The little charcoal business run by a group of young people in Matatiele
Morumotsho Charcoal has been going for eight years
ONE
President Ramaphosa wishes former US President Trump a speedy recovery
President Ramaphosa wishes former US President Trump a speedy recovery
President Cyril Ramaphosa has denounced the alleged assassination attempt on former United States President Donald Trump.
Trump, who is running for re-election as President, was injured in the ear while he was delivering a speech during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday.
At least one person has died and two others were injured during the shooting.
The alleged shooter – who fired multiple shots towards the stage – was killed by US Secret Service personnel.
“The attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump is a stark reminder of the dangers of political extremism and intolerance. Political violence is the antithesis of democracy. I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery.
“We unequivocally denounce this political violence and earnestly hope that the citizens and leaders of America will have the fortitude and sagacity to reject violence and seek peaceful solutions,” President Ramaphosa said on social media platform, X. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 13:41
452 views
Small Business Development Department ‘up to the task’
Small Business Development Department 'up to the task'
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams says the department she leads is “up to the task” of unlocking the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the country.
The Minister said this when she delivered the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.
“One of the main contributing factors to the low [economic] growth is that too many of our citizens are unable to participate in productive economic activities.
“So in addition to championing reforms that will address energy supply constraints, logistics and crime - which are the focus of Operation Vulindlela - we must also direct our energies to reforms that unlock the potential of SMMEs and the cooperative sector.
“This must be the core priority of the seventh administration, and one for which we bear responsibility as the Department of Small Business Development portfolio. [We] want to assure all members and society that even though we are young and still developing, we are up to the tasks that lie before us,” she said.
The department has been allocated a budget of some R2.437 billion.
Priority areas for market access
The Minister said the department is focussing on five areas related to market access and localisation, which have proven to be barriers for SMMEs.
“Firstly, we will support 200 SMMEs through our Small Business Exporter’s Development Programme to participate in ten trade events in the 2024/25 financial year. In this regard, R20 million has been allocated to exploit our AFCFTA, BRICS partnerships and various global trade agreements.
“Second, we will enhance our Market Linkage Programme to ensure placement of SMME products in strategic warehouses of wholesalers and the shelves of retailers. Through our partnership with Proudly SA, we are developing an e-commerce platform that is likely to go live in the second of this financial year.
“Third, we are working with the public sector in order to exploit opportunities which will be presented by the Public Procurement Bill (once signed into law). We are working with corporates through Community of Practice to influence Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes and procurement of products from small enterprises and cooperatives,” she said.
Furthermore, there are plans to “actively building supplier capacity to meet and sustain the market requirements”.
“Here we provide quality improvement, product testing and certification, as well as productivity improvement through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).
“Through the Small Enterprise Manufacturing Support Programme (SEMP) at the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) we have allocated an amount of R266.8 million which deepens the black industrialist programme and ensure more participation of small enterprise in the manufacturing sector.
“Fifth, priority is also given to new growth drivers with low barriers to entry. In this financial year (2024/25), we will focus on the energy sector and tech industry – while also implementing our Cannabis Support Programme that will look both at the industrial hemp value chain as well as how to mainstream small indigenous cannabis growers for lucrative markets,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said.
Financing small businesses and cooperatives
The Minister highlighted that financing “remains one of the key constraints for small businesses and cooperatives”.
In this regard, the department has developed an SMME and Co-operatives Funding Policy to expand access to financing and early stage investment.
“This policy will be a game changer as it also proposes an establishment Fund of Funds, which we are currently designing. The fund will de-risk and leverage investment from the private sector and institutional investors for start-ups amongst other things. We will also prioritise the development of a Startup Policy and legislation as required. This will be done in collaboration with relevant departments.
“We will also continue to build on the work we have already undertaken in the previous administration to invest more in under-served SMMEs and co-operatives.
“In this regard, Sefa disbursed R2 billion funding facilities against a target of R2.18 billion to 80 040 SMMEs and co-operatives which led to 98 378 jobs,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 14:32
95 views
Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains
Government intervenes to assist families amid Cape Town heavy rains
At least 500 households, whose homes were destroyed by heavy rains in Cape Town, are being temporarily relocated to safer accommodations, as gale-force winds and heavy rains persist.
This comes after Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, visited the affected areas on Thursday.
Kubayi and Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala led a Human Settlements delegation to assess progress of interventions for families in desperate need of shelter in the unrelenting cold and wet weather.
