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67 minutes may seem like a small pocket of time, but when South Africans band together, the impact can be monumental. This Mandela Day, volunteers from Crown Relocations South Africa and Crown Records Management South Africa dedicated their time and effort to pack 150 meal packs and knit 150 scarves, distributing them to those in …
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a ZAR 18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet, South Africa's major freight transport and logistics company, for its recovery and growth plans.
The 25-year loan approved by the Bank Group's Board of Directors on Friday, 12 July 2024, is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa. It will facilitate the first phase of the company's ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain.
Transnet has faced operational challenges mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
The company is committed to addressing past challenges, fostering integrity, and enhancing efficiency within the organization. It has made progress in some key areas including reforms in governance procurement and financial management.
The recovery plan, launched in October 2023, seeks to rehabilitate the infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands.
Following the approval, African Development Bank's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor, emphasized the significance of this support: “Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the SADC region.”
He added: “Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive Recovery Plan (RP), addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa's strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level. This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth.”
Transnet has been a client of the African Development Bank since 2010. The company employs more than 50,000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy. The company's freight system's activities contribute significantly to South Africa's economy. Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region, such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban.
Reacting to the approval, Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive of Transnet said: “We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank, the loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet's capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy. The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with to its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives.”
The Board commended the Government of South Africa for its vision and commitment to reforms in Transnet as well as the country's entire transport and logistics sectors. It also applauded Transnet for progress made in rolling out its compliance and governance improvement programme as well as its decarbonization and energy efficiency plans in line with its Net Zero Emission Strategy and Green Freight Strategy.
In addition to the corporate loan, the African Development Bank is contemplating two targeted grants, including $750,000 in technical support from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) – a multi-donor fund administered by the Bank – to improve energy efficiency and associated measures, in line with Transnet's net zero plan. The second grant funding comprises $1 million from the Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (IPPF-NEPAD), for technical assistance to help accelerate railway reforms and address structural and regulatory inefficiencies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contacts
African Development Bank:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communications Department
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org
Transnet:
Ayanda Shezi
GM Group Corporate Affairs
email: ayanda.shezi@transnet.net/mediadesk@transnet.net.
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
3,400 application backlog because of lack of manpower, says NLC
Opening of Parliament "a significant event" for the country’s democratic process
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza says the Opening of Parliament is a significant event for the country’s democratic process, convened by the President in accordance with section 84 of the Constitution.
“It stands as one of the few occasions that brings the three arms of the State -- the executive, legislature and judiciary -- under one roof, reaffirming the commitment of all branches of State to democratic principles, accountability and cooperation in the pursuit of national progress and prosperity,” Didiza said.
Addressing media on the state of readiness to host the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Wednesday, Didiza said following the adoption of the new joint rules of Parliament in November 2023, they now make a clear distinction between the Opening of Parliament Address and the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The theme for the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is: "My Parliament, My Voice, My Future".
“The Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) serves as a pivotal platform for the President to articulate the administration's comprehensive plans and long-term vision for the upcoming five-year term,” Didiza said.
Didiza explained that this landmark event not only outlines government's strategic objectives and policy priorities but also officially inaugurates the new parliamentary term.
“[OPA] symbolises the continuity of democratic governance and sets the stage for legislative and executive collaboration in addressing national challenges and pursuing the country's development goals.
“The State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered annually by the President in February, serves as a platform to review government's past year performance and outline its agenda for the coming year.
“The Joint Rules also aim to maintain order and decorum in the Chamber, while promoting civility among Members.
“Key provisions of the new rules prohibit members from interrupting the President during the Opening of Parliament Address and further stipulate that this joint sitting must focus solely on the specific business for which it is convened,” Didiza said.
Didiza said the measures are designed to preserve the dignity of Parliament and underscore the importance of these addresses in shaping the nation's legislative and developmental agenda.
This year's OPA holds particular significance, as it coincides with the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of South Africa's constitutional democracy.
She explained that this provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the inception of democratic governance and to determine the path that will be travelled in the next five years in the advancement of democracy.
“The OPA also takes place on Nelson Mandela Day, on 18 July 2024, a day of great importance which resonates with Parliament's commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, equality, and service to humanity.
“This OPA is truly historic as it is taking place under unique, complex, and testing political conditions in our nation, following the outcome of the 2024 Provincial and National Elections.
“These elections have resulted in the formation of a collaborative and unity government to lead our nation for the next five years,” she said.
