Taxi strike cost Western Cape R5-billion MEC tells Parliament
The strike was called without notice and badly affected businesses, learners, clinics and government services
office
Xi says BRICS expansion historic, recent starting point for cooperation
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that the BRICS expansion is historic and a new starting point for BRICS cooperation.
Xi made the remarks at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become new BRICS members.
China offers its congratulations to these countries, and expresses its high appreciation for the efforts made by South Africa, the chair of BRICS, and President Ramaphosa, Xi said.
The expansion reflects the resolution of the BRICS countries to unite and cooperate with other developing countries, meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries, Xi stressed.
He added that the expansion will also inject fresh vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and further strengthen the forces for world peace and development.
The BRICS countries all hold important influence and shoulder crucial responsibilities for world peace and development, Xi noted.
During this summit, in-depth discussions were held on the current international situation and BRICS cooperation, among others. Broad consensus was reached, a declaration issued, and fruitful results achieved, he said.
Xi said he believes that as long as the BRICS countries pull together, a lot can be achieved in BRICS cooperation, and a promising future awaits the BRICS countries.
The Chinese president also called on BRICS members to work together to write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries for development.
The press conference was hosted by Ramaphosa, and also attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated online.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Tax Ombud engages taxpayers at Fourways Mall
Tax Ombud engages taxpayers at Fourways Mall
Taxpayers who require assistance with tax matters have been encouraged to visit the Fourways Mall today as the Tax Ombud is there to assist people who have tax complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
“We are at the Fourways Mall promoting awareness about the free and impartial services we provide to taxpayers with tax complaints against SARS. Being at the mall is part of our concerted efforts to take our services to the doorsteps of communities nationwide,” Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa said on Friday.
The Ombud has been providing status updates on existing tax complaints, but most importantly, help those who want to lodge new complaints.
“The response from taxpayers, tax practitioners and businesses since we have been here has been amazing, and this shows the need for us to go to our communities and empower the public about the much-needed service we provide to those needing assistance,” Mputa said.
Taxpayers have been benefitting from the Tax Ombud’s initiative to take services to the doorsteps of communities since Tuesday, 22 August 2023. The campaign at Fourways Mall ends on Monday, 28 August 2023.
She said that while the Office of the Tax Ombud plans to increase its footprint (it currently has a single office in Menlyn, Pretoria), visiting communities and increasing face-to-face engagements with stakeholders will remain a priority.
“Although we have embraced digitisation enabling taxpayers to lodge complaints and engage with us from anywhere in the country, we also acknowledge the desire for that personal face-to-face engagement from our stakeholders, as well as that some have not embraced technology,” Mputa said.
She encouraged taxpayers to visit the Fourways Mall food court for assistance.
“Our team of operational, legal and communications specialists are ready to answer your tax questions and assist with tax complaints. The Office of the Tax Ombud senior leadership, including the CEO Professor Thabo Legwaila, is also providing full support to our team at the mall. I will also be at the mall on Saturday, 26 August 2023, to assist and provide support,” Mputa said.
She reiterated that the Office of the Tax Ombud is committed to promoting and protecting taxpayer rights but will not assist taxpayers in dodging their tax obligations.
“We have access to the SARS system and can independently verify any information received from taxpayers, which is very important to ensure our impartiality when dealing with complaints,” Mputa said.
The visit to the mall is part of the Making Taxpayers’ Rights Matter educational campaign launched on 1 August 2023 by the Tax Ombud.
Delays in payment of tax refunds and identity theft are some of the typical taxpayer complaints received at the mall. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:27
177 views
Mchunu welcomes appointment of modern Water Tribunal
Mchunu welcomes appointment of new Water Tribunal
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the newly appointed members of the Water Tribunal, a structure set to hear water related appeals against the department or any responsible authority in line with the National Water Act.
The Water Tribunal is an independent body established in terms of Section 146(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) as amended, and members are appointed on a four-year term.
The Act provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to establish a Water Tribunal to presides on appeals against the decisions taken regarding declining of water use licence applications, adverse decisions on transfers of water use rights or during the processing of water use authorisations applications, directives issued, as well as claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs.
Welcoming the nine members, Mchunu said their appointment completed the institutional arrangement needed for the water sector to thrive.
“As you start your four-year term and execute your role, I would like to implore you to be conscious, sensitive and considerate of the role you will be playing in a developmental state this country is. I am looking forward to working with you and hope you will work objectively and within the parameters of the law.
