

Shisa is an isiZulu word which loosely means something hot.

Gumede started the business in 2021 and now has two branches in Mabopane and Mamelodi, in Pretoria Gauteng.

With its steady growth, the business has created seven jobs. It has also received assistance from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) in the form of marketing and product testing.

Gumede said to move the business forward, he decided to create his brand of sneaker cleaning products which are used at Sneaker Cleanic.

“Our Sneaker Cleanic journey is turning out better than I imagined. Two of our core values are customer service and quality work delivered on time.”

He added that his customers appreciated the Sneaker Cleanic staff who can clean shoes without damaging them.

“Another value that we have is accountability. Customers know that if mistakes occur on their shoes, we can certainly fix them.”

Despite the success of Gumede’s business, he too has been met with challenges along his journey.

“Some of our major challenges include financial assistance and mentoring. There is also a stigma associated with the sneaker-cleaning industry that it is not a sustainable business,” he said.

While complex challenges remain in this relatively new industry, Gumede’s dream remains simple.

“[My dream] is for the business to outlive me.”

Gumede is determined to succeed and create jobs for his community.

Find more information on Sneaker Cleanic or to use their services visit @Sneaker_Cleanic on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Reach them via WhatsApp/phone on 068 299 5933.

Small business owners who are interested in receiving assistance from Seda should vist their local Seda office, contact 0860 103 703, logon to www.seda.org.za or send an email to info@seda.org.za.

*This story first appeared in Vukuzenzele

Janine
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:22

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President Ramaphosa Assents to National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill which streamlines the support services government provided to small and medium businesses as part of broadening participation in the economy by a greater number of South Africans.

The National Small Enterprise Amendment Act signed by the President amends the National Small Enterprise Act of 1996 to establish a new entity, the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency, which will incorporate the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Cooperative Banks Development Agency (SEDFA).

SEDA and SEFA are currently located within the Department of Small Business Development.

The new Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency will function as a one-stop-shop for aspiring entrepreneurs and promote the development of the Co-operative Banking Institutions (CBIs).

The Act also establishes the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service which may, as part of dealing with complaints, recommend that the Minister of Small Business Development declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited unfair trading.

Under the new law, the Minister may make regulations setting the criteria to determine the classification of micro, small and medium enterprises as well as any legislation affecting small enterprises.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Assents to National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill

Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Presents Annual Report to the Committee against Torture

Location: News

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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The Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture this morning presented the Subcommittee's seventeenth annual report to the Committee against Torture.

Suzanne Jabbour, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said that in 2023, the landscape within which the Subcommittee and the Committee operated had been significantly shaped by conflict, yet the commitment to the prevention of torture remained resolute. In 2023, the Subcommittee conducted eight official visits to the Philippines, Georgia, Guatemala, State of Palestine, Croatia, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and South Africa.

In 2024, the Subcommittee had already conducted visits to Gabon, Albania, Honduras and Mongolia, and planned to extend its efforts to Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Greece and Nigeria throughout the rest of the year. Despite these efforts, the Subcommittee faced notable operational challenges, primarily stemming from resource limitations, as well as the prevailing liquidity crisis at the United Nations. The exchange of information between the Subcommittee and the Committee was a vital lifeline that enhanced operational efficiency.

In the ensuing discussion, Committee Experts asked about the impact of states of emergency and armed conflict on the work of the Committee, as well as how to encourage States to commit themselves to the principle of transparency.

The Committee against Torture will next meet in public this afternoon on Tuesday, 23 July at 4 p.m., for a follow-up discussion on articles 19 and 22 and on reprisals.

Statement by the Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture

SUZANNE JABBOUR, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said the session this year took place in a year of special significance, the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Convention against Torture. In 2023, the landscape within which the Subcommittee and the Committee operated had been significantly shaped by conflict, yet the commitment to the prevention of torture remained resolute. Throughout the year, the Subcommittee had expanded its reach within the framework of the Optional Protocol to the Convention, with the accession of Côte d'Ivoire and the ratification by Slovakia, increasing the number of States parties to 93.

