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There are various types of wills, each suited to different needs and circumstances. Here’s a guide to help you choose: Simple Wills Ideal for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs. It outlines asset distribution and may appoint guardians for minor children. Testamentary Trust Wills Suitable for those with young children, this type of …
History was made on Sunday, when the South African senior men’s team finished on the podium at the World Half Marathon Championships. Thabang Mosiako (6th), Stephen Mokoka (11th), Elroy Gelant (13th) and Precious Mashele (19th) claimed the bronze medal behind Kenya and Ethiopia at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Latvia. Mosiako’s exceptional performance …
Police Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer's family
The Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale has sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of his close protector, Warrant Officer Lindela Mraqisa.
Mraqisa is among the five people that were shot and killed on Saturday evening in Gugulethu.
The member was attached to the Western Cape’s Protection and Security Service (PSS) Division and served as a close protector to Mathale since 2019.
Police have since mobilised maximum resources to trace and apprehend those behind the attack and killing of four men and a woman.
Mathale has described the late member as dedicated, humble and hardworking.
“The number of police officers killed on and off duty remains a concern for the leadership of the SAPS. We need the whole of society and government to fight this scourge.
“Mraqisa was a soft spoken, dedicated and focused police officer who was always punctual and professional in his conduct. We hope police will find and bring to book those responsible for his death. My condolences go to his family,” he said.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola will lead a delegation of senior police officers to Cape Town today where they will interact with the investigating team and also visit the bereaved family.
They will thereafter proceed to the family of another off-duty member who was found killed in Mfuleni on Sunday morning.
The 29-year-old policewoman was attached to the Samora Machel Police Station. The circumstances surrounding her death are a subject of a police investigation. One suspect has been arrested in connection with her death.
The SAPS appeals to members of the public to assist with information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of mass shooting behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:49
Office of the Tax Ombud celebrates 10 years of excellence
Having stood the test of time as a capable organisation with a proven track record in helping to resolve taxpayers' complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
"We are encouraged by the average 98% implementation by SARS of our nonbinding recommendations. Also worth noting is that, on average, 80% of complaints received by the OTO in the past decade were resolved in favour of taxpayers, and only 20% were in favour of SARS,” Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa said on Sunday.
She attributed the success of the OTO to its dedicated employees, the support of stakeholders, including Finance Ministers, the National Treasury and SARS, and recognised controlling bodies in the tax sphere.
Established on 1 October 2013, the OTO has been credited with improving the country's tax administration system and promoting and championing taxpayer rights.
“We have made a significant contribution towards promoting a healthy balance between taxpayer rights and obligations on the one hand, and SARS powers and duties on the other. We champion the promotion and protection of taxpayer rights through our ongoing ‘Making Taxpayers' Rights Matter’ educational campaign, which takes our services to the doorsteps of communities nationwide. We reiterate the call for taxpayers to utilise the free and impartial services provided by the OTO to those with complaints against SARS,” Mputa said.
The OTO has published the country's first-ever Compilation of Taxpayers' Rights, Entitlements and Obligations to promote its mandate.
This document's main aim is to highlight taxpayers' rights and obligations, as contained in various laws, including the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and the Tax Administration Act, 2011, and be used as a reference tool to guide taxpayers towards the information needed.
"One of our priorities in the next decade is to promote awareness about the OTO and take our services to the four corners of our country. We will continue to benchmark ourselves and, wherever we can, to share our expertise with other government institutions – in South Africa and beyond," Mputa said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:33
Stakeholders to engage on railway safety practices at conference
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will this week take centre stage at the International Rail Safety Council (IRSC) conference through the presentation of several papers on railway safety, with a key priority on the revitalisation of passenger rail in the country.
The IRSC, a forum of railway safety practitioners and professionals, is renowned for its global reach and in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences for improving rail safety globally.
“We are confident that this conference will inspire all to double their efforts in making railways safety a top priority,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said on Sunday.
PRASA has assumed the mantle of the main sponsor of the IRSC 2023 Annual Conference, taking place at Century City, Cape Town, from 01 – 06 October 2023, under the theme “Reshaping railways in an uncertain world.”