Didiza said it's important to note that the hosting of the OPA represents the culmination of a multifaceted project to establish the seventh term of Parliament.
“In the weeks since the elections, we have successfully arranged and onboarded all 454 Members of Parliament across both Houses, successfully convened the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, concluded the elections of Presiding Officers of Parliament, established committees and elected chairpersons, appointed office-bearers to serve in various structures and immediately proceeded to debate departmental budget votes,” Didiza said.
Didiza also explained that this year’s theme resonates with the momentous 30-year milestone of the country’s democracy under which the 7th Parliament is established, reaffirming renewed commitment to a people-centred Parliament and tireless dedication to transforming democratic achievements into tangible improvements in the lives of all South Africans.
“It emphasises the personal stake each citizen has in our democratic institutions and the collective future we are building together,” she said.
About the Opening of Parliament Address
The Opening of Parliament Address takes place once every five years, after the Provincial and National Elections, to outline the new administration's plans while also marking the official opening of the new five-year term of Parliament.
The OPA will take place at the Cape Town City Hall on 18 July 2024 at 19:00.
As of July 14, Cape Town City Hall has been officially designated as the parliamentary precinct in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
Among the esteemed guests invited to attend are:
• Former Presidents: Mr. Thabo Mbeki, Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe, and Mr. Jacob Zuma
• Former Speaker and Deputy President: Ms. Baleka Mbete
• Former Deputy Presidents: Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Mr. David Mabuza
• Former National Assembly Speakers and National Council of Provinces Chairpersons
• Chief Justice Zondo, Deputy Chief Justice Maya, and 15 Judges
• Executive Mayor of Cape Town: Alderman Geordin Hill-Lewis
• 9 Eminent Persons representing each of the provinces.
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/17/2024 - 15:02
OPA paints a picture of the next five years
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has encouraged South Africans to watch the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) to hear how their vote will work for them in the coming five years of the seventh administration.
Didiza was speaking to SAnews on the side lines of the pre-OPA walkabout at the Parliamentary Precinct at the Cape Town City Hall – the site where President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his much anticipated address on Thursday.
The address is scheduled for 7pm.
“It is important to listen in so that we can hear how our vote is going to be used to fulfil the needs and aspirations that we have for the country. The people are waiting to hear from government and how it will serve them,” she said.
OPA, the Speaker told SAnews will also set out how the parties that make up the Government of National Unity (GNU) are going to join forces to serve.
“After the vote, there was a Government of National Unity formed and people would want to know how that is going to work.
“That’s what we will hear tomorrow. It is no longer a government led by one party but by a number of parties, so people will get to know how they are going to come together and what it is they say they will do for us going forward. The OPA gives us a picture of what it is we can expect from government over the next five years,” she said.
Didiza said OPA will give South Africans a platform they can look back on in five years time in terms of what their government has done for them.
The Speaker explained the difference between the State of the Nation Address and the Opening of Parliament.
“When a term of office starts following elections, the President requests that he come and address the Members of Parliament to tell them what the administration will be doing in the next five years.
“And then during [SONA], he comes to lay out the plans that the administration has for the coming year. He also reflects on what it is he has achieved over the previous year. Then after that, the Minister of Finance will explain how those plans will be financed…
“So at the start of an administration, the President paints a picture for the next five years,” she said.
Earlier in the day during a media briefing, Didiza explained that, as is tradition, the South African National Defence Force will participate with a display of military pageantry.
This includes a performance by the military band, precision drills and a display showcasing the skills and traditions of the armed forces of the Republic.
“The official proceedings begin when the President of the Republic arrives. At the moment, the military choir will perform the national anthem, timed to coincide with the display of the 21-gun salute and an aircraft flyover and salute, highlighting the patriotic spirit of the event,” Didiza said.
The Opening of Parliament Address is expected to commence at 7pm on Thursday, 18 July, the same day the country and the world commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/17/2024 - 17:00
“We implore you to intervene,” medical experts say to Barbara Creecy
Relief for Kenville fire victims
The KwaZulu-Natal government is fast-tracking relief efforts in the Kenville informal settlement area, following the fire that destroyed homes, displacing over 400 families.
Over 200 informal units at the Kenville Informal Settlement in Sea Cow Lake, Durban, were razed by fire over the weekend, leaving 431 families displaced, and a pregnant woman dead.