The Ministerial delegation visited various disaster-stricken areas in Khayelitsha, including Nkandla, Zami Mpilo, Kuyasa and Victoria Mxenge in the Western Cape.
Scores of people have been left temporarily homeless due to water-logged homes across the province as wet weather and flooding continues.
Kubayi said the department’s immediate intervention is to relocate families to be accommodated at the Western Cape School of Governance, where the department will enter into a lease agreement of 30 days.
Kubayi said the department must identify land in two weeks, adding that she has spoken to all the affected families, and they have agreed to move.
“Our concern is mainly that with a level 8 warning, it means the rain will continue and we do not want these communities to continue in this dire state where their shelters are submerged under water.
“We are moving them to a safe place at least for 30 days while we look at alternative land parcels where they can be permanently relocated to build a new life away from flood plains,” Kubayi said.
The Minister noted that the relocation for the community is not only in one ward but will expand to more areas currently in danger or Category C informal settlements [immediate relocation].
The Minister said the City of Town alone has over 800 informal settlements in danger zones, emphasising a need for a more proactive approach when dealing with disasters.
“We need to put preventative measures in place, and this work is ongoing. Moreover, I have instructed MECs in all nine provinces to also identify more of these Category-C informal settlements so that work can continue to mitigate imminent disasters,” Kubayi said.
As part of disaster intervention and mitigation measures, the department also provides the Informal Settlement Upgrading grant to provinces and municipalities. This entails the upgrading of informal settlements in-situ (developing the area where an informal settlement is located) by providing bulk infrastructure like storm water drainage to avert flooding.
Kubayi also underscored the need to put in place bulk infrastructure to mitigate against a situation where people are locked in water, noting that some areas they visited have no proper stormwater drainage system to absorb water during heavy rains.
The Minister also emphasised that the response to disasters requires all the affected government departments play their part in ensuring that the victims are attended to.
“This is because beyond the provision of shelter for the victims, there are other needs such as transport, protection of property (which in some cases gets stolen), food and other necessities,” she said.
Kubayi further acknowledged efforts by NGOs, including the Gift of the Givers, who continuously work with government during emergencies.
She assured that the teams will continue with work onsite throughout the weekend, assessing the structural integrity of damaged formal structures.
“The team from Human Settlements Emergency Housing, which includes the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), has been on the ground since the disaster to provide the necessary support to those who have lost their informal structures in Monwabisi, New Monwabisi Park, and Kuyasa informal settlements, as well as to assess the damage caused to permanent structures,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:36
582 views
Workers at sauce manufacturer strike for R4 per hour increase
Management of Ribas Manufacturers has offered R1.75 per hour increase
Incentives for municipalities owing water bills
Incentives for municipalities owing water bills
In a bid to address the water debt owed by municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, including water boards, have strengthened and standardised debt collection processes and put in place incentives for municipalities to pay their water board bills.
Presenting the Water and Sanitation Budget Vote on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said the municipal debts to the water boards increased to R21.3 billion by May 2024, posing a major risk to the financial sustainability of the whole water sector.
Majodina said this debt has forced the department to close down the Sedibeng Water Board in 2022 and transfer its functions, including assets and liabilities, to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards.
“The debts owed by municipalities to Sedibeng Water had resulted in it no longer being able to service its own debts and to meet its operational expenditure requirements. However, the transfer of Sedibeng’s operations to the Vaal Central and Magalies Water Boards did not solve the underlying debt problem and the municipal debt continues to grow,” Majodina said.
While non-payment by municipalities poses a threat to the financial sustainability of all the water boards, Majodima said the department is particularly concerned about Magalies Water and Vaal Central Water, which are experiencing an increasing cash flow challenges due to non-payment.
“One of our immediate priorities will therefore be to work with our colleagues in Cabinet, particularly the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to find a sustainable solution to this problem,” Majodina said.
While acknowledging that not all municipalities are falling behind on their payments, Majodima warned that non-payment by a few municipalities which are served by a particular water board can result in severe financial difficulties for that water board.
During the 2023/24 financial year, the National Government allocated R61.7 billion of water and sanitation-related grants to municipalities to enable the municipalities to address water and sanitation infrastructure backlogs and provide free basic water to the indigent.
Apart from these grants, the water services sector must be self-financing through revenues from the sale of water.
