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At the prestigious 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition, Durbanville Hills was awarded as the Top Producer, achieving trophies for the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Red Blend and White Blend, two double gold awards and seven gold awards. The competition is now in its 28th year and saw 1,555 entries – 1,388 wines and …
The country’s peaceful transition to a Government of National Unity has sparked optimistic sentiment among investors, with interest in KZN South Coast properties one of the positive spinoffs of this economic upturn. Coupled with the unique natural beauty, affordable prices, and idyllic coastal location, interest in KZN South Coast properties is only set to grow. …
From queues to convenience: how technology is making healthcare more efficient The National Health Insurance (NHI) and collaboration were the topics on everyone’s lips at the recent Health Innovation Summit Africa 2024, held at the Maslow Hotel on Thursday, 29 August 2024. Industry experts and key stakeholders from the health sector gathered to unpack this …
South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, is set to make its exciting debut in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan), with the action starting from 07:00. This highly anticipated event will bring together runners of all ages and abilities for a day of fun, fitness, and camaraderie in …
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced the squads for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan...
KIMBERLEY: Matthew Breetzke struck an unbeaten century as South Africa A (SA ‘A’) enjoyed a productive opening day to the first...
Wilderness, Garden Route, South Africa – September 9, 2024 : Love Botha, a South African mother of four, has achieved an extraordinary feat by summiting seven of Africa’s highest peaks in just 14 days. Her journey through the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda is not only a testament to remarkable endurance and resilience but also a profound …
SA-Nigeria relations benefit the African continent
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, insists that a collaborative relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is a benefit to the African continent.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at the Roundtable Discussion on the Media’s Influence in Shaping Africa’s indispensable relationship: Nigeria and South Africa.
The two countries have shared diplomatic relations since the dawn of democracy in South Africa 30 years ago.
“Throughout this diplomatic friendship, both our governments have sought to place multilateralism high on the agenda of our international relations, both within and without Africa. I am certain that you as the media, have made copious reports on all of these efforts.
“At times and more often than its necessary; this reportage has sought to craft a narrative of hegemonic contest between our two brother countries. This narrative is divisive and should through word and deed, be silenced,” he said.
Morolong urged media practitioners to contribute to the enhancement of the relationship between the two countries.
“A healthy society is one that is based on notions of social solidarity, democratic principles, prosperity and led by accountable leadership. It is a society that has the inherent capacity to invite and promote the wits and creativity of all its members to contribute to national and international life.
“We therefore, have to make sure as South African and Nigerian media practitioners that we contribute our bit to ensure that the media power is wielded in a manner that contributes to a healthy society, thus defined.
“Our first task when we leave from this round table discussion, is to utilise media effectively to enhance relations between our two countries. It is critical that our relations are not only viewed within the context of narrow and myopic confines of competition, but rather, collaboration that seeks to benefit the entire continent and influence international relations across the world,” he said.
He also told the media to hold the two governments to account on the several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understandings signed between the two countries.
“The last session of the BNC [Bi-National Commission] was hosted in Abuja in December 2021 and the next session is expected be hosted in South Africa in December 2024.
“You in the media, will have to report on the successes and failures of the bilateral agreements that have been made so far. We hope such reportage will be accompanied by the depiction of truthful state of implementation. Seeking to hold both our governments to account to both our peoples and the world,” he said.
The Deputy Minister told the gathering that it is crucial for “us to take full advantage of the available rich content and formulate messages that build and strengthen the bonds between our countries”.
“In your skills of trade and the nature of profession, critical reviews are important for the democratic values of the two countries.
“Both countries would benefit from investing in using digital media to set and lead a positive narrative and capitalise on the rich culture of both nations through Cultural Diplomacy exchange.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 14:02
Condolences for Mapaputsi
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie has joined South Africans in mourning the loss of kwaito music pioneer, Sandile Ngwenya.
Ngwenya who was popularly known as Mapaputsi, passed away at the age of 48 earlier this week.
“We recognise the important contribution of this creative pathbreaker who was taken away from us too soon. Mapaputsi put kwaito on the map together with other legends like Zola 7, TKZee, Chiskop and many others,” the Minister said in a statement on Saturday.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said Mapaputsi’s unique talent and style has significantly impacted the kwaito music genre, broadening its appeal by fusing pantsula, pop and hip-hop elements.