“We are dependent on you to work with us in continuing to clean the image and the perception that the department had garnered overtime- that of tardiness, delays, inefficiencies and corruption- by promoting good governance, zero tolerance to corruption and ultimately making sure that the country occupies a good space and lead in the continent and globally as a sector,” Mchunu said.
He added that the principals have been working very hard to reposition the department to be where it is now, and “cannot be seen to be going backwards”.
The Minister further implored the newly appointed chairperson of the Water Tribunal to fast-track the finalisation of the amendment of rules governing the processes of structure, as it is one of the main contributors to delays in concluding matters before the Tribunal.
The newly appointed tribunal is composed of nine members, including the chairperson and deputy chairperson, as well as seven additional members.
The newly appointed members are:
• Advocate Puseletso Loselo (Chairperson)
• Unathi Mbeki (Deputy Chairperson)
• Advocate Nomusa Lekgetho
• Rainy Disebo Mashitisho
• Maxwell Sirenya
• Khuliso Mudau
• Peter-John Veldhuizen
• Lahlane Malema
• Emmanuel Mpanza
In terms of the Act, the Water Tribunal has jurisdiction in all provinces of the country and may conduct hearings anywhere within the Republic.
Some of the decisions that can be appealed through the tribunal, include directives issued by a catchment management agency under section 19 (3) or 20 (4) (d) by the recipient; a claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs by affected person; a decision to decline a water use licence application in terms of section 40 of NWA; a decision of a responsible authority on the verification of a water use under section 35 by a person affected; as well as against amendment of a condition of a licence by a responsible authority.
Appeals and applications to the Water Tribunal take the form of a rehearing, written or oral evidence and all parties are given opportunity to make their own representation, question or be questioned in terms Rule 7 of the Water Tribunal Rules.
The judgment is then sent to the office of the Registrar for publication on the Tribunal website. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:36
294 views
Interviews Started With Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate Next Public Protector
The Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector (PP) today interviewed the first four of the eight shortlisted candidates.
The interviewed candidate were: Adv Tseliso Thipanyane, Adv Kwena Thomas Ntsewa, Adv Oliver Josie and Adv Lynnette Marais. The committee spent 90 minutes per candidate.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Cyril Xaba, said the committee had fruitful, thorough and vigorous engagements with the candidates to ensure that it nominates the best possible candidate for the position in the end.
Adv Tseliso Thipanyane, former Chief Executive Officer of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), informed the committee that under his term at the SAHRC he stuck to the rules of the institution. He stated that corruption and maladministration have eroded the trust of the public in the institution. He said South Africa has good laws. But, according to him, the challenge is the implementation of the laws and how those in power are held accountable.
Adv Tommy Thomas Kwena Ntsewa indicated that the R350 million funding for the Office of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) is insufficient for its mandate and to him it is underfunded. If he is selected as the PP, he would introduce a campaign for “Public Protector to meet the people”. He described himself as being fair, honest, and principled and believes in inclusivity. He also proposed that all state departments and public enterprises must make a financial contribution towards a fund to support the PPSA.
Adv Oliver Josie informed the committee that he is truly independent to the extent that he does not vote. He defended that principle and argued that it is a Constitutional right not to vote just like it is to vote. In relation to questions regarding how he would handle conflict between the PP and the Deputy PP, he said clear roles and responsibilities should be identified in order to prevent conflicts.
Adv Lynnette Marais said, if she is selected, her first task would be to address low staff morale at the Office of the PPSA. Thereafter she said she would deal with the question of backlogs and make the office accessible to the poor and vulnerable.
Mr Xaba said the committee will continue tomorrow with its interviews with the remaining four candidates. They are: Ms Muvhango Lukhaimane, Ms Johannah Ledwaba, Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane and Adv Kholeka Gcaleka.
The committee is expecting to deliberate on the interviews next week and submits its report to the National Assembly by 31 August 2023. The term of the current PP comes to an end in October 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Mitchells Plain ward councillor accused of sidelining unemployed youths
The councillor says jobs are randomised by the Expanded Public Works Programme office and “no politician or councillor has influence in the process”
Chinese donation to aid in load shedding
Chinese donation to aid in load shedding
At least 500 public facilities around the country are set to benefit from a donation from China which will allow them to have uninterrupted alternative power supply and shield them from the effects of load shedding.