PRASA has expressed excitement to be collaborating with the council this year and are proud that the conference is back in South Africa.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to railway safety. Safer railways make it possible for operators to maintain this mode of transport as one of the safest and most affordable,” Emeran said.
PRASA, through its Asiphephe campaign, commits to a culture of safety across its rail network and operations.
“By sponsoring this conference, we seek to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of railway safety not only within our industry but also among the wider public. The ability to engage with industry leaders and professionals, and forge new partnerships at the event, is a positive step for PRASA as we rebuild and revitalize the passenger rail network,” the agency said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 09:19
POTCHEFSTROOM: North West Dragons’ Meeka-eel Prince scored a sublime 166 off 140 which included 15 fours and 6 maximums to ensure...
September 2023 marks a milestone in the history of leading African law firm Bowmans. Fifteen years ago, Bowmans Kenya was established in a move that marked the start of Bowmans’ growth across the continent. Today, Bowmans Kenya is one of the largest law firms in the country and operates as a hub with Bowmans’ other …
DSV, one of the world's largest freight and logistics providers, has chosen the Agility Logistics Park (www.Agility.com) in Mozambique as the location where it will manage storage and distribution for a global beverage customer .
The Agility park is the leading warehouse facility in Mozambique's capital, Maputo. DSV has leased 12,000 SQM at the facility with the possibility to add an additional 2,000 SQM to help its customer meet seasonal demand for raw materials, bottles, packaging and finished products.
Philipp Buechler, Managing Director, DSV Mozambique, commented “At DSV, a safe, secure, and efficient distribution center is fundamental to our business model. The Agility warehouses provide the necessary infrastructure to meet exacting international standards and our operational requirements. Agility Logistics Parks also ensures that strict HSSE standards are followed within the park, something that is very important for optimal operations. This partnership is one of the key milestones in our supply chain strategy, which will support our further business growth in Mozambique.”
The Agility Logistics Park is located on the Maputo Ring Road, at Chiango area in Marracuene and is strategically situated for efficient distribution both across the country and into Maputo. The park is within a 25-kilometer radius of the Maputo port and airport, the N4 highway to South Africa, and the capital's Central Business District.
Agility is funding and developing 300,000 SQM of warehouses on the site, a center of excellence for warehousing in the region, to support businesses operating in and from Mozambique. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multi-national companies and local businesses that need storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing space.
Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that DSV chose to lease warehouse space in the Agility Logistics Park in Maputo. We believe that the provision of international-standard warehouses for storage, distribution and light manufacturing is one of the fundamental building blocks necessary for economic growth. Demand in Maputo has been strong post the pandemic from both local and international companies, and we are now expanding the warehouse park and investing in further warehousing to support economic growth, jobs and prosperity in Mozambique.”
White added: “Across Africa Agility is funding and developing warehouse parks that provide move-in-ready warehouses, enabling fast deployment, flexibility and reduced capital commitments for our existing and new customers. The provision of secure, ready-built, quality, warehouses with consistent power and IT connectivity in the Maputo market is a true enabler of growth and prosperity in Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.
For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820
Social media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3ZBi6M2
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3ZEKPzz
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3ZBNSIU
About Agility Logistics Parks:
Agility Logistics Parks is one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It funds, builds and manages world-class facilities and infrastructure that help companies operate in the world's fastest-growing markets. Agility Logistics Parks' parent, Agility, is a pioneer in emerging markets and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a publicly traded company with $2.8 billion in annual revenue. For more information about Agility, visit www.Agility.com
Jabaar Mohamed shines at SAFTAs
‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ TV talk show host, Jabaar Mohamed, could hardly believe it when he received news of his SAFTA nomination.
“When I got the email that I had been nominated, I was like, ‘for real? Me Jabaar, a Deaf person in the SAFTAs? Many in our society still see and treat our deafness and disability as a limit,” Mohamed told SAnews a day after being honoured with the Outstanding Person With Disability Contributor Award at the 2023 edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) held in Midrand, Gauteng.
The SAFTAs honour and celebrate excellence, quality and innovation in South African cinema and television.
Mohamed, the Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, was nominated for the award by Cape Town TV, the station that airs ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ (previously called the ‘Disability Show’. He has been with the channel since 2018. During COVID-19, in July 2020, the show’s name was changed to ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’.