“He shall be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and legions of fans. The Ministry will respect the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult time,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane expressed sadness at the passing of the “Izinja” hit maker.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of musician Mapaputsi. His influence on the sound of kwaito was unique. With his natural ability and swag, he took kwaito to a new level of appreciation by many fans of [the kwaito] music genre, infusing pantsula, pop, and hip-hop into one.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those [who] loved his music.”
The MEC said Mapaputsi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians “and his name will remain etched in the files of our music catalogue.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 13:33
Over 2,400 posts to be lost by 1 January
A year after the Marshalltown fire which killed Memory and her mother Joyce, the child’s body has not been returned to her father
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in South Africa.
The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) follow-up review mission was requested by the plant's operator, Eskom. Koeberg Units one and two started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Koeberg's Unit 1 received a license to continue operating until 2044 in July this year, and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, and provides around 5 per cent of the country's electricity, playing a vital role in reducing reliance on coal. It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent. Koeberg is equipped with two pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 1934 MW(e), making it a key component of South Africa's energy infrastructure.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the SALTO team's review focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of both units. The mission reviewed Koeberg NPP's response to recommendations and suggestions made during an IAEA SALTO mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the SALTO team's suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The team – comprising two experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and two IAEA staff members – said the plant had:
The team noted that the plant needs to continue its work to ensure that:
Plant management expressed a determination to maintain the level of preparedness for safe LTO and to further cooperate with the IAEA in this area.
“For us, this is an integral part of the IAEA's supporting service to ensure safe operation of the Koeberg reactors during the LTO period for the next 20 years. The IAEA SALTO missions, and technical cooperation, helped to improve our continued focus on safe operation,” said Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer, Nuclear Operating Unit, Eskom. “Eskom has worked diligently to demonstrate and ensure the safe operation of the Koeberg plant today and into the future and together with the IAEA carried out four review missions and several technical support discussions. We appreciate the IAEA's support and the independent review against international safety standards. We will continue to collaborate in the future as part of our drive to continuously improve,” he added.
The team provided a draft report to the plant management and to the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) at the end of the mission. They will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, the NNR and the South African Government within three months.
Background
General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant's overall safety status.
LTO of nuclear power plants is defined as operation beyond an established time frame determined by the license term, the original plant design, relevant standards, or national regulations. As stated in IAEA safety standards, to maintain a plant's fitness for service, consideration should be given to life limiting processes and features of systems, structures, and components (SSC), as well as to reasonably practicable safety upgrades to enhance the safety of the plant to a level approaching that of modern plants.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Court ruling follows interdict against eviction sought by housing activist organisation
Two declarations inked in China to boost construction sector in SA
South Africa has signed two declarations of intent with the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and ASI Global during the State Visit to China.
South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson was one of the Ministers who joined President Cyril Ramaphosa on his State Visit to China to help achieve the vision of turning South Africa into a construction site, growing the economy and creating thousands of new jobs.
READ | SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub
According to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the declaration of intent with the CCCC will work towards inviting the company to bid through the Public Management Finance Act (PMFA) in the construction and development of municipal works and public-owned buildings, fishing harbours and small ports.
Meanwhile, the declaration of intent with ASI Global will work towards the entity helping to develop construction talent in South Africa, as well as their professional development.
“Shortly after I was appointed as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister roughly two months ago, I vowed that I will aim to use the portfolio to turn the country into a construction site for us to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs.
“The two declarations of intent signed during bilateral meetings in China, therefore, mark an important step towards us achieving that goal,” Macpherson said in a statement.
He described the CCCC and ASI Global as two “very important” players in their respective fields.
“The declarations of intent means that we can now invite them to make their expertise available to help develop our infrastructure and construction capabilities in South Africa, which will benefit the South African people across the country.”
The Minister said that in the months ahead, the department will build on these declarations of intent to further develop agreements towards unblocking any challenges which may stand in the way of launching construction projects in South Africa.
“I look forward to inviting the CCCC and ASI Global to join us as we work towards our dream of turning the country into a construction site.
“If we truly want to see rapid economic growth and job creation, the assistance of entities such as the CCCC and ASI Global, and many others across the world, will be crucial. I look forward to seeing how they work to help us improve South Africa. Let us build South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:02
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today held a lengthy, thorough and frank engagement with the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Ms Thembi Simelane, on the allegations relating to a VBS Mutual Bank loan.