Following a visit to Kenville, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, together with eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, have agreed to implement immediate relief, while activating a long-term plan to assist the 431 destitute families.
After consultation with Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the provincial Human Settlements Department and eThekwini Municipality announced that building material would be delivered by Wednesday and Thursday, to rebuild 237 informal dwellings destroyed by fire.
Duma said building material will also be arranged for over 200 families who were affected in the past, but their profiling took long to complete.
He said eThekwini Municipality, together with the NGO Gift of the Givers, have arranged blankets, mattresses, and food for the families, while the Office of the Mayor is assisting the families of the deceased with funeral arrangements.
READ | KZN doubles efforts to build temporary homes for veld fire victims
“The Department of Education is ensuring that learning for some of the 89 children is not interrupted, [while] the Department of Health is ensuring access to quality healthcare through a mobile clinic.
“The Department of Social Development is providing relief vouchers and counselling to the families, and Home Affairs is assisting with the issuing of temporary IDs and other enabling documents,” Duma said.
The MEC emphasised that the long-term plan is to ensure that all families are relocated to a suitable land where government and the city will build decent houses.
“Some of the informal settlements that have been razed down by fire are inaccessible and have been built in unsuitable land without proper planning. We are searching for vacant land in order to build houses for these families.
“Homes in poor terrains can be easily washed away during heavy rains [and] this applies to those who reside near rivers and waterways. With extreme weather patterns caused by climate change, our main goal is to save innocent lives,” Duma said.
Xaba has also assured that the municipality, working with all spheres of government, will provide much-needed relief to the families affected by fire to bring their live to normalcy.
The Mayor said fire victims have already been relocated to a temporary shelter and have been provided with food hampers.
“Social workers and healthcare workers are on site to provide psychosocial and healthcare services to the victims. The Department of Human Settlements has also profiled all affected households with an intention of providing them with building material,” Xaba said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:31
New Police Minister outlines priorities
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the seventh administration will act decisively to bring the high level of crime in the country, under control.
“It is our view and understanding that tough measures may need to be taken to reduce crime where necessary,” Mchunu said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday on the Ministry’s priorities, following the establishment of the Government of National Unity after the General Elections.
“We are honoured and humbled to have been given the enormous responsibility of ensuring that South Africans are safe and feel safer.
“We have spent the first week in office meeting with the executive management, provincial commissioners and divisional heads of the South African Police Service. We have done this to ensure that we have a broad understanding of the portfolio, including the challenges and opportunities, so that we can map out the priorities and urgent tasks at hand,” said the Minister.
He said he had benefited from briefings from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) and the Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service as well as various organisations and institutions within the security arena.
“The crime levels in the country are on the increase and are intolerable. We need to act decisively and bring this under control.
“The levels and type of crime differ from one province to the other. We need to take this into account as we implement the integrated National Crime Prevention Strategy,” said the Minister.
Currently, the leading crimes in the country are contact crimes such as murders and rape, as well as hijackings and kidnappings for ransom payments.
“The killing of women and children also continues to be cause for serious concern and warrants intensive action from law enforcement. Our mission is clear - our country must be safe for all citizens. People all over South Africa must be able to move around at any time without fear of marauding criminals.
“Gang violence is also on the rise, noticeably in the Western Cape. The situation must be brought under control so that children in the Cape Flats, Khayelitsha (Site C), parts of Nelson Mandela Bay and parts of Gauteng can be able to play in the streets without fear of being hit by stray bullets,” he said.
Mchunu said as the police, they take the issue of “construction mafias” in the country very seriously.
“This trend is associated with destructive activities which disrupt construction and infrastructure development which our country urgently requires.
“Genuine quests for economic transformation can be handled through the correct channels and by using existing policy prescripts, without resorting to hijacking construction sites and using extortion to source business. This matter will continue to receive priority attention,” the Minister said.
Police will prioritise the amendments to the South African Police Service Act as it is outdated, still making incorrect references to the 1993 Interim Constitution.
“It needs to be in line with modern day crime fighting and prevention demands. We will also finalise the National Policy on Policing. It must take into account provincial needs and priorities,” Mchunu said.
He said there was an urgent need to professionalise the SAPS and instill positive ethical values, patriotism and the understanding that the primary duty of a police officer is to always serve and protect the public.
“Uprooting corruption and removing corrupt police officers from SAPS will remain a top priority. Misconduct by SAPS members will not be tolerated and action will be taken.