The donation includes generators, power supply vehicles and off grid PV energy storage supply systems.
This was announced by Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, during the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with eight Chinese entities.
The signing ceremony was held on the side lines of the BRICS Summit, currently underway in Johannesburg.
“Yesterday we exchanged letters in relation to the technical equipment that will be assisting us to provide sustainable electricity to some of the major public installations like clinics, hospitals and police stations. We are going to get 552 of those units [and] 450 of them are already on the way.
“It means that over 500 public facilities…are now going to have access to uninterrupted alternative power supply and thank you to the Chinese for the generous contribution. [The equipment] range from 6kw up to 200kw [and] 200kw can support a clinic and a medium sized hospital so this is true relief to the South African people,” he said.
The South African government has already moved to exclude some 76 hospitals from load shedding with work underway to shield at least 46 others from rolling power cuts being implemented in the country.
Cooperation between countries
On the MoC signed by the parties, the Minister explained that the Chinese entities have valuable experience and technology that can assist Eskom and by extension, the country.
The MoC was entered into by Ramokgopa on behalf of the South African government and Chinese entities:
- State Grid Corporation of China
- China-Africa Development Fund
- China Energy International Group
- China General Nuclear Power Corporation
- China National Electric Engineering Company, Ltd
- Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
- TBEA CO., LTD.
- Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation
“They have experienced a similar problem that we are experiencing now. Second, they’ve got the biggest coal generation capacity of any country in the world. They’ve got the biggest installed renewable energy capacity of any country in the world…about 688GW.
"The amount of renewables they have is twelve times the size of Eskom. They are sitting on extensive amounts of liquidity. We can tap into that financing which is concessional and cheaper than any other. They [also] have the biggest installed capacity of nuclear of any country in the world.
“Even before today, almost all of them have been helping us on the generation side and have already generated a number of reports on how best we can improve the issues of performance of the coal fired powered stations and also reduce the emissions levels, on how to reduce the technical losses on the grid and also on the transmission side and what is required in relation to planning and accommodating new renewables on the grid,” he said.
Load shedding
Turning to questions on whether this agreement will remove load shedding, the Minister remained coy.
“When I came into office, the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] said we are short of 6000MW. Since March when we were appointed, we have added 4000MW. At Tutuka there’s a potential…there’s three units that must come on stream, they’ll give us 1680MW. We are going to fire one unit at Kusile in October, 800MW. We are going to fire three units…we are getting 2400MW. That…gives you 8940MW or so.
“But we have not resolved load shedding. The first phase is to make sure that what we are going through is eliminated and I am telling you, we are going to get those megawatts. We must build sufficient capacity to allow the economy of the country to grow at the desired rate and the rate of growth of new generation capacity must surpass the rate of economic growth,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 12:35
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Chinese President Xi awarded Order of South Africa
Chinese President Xi Jinping received the Order of South Africa from President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
The award ceremony came following Xi's meeting with Ramaphosa during his state visit to South Africa, where he will also attend the 15th BRICS Summit and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue.
The Order of South Africa is the highest decoration and the highest honor that South Africa awards to an important and friendly head of state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Xi said the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a "golden era," as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.
The two countries have maintained close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, which has effectively promoted their respective development and revitalization, and made positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, he noted.
Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.
Noting that he will treasure the honor, which symbolizes the friendship between the two peoples, Xi pledged to unswervingly push for the continuous development of China-South Africa relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Mystery surrounds black empowerment gains from G4S prison contract
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Chinese President Xi calls on China, South Africa to strengthen four partnerships in golden era
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on China and South Africa to strengthen their partnerships in four dimensions during his state visit to the African nation.
Xi made the remarks during his meeting with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, here in the country's administrative capital.
Ahead of his arrival, Xi said in his signed article published in South African media that the blossoming China-South Africa relationship "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future."
While meeting with Ramaphosa, the Chinese leader called on both sides to be strategic partners of high-level mutual trust, adding that "camaraderie and brotherhood" are the true quality of bilateral ties.
The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation between their legislatures, political parties, militaries and localities, and continue to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, said Xi.
The Chinese side is willing to strengthen inter-party exchanges and training cooperation with South Africa, and help the African National Congress (ANC) with building the African Leadership Institute, he added.
China and South Africa, said Xi, should be development partners for common progress.