Available infrastructure for other economic activities
To ensure the department’s assets contribute towards the objectives of the Government of National Unity, Majodina said the department would be availing its infrastructure for other economic activities, including promoting tourism and recreation, and reducing the risk of load shedding through the use of dams for generation of hydropower.
The Minister noted that during the last financial year, the department issued an expression of interest to obtain access rights to state dams for tourism and recreation activities, with the aim of promoting economic development, particularly of communities adjacent to dams.
She said the expressions of interest received will be processed during the current financial year.
“In consultation with the Ministry of Energy and Electricity, the department has also issued requests for applications for interested parties to apply for water use authorisations to generate hydropower using water courses and the water resource infrastructure owned by the department.
“This process received interest from over 200 applicants, for generation of 2 845 Megawatts of electricity from the water courses. To date, the department has issued 40 authorisations for floating solar panels, and the remaining applications will be processed in the current financial year,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:37
268 views
Jump on the democracy bus
Jump on the democracy bus
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency, has launched the Democracy Bus, which will travel the country to drum up citizens’ participation in celebration of the 30 years of democracy.
“[The] bus will travel to different parts of our amazing country from the nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities. Government calls on all South Africans to get on the bus so that they can see and experience the changes we have gone through as we relive the many pivotal moments in our democratic journey," Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced during the delivery of the Budget Vote of the GCIS to the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies on Friday.
“The bus is also expected to stop at the GCIS Thusong Service Centres which are earmarked as key activation sites. It will also stop at venues for community meetings, izimbizo and national events as well as dams, police stations, schools, clinics and hospitals built over the years as we celebrate our 30 years of democracy,” she said.
Spot the Bus
The Minister said citizens will be able to participate in a “spot the bus” campaign.
“As the bus travels on our roads, across all our provinces to 30 locations in various parts of our country, citizens will have the opportunity to be part of the spot the bus campaign. Citizens can keep a look out for information on the bus journey through a digital map that will be published on various social media platforms.
“This is the way GCIS is bringing South Africans to acknowledge the work that has been done over the last 30 years but also acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead which government, through its new programmes of the seventh administration…will address the challenges that remain,” Ntshavheni said.
Crime
The Minister also said the GCIS was implementing a campaign that will seek to encourage communities and stakeholders to participate in the fight against crime.
She said the department has set the fight against crime as one of its communication priorities for this financial year.
“GCIS is implementing a crime management campaign which will target the areas of organised and violent crime, illegal mining, cable theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure along with the scourge of violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society.
“To strengthen stakeholder participation, the GCIS has established a directorate of stakeholder management and special projects to marshal all stakeholders in a common front against social ills. We have learnt during COVID-19 that the coordination of the work is more impactful in our communication space,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 14:44
338 views
African Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League
Twenty-Five Basketball Coaches from 15 African Countries Selected for NBA 2K25 Summer League; Five Players Who Featured in the 2024 BAL Season (https://BAL.NBA.com/) to Compete in Las Vegas.
Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024. The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent. Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.
Please see below for some of the notable storylines, followed by the full roster of the African coaches, players, and referees who will take part in the Summer League.
African Coaches Program
Building Continuity
- Six teams that took part in the 2024 BAL season will have at least one coach participating – Al Ahly (Egypt), Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) City Oilers (Uganda), FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and US Monastir (Tunisia).
- Sixteen of the 24 coaches will take part in the Africa Coaches Program for the first time.
- Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu was named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year and led his team to a third-place finish this season. Rivers Hoopers' head coach since 2009, Odaudu coached the team to five Nigerian Premier League titles. Since 2019, Odaudu has been a member of the coaching staff on the Nigerian national team.
- Two coaches – Francois Enyegue (Cameroon; San Antonio Spurs) and Emmanuel Mavomo (Democratic Republic of the Congo; Milwaukee Bucks) – return to the Summer League for a third consecutive year. Last year, they coached with the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, respectively. Enyegue is currently the head coach of Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) and served as head coach of Team Africa & Middle East Girls at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2018. Mavomo is NBA G League's Austin Spurs assistant coach and served as an assistant coach of Paris Basketball and BC Espoir Fukash during the 2022 BAL season.
Empowering the Next Generation
- Three players with BAL experience who have decided to take up a career in coaching will be part of this year's program. John Wilkins (Rivers Hoopers), Mohamed Gaddour (US Monastir), and Radouane Slimane (US Monastir) will respectively join the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat.