“We want to change the negative perceptions of our police officers. People must respect police officers; have confidence in them and feel safe in their midst. Professionalism in the work of police is also part of the police protection mechanism.
“Our police officers need to work in a conducive environment. We are committed to ensuring that our police stations are well-resourced. We have to provide the necessary tools and vehicles to serve our communities effectively,” he said.
According to Mchunu, over the past two years, over 20 000 new police officers have been trained.
“We will strive to continue bolstering capacity and to enhance police training. A police officer must attend regular refresher courses to stay operationally ready. We will also strengthen some existing units within the police force,” he said.
With regard to the use of technology in the police service, Mchunu said the integration of technology in police services is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness and overall capability of law enforcement.
“We will prioritise the roll out of new technologies to detect and deter crimes. Advanced technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, surveillance systems, and digital communication tools enable police to better predict, prevent, and respond to criminal activities.
“These tools provide officers with real-time information, improve decision-making, and facilitate faster, more accurate investigations. Technology also enhances transparency and accountability and fosters greater public trust.
“We will benchmark against other successful law enforcement agencies worldwide and endeavour to bring SAPS on par with the best in terms of technology and operational efficiency,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:06
Special Tribunal has no active judges and hasn’t issued a ruling since May
Mayor says municipality will “give full support” to SIU investigators
Government activities for the week 15 – 19 July 2024
On Monday, 15 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the opening session of the National Treasury Climate Resilience Symposium 2024.
The symposium is being hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of partner organisations.
On Monday, 15 July, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, briefs media on the ministry’s priorities in the seventh administration at the GCIS head office in Pretoria.
On Tuesday, 16 July, the Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 – hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of organisations – continues.
On Tuesday, 16 July, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Infrastructure Africa Business Forum at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
On Wednesday, 17 July, the Climate Resilience Symposium 2024 – hosted by National Treasury, the Presidential Climate Commission, the World Bank and a range of organisations – concludes.
On Thursday, 18 July, President Cyril Ramaphosa will open Parliament in a joint sitting (official Opening of Parliament). 18 July also marks Nelson Mandela International Day in honour of South Africa’s first democratically elected President.
Matona
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 11:26
Eskom says broken transformer can’t be fixed again because the area is high risk
Gqeberha local athletes speak out in support of Cross Country and the role it plays in their training programme. “Cross country is something I have enjoyed doing since my school days, and it always helped me during my off seasons to build the extra stamina. “I feel Cross country plays an important role in my …
Relentless rain hampers relief efforts
DIRCO faces critical staffing shortage due to budget cuts
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says his department, which is facing a critical staff shortage, must do more with less due to resource constraints.
A critical challenge faced by the department, Lamola explained, is managing exchange rate volatility, which affects 60% of expenditures allocated to missions abroad.
The Minister was speaking during his Budget Vote Speech for the 2024/25 financial year, where he announced that the department had been allocated R6.57 billion, which dropped by 5% compared to the previous year.
“Strategic cost management in this area is essential to safeguarding our financial stability. Equally vital is addressing employee compensation, where the current ceiling set by the National Treasury requires careful consideration to maintain workforce morale and operational efficiency.”
According to the Minister, the department could only fill critical vacancies identified at the head office to remain within the baseline for employee compensation, which resulted in a “very high vacancy rate”.
He said that this hurts the department’s operations and service delivery.
“However, several line function posts were filled at the Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Director levels, mainly through internal promotions to address the lack of upward mobility,” he added.
The Minister also announced that the department cannot fill all the critical vacancies with the available funds, and operations continue to be negatively affected.
“The June 2024 mission posts placement process was also deferred due to the shortfall in the compensation of employees’ budget. Additional funding is thus required to cover the shortfall and fill other critical vacancies at the head office and missions abroad.”
This financial year, he stated that the department will improve its information and technology and property infrastructure portfolio to optimise resources.
“This strategic initiative aims to release more lease funds and redirect them towards operational needs. While these budget adjustments pose challenges, they also present opportunities for efficiency gains and prioritisation of essential expenditures.”
He informed Parliament that the department will soon be advertising a cadet programme and a youth development initiative, which he deems crucial to the national youth development imperative and the department’s future capacity requirements.
The department is also finalising its organisational structure review process to streamline the business units and processes and optimise scarce resources to leverage global economic opportunities in advancing the country’s national interest, he added.
