African Championships Get Underway Despite Basketball South Africa’s Bungling
Tournament delayed by late arrival of teams
Pretoria
Betway SA20 Final Returns to Wanderers; Season 3 Opener and Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park
The highly anticipated Betway SA20 Season 3 is set to light up the South African summer once again, bringing world-class...
Institutionalisation of lifestyle audits improves in the public service
Institutionalisation of lifestyle audits improves in the public service
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) says the institutionalisation of lifestyle audits in the public service continues to improve with 147 out of 160 national and provincial departments finalising their lifestyle audits by the end of July 2024.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, the department’s Chief Director of Public Administration, Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit, Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak, reported that 191 senior managers or Senior Management Services (SMS) members were referred for investigations.
“These SMS members are from seven national departments and 20 provincial departments. The investigations include conflicts of interest but also includes serious allegations of unexplained wealth and conducting business with the state,” Hoogenraad-Vermaak said.
He said the DPSA was awaiting information on 39 SMS members in national departments and 31 SMS members in provincial departments.
“These departments will be issued with non-compliance letters.”
The Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) provides support to departments with training on lifestyle audits. The unit was assisted in developing material by the World Bank, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Program and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Hoogenraad-Vermaak said during the Public Service Month, held in September, various sessions will be conducted regarding departmental investigations.
“Discipline management is a decentralised function, meaning departments are responsible for the management of their own disciplinary cases and that the DPSA can not interfere in that.
“However, the PAEIDTAU is supporting departments with discipline management, as the unit has a mandate to set norms and standards on discipline, to build capacity within institutions to initiate and institute disciplinary proceedings into misconduct, to strengthen government oversight of discipline and to provide technical assistance and support to institutions in all spheres of government regarding disciplinary matters relating to misconduct in the public administration,” he said.
The department reminded public servants that it was a criminal offense for public service employees to conduct business with the state.
It warned that any public servant found guilty of such offenses was liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both.
Regulation 13 (c) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, prohibits public service employees from conducting business with an organ of state. Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, criminalises the conducting of business with the state for public administration employees and for special advisors.
The recently launched PAEIDTAU is a Chief Directorate within the DPSA which monitors the implementation of this prohibition and provides implementation support to departments.
In July 2020, the Ministers of Police, Justice, and Correctional Services and Public Service and Administration met with the Directors-General from their departments in order to devise strategies to eliminate the challenge of employees doing business with the state.
An agreement was reached that a multi-departmental team, consisting of DGs and senior management from these departments be established to ensure the implementation of this prohibition.
PAEIDTAU’s mission is directly aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-30 (NACS), which aims to, among others, enhance governance, oversight, and consequence management in the public administration. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 13:40
275 views
Rules for R370-A-Month Social Grant to Be Challenged in Court in October
#PayTheGrants and the Institute for Economic Justice say regulations exclude many people who are eligible; government disagrees
Public Service Month to kick off on a high note
Public Service Month to kick off on a high note
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has outlined a series of activities his department will spearhead as part of this year’s Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).
Activities will kick off on Thursday and will feature among others, roadblock inspections, service delivery site spot checks and an imbizo which will be led by the Minister.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria on Monday, Buthelezi said during the course of the month, government will introduce the Ethics Committee Procedure and provide training on Lifestyle Audit Investigations and Discipline Management.
This is aimed at reinforcing the ethical foundations of the public service.
“In collaboration with The Ethics Institute, we will conduct an independent survey to assess the state of ethics in public administration,” the Minister said.
September marks public service month in South Africa. The IPSM serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the impact the government has, especially around issues of service delivery.
As part of Public Service Month, public servants are expected to roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service delivery points and unblock the bottlenecks and red-tape in the delivery of services, among others.
On Thursday,12 September, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will host a dialogue focusing on enhancing services for persons with disabilities. The dialogue is aimed at improving the lives of those living with disabilities and informing policy recommendations.