NBA Academy Africa Well-Represented
- NBA Academy Africa players development coaches Goitsemang Ditsheko (South Africa) and Karim Nesba (Morocco) will coach with the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings respectively. Based at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal since 2022, Ditsheko is part of the academy coaching staff who worked with NBA Academy Africa's first NBA draftee, Cameroon's Ulrich Chomche, selected with the number 57 overall by the Memphis Grizzlier and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft. While enrolled at NBA Academy Africa, Chomche competed in the BAL as part of the BAL Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball (REGBBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in 2022. Karim Nesba is a former AS Salé and Morocco National Team player. He coached the Uganda City Oilers in the 2024 BAL season and the BAL Select Team at Quai 54 this summer. NBA Academy Africa Alumni Ibou Badji (Senegal) and Babacar Sané (Senegal) will be playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz respectively. Badji who signed a two-way contract with Portland Trail Blazers last season, played 22 games in the 2023-24 NBA season. Sané former BAL Elevate player has played with the G League Ignite since 2022.
Female Participants
- For the first time, three female coaches will participate in the Africa Coaches Program – Sofia Bey (Morocco; Sacramento Kings), Aliaa Mahmoud Mohamed (Egypt; Washington Wizards), Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers). They join the Africa Coaches Program as part of NBA Africa's and the BAL's efforts to provide more opportunities for women in basketball.
- Sofia Bey (Morocco, Sacramento Kings) is the head coach of Wydad Athletic in Morocco. Bey participated 2022 FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camp and was selected for the FIBA Young Coach program in 2015.
- Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers) was the head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) which participated in Road to the BAL 2023. Aliaa Mahmoud (Egypt, Washington Wizards) was the assistant coach of FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023.
Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and the NBA teams coaching staff they have joined.
|
First name |
Last name |
Country of origin |
NBA Team |
|
Mohamed Lamine |
Kriedeche |
Algeria |
New Orleans Pelicans |
|
Stef |
Pare |
Burkina Faso |
Orlando Magic |
|
Francois |
Enyengue |
Cameroon |
San Antonio Spurs |
|
Victor |
Samnick |
Cameroon |
Denver Nuggets |
|
Pierrot |
Ilunga |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Toronto Raptors |
|
Emmanuel |
Mavomo |
Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Milwaukee Bucks |
|
Ahmed |
Elgarhi |
Egypt |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
|
Alia |
Mahmoud |
Egypt |
Washington Wizards |
|
Ruth |
Bibeyi |
Gabon |
Los Angeles Lakers |
|
Ahmed |
Salam |
Morocco |
Atlanta Hawks |
|
John |
Wilkins |
Morocco |
Phoenix Suns |
|
Sofia |
Bey |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Karim |
Nesba |
Morocco |
Sacramento Kings |
|
Leonel |
Manhique |
Mozambique |
Brooklyn Nets |
|
Ogoh |
Odaudu |
Nigeria |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
|
Mohamed |
Abdulrahman |
Nigeria |
Utah Jazz |
|
Mugisha Igor |
Keys |
Rwanda |
Boston Celtics |
|
Prosper |
Naci |
Rwanda |
Philadelphia 76ers |
|
Matar |
Mbodji |
Senegal |
Chicago Bulls |
|
Goitsemang |
Ditsheko |
South Africa |
Houston Rockets |
|
Akech Wuoi Garang |
Ajak |
South Sudan |
New York Knicks |
|
Bechir |
Hadidane |
Tunisia |
Memphis Grizzlies |
|
Mhamed |
Gaddour |
Tunisia |
Los Angeles Clippers |
|
Radouane |
Slimane |
Tunisia |
Miami Heat |
|
Andrew |
Senyondwa |
Uganda |
Trailblazers Portland |
BAL Season 4 Players*
Five players who played in the 2024 BAL season are set to feature in this year's Summer League: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (South Sudan; Sacramento Kings), Samkelo Cele (South Africa; New York Knicks), Obadiah Noel (USA; New York Knicks) Devine Eke (Nigeria, Milwaukee Bucks), and Makhtar Gueye (Senegal; Atlanta Hawks).
- Lual-Acuil Jr. averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks during the last BAL season, helping Al Ahly Ly (Libya) to the 2024 BAL Finals. Lual-Acuil Jr. won the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player and the Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the Defensive Player of the Year. Lual-Acuil Jr. also emerged as the 2024 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team and the All-BAL Defensive Team.