Committee Chairperson Mr Xola Nqola said members of the committee take their responsibility of holding the executive to account extremely seriously. “You could see from the engagement that members are robust, aggressive in line of questions, prepared and wanted answers. At the same time, the Minister was eloquent and did not shy away from responding to those robust questions.”
Mr Nqola said the Minister took the committee into her confidence about the loan and reiterated that it was not a kickback but rather a loan that she fully repaid. “This was a crucial matter and the committee, the country, needed clarity on it,” he said.
The Minister informed the committee that she wanted to purchase a coffee shop and intended to withdraw from her retirement savings to do so. However, when she understood the tax implications of this course of action, she realised it did not make financial sense to do so. She then approached Gundo Wealth Solutions, which indicated that it could provide a loan for the purchase. The minister explained that although she was mayor of the Polokwane Municipality at the time of the loan, Gundo Wealth Solutions was not one of the municipality's service providers.
The committee heard that the Minister was unaware that Gundo was not a registered financial service provider. She emphasised that she took a loan from Gundo and not VBS Mutual Bank.
The Minister assured the committee that she did not have an improper relationship with Mr Ralliom Razwinane, the owner of Gundo Wealth Solutions, who has since been arrested on corruption charges relating to VBS Mutual Bank. The Minister went on to say that she did not receive any improper benefits from the loan contractor.
The Minister does not own the coffee shop anymore and told the committee that she closed it when the lease was up for renewal during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The committee also questioned her about perceptions of a conflict of interest in relation to her influence over the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute those accused of VBS-related corruption, which has the potential to undermine public confidence in the justice system. The Minister assured committee members that she will make sure that the conflict of interest does not arise. She pointed out that the Minister does not decide who to prosecute and not to prosecute.
Mr Nqola said the committee has a responsibility to conduct “aggressive oversight” over VBS prosecutions. He highlighted that it is not illegal to enter into a loan contract with a juristic person, even if they are not a registered loan provider.
In closing, he said the committee will obtain a legal opinion from the Parliament Legal Services on whether the committee can have access to the loan agreement between the Minister and Gundo Wealth Solutions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Tourism remains a key driver of the economy
The tourism sector remains a key driver of South Africa’s economy, says Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu.
Speaking at the recent Tourism Women’s Stakeholder Engagement, Sotyu said the Department of Tourism, through its programmes, gives expression to its mandate for inclusive economic growth and to grow the tourism sector.
“It is in this context that government will continue to create a conducive environment for youth, women and people with disabilities in tourism to pursue tourism careers including entrepreneurship.
“The world's fastest growing employment sector, tourism continues to adapt to new trends and South Africa is building the sector to ensure its sustainability for future generations. To drive sustained and inclusive growth of [the] tourism sector, we need to boost the talent pool. A demand-led skill supply in the sector is therefore pivotal,” she said.
Over the years, tourism has experienced continued growth and has undergone diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors.
Programmes by the department include the Wine Service Training Programme, Chefs Training Programme, Professional Cookery, Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, Food and Beverages Training, Tourism Monitors Programme and Tourist Guiding.
Deputy Minister Sotyu said the benefits of these programmes remain economic relief through stipends, placement in tourism establishments for exposure and experience and accreditation ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 2 to NQF level 4.
“We will continue working with social partners to identify essential and demand-led skills required in the tourism sector and build the requisite skills through our departmental funding.
“The Tourism Incentive Market Access Support Programme offers partial financial support through contribution towards the cost of exhibition space, return airfare and hotel accommodation to qualifying small tourism enterprises to participate and exhibit at selected international tourism marketing platforms,” Sotyu said.
Tourism Month
Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September and provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy.
It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.
This year’s World Tourism Day will be celebrated in the Northern Cape Province under the localised theme: “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting People to Places and Cultures”.
The event will be a celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural and historical heritage that continues to foster peace in South Africa, making the country a preferred holiday destination.
This global observance day by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Tourism Sector Recovery Plan
Tourism Month encourages South Africans to travel domestically to sustain jobs and support the recovery of tourism in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
The department developed the plan with the tourism sector, and it contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.