“Our commitment to delivering quality services and fostering economic growth remains unwavering. This budget signifies our determination to balance fiscal prudence with the imperative to support our citizens and invest in our nation’s future.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:11
Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure
The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), has put in place an office to support municipalities in establishing partnerships with the private sector.
This as poor investment in water and sanitation infrastructure by municipalities is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector currently.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Madojina, said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.
While South Africa is doing well in terms of mobilising private sector finance for investment in national water resource infrastructure, Majodina said it is not doing so well in terms of private sector financing of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Aging infrastructure, pipe leaks and lack of operation and maintenance, among others, are some of the main causes of high levels of non-revenue water in municipalities. For example, the water partnerships office is currently supporting the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which result in high levels of non-revenue water,” Majodina said.
She added that other focus areas include private sector investment in municipal water-reuse and desalination projects.
Water resource infrastructure agency
The Minister further announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will own all the national water resource infrastructure assets and obtain the revenue streams associated with those assets.
This will enable the agency to borrow additional funds on the strength of its balance sheet.
“The establishment of the agency will be one of the major focus areas of the department over the coming year. Parliament passed the National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill before it rose in May this year and we are expecting it to be signed by the President shortly.
“This will involve the transfer of all the national water resource infrastructure assets currently owned by the department to the agency, as well as the staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the assets,” Majodina said.
The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) will be merged into the National Water Infrastructure Agency, along with the water trading entity in the department, which is responsible for collecting revenue from the sale of raw or untreated water to the water boards, municipalities and industry.
“A transition plan is in place, and we aim to complete the establishment of the agency by May 2025. During this financial year, the department will be focusing on implementing the major structural changes and staff transfers associated with the establishment of this agency,” the Minister said.
The Minister shared her intentions to ensure that there is continuity of the various reforms and improvements that were initiated by the former Minister Senzo Mchunu. Many of them were mandated by the National Development Plan and the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 15:04
More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons
Thirteen more National Assembly committees have elected their respective chairpersons on Wednesday.
This followed Tuesday’s committee meetings where 16 committees elected their chairpersons.
The members elected to serve as committee chairpersons include:
• Portfolio Committee on Tourism - Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe.
• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements - Albert Mammoga Seabi.
• Standing Committee on the Auditor-General - Wouter Wessels.
• Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure - Carol Phiri.
• Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - Dr Zweli Mkhize.
• Portfolio Committee on Police - Ian Cameron.
• Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture - Joseph McGluwa.
• Portfolio Committee on Higher Education - Walter Tebogo Letsie.
• Standing Committee on Appropriations - Mmusi Maimane.
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) - Songezo Zibi.
• Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development – Masefako Clarah Dikgale.
• Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition - Mzwandile Masina.
• Portfolio Committee on Agriculture - Dina Pule.
• Portfolio Committee on Land and Rural Development - Tsakani Goodness Shiviti.
• Portfolio Committee on Social Development - Bridget Masango.
• Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy - Nomkhosi Mvana.
• Portfolio Committee on Women - Mary-Ann Lindelwa Dunjwa.
The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation postponed its meeting to a later date when it will elect a chairperson.
“The election of the chairpersons of committees paves the way for Members of Parliament to start deliberating on budget votes and other important business of Parliament, which requires the attention of committees,” Parliament said.
The National Council of Provinces will elect their respective chairpersons on Thursday and Friday.
National Council of Provinces elects Deputy Chairperson
Meanwhile, during its plenary session on Tuesday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) elected Poobalan Govender to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the Council.
A permanent delegate to the NCOP from KwaZulu-Natal, Poobalan, who is representing the Inkatha Freedom Party, joined the NCOP in the seventh Parliament.
Poobalan has been a Member of the KZN Provincial Legislature since 2014 and served on various committees, including Social Development, Economic Development and Tourism.
As NCOP Deputy Chairperson, he will assist the Chairperson in undertaking her duties, providing strategic leadership and will fill in if the Chairperson is unavailable.
This includes representing Parliament in international multilateral forums and the NCOP in international bilateral forums. The Deputy Chairperson also presides over the meetings of the Council when delegated by the Chairperson when she is not available.
During the same sitting, the Council also elected Denis Ryder as the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight and Bhekizizwe Radebe as the House Chairperson for International Relations and Members’ Support.
Kolobe Regina Molokomme who is a Permanent Delegate to the NCOP representing Limpopo, was appointed as the Programming Whip.