- Cele averaged 20.2 points per game and finished second in scoring in the league. He led South Africa's Cape Town Tigers to the semifinals and was named to both the 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team.
- Obadiah averaged 19.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with Armée Patriotique Rwandaise basketball (APR; Rwanda) in the Sahara Conference last season.
- Eke registered 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers to third place in the last BAL season.
- Gueye represented Burundi's Dynamo Basketball Club in the inaugural Kalahari Conference last season.
- Cele and Gueye were part of the BAL Select team that featured at the 2024 Quai 54 Streetball Tournament, the world's biggest streetball tournament in Paris, France, last month.
*Rosters are subject to change.
Referees with BAL Experience
Five referees who officiated in the 2024 BAL season will also join the program, including Annie Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe). Muchenu became a FIBA international referee in September 2008 and was appointed to officiate at the FIBA Women's Champions Cup in Nairobi, Kenya the same year. She has since officiated at major competitions on the African continent including junior and senior tournaments but has also officiated at two All Africa Games (2011 and 2015), three FIBA U-17 World Cups, two FIBA U-19 World Cups, pre-Olympic Qualifiers and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the BAL since the beginning of the competition.
Please see below the complete list of African referees:
|
NAME |
COUNTRY |
|
Oumar Sy |
Mauritania |
|
Yann Davidson |
Madagascar |
|
Annie Joyce Muchenu |
Zimbabwe |
|
Vitalis Gode |
Kenya (Referee Supervisor) |
|
Silver Houngbedji |
Benin |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure
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
123 views
‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni
'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.
The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i
This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.
Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.
“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.
The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.
“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.
“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.
Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.
The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.
“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.
“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.
Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.
“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.
“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.
The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.
She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.
Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.
“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.
"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.
“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.
“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34
140 views
Condolences for family, friends of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala
Condolences for family, friends of Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has extended the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of South African football legend, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
In a statement issued by the Tshabalala family and Orlando Pirates, Tshabalala (75) died in hospital on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to the injury sustained when he was shot in his home in March this year.
Tshabalala represented South Africa on the field and was head coach when South Africa returned to international football at the fall of apartheid. Until his passing, he remained loved and respected in footballing circles.
McGluwa said “a footballing legend, who taught and coached so many football stars, has fallen”.
He described Tshabalala as one of a special kind and a man who knew the sport inside out.
“His coaching stint at Bafana Bafana is evidence to this fact. The South African football world has lost a star.
“This is one hero whose departure we all should mourn long into the future. It would be difficult to imagine South African football history without ever thinking about a person of Screamer’s influence….South Africa is poorer without him,” McGluwa said.
Details about Tshabalala’s memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:28
107 views
Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development
Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says as government commences with the work of the seventh administration and the next 30 Years of Freedom, it is important to address the challenges that still confront the country with greater performance and momentum.
“We need to continue to support Stats SA and ensure it plays a pivotal role in providing critical socio-economic data that informs decision making across government and business broadly,” Ntshavheni said.
Presenting the Stats SA Budget Vote in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said it is statistical data and information that will give government insight into the nation’s needs and achievements, and will help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of government policies and programmes.
“Therefore, understanding and managing the data ecosystem is crucial for the country to harness the full potential of data, make informed decisions and adapt to evolving business landscapes,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said this will be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and platforms and that Stats SA must continue to lead in the South African data ecosystem to ensure that the data gap is closed.
“Statistical data is indicating that our economy is three times larger and many times more inclusive and diversified than it was 30 years ago. Millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty and employment has more than doubled.
“Despite this progress, millions remain unemployed, in particular, the youth who are caught in structural unemployment where the qualifications they possess are not relevant for the job market nor self-employment.
“For South Africa to reach its developmental goals as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP), there is a need to use data and statistical information to not only improve the performance of government, but all of society,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said as a government that considers itself to be located within communities and society, it will work with all sectors to secure growth, security and prosperity that all wish to enjoy in a lifetime and into the future.
“Therefore, Stats SA will be one of our key institutional assets on this quest for a better future. This asset, Stats SA, is a jewel in the crown of the capacity of the state and its rigour and integrity is globally respected.
“Stats SA itself has a productive, intergenerational mix of experience and institutional memory alongside the energy and innovation that comes with a cohort of statisticians and other professionals who were born and educated in this democratic dispensation.