The Service Delivery Monitoring Week will be held from 16-22 September.
The Minister explained that the initiative will emphasise the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure effective service delivery and this will include visits to key facilities which include:
• Presidential Hotline visit in Centurion on 17 September at 9 am
• Site visit at Maponya Mall Thusong Centre on 18 September at 9 am
• Bronkhorstspruit Hospital on 19 September at 9 am
Also as part of the IPSM, Batho Pele Week (hybrid events) will be held.
These include:
• Dialogue on Public Service Charter (Gauteng) - hybrid event on 25 September.
• Batho Pele – Walkie Talkie – physical event in Rustenburg on 27 September.
The final week of the IPSM week will include:
• International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) four-day conference in Gauteng – physical event from 1-5 October 2024
• Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Hackathon weekend in the Northern Cape - physical event from 4-6 October 2024
• GEMS Big Walk for all government employees – Sunday, 6 October 2024
Buthelezi said the wellbeing of public servants remains a priority and that government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing integrated mental health strategies.
“As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders to join us in our efforts to strengthen the public service and restore trust in our institutions,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:30
12 views
An assault on SAPS is an assault on the state – Acting President
An assault on SAPS is an assault on the state – Acting President
Acting President Paul Mashatile says any attack on the South African Police Service (SAPS) is an assault on the state itself and that those responsible for such acts, equivalent to treason, must face decisive action.
He was speaking at the SAPS National Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday.
Government honoured the 39 women and men in blue who died in the line of duty between April 2023 to March 2024. Their names have been engraved on the SAPS memorial wall at the Union Buildings as a symbol of gratitude for the sacrifices made in serving and protecting the nation.
“An assault on SAPS is a direct attack on the state, and we must take action against individuals who perpetrate this crime, which is equal to treason.
“[National Commissioner] General Fannie Masemola, police officers must not die with their service firearms on their holsters when criminals refuse to surrender and start firing at police. When a shootout ensues between police and criminals, police have a duty to protect their lives, as well as those of their colleagues and all community members,” he said.
Acting President Mashatile acknowledged that being a police officer was one of the most dangerous occupations and one may feel anxious knowing that they may leave their family for work and never return.
“In your defence, you must show criminals that you are in charge. You must act decisively, using proportionate force in line with the threat you are facing according to legal provisions. You must intensify your efforts to guarantee that you defeat crime.
“Minister Mchunu, we must make sure the police have enough tools to support their counterattack against criminals. We also need to find a balance to address the major issue of an increasing population, which police recruits simply cannot keep up with,” he said.
Acting President Mashatile said the country must strive to attain the United Nations' suggested ratio of one police officer for every 220 persons. He said the police-to-population ratio in South Africa has recently increased, rising from about 1:353 in 2014 to 1:427 in 2023.
He told the police officers gathered at the Union Buildings that the 39 members being commemorated had entrusted them with a significant duty to carry on the baton and guarantee peace and order.
“May you never tire of serving your nation by working harder to imprison all offenders in honour of your fallen colleagues. In the honour of these gallant crime fighters, you must remain unshaken in your resolve to keep our communities safe. May you uphold the integrity of the badge and relentlessly strive to bring those responsible for any police officer's death to justice,” he said.
Acting President Mashatile said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the Hawks, had arrested 18 suspected police killers between April and June this year.
Twelve of them were convicted and sentenced to a cumulative 139 years imprisonment. The court sentenced one of the killers to life in prison.
The Hawks’ work is ongoing to bring justice to the families who lost their loved ones in the fight against crime, he said, adding that other cases are pending in court and that he hoped they would receive harsh sentences.
“Of grave concern is the fact that, since 2021, inclusive of today, we have commemorated a total of 140 police men and women who lost their lives in the hands of criminals while performing their official duties.
“This number is alarmingly high, especially considering that these are men and women who have the potential to lead the future SAPS to a crime-free South Africa,” Acting President Mashatile said.