He described mutual benefit and win-win results as the hallmark of China-South Africa cooperation, saying that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-Africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation.
Over the years, bilateral ties have experienced what Xi described as "leapfrog development," from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Official statistics showed that bilateral trade in 2022 reached 56.74 billion U.S. dollars, accounting for 20.1 percent of China-Africa trade. And in the first half of the year, bilateral trade topped 28.25 billion dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.
China has remained South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's biggest trading partner in Africa for 13 years in a row.
Meanwhile, South Africa has been one of the African countries with the largest stock of Chinese investment, which has risen to 10 billion dollars. More than 200 Chinese companies in South Africa have created over 400,000 local jobs and South African companies are also racing to invest in the Chinese market to seize its abundant business opportunities.
Notably, South Africa was the first African country to join the Belt and Road cooperation. The pie of bilateral cooperation is getting bigger as South Africa's wines, rooibos tea, and aloe vera gels are trending in the Chinese market while automobiles and home appliances with Chinese brands gain increasing popularity among South African households.
And in a joint statement between the two countries issued on Tuesday after the meeting of the two presidents, both sides will consider working towards bilateral cooperation and synergy within the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan frameworks.
Both sides also pledged to continue to seek the strengthening of cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and logistics, trade and investment, manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and resources, the financial sector, the digital economy, science and technology, and green development, according to the statement.
During the talks, Xi said China will expand imports of South African products and encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in South Africa.
Noting that poverty reduction, agricultural development programs and rural revitalization are important components of Chinese modernization, he said Beijing is willing to strengthen experience exchange with South Africa and help the country carry out the poverty reduction demonstration village project.
Xi also elaborated on the necessity for the two countries to be friendly partners of deep mutual understanding and goodwill, saying that closer people-to-people bonds can best testify to the friendship between the two countries.
China is ready to make good use of such mechanisms as the China-South Africa vocational education alliance to strengthen vocational education of the two countries, promote exchanges and cooperation in youth employment, and help South Africa train more talents urgently needed for economic and social development, he said.
The two sides should strengthen tourism cooperation, and support scientific research institutions and enterprises to step up technological cooperation and joint research, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Xi added.
South Africa in the joint statement further welcomed the identification of South Africa amongst the top 20 countries for group tourism promotion by Chinese tourists. The African country supports the increase in the frequency of direct flights between South Africa and China.
The fourth partnership the Chinese leader called on the two sides to enhance concerns global peace and stability.
This year's BRICS summit comes at a time when the world is facing rising uncertainties and accelerating changes unseen in a century.
Xi urged China and South Africa to be global partners that uphold justice, saying that independence is a principle both sides adhere to.
The Chinese side, Xi said, supports South Africa in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.
He also said that Beijing is also ready to join the developing world in practicing true multilateralism, increasing the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance, and strengthening collaboration on issues such as climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, so as to safeguard the common interests and development space of developing countries, Xi added.
China and Africa, in the eyes of Xi, have always belonged to a community with a shared future. He told Ramaphosa that in a world which is undergoing transformation and turbulence, both sides need more than ever stronger solidarity and cooperation.
And in their joint statement, the two sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in terms of African affairs and to support the African Union in resolving African conflicts peacefully.
China expressed in the document its support for the efforts of African countries and regional organizations under the auspices of the African Union (AU) to provide African solutions to African problems, including to support the AU's early accession to membership of the Group of 20.
Ramaphosa described China as a sincere brother, friend and partner of his country, saying that China has provided valuable support to South Africa in its struggle for national independence and liberation as well as its national development. He also mentioned China's timely support for his country during the COVID pandemic.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, South Africa has firmly adhered to the one-China principle, he said, adding that both nations share the same or similar positions on many major international affairs.
Ramaphosa also said that in today's world that is facing multiple severe and complex challenges, South Africa and other Global South countries hope to strengthen unity and cooperation with China, so as to better meet challenges together, and push for a more equal, just and rational international order.
In South Africa, Xi will also attend the BRICS summit scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Chinese President Xi says China – South Africa ties surpass bilateral scope
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond the bilateral scope and carried global sway.
Xi made the remarks when jointly meeting the press on Tuesday noon with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, after their talks.