Mohamed said in all his time doing the show, he never thought he would one day be at the SAFTAs. He ventured into the TV show because he felt marginalised because of his disability.
“Imagine feeling marginalised because of a disability that you are living with. As unfair as this sounds, it is the reality for many South Africans trying to access opportunities in an environment that doesn’t cater for their special needs.
“People with disabilities constantly have to prove their capabilities to an often prejudiced and ignorant world, leaving many of them feeling that they can’t reach their full potential.
“‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is a talk show that confronts misconceptions about ‘disabilities and the disadvantaged’ community through informative and engaging conversations so that the broader public can see the benefits of having an inclusive society,” Mohamed said.
‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ plays a role in changing the narrative of people with disabilities by highlighting powerful universal stories that make for uplifting content.
“The show plays the role of informing members of the community about opportunities and tips on not only coping with a disability but flourishing with it.
“Guests come into the studio to discuss issues pertaining to disabilities, which also features documentary inserts, where the show gets out into the field to interact with the disability community and uncover the issues that they confront in their daily lives,” Mohamed said.
Opening up views
Mohamed said ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is about being open minded, and educating audiences to avoid the word "shame".
“I have been doing this from 2018 and will continue for life, where my aim is to break the barriers and open more doors... as well to train other people to be producer or TV presenter one day,” he said.
Currently, Mohamed is working as a member of the Deaf Education Task Team for the Western Cape Education Department with the DeafSA expert team, and on a committee for the Provincial Department of Health.
He is also an ambassador for the Universal Accessibility Hub. He serves on many events as Motivational Speaker, Master of Ceremonies (MC) and Guest Speaker.
Mohamed completed his BCom Public Management degree, without the South African Sign Language Interpreter (SASLI), at University of the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:10
On Sunday, 01 October 2023 the streets of the Mother City were immersed in a sea of pink as runners and walkers from all walks of life toed the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What made the day even more special this year was …
Mark your calendars for a day that promises to warm your heart, bring a smile to your face and inspire a deeper appreciation for the unsung heroes of the animal welfare world. On October 8th, the Bryanston Organic Market will be the place to be as it hosts the second annual Rescue Expo, organised by …
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad
President Cyril Ramaphosa says to give full expression to the legacy of stalwarts like Aziz Pahad, their teachings must not be confined to history books but they must be frequently revisited and taken into the future.
“We have lost a comrade, a friend and a patriot who dedicated his life to the liberation of our country and its people,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.
Delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa described Pahad as a hardworking public servant.
“It is a sad day for the diplomatic community, particularly for the many men and women chosen to represent the country abroad, who had the privilege of being mentored, counselled and trained by our departed brother and comrade,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Pahad and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until this evening. Former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi, senior government officials, politicians and members of the public attended the funeral.
“Over the past few years, we have had to bid farewell to many dear comrades, men and women who were giants of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the departed stalwarts played an important role in the history of the country.
“They were there at all the high and low points in our struggle for liberation, and remained on to shepherd us along the difficult road to democracy. At times such as this, when we lose another stalwart, we are shaken, as would a tree whose roots have been damaged or lost.
“These great men and women, of whom Aziz Pahad was one, were the roots that nourished the tree of our democracy. It feels as though a part of us has gone with them.
“And yet, such were the legacies they left behind that this great tree that is our democracy, abides. We may at times be battered by strong headwinds. Times can be hard.”
President Ramaphosa said the democracy that Aziz Pahad and his generation worked so hard to achieve remains firm, steady, well-anchored and strong.
“Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his many fine attributes and we will have reflected on some of them today.
“He was an activist who played a formative role in the liberation movement in exile in the 1960s and beyond, and was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement in Europe and the United Kingdom.
“As Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was involved in peacebuilding and mediation efforts in a number of conflicts on the continent and in the Middle East,” the President said.
Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82. He served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) -from 1994 to 2008.
Pahad's passing follows that of his brother and former Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, in July 2023.
Former colleagues hailed Pahad as a fine diplomat. He has also been hailed as one of the key architects of South Africa’s foreign policy.
In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature for his contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity.
“Pahad's contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa's challenges,” the University of Pretoria said at that time.
Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs. In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by then Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic, and a world that is fair and just. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 13:03
Reimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success Innovation often stems from a unique perspective and a fresh outlook on the future. This has been the driving force for the partnership between EduPower, a leading training provider and the branded merchandise company, JIMBU. Together, they are reimagining the potential of learnerships, and …
Every dream home begins with a vision, and turning that vision into reality requires a blueprint. In the realm of architectural design and home planning, Housing Plans from HousePlans.co.za stand as a beacon of innovation and precision. Why Choose Housing Plans from HousePlans.co.za Housing Plans at HousingPlans.co.za are not just sketches on paper; they are …
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has today adopted the A-list and B-list of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) Bill. The Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to the committee on 11 October 2022. It was classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill.
The committee received its first briefing on the NCGBVF Bill from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on 28 February 2023. In facilitating effective public participation on the NCGBVF Bill, the committee conducted in-person and virtual public hearings on 6 and 13 June 2023. 17 oral submissions were heard by the committee during these hearings.
The committee received oral submissions from individuals, various groups and organisations such as academics, civil society organisations, one statutory body, business sector experts and one labour union. In addition to the public hearings, the committee received 52 written submissions from the public. The written submissions were submitted electronically (via email) and online.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities responded to the issues raised during the public hearings on 29 August, 5 and 12 September 2023, and thereafter the committee was briefed by the department on 19 September 2023 on the revised Bill as a working document, with further inputs received from the members of the committee made in the meeting held on 12 September 2023.
The committee also deliberated clause-by-clause on the Bill with respect to the amendments made. Furthermore, it deliberated clause-by-clause on the Bill in its entirety on 27 September 2023. The committee accepted and adopted its report on the Bill on 29 September 2023. The report will be tabled in the National Assembly for its consideration and thereafter it will be referred to the National Council of Provinces for further processing before it goes to the President for assent into law.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, thanked members of the committee for their insightful contributions on the views of the people on the Bill. “Your dedication and contributions delivered the report we are proud of and which we pass to the National Assembly with full confidence. The establishment of the Council would be an important milestone for the country in the fight against GBVF,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Western Cape working to restore services after severe storm
The Western Cape Provincial Government has urged flood-ravaged municipalities to compile damage assessments for provincial government to present a disaster declaration motivation to the National Disaster Management Centre.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government needs a national disaster declaration in order for the municipalities to qualify for potential assistance.
Bredell said the provincial government is working to restore services and calculating the costs of the severe storm.
He said the City of Cape Town’s assessment shows that 3 986 structures and 4 449 people are in need of assistance, with more than 30 areas still needing to be formally assessed.
“The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) reported that a stop-and-go is in place on the N1 at De Doorns. The N2 section that washed away at Botriver has been visited by engineers, and there are discussions with the SANDF to provide a temporary solution with a mobile bridge for the short-term.
“Sir Lowry’s Pass is confirmed open. Pringle Bay and Bredasdorp are still without cell reception and a helicopter has been made available to assist restoring the infrastructure located in mountainous area,” Bredell said.
Noting some of the interventions by provincial government, Bredell said water tankers from other municipalities are being sent to Overstrand Local Municipality to assist.
In Breede River Municipality, the MEC reported that several farms are still inaccessible due to roads being washed away. He said plans are being made to provide the affected people with food and other essentials.
“Work is progressing in Franschhoek, which is currently divided into two inaccessible parts, and the CBD is still without electricity. Road access should be restored in the next 24 hours.
“Eskom reported that major faults are being restored, and power in affected areas in Khayelitsha and Caledon should be restored by [Thursday night]. Smaller faults will be attended to as soon as possible,” Bredell said.
Bredell said he has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting assistance with humanitarian aid.
“This is now the number one priority, and we need urgent support from the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to reach especially people in rural and isolated areas. We are also requesting engineering support from the SANDF to help with temporary roads and bridges, as well as aerial support to help with evacuations and logistics in inaccessible areas.
“Donations are being coordinated by the Red Cross, and anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to contact them. Relief work is being conducted throughout all the affected areas, with 3 250 people currently receiving food from aid agencies, as coordinated by SASSA,” Bredell said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:01
SA, Tunisia bolster relations
South Africa and Tunisia should increase their political consultations to ensure a robust and dynamic utilisation of opportunities that exist between the nations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
Pandor on Friday hosted Tunisian Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar.