“Tourism is a significant pillar of our economy and presents us with the best chance of increasing social inclusion by making heritage and tourism work for social, spatial and economic growth. But tourism is so much more than generating revenue. It also generates goodwill. Tourism is about the people of South Africa – united in diversity,” Sotyu said.
South Africa recently welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites.
READ | Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
These heritage listings will add to the nation’s brand value and competitiveness of South Africa as a sought-after tourist destination as well as greatly support the country’s heritage tourism sector. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:27
Mpox no threat to Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo
The highly anticipated Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo and Air Show, which takes place from 18-22 September 2024, is under no threat from the mpox outbreak, according to the event organisers.
Mpox has seen a resurgence in South Africa in 2024 after no reported cases in 2023.
As of 18 August 2024, South Africa has recorded 24 cases, including three fatalities.
The country has since logged 19 recoveries, and only two active cases are currently undergoing home isolation.
“While the numbers are low, the re-emergence of mpox underscores the importance of continued vigilance,” the statement read.
The Department of Health, in collaboration with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has taken robust measures to contain and manage the virus.
These measures include enhanced testing, isolation protocols, and community engagement efforts to educate the public and reduce stigma.
“Currently, there is no indication that the mpox virus will significantly impact or pose a direct threat to the upcoming AAD Expo.
“The low number of active cases and the high recovery rate indicate that the situation is under control. We are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of all participants,” said AAD Exhibition Director, Nakedi Phasha.
Organisers have since reassured expo visitors that there is no need to panic.
“South African health authorities have effectively managed similar outbreaks in the past and continue to employ effective strategies, such as isolation, contact tracing, and appropriate medical treatment, to contain the virus. By following public health advice and maintaining awareness, the risk of a broader outbreak remains low.”
Meanwhile, the organisers said they are committed to ensuring a safe and successful event for everyone involved.
“The AAD Expo 2024 will proceed with all necessary precautions in place, and we are confident that, with your cooperation, we can enjoy a productive and memorable experience.”
According to the Department of Health, mpox presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity.
The symptoms often appear within seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to manifest.
“If you notice symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and especially the characteristic rash associated with mpox, it is crucial to isolate yourself immediately and seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Early isolation and treatment are key to preventing the spread of the virus and ensuring your health and safety.”
The department has urged people who experience any of the mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.
Meanwhile, to address the mpox outbreak in Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has set up a 25-member incident management unit to support affected and at-risk countries.
Africa CDC has signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency
Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215 000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.
Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritising local needs across the affected Member States. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 14:37
Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on VBS allegations
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, says she did not have any improper relationship with a contractor appointed by the Polokwane Municipality.
Last week, allegations surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
“I did not have any improper relationship with the contractor appointed by the municipality. Mayors are never involved…in procurement. The work of appointment of a service provider is the responsibility of the executives in the municipality.
“[Gundo Wealth] were appointed to provide services through a procurement process and this was done through committees of council. I did not receive any improper benefits from the contractor,” she said.
The Minister appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to present clarity on allegations of impropriety on her part related to VBS Mutual Bank.
On the issue of whether or not there is a conflict of interest in her position as Minister and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) – which is prosecuting the VBS Mutual Bank saga – the Minister said the department plays no role in the decision-making of the NPA on who to prosecute or not.
“The office I hold does not have a direct relationship in instructing or convincing the NPA on how to act on their mandate.
“On the matter of taking the loan, I have dealt with the conflict of taking the loan. My understanding is that, if you ask for assistance on someone who doesn’t have a direct bearing or payment with the municipality, it is possible and I repaid it,” she said.
Simelane explained that the loan was for a business that would create wealth for herself and family after she leaves public office.
“Political positions by their very nature are short term and necessitated me to investigate a feasibility [study] of commencing such a business and a coffee shop seemed a feasible option so that I could create an employment opportunity for myself and my next of kin.
“I made this consideration…to ensure that I have an alternative when the public office life comes to an end,” she said.
The Minister said she had initially intended to partially withdraw from her retirement savings to fund the coffee shop but the “percentage of tax made the idea not feasible”.
“I asked Gundo for advice on any other idea on how best I could get finance and I was advised against the withdrawal of the retirement savings. In those discussions, Gundo then informed me and advised of a loan product that they have that I could access.
“In consideration for the options…there existed no conflict in my view is securing a loan from Gundo. I took a decision to proceed with the business,” Simelane said.