“For the richness of Stats SA’s outputs, we are deeply indebted to the millions of South Africans, who trustingly and graciously share their information and time with us so we can have numerical picture of the nation as it goes about living and working,” the minister said.
Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s 2024/25 Work Programme reflects the drive to deliver the statistics that the country needs and can apply to build a better South Africa.
“Stats SA delivered the results of the first digital census to the nation in October 2023. The population census offers us the most comprehensive set of statistical information to the lowest geographic level,” she said.
The Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Stats SA is R2.65 billion for 2024/25, and R2.75 billion and R2.89 billion in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:52
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SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
Despite heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the Monkeypox disease, or Mpox, as it is known for short, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week.
This brings the total number of infections to 22 since the first case was reported in May this year, while the death toll remains at three.
According to the Department of Health, available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.
“The Department of Health calls for the public to maintain vigilant and never lower their guard against Mpox disease, as the country remains on high alert for a possible surge,” the statement read.
The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 July 2024.
“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban over the past weekend, where an Mpox-like rash developed,” the department explained.
The other case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with an Mpox-like rash at a local hospital.
“Both new cases self-identified as MSM [men who have sex with men] with no international, but local travel history.”
The department is urging people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without an 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.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces, especially amongst the close contacts of the patients, said the department.
“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:05
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Government working hard to prevent cybercrime – Ntshavheni
Government working hard to prevent cybercrime - Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has assured the public of government’s commitment to prevent cybercrime.
This follows the recent media statement issued by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, in which he said about R300 million was allegedly siphoned off from DPWI through cybercrime in the past 10 years.
The statement continued to say the cyber attackers again stole R24 million in May this year.
According to the statement, the revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala were conducting detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from department branches.
“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” Macpherson said in the statement.
Following the discovery, four DPWI officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by investigators.
The four officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official.
In May, the department announced that it had ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.
The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.
The investigation, which involves cyber and ICT security experts, covers the following:
• Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities.
• Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department.
• Lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems.
Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media enquiries following the statement from the DPWI.
“The investigation is ongoing, and investigating teams were urged to work with speed to conclude their work without compromising the required thoroughness of the investigation,” Ntshavheni said.
She said the SSA continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity.
“The SSA is finalising a consolidated assessment on government's cybersecurity strengths and initiatives underway to address any weaknesses found in the system,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said once the report has been completed, it will be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 09:30
518 views
More National Assembly committees elect chairpersons
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
375 views
Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases
Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) in phases in his Budget Vote Speech.
“We will have to start implementing NHI in phases, as we are already in phase 2. The rest of the building blocks of health will easily fall into place,” Motsoaledi said on Thursday.
Tabling the Budget Vote for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Minister announced that the department had been allocated R62 218 899, a 3.5% increase from the previous year’s R60.1 billion.
He informed Parliament that his priorities for the next five years consist of six building blocks outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These include leadership, governance, access to essential medicine, the health workforce, health systems financing, information systems, and service delivery.
“Five of the six building blocks seem acceptable to everybody and debates around them are straightforward and clear. But one of them has generated a lot of heat and sometimes fury in some quarters. This is the health systems financing. In our country we have decided to call this NHI,” he said.
The Minister said some believe that the country is not ready for the NHI, while others are of the view that it is “very expensive” and the country has no money for it.
“NHI is a health financing system, called Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the WHO. It is a health financing system, which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor.”
Motsoaledi told the Parliamentarians that it was no debate that South Africa is the most unequal society in the whole world.
“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare you may believe we live in different countries.”
However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality” and South Africa has been seeking a solution for the past 96 years.
The Minister referenced the WHO, which states that a country should allocate at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health to have a good healthcare system for everyone.
“This is not 5% of the budget of a country, it is the GDP, the total health of a country. In South Africa, we have far surpassed that recommended 5%. We are at 8.5%. European countries are at 9%.”
This means South Africa’s health system was supposed to be as advanced as countries in Europe, Motsoaledi explained.
“As is evident that is not the case. The question is why? But the fact remains that 51% of it goes to serve only 14% of the population and the nearly meagre 49% goes to serve a whopping 86% of the population.”
He told the Chairperson that this needs to “stop now” and while there is support for the NHI, there are those who do not support it in its current form.
“Fair enough, but we cannot throw the baby away with the bathwater. Let us discuss which areas need to be ironed out but let us now be obstacles to what poor people have been waiting for close to a century,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:13
334 views
South African Rowing Team Ready to Go for Gold
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