The Acting President emphasised that it was imperative for a collaborative approach to resolving internal challenges, including low morale among members, SAPS members involved in criminal activities, and ageing infrastructure, in order to enable the police to fulfil their constitutional obligations.
“Fighting crime should not only be the SAPS responsibility; communities are expected to work with the police to fight criminal activity, protect their properties, and help identify criminals.
“Criminals are humans who live in our communities, and residents know where they live. As a result, we urge all community members to inform the police of criminals' whereabouts to enable them to promptly arrest all criminal elements in our communities,” he said.
Mashatile called for the strengthening of Community Policing Forums (CPF). – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 12:53
198 views
Chilli Chocolate Chefs: A Culinary Journey of Passion and Perseverance
In the heart of Durban, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies the culinary haven of Chilli Chocolate Chefs (CCC). The brainchild of sisters Zainab and Faatimah Paruk, CCC is not just a catering company; it is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering determination. This is their story, a journey …
Tshwane’s Residents Sold Out by ActionSA
Dear Editor The City of Tshwane’s residents have been sold out to the EFF and other parties by a now former member of the Tshwane multi-party coalition government, ActionSA. While the City of Tshwane’s performance has been consistently improving, this attack on the bedrock of a well performing government threatens to halt all the progress …
SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister
SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a series of profiles to celebrate women in policing and in particular female leaders within its ranks who are playing key leadership roles within the organisation to ensure a safer and secure country for all.
As Women’s Month draws to a close, SAPS celebrates the recently appointed Deputy Minister of Police and Member of Parliament, Polly Boshielo.
Boshielo took up her new role in the Police Ministry in June 2024, following the establishment of South Africa’s seventh democratic administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Section 93(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates that Deputy Ministers appointed in terms of subsection (1) (b) are accountable to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.
As a Deputy Minister in the Police Ministry, Boshielo's role, alongside Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, is to support the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in the execution of his duties.
This is a task Boshielo does not take lightly and says she is “rolling up her sleeves” in the fight against crime.
Boshielo hails from Seshego, a township in Polokwane in the Limpopo province.
Growing up, Boshielo always knew she was destined for a life in the political realm and matriculated at Mmakgabo High school in 1989.
Her political leadership acumen led her to become a respected South African politician and a leader who served the country in various leadership positions, both in public and private sector, said the SAPS.
This year, the country observes Women’s Month under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Year of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”.
Boshielo is a sterling example of a woman in leadership that believes in continuous self-development and obtained the following academic achievements:
• Master’s in Philosophy (MPhil) in Transport Studies (2018), University of Cape Town
• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) (2007), Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) specialisation in Management (2004), University of South Africa
• Diploma in Road Transport (Passenger)(2000), then Rand Afrikaanse Universiteit
Boshielo is currently enrolled and studying towards a Doctorate’s degree in Administration through the University of Limpopo.
Over the years, Boshielo also completed a number of additional qualifications which include a Diploma in Office Administration, a Certificate in Personal and Team Effectiveness and a Certificate in Strategic Planning and Change Management.
The Deputy Minister went on to complete various other post graduate programmes among others, Executive Leadership Programme Certificate with the University of Cape Town (UCT), Senior Management Programme with the University of Pretoria (UP) as well as obtaining a Project and Programme Management certificate with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Boshielo said her political career started as an Administrator in the Office of the Secretariat in the African National Congress (ANC), Northern Province, before her appointment as the Head of the MEC’s Office of Dr Aaron Motsoaledi from 1994 until 2007.
She also served as General Manager in the Department of Roads and Transport responsible for public, freight and air transport.
Her leadership qualities and capabilities were recognised following her deployment to the National Assembly where she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on 21 May 2014 and served until 5 June 2015.
She was assigned to serve at the Auditor-General for Transport, Status of Women and Public Enterprises committees.