In 2023, the Subcommittee conducted eight official visits to the Philippines, Georgia, Guatemala, State of Palestine, Croatia, Madagascar, Kazakhstan and South Africa. These missions allowed the Subcommittee to identify repetitive issues and advocate for necessary reforms, including the establishment of national preventive mechanisms, actions to reduce prison overcrowding, and the modernisation of prison systems. In 2024, the Subcommittee had already conducted visits to Gabon, Albania, Honduras and Mongolia, and planned to extend its efforts to Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Greece and Nigeria throughout the rest of the year.

During its visits in 2023, the Subcommittee had conducted more than 1,100 interviews with more than 3,500 persons, including detainees, officials, law enforcement personnel, and medical staff. The Subcommittee's approach was informed by the particular cultural, socio-economic, and institutional contexts of each country, enabling the Subcommittee to tailor advice to the different authorities. Despite these efforts, the Subcommittee had faced notable operational challenges, primarily stemming from resource limitations, as well as the prevailing liquidity crisis at the United Nations. Ms. Jabbour was pleased to have been informed that the Subcommittee would be able to proceed with planned missions to Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Greece, as well as their third session.

Although not without challenges, the Subcommittee's visits yielded promising direct outcomes. During the recent visit to Honduras, the Subcommittee witnessed deeply troubling conditions in places of deprivation of liberty. While, the outlook was challenging, the Subcommittee's presence acted as a catalyst, possibly accelerating the appointment of the remaining commissioners of the national preventive mechanism. To provide comprehensive insights into the operational challenges, this year's report included annexes that addressed specific inquiries raised by national preventive mechanisms.

The Subcommittee continued to foster relationships with various United Nations bodies, regional organizations, and civil society stakeholders to bolster efforts in torture prevention. Notably, collaboration extended to the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions during the International Conference on the Prevention of Torture held in Copenhagen. The publication of the Subcommittee's general comment no.1 on article 4 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention, adopted during their June session, would provide much-needed clarity to ensure comprehensive access for monitoring bodies, including national preventive mechanisms, in gaining access to places of deprivation of liberty.

The exchange of information between the Subcommittee and the Committee was a vital lifeline that enhanced operational efficiency. This synergy was further magnified by the Committee's role in advocating for the ratification of the Optional Protocol and the establishment of national preventive mechanisms by States. The expected adoption of the resolution by the Chairs of the treaty bodies this December to endorse the strengthening process would highlight the shared leadership between the Committee and the Subcommittee. Ms. Jabbour reasserted the Subcommittee's dedication to this cooperation and to the common goal, to prevent, and ultimately end, the use of torture and all forms of ill treatment.

Questions by Committee Experts

A Committee Expert said the Committee noted with appreciation the report of the Subcommittee and the publication of the general comment, clarifying the concept of places of deprivation of liberty. Effective coordination between the Committee and the Subcommittee was of vital importance. Transparency constituted a measure to prevent the risk of torture. The report indicated that by the end of 2023, 52 of the 82 visit reports had been made public, a total of 63 per cent. It was important to continue efforts to remain seized of this matter. Did the Subcommittee have further guidance to enhance commitments of States parties to upscale their efforts to commit themselves to the principle of transparency?

CLAUDE HELLER, Committee Chairperson, thanked Ms. Jabbour for presenting the report, which contained a great deal of substantive information. The report outlined the constraints being faced by the Committee and Subcommittee. The Committee and the Subcommittee played a pivotal role despite prevailing challenges. It was positive that the Subcommittee would be able to undertake a series of visits this year and hold their November session. This year, the Committee was commemorating the fortieth anniversary of the Convention. The issue of ratifications of the Optional Protocol should be highlighted. It was important that countries established national preventive mechanisms and facilitated visits to places of detention.

When the Subcommittee visited a State where there was a state of emergency in place, had they faced restrictions on their visits to places of detention? Many of the treaty bodies had been advocating for appropriate resources in light of the backlog of reports which needed to be reviewed by the Committees. How had this affected the Subcommittee with delays in conducting visits?

A Committee Expert said there were more than 100 armed conflicts in the world today. Could the Subcommittee work in the difficult circumstances of an armed conflict? Could they still undertake visits and visit detainees?