“I'm really pleased, Minister and brother, to welcome you to Pretoria today on the occasion of our political consultations, which gives us a chance to discuss our bilateral relations - regional, continental and international issues - of mutual interest,” said Pandor.
Today’s political consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for the two Ministers to reflect on the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Tunisia and discuss further strengthening bilateral cooperation in several areas.
These include economic cooperation, security, health, science and technology.
“The meeting we're going to have today is also going to lay the ground for the future meeting of our Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC), which we established in 1996.
“However, the last meeting of JBCC was held in 2008. A further meeting is long overdue to revitalise its mission to ensure that we have focused programme areas of cooperation and projects that we execute together,” Pandor said.
The Minister said she hopes that officials in both countries are going to work hard to ensure they meet these ambitions and come up with concrete programmes of cooperation to work together.
“I do believe we have opportunities to expand and explore, and that these will benefit both our countries, as well as the people of our country. I've made reference to stronger cooperation between our business sector as well as stronger cooperation in skills, training and development.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, has a great ambition to enhance innovation and research capacity and has developed programmes in nanoscience and space science.
“I know on satellites, previously, our researchers had been collaborating and it would be wonderful to revive that collaboration.”
She also told Ammar that she was pleased his country has taken an interest in establishing the business forum, who was accompanied by the President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, who also has business interests locally.
“So dear Minister, please know that we are absolutely committed to the relationship between South Africa and Tunisia.
“I assure you that I would like to walk together with Tunisia as we advance the goals of Agenda 2063 as well as implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, and together, support our continent to achieve its Developmental Goals.”
Pandor also took the time to express her gratitude to Ammar for attending South Africa’s 15th BRICS Summit last month and leading his country's delegation.
“We were thrilled that your country was in attendance,” she said.
She also applauded her counterpart after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced it was adding the Tunisian resort island of Djerba to its list of World Heritage Sites because of its ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, mosques, churches and synagogues.
“Minister, our bilateral relationship continues to be one that is strong and solidified through bilateral mechanisms which provide for political, economic, scientific and socio-cultural engagement,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 13:44
The pool in Philippi has been closed since August when it was vandalised during the taxi protests
BRICS offers SA prospects to deepen relations
The expansion of the BRICS not only gives weight to the bloc but also grants South Africa the opportunity to deepen ties with the countries that are expected to join the formation next year.
South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last month where President Cyril Ramaphosa as chair of the bloc announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS.
“It gives the bloc more weight politically [and] economically in an international space. Domestically, we can gain from ensuring that there’s deepened trade ties with these countries which would expand economic opportunities within South Africa itself and the other emerging markets you find in the BRICS bloc.
“It increases your momentum within the global stage itself,” assistant lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg, Ndzalama Mathebula told SAnews.
The six developing countries are set to become full members of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] bloc from January 2024.
Senior research associate at the think tank, Institute for Global Dialogue, Sanusha Naidu said there could be other developments leading up to the new year.
“…when we come to January 2024, what will be some of the issues? Will countries automatically accept the invitation to become members of the expanded BRICS or what will be some of the strategic orientation that will influence and the factors that will shape this?,” remarks Naidu.
Naidu adds that this poses “some serious questions, introspection and reflection around South Africa’s BRICS strategy going forward.”
She adds that South Africa now needs to be much more coherent about its strategy.
In his address to Members of Parliament earlier this month, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s trade with the bloc has increased by an average of 10% every year over the period 2017 to 2021. According to the President, the country’s total trade with other BRICS nations stood at R830 billion in 2022 from R487 billion in 2017.
During the Questions for Oral Reply session held at the National Assembly, the President explained that BRICS is an important source of foreign direct investment in key areas such as mining, automotive, transportation, clean energy, financial services and information technology (IT).
New chapter
In his address to the nation post the summit, the President described the summit—which was attended by the five BRICS member countries and representatives of 61 other countries-- as a success that “heralded a new chapter” for the group.
Naidu said the expansion of the BRICS is very much part of the interest in Washington right now.
“I don’t think it’s because [and] I say this with the most respect for the South African government and for South Africa. I don’t think it is because of South Africa that there’s interest in the BRICS. The interest in the BRICS right now is because the BRICS is expanding but it is not because of South Africa.”