Xi said he was delighted to accept the invitation of President Ramaphosa to pay a state visit again to South Africa, the beautiful "rainbow nation," adding that this is his fourth state visit to South Africa as the Chinese president.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic ties, Xi said, noting that during the past 25 years, China-South Africa ties have achieved leapfrog development, with strategic mutual trust reaching a new height, cooperation in various fields moving forward in a comprehensive manner, and multilateral coordination becoming even closer.
Currently, the Communist Party of China is uniting and leading the Chinese people to push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts with Chinese modernization, and South Africa is actively and independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions as well, Xi said, adding China-South Africa relationship faces new development opportunities.
Recalling the fruitful meeting he just held with Ramaphosa, Xi said they exchanged views on the development of bilateral ties in the new era as well as the international and regional issues of common concern, reaching important consensus.
They also witnessed the signing of a series of important bilateral cooperation documents, he said, expressing full confidence on the future prospects of friendly cooperative relations between the two countries.
Xi said he and Ramaphosa agreed that China and South Africa should be strategic partners with high mutual trust, urging the two sides to keep the good momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields, continue to deepen political mutual trust, enhance communication in the experience of state governance, and continue to support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.
They agreed that the mutually beneficial and pragmatic cooperation between China and South Africa has achieved fruitful results, and both sides should be development partners for common progress, he noted.
Xi said the two sides need to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, implement the nine programs put forward at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between China and South Africa (2020-2029), solidify the cooperation in areas of strength, and foster new growth points for cooperation.
China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa, he noted, adding that the two sides will deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation.
Both sides highly value the empathy between the two peoples, and pledge to be friendly partners with mutual understanding and affection, Xi said, adding that the two countries must insist on putting people at the center of their cooperation, and let the cooperative results better benefit their people.
The Chinese side supports the South African government's efforts in strengthening vocational education and promoting youth employment, Xi noted, adding that both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, science and technology, culture and tourism.
Xi said the two leaders agreed that as major developing countries and emerging economies with important influence, China and South Africa need to be global partners in safeguarding justice.
He urged the two sides to strengthen strategic coordination, practice true multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance.
China firmly supports African integration, backs the African Union to make substantial progress this year in joining the Group of 20, and encourages South Africa to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.
Noting that the BRICS summit is about to open, Xi pointed out that under the current circumstance, this summit bears great significance for BRICS countries to solidify unity and cooperation, and promote the BRICS cooperative mechanism to develop and grow further.
As the rotating chair of BRICS, South Africa has made great preparation for the summit, which is highly appreciated by the Chinese side, Xi said, stressing that with the joint efforts of relevant parties, this year's BRICS summit is bound to be successful.
Xi said that he will co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue on Thursday, which is the first face-to-face group meeting between Chinese and African leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his expectation to draw a new blueprint for China-Africa unity and cooperation with other African leaders, and inject fresh and strong vitality into the development of the China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
For his part, Ramaphosa said he is delighted to receive Xi to pay his fourth state visit to South Africa at the time of the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.
The South African people are sincerely grateful to the Chinese government and the people for their valuable support to South Africa's anti-apartheid movement and national development, as well as the large amount of medical supplies assistance to South Africa in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.
Ramaphosa said he reiterated with Xi that the two countries will continue to firmly support each other on issues of core interests and major concern.
The two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, tourism, education and digital economy, and enhance international coordination on major international and regional affairs.
Ramaphosa thanked the Chinese side for its committed support to South Africa in successfully holding the 15th BRICS Summit, saying that he looks forward to working with Xi and other BRICS leaders to increase the voice of BRICS and the Global South countries in global governance, and promote the construction of a more just and rational international order.
He also expressed his expectation to co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with Xi, and to discuss the deepening of Africa-China cooperation, which, the South African president believes, will definitely boost Africa's industrialization and integration processes, and help the Global South countries to achieve common development and prosperity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Madibeng protesters travel 60km to complain to mayor
They are demanding consistent and clean drinking water as well as electricity
Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility increases accessibility and retail opportunities for this business hub
Port Shepstone continues to drive business and investment on the KZN South Coast with the latest development – the Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility – further entrenching this coastal town’s status as a business hub. The estimated R550-million facility will increase accessibility to this key financial destination while opening up investment opportunities in the retail sector. …
Protest over poor service at Khayelitsha Home Affairs
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President Xi’s visit cements China-South Africa ties in ‘golden era’
Late August in South Africa is famed for its radiant afternoons when the golden African sun bathes the landscape in its warm embrace.