Responses by the Chair of the Subcommittee

SUZANNE JABBOUR, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, said the work of the Subcommittee was built with the State on the principle of confidentiality. The presence of national preventive mechanisms could be a great added value to push for the publications of reports. The Subcommittee tried to have synergy with the national preventive mechanisms; they were their partners on the ground. Currently, States were less interested in human rights, particularly on issues relating to torture prevention. Other actors could also support the work of the Subcommittee, including the national human rights institutions.

The Subcommittee had faced the state of emergency issue in Palestine, where they had engaged with the authorities and the de-facto authorities. The Subcommittee had the obligation to respect how the United Nations engaged with de-facto authorities. Based on this, the Subcommittee failed to visit Gaza. The armed conflicts around the world put further responsibility on the Subcommittee. Because the Subcommittee had a proactive mandate, it believed that during armed conflicts, lifesaving actions were a priority, rather than preventive actions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Read moreChair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Presents Annual Report to the Committee against Torture

President Ramaphosa Assents to Public Procurement Bill

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.

The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented.

As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.

The Act also responds to the acknowledgment that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.

The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness.

The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.

The Act foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.

The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.

There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.

The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding), any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid; and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.

Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Assents to Public Procurement Bill

Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence

Location: News

Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has reiterated the call for all South Africans to rally behind the country’s fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

This includes acts of GBVF perpetrated by intimate partners and family members. 

Chikunga emphasised the urgent need to move beyond sloganeering.

“There is an urgent need to invest adequate resources to respond to the GBVF pandemic and all forms of discrimination by the whole of society and the government,” Chikunga said.

In its 2020 report titled "Killings of Women and Girls by Their Intimate Partner or Other Family Members - Global Estimates," the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that, on average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes.

A year later, estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) also found that one in three women worldwide has suffered from physical and sexual violence in her lifetime, and that one in five women who have had at least one partner has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Chikunga noted that despite the exponential high level of commendable advocacy and policy commitment, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains one of the most frequent forms of violence against women and girls.
She added that recent studies affirm that despite decades of activism, advocacy, and action by state and non-state actors, the available evidence shows that progress in stopping IPV and related violence has been deeply inadequate.

While government has heeded this call and elevated the fight against GBVF into one of its top priorities, Chikunga acknowledged that in the past 30 years of democratic dispensation, the plight of women and girls in South Africa has remained deplorable and far from ideal.

“As we begin the seventh Administration, our message has to be clear when it comes to the fight against GBVF; the master's tools will not destroy the master's house. We need new tools, and we need them urgently.

“South Africans have bestowed on our shoulders a responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately to the systemic and structural nature of discrimination, and violence against women and girls. We can no longer tinker on the edges and expect systemic results.”

Across educational, religious, cultural, sporting, and creative environments, the Minister said, “all our values and practices must be put into question and deliberately repurposed to support the fight against patriarchal chauvinism in all spheres of life.’

She further stressed a need for systemic change, noting that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is committed to enforcing gender equality throughout government and society as a constitutional imperative, and “not as an afterthought that emerges when the next victim is lying cold.”

“Women have been and continue to be the basic foundation of all human civilisation, and yet we wake up every day and petition a man for the right to survive until the end of the day.

“We need community intelligence - researchers, scholars, advocates, and activists who will go beyond reproducing mainstream narratives and get a granular picture from communities that face violence at a community or even street level, to ensure that justice is served,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:03

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Read moreChikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence

Government activities for the week 22 – 26 July 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 22 – 26 July 2024

On Monday, 22 July, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, will attend the 8th Session of the Ministerial on Climate Action in Wuhan, China.

On Tuesday, 23 July, the North West Premier, Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, to table the 2024/25 Budget Vote and Policy Speech for the Office of the Premier before the North West Provincial Legislature.

On Wednesday, 24 July, there are no confirmed events.

On Thursday, 25 July, there are no confirmed events.

On Friday, 26 July, the compulsory induction skills programme, applying labour and dispute approached, 09:00 – 11:00 on Microsoft Teams.
 

Janine
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:45

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 22 – 26 July 2024