Boshielo was also appointed as the Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature from October 2015 to May 2019.
Following the inauguration of the provincial government in 2019, she was then appointed an MEC for Education from May 2019 until June 2022 and then re-deployed to the Transport, Safety and Liaison portfolio as MEC until October 2022.
Boshielo was then deployed back to the Limpopo Provincial Legislature where she was appointed Chairperson for Quality of Life and Status of Women, Youth and Disability portfolio from October 2022 until May 2024.
Prior to her political appointments, the Deputy Minister served in various senior positions in both public and private institutions.
“As the Police Ministry our goal is this - to ensure South Africans and visitors to our country are safe and feel safe. Professionalism is key in ensuring services of a high standard are rendered to the communities our members of the South African Police Service serve,” Boshielo said.
The Deputy Minister promised to plough her wealth of knowledge and experience into her new portfolio towards a safer environment for all. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 11:52
14 views
Mamelodi Residents Threaten Relocated Flood Victims
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Nzimande calls for urgent need to transform South Africa’s science landscape
Nzimande calls for urgent need to transform South Africa's science landscape
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has called on the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to convene a summit to discuss transformation within South Africa’s national system of innovation (NSI).
Speaking in Pretoria at the launch of the 2024 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report, Nzimande said that the summit should bring together stakeholders to address the remaining barriers to achieving a fully transformed innovation system.
Despite the report highlighting increases in the numbers of women and Black academic staff at higher education institutions in South Africa, the Minister said there is still much room for improvement.
“We must recognise the ongoing challenges in transforming our STI landscape. We need to ensure that our NSI truly reflects the demographics of our nation, particularly in terms of race, class and gender,” he added.
According to the report, university enrolments in South Africa increased by 12% between 2012 and 2021, with a 41% rise in the number of graduates.
Black African academic staff representation rose to 43%, marking substantial progress in gender and racial equity.
Meanwhile, scientific publications increased from 3 693 in 2000 to 27 208 in 2022, securing a global share of one percent.
Diversity among authors has also improved significantly, with the percentage of women authors rising from 32% in 2005 to 45% in 2022, and contributions from black academics growing from under 15% to over 52%.
The Minister said the ongoing transformation of the NSI is about ensuring that the benefit of innovation is shared equitably across society.
This includes enhancing access to science and technology education for young people from working-class and poor backgrounds to ensure they can become future scientists and innovators.
However, he said the positive increases in university enrolments and graduates, coupled with the growing representation of women and Black African academic staff, were testament to government’s commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive scientific community.
The National Research Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, said that, among 4 212 rated researchers in South Africa, Black South Africans account for 38%.
Nzimande believes this was testimony to the commitment to transform the country’s research landscape.
The STI report, titled ‘Measuring science, technology and innovation to guide their contribution to socio-economic development’, highlights South Africa’s advancements and the challenges that remain.
Commissioned by NACI, the report provides data and insights that inform policy decisions by government, helping to shape strategies aimed at improving the country’s STI landscape.
The report reveals that South Africa invested R2.4 billion in national research infrastructure and R1.2 billion in the National Equipment Programme, strengthening research capabilities across the country.
The nation’s e-Government Development Index improved from 0.49 in 2012 to 0.74 in 2022, with its global ranking jumping from 101 to 65 out of 193 countries, reflecting significant progress in digital inclusion.
Manufacturing exports increased by 11.7% between 2021 and 2022, with medium and high technology (MHT) exports showing strong growth.
The sector saw a notable rise in patent filings and publications in emerging technologies, including digitalisation and nanotechnology, indicating a robust commitment to innovation.
The report identified ongoing challenges, including low research and development (R&D) intensity, declining international patent applications, and reduced venture capital investment.
South Africa’s patenting activity has declined significantly over the past few years.
Domestic patents granted decreased from 694 in 2019 to 513 in 2022, while patent applications abroad dropped from 1 457 in 2020 to 968 in 2022.