It serves as a perfect backdrop for the blossoming China-South Africa relationship, which, as noted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, "has entered a 'golden era,' enjoying broad prospects and a promising future."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, and in a signed article published Monday in South African media as he set off to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and pay a state visit to South Africa, Xi recalled the "leapfrog development" of bilateral ties from a partnership to a strategic partnership, and then to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
"It is one of the most vibrant bilateral relations in the developing world," said Xi in the article titled "Sailing the Giant Ship of China-South Africa Friendship and Cooperation Toward Greater Success."
It was not the first time Xi called China-South Africa friendship and cooperation a "giant ship." In 2015, before his state visit to the country, Xi said in a signed article that the bilateral cooperation and friendship "has grown from a small boat to a gigantic vessel."
As the world is facing numerous uncertainties and living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, "that metaphor still holds true," said Sifiso Mahlangu, editor-in-chief of South Africa's leading newspaper, The Star, which published Xi's signed articles this time and in 2015.
"A giant ship is a great metaphor" because it rides the wind and waves and "is against the tide," said Mahlangu. "It is a metaphor that stands and lives up to the pledge of BRICS cooperation."
On Monday, the country was abuzz with anticipation as it prepared to welcome Xi.
"To us South Africans, the visit of President Xi is very important in enhancing and strengthening bilateral relations ... (including) trade relations between the two countries," said African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
Data released by China showed that in the first half of the year, bilateral trade reached 28.25 billion U.S. dollars, up 11.7 percent year-on-year.
China has maintained its position as South Africa's largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, while South Africa has been China's largest trading partner in Africa for 13 consecutive years.
Calling the bilateral ties "stronger and stronger," Mbalula told Xinhua that South Africa-China relations are formed by "ties of anti-imperialism, multipolarity that we both believe in and strong ties of economic relationship."
It is also in Johannesburg, a South African city known as the City of Gold, that BRICS leaders will meet from Aug. 22 to 24 to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation, giving more voice to the Global South, and the BRICS group's expansion.
Scholars and observers on BRICS told Xinhua that the group has defended multipolarity and multilateralism since its inception and has become a positive, stable, and constructive force in international affairs, making its golden brand increasingly appealing to the Global South.
"In an increasingly polarised world, BRICS is creating an enabling avenue for countries to fashion a more inclusive political and economic order," said Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar.
For Anil Sooklal, South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, "BRICS has been a catalyst to bring the Global South together."
"It is for the first time in recent geopolitics that you have such a collective and a powerful body representing the voice of the Global South."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
International investor confidence continues to grow on the KZN South Coast
The South African property market remains an attractive investment for foreigners looking for quality yet affordable seaside locations. While the Western Cape has long dominated this market, the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as an appealing destination, with the KZN South Coast now a dominant player in the property market. “There are a number …
SA, Namibia talks focus on energy security
SA, Namibia talks focus on energy security
South Africa and fellow SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] country, Namibia, have explored areas of mutual cooperation in energy generation at a ministerial level meeting on Friday.
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Friday undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.
The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia in the following areas:
- Energy Generation – focusing on how natural resource endowments can be leveraged to support energy generation, regional sovereignty and regional energy security.
- Transmission infrastructure planning – regional interconnectivity in the context of the SADC Power Pool.
- Hydrogen Economy – benefaction to support regional socio-economic development.
A senior team of Eskom executives formed part of the delegation and shared the work already underway, and future planning to strengthen and expand the existing transmission infrastructure spanning from the Northern Cape in South Africa to Oranjemond in the south of Namibia.
The meeting discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide affordable gas fired base load power of up to 840MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this.
The meeting also took note of opportunities in the green hydrogen sector, including:
- Trading of green hydrogen-based products, such as green ammonia and green steel.
- Supply of components such as solar panels, electrolysers and wind turbines.
- Development of requisite infrastructure from a corridor perspective.
- Cooperation to introduce affordable technology for the electrolysis process.
- Collaborative funding and deliberate project preparation to ensure shared benefit for all.
“Reiterating our historic political and cultural ties, Minister Ramokgopa expressed the hope that the visit and work around energy security and regional energy sovereignty will further cement the strong bonds between our Republics, in the interest of the development of the Region and its People,” Minister Ramokgopa’s office said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 15:51
343 views
Fired deputy director back at work following another scathing court ruling
Minister Kubayi who acted as “complainant, initiator and chairperson” had “adopted a deplorable and gung-ho posture in dismissing the applicant”, the courts have said
Students dread being evicted again if NSFAS payment issues not resolved
“My family is over 1,500 kilometres away in the Free State and I don’t really have anyone in Cape Town that I can go live with if we are evicted again,” she says.