The NCOP Programming Whip oversees the programme of the House and works jointly with the Presiding Officers to allocate plenary sessions for debates, consideration of legislation and Select Committee reports.
The Council also designated the NCOP Chairperson, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, the Chief Whip, Kenneth Mmoiemang, and delegates, Advocate Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, and Nicholas Gotsell to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
In terms of the Magistrates Act of 1993, the Council designated the following members to serve on the Magistrates Commission:
• Solomon Patrick Mabilo: (Ms Desery Fienies, alternate);
• Makhi Feni (Ms Mary Ndlangisa-Nodada, alternate); and
• Sylvia Nxumalo (Mr Mtikeni Patrick Sibande, alternate).
Mtshweni-Tsipane was elected as a permanent trustee to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund, with Advocate Nonkonyana as an alternate.
The rules of the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund require that, following general elections, Permanent Delegates to the NCOP must elect one Permanent Delegate as trustee and one that will serve as an alternate on the Board. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 10:30
There’s no getting around the fact that entrepreneurs or business owners building a thriving business today need to embrace digital and cloud-based technology. After all, our phones and devices, and the access that they provide us 24/7 are part of our personal and working lives – for better or for worse. Let’s explore how Fintech …
Financial boost for eThekwini youth-owned businesses
Twenty small and medium youth-owned businesses in eThekwini have received financial aid to enable them to grow and increase productivity for their businesses.
The youth-owned businesses received R10 000 each through the Youth in Business Programme, which aims to inject financial aid into the emerging businesses.
EThekwini Municipality’s Governance and Human Capital Committee Chairperson, Nkosenhle Madlala, who leads the programme, congratulated the recipients of the funding, and assured them that the Mayoral Youth Development Office will continue to aid emerging businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.
Madlala said the municipality’s Youth Development Policy is more than just a directive, but a promise to nurture the aspirations of young people and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
“The establishment of a youth fund remains a cornerstone of our youth development policy. This fund is not only a financial reservoir but a beacon of our unwavering support and belief in your potential,” Madlala said.
Madlala said the youth fund also helps the municipality set the agenda for the coming year and ensures that “we continue to align our efforts with your evolving needs and aspirations”.
Mayoral Youth Development Office Manager, Nokuthula Hlophe, said the office will continue to forge and strengthen relations with sister cities to promote youth development throughout the city.
Funding recipient, Sandile Mhlanga, expressed his appreciation for the cash injection into his business.
“We appreciate what the municipality has done for our businesses. As business owners, we wish the programme well and that it grows to greater heights,” Mhlanga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:33
We all know that cloud-based functionality makes the world go round, especially when it comes to cloud accounting. But what about security, and ensuring that this digital landscape is properly regulated and controlled? After all, we can no longer lock up our sensitive financial documents in the office safe! But rest assured, there are several …
In a heartfelt effort to make a difference to the underserved community in the south of Johannesburg, Mall of the South is proud to announce its continued partnership with the SOJO Business and Tourism Helping Hands Foundation on the 18th of July at the MOMO’s upliftment centre. Together with the help of local organisations and …
Soweto July 2024 – Today, the children of Pimville in Soweto are celebrating as Manhattan Sweets pilots the “Manhattan Fun Lab”, a play initiative that sets out to tackle play inequity and deliver quality play opportunities for South African children living in impoverished areas. The first ever International Day of Play took place on the …
President Cyril Ramaphosa was honoured yesterday evening, Sunday, 7 July 2024, with a phone call from His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt who warmly congratulated President Ramaphosa on his new term of office.
President El-Sisi shared with President Ramaphosa his expectation that South Africa and Egypt will continue to cooperate on issues of common interest.
President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for President El-Sisi's good wishes and agreed on the importance of continued partnership between our two countries on matters of bilateral, continental and multilateral interest.
Of particular significance to the two leaders is the need to work together on the Palestinian issue and the crisis in the Gaza strip.
The Presidents committed themselves to deepening the fraternal ties between Egypt and South Africa as part of advancing continental solidarity.
President Ramaphosa and President El-Sisi were also in agreement on the expansion of trade, mutual investment and other areas of economic cooperation between the two states.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The delicious taste of spicy chai has been enjoyed for thousands of years, with its roots established in the fabric of Indian tea culture. Chai, which is actually the Hindi word for tea, has more recently become a popular choice in many countries, with the traditional Chai being reimagined in various ways. One of the …