She added that the loan was repaid over three instalments.
Treasury steps in
Simelane told the committee that as the beginning of the decline of VBS Mutual Bank began to set in, National Treasury told municipalities that it was a breach of regulations to invest in mutual banks.
The Minister said she had already taken steps to ensure that the municipality withdraws from VBS, even before the directive from Treasury.
“[On] the advice of technical experts within the municipality, myself as the mayor, instituted the withdrawal of Polokwane Municipality from VBS. My attitude at the time was, if there was anything improper with regard to municipality funds, it must be stopped,” she said.
A Treasury-led investigation into municipal investments at the bank began after that – a process the Minister insists she “fully participated” in. This was followed by a report.
“That report didn’t spare me as the Executive Mayor from corrective measures. The…sanction to us was to either go to University of Pretoria or University of Witwatersrand which are the only ones that offers…a programme which is designed by National Treasury which is called Municipal Management [Programme].
“I took this corrective measure very seriously [and] commenced with my studies the following year when universities opened. I concluded this programme…after I was no longer a mayor, when I was a Deputy Minister,” she said.
Turning back to the matter between the municipality, her loan and VBS Mutual Bank, Simelane re-emphasised that she received no improper benefits.
“[I] affirm that one: there was no improper relationship. I requested for a loan, a loan was advanced.” –SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 12:14
KwaMashu and North Coast lines not operational
SA increases imports to China
Beijing, China - With the agreements that South Africa has signed with China in relation to trade, the country will see an increase in the imports of agricultural and manufactured products to China.
“We were able to sign eight agreements, many of which have to do with increased trade between the two countries and that has led to the opening up of the Chinese market for South African products, particularly with regards to beef,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday in Beijing, China.
Addressing members of the media on the conclusion of his visit to the People’s Republic of China, Ramaphosa said the importation of beef into the Chinese market kept fluctuating as a number of areas in South Africa were affected by livestock diseases such as foot and mouth disease.
“That is a great achievement because it will lead to the increase of our agricultural products coming into China and we should see increased production in South Africa. Whenever such an occurrence would happen, they would ban the whole country, and we were able to reach an agreement that if there is an outbreak of foot and mouth disease it would just be restricted to one area in the country.
“That is a great achievement because it will lead to the increase of our agricultural products coming into China and we should see increased production in South Africa.
“The other area is for manufactured goods and products, to have an easier entry into China. With the agreement that we signed we were able to ensure that China would enable more manufactured goods from South Africa to be brought in. That for us is an important development,” the President said.
Agreements
He noted that China has achieved enormous development in technological development.
“We were able to reach an agreement on science, technology and innovation in terms of cooperation in relation to innovation research and we were able to have good discussions.
“We were able to reach agreements on aspects of our energy security. South Africa has been going through a huge challenge of energy security. China’s assistance in this regard is going to stand us in good stead so therefore our other objective was achieved.
“We also wanted enhanced cooperation on international issues in relation to our cooperation in BRICS is consolidated and solidified and in other multilateral organisations such as the United Nations and financial institutions that there needs to be reforms,” the President explained.
Relations with China
He said at a state level, South Africa has achieved a great deal during the visit to China.
“Our visit has been hugely successful. We will see a lot of progress in the country in developing our relationship with China, remembering that China is the second largest economy in the world. For us as South Africa it is important for us to promote our relations with China.
“China is our biggest trading partner, and we want an all-round cooperative strategic partnership in the new era to take it to a higher level. President Xi Jinping is at pains when he talks about not having enough manufactured goods from South Africa. He wants to see more goods in China from South Africa.”
To this end, President Xi opened the Chinese market for African countries to come and exploit the Chinese market.
“As the most industrialised country on the continent South Africa stands to benefit immensely from this relationship. This is an important market for us as South Africans. This is a county that is willing to deal with us at a very serious, economic and political level.
“This is an important market, and we have seen increased trade between our two countries. At the moment, the trade is imbalanced and in favour of China, rather than in our favour and it is this that we are focusing on, to correct that imbalance.
“That is why we welcome the opening up of the Chinese market for more and more finished goods from South Africa.