The country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, was invited to join the bloc in 2010 and in 2011, South Africa attended its first summit of the group of leading emerging markets and developing countries.
Having been part of the bloc for over a decade, it was interesting to see other countries invited to join the bloc on African soil.
She notes that the first expansion of the BRICS that happened was with South Africa being invited to join the formation but that “didn’t get the attention” because the world at that time was not as “volatile, unpredictable and inflamed as it is now.”
The summit called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) including the Security Council. Speaking at the summit, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres said the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system are two areas which require a ”particularly important reform effort.”
He said if reform fails, “we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation can be one day a factor of confrontation.”
Naidu agrees with the Secretary-General’s comments.
“If reform is not happening; it is fragmenting and you can see that happening in a very real way. I think the expansion of the BRICS actually brings about a regionalisation of the geopolitics of the international system and you see that with the countries that are being invited to expand [the group].
Naidu said that this time around, the reform of the UN Security Council was not just a broad statement.
“My view was that for the first time in a long time, I think since the BRICS inception [that] the issue of the UN Security Council reform wasn’t just a broad statement. It kind of referred to the developing world and especially India, Brazil and South Africa.
“I feel that was a bit of a broad win in a way that [gets] Russia and China to kind of not to explicitly endorse, but to implicitly support the membership of India, Brazil and South Africa into the Security Council … where I didn’t previously see them doing that.”
Mathebula said that 15-years ago when the BRICS was formed, it was not thought that the group would one day challenge the United States.
“We never thought that it would challenge US hegemony but what we are seeing right now, is that we have this challenge of the US hegemony using emerging economies like South Africa [with] these countries being central to the global stage and determining policies instead of inheriting it.
“So considering that Russia and China are permeant members of the UN, it is an important indication of the changing global order,” Mathebula said.
Meanwhile, Naidu said South Africa must align its foreign policy to the new chapter.
“Yes the President was right that it brings a new chapter, but is South Africa understanding what that new chapter is? Is it aligning its foreign policy to the new chapter? You’ve got to think about the alignment of your strategic interests in where you want to position yourself in global affairs.”
The African voice
While the African voice was heard at the gathering, Mathebula said the question was whether or not “Africa will take what it needs.”
“Will Africa use the bloc in the right way to ensure that there’s development within their domestic markets?” she asked.
This year’s summit was held under the theme: ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism’.
Both analysts were of the view that South Africa did a good job in hosting the summit.
“Overall I think it was from a technical, transactional perspective, yes [South Africa] hosted the summit well. It showed that South Africa can host summits and has done so in the past and I think it will be difficult to nit-pick. The summit in itself did give some kind of transactional value to South Africa,” said Naidu.
Asked about what the country could have done better in hosting the summit, Mathebula said while a lot of people had something to say about the summit, there was also plenty of misinformation going around on platforms like TikTok.
“Not many people understood what it was about, the youth don’t know. [I] don’t know if its ignorance… the ignorance that you find in African states are [sic] actually the engineers of underdevelopment … I urge everyone to read on what [the] BRICS is,” said Mathebula. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:31
By Dr Nivisha Parag (Head of Healthcare Management Studies at Regent Business School) In an era of constant transformation within the healthcare sector, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the profound changes shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa. Recently, Dr Nivisha Parag from Regent Business School had the privilege of hosting …
More than 200 households affected
By Ian Pettey (MD Africa at Crown Relocations South Africa) As National Recycling Day approaches on 17 September, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the evolving landscape of sustainability in various sectors. One industry that is making remarkable strides in this arena is the international relocation industry. Long gone are the days of excessive …
South African retail group, Retailability has described the reconstruction of its 13 000m² apparel distribution centre at the Cornubia Ridge Logistics Park north of Durban as a “massive collaboration” and a “good news story” for the regional economy. The retail brand which includes Edgars, Legit, Swagga Style and Keedo was just one of the hundreds …
South Africa, 28 September 2023 – Southern Sun once again proudly hosted the 27th edition of the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards at a glittering event at the Cape Sun. The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Africa’s most celebrated wine and spirits competition, renowned for assembling an outstanding panel comprising 18 international …