Xi encourages faculty, students to contribute to China-South Africa friendship, cooperation
In reply to a letter from the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged them to learn the Chinese language well and contribute to carrying forward the China-South Africa friendship and promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.
In his letter, Xi said that he witnessed the establishment of the Confucius institute 10 years ago and was pleased to see that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries have yielded fruitful results.
A multitude of South African youths have got a glimpse of China's history and culture, increased their career options, and realized their dreams by learning Chinese, he said.
Both important developing countries, China and South Africa have forged a special comradely fraternal friendship. Learning and understanding each other's language and culture contributes to facilitating mutual understanding and cultivating ever-lasting friendship between the people of the two countries, said the Chinese president.
While having a good command of the Chinese language, the teachers and students are welcome to visit China more often and have a deeper understanding of China, share a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China with more friends, and strive to be envoys for inheriting and developing the friendship between the two countries, so as to contribute to promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation and building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.
During his visit to South Africa in March 2013, Xi witnessed the signing of an agreement on the joint establishment of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology between China and South Africa.
Since its establishment 10 years ago, the institute has trained nearly 10,000 students. Fifty teachers and students of the institute have lately written a joint letter to Xi, sharing their experience, harvest and feelings in learning Chinese, thanking Xi and the Chinese government for providing more opportunities for African youths to pursue their dreams, and, with eager anticipation, looking forward to Xi's visit to South Africa again.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims
Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims
Government has paid more than R330 million in claims related to the Marikana tragedy.
This was revealed by Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani during a media briefing on Thursday.
Claims payments have been disbursed to claimants through their legal representatives, including the Wits Law Clinic, as well as the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI).
The tragedy occurred in 2011 at the North West town when police officials shot and killed some 34 miners during a labour-related strike at Lonmin Mine.
Some 78 others were injured, with a further 10 people – including law enforcement officials – dying in clashes before the tragedy.
“The Marikana incident of 16 August 2012 is a painful and significant and solemn chapter in our nation’s history. It is something that we cannot downplay because people are still impacted emotionally and it casts a sombre shadow over the tragic clash between striking miners and law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities.
“As a result of which, we, as government lawyers, are now seized with having to meet the lawful demands that have been lodged with us. These funds have served to address a spectrum of claims that relate to legal consideration stemming from the Marikana incident,” Pandelani said.
In relation to the 10 people who died in earlier clashes, Pandelani said that no claim has been laid against government.
“There is always a narrative of confining the fatalities to only 34 individuals. In our book, it’s actually 34 plus another 10 who are never accounted for. We also need to take that into account. In relation to the 10 who died before the other miners, we’ve got no claim that has been lodged against government.
“The other 10 people who died, there was no causation on the death itself that was attributable to government or the State. Their settlements might have been settled by other individuals,” Pandelani said.
Constitutional damages
Turning to the potential constitutional law damages that may be lodged against the state, Pandelani said the Solicitor-General’s office currently does not have the mandate to deal with those matters.
He said upon instruction to do so, “it is an issue that we are prepared to explore”.
“Where a new concept… is introduced, such as constitutional litigation, which was not existing at the time of incident, you find a situation where you are applying the law retrospectively. We need to get instructions from the South African Police Service and everybody else.
“We are having to deal with the… concept of constitutional litigation. Why was it not pleaded as and when the matters started? And as creatures of instruction, where do you then derive the powers to settle on an aspect using taxpayers’ money on an issue which has not been ventilated in court? Until and unless there are new developments and there is cogent argument that is presented before any court of law about any novel or new issue that arises out of the Marikana litigation, I think we have done enough.
“Remarkable strides have been realised in the strategic orchestration and harmonisation of the Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and due process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 08:59
258 views
Families flee Cape Town informal settlements under threat
Nearby backyarders hope for houses, though the City of Cape Town says the land is “lost” for housing
Pensioners travel from East London to Pretoria after Buffalo City Metro “ignores” their complaints
“We are tired of the ANC abusing us” says Mdantsane resident
Students march to Parliament in protest against NSFAS scheme
Many students say they have not received their allowances