“We want to upgrade that economic activity to a higher level, so we are able to bring in more finished mineral goods, products or commodities into China and more finished agricultural products,” the President said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 05:41
Vhembe District Municipality says repairs to faulty boreholes across Elim will be done by end September
Interim interdict stopped the UIF’s new service provider from rendering IT services
Cabinet encouraged by plans to assist municipalities
Cabinet is encouraged that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA) continue to support and implement initiatives aimed at consolidating the improvements recorded in some municipalities.
“The department has also prioritised assisting the worst-performing municipalities in the country by improving the competency of personnel through training and skills transfer, as well as enforcing regulations on minimum standards for municipal managers and senior officials,” the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, said on Thursday.
The Minister was addressing the media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held yesterday.
This is after the AGSA report on the audit outcomes of municipalities for the 2022/23 financial showed gradual improvement in financial management within some municipalities.
“Nevertheless, there remains more work to be done to improve compliance across many municipalities that continue to receive negative audit outcomes.”
The Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke briefed the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the audit outcomes of municipalities for the past financial year.
Maluleke revealed the unauthorised expenditure of R24 billion, with only one metro achieving a clean audit.
The AGSA report shows only 34 of 257 metropolitan, district and local municipalities received clean audit outcomes.
The Minister said the number of disclaimed audits decreased while 45 municipalities improved their audit outcomes since 2020/21 and those that submitted their financial statements on time improved from some 81% in 2020/21 to 94% in 2022/23.
In a statement released in August, the department said it will support municipalities to implement and maintain effective systems in governance, financial management, performance management, infrastructure, service delivery and compliance with local government legislation and related prescripts.
It also touched on coalition governance and vowed to address governance challenges and instability in hung councils.
The department has developed the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill also known as the Coalitions Bill, which has been published for public comment.
The bill aims to provide a legislative framework for the formation and management of coalition governments. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:10
Citizens called to help keep criminals off the streets
Cabinet has called on South Africans to continue to work with law enforcement agencies by reporting illegal acts to help keep criminals off the streets.
“The fight against crime is a shared responsibility, and government will continue to champion all initiatives that will mobilise all people in society to work together towards a better and safer South Africa,” acting Minister in The Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, said during a post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
The public can report criminal activities to the police on 10111.
Consistent with the commitments made by President Ramaphosa during his Opening of Parliament Address on 18 July 2024 to build a safer country, Ramokgopa said South Africa’s law-enforcement agencies have stepped up the fight against crime.
Some successes of law enforcement include the arrest of 673 suspects by the Hawks. Of the 573 arrested, 506 were convicted and 77 court orders were granted for the seizure of assets connected to criminal activities.
The police also arrested 14 422 suspects for various crimes through Operation Shanela from 19 to 25 August 2024.
“A multidisciplinary raid operation by the police, metro police, correctional services, Home Affairs and other law-enforcement agencies in six hijacked buildings in Durban led to the discovery of R4 million in counterfeit United States dollars, seizure of drugs, 117 rounds of ammunition and liquor, and [the] arrest of more than 150 allegedly undocumented foreign nationals.
“These successes follow significant inroads made in dismantling a transnational crime syndicate in the country since the beginning of the year. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and arrested 34 persons for manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs,” Ramokgopa highlighted.
Extortion incidents
Ramokgopa also noted that South Africa is learning from international best practices to develop strategies to deal decisively with incidents of extortion.
She said a whole-of-society approach and a unified effort from government, law-enforcement agencies, businesses and communities are needed to create a united front to combat this crime.
“Extortion does not just harm individuals; it undermines our entire economy. By fighting this crime, we are protecting jobs, encouraging investment, and promoting economic growth. We are empowering communities to stand up against extortion through education, support networks, and confidential reporting systems. We are making it safer for people to say no to criminals.
“The SAPS is being equipped with the latest tools and techniques to combat extortion, including advanced intelligence gathering and specialised task forces, to staying ahead of criminal tactics. Extortion often thrives where there is a lack of economic opportunity,” Ramokgopa said.
The Minister added that government is addressing root causes by investing in education, job creation, and community development alongside law enforcement efforts.
“Government is working closely with international partners to share intelligence, track criminal networks and bring offenders to justice. Our efforts are particularly focused on protecting vulnerable individuals and businesses who are often the primary targets of extortion.
“No one should have to live in fear in their own community. Government is committed to a sustained, long-term effort to root out this crime and create lasting safety and security for all South Africans,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:11