Additionally, patents granted by the European Patent Office decreased from 80 in 2020 to 38 in 2022.
However, there was a slight increase in patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, from 125 in 2021 to 150 in 2022.
“As we move forward, it is imperative that we make targeted and sustainable policy, institutional, and resource interventions to address the challenges identified in the 2024 STI Indicators Report. Our goal is to place science, technology, and innovation at the core of South Africa's national development agenda, the Minister.
CEO of NACI, Dr Mlungisi Cele, underscored the importance of addressing these challenges with a comprehensive strategy. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 15:23
556 views
Luxury Properties Seized in New Lottery Crackdown
Pretoria High Court grants preservation order over assets
Tenders issued to appoint independent investigator into Telkom Towers
Tenders issued to appoint independent investigator into Telkom Towers
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says his department has issued tenders for the appointment of an independent investigator to, within 60 days following their appointment, provide a detailed report on what went wrong with the Telkom Towers building in Pretoria.
According to Macpherson, the report should detail who is to blame and what will be the best solution moving forward for the Telkom Towers to limit further wastage of taxpayer money.
Earlier this month, the Minister conducted an oversight inspection at the Telkom Towers.
The building was procured to serve as the South African Police headquarters in 2016 to the tune of nearly R700 million. Officials say to date, over R200 million has been spent on renovations and other services but the building remains empty due to lapses.
Addressing the media in Cape Town on Wednesday, Macpherson said in the coming weeks, a tender for a second independent investigation will be released to investigate leases which have been established by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure that these leases were completed within the confines of the law and that the state is paying market-related prices for each.
“Shortly after my appointment, we initiated an investigation into an R300 million IT security breach that spans a decade. The investigation builds on the work Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala started earlier this year when vulnerabilities were discovered in the department’s Information and Technology Systems,” the Minister said.
Macpherson said preliminary reports since the extent of the security breach was found suggest that the amount of money stolen over the period confirms the seriousness of the matter.
He has also authorised the department’s legal services to assist the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with litigation at the Special Tribunal to recover up to R20 million against Kroucamp Plumbers.
“This case involves tenders received by Kroucamp Plumbers in 2015 and 2018, where procurement processes were found to be unlawful and unconstitutional.
“The SIU discovered that payments were made to officials in our department amounting to over R300 000, and these actions are indicative of corruption that we are determined to root out,” the Minister said.
Macpherson said his goal is to make the department play a central role in using public assets for the public good and to help turn South Africa into a construction site which will ignite economic growth and create jobs.
“Over the past eight weeks, I believe we have started to lay the foundation for the work to begin to see cranes in the sky all over South Africa,” Macpherson said.
Central to the department’s strategy for increased infrastructure investment is to see the expansion and the capacitation of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA).
“We want to ensure that ISA functions as the single point of entry for all priority infrastructure projects, streamlining processes and reducing inefficiencies that have previously hampered project delivery,” Macpherson said.
This will not only improve efficiency but also ensure that the department prioritise projects with the greatest economic and social impact.
“And, this will increase investor confidence in public infrastructure projects, knowing that where Infrastructure South Africa is involved, construction projects are completed on time and within budget.
“We are accelerating broader budget reforms by collaborating with the National Treasury to streamline the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) process and establish an Infrastructure Fund that reports directly to the National Treasury.
“We are diversifying funding sources for infrastructure projects by focusing on PPPs, blended finance, and social infrastructure programmes. ISA will work closely with the National Treasury to direct investments toward projects with the highest GDP [gross domestic product] impact and job creation potential,” the Minister said.
The Minister said as the department pushes forward with reforms to ignite infrastructure investment, it was important that the department get its own house in order to ensure that it delivers on the core mandate.
“Accountability and transparency should be at the core of everything we do, while we work to eliminate corruption and abuse in all spheres of our organisation.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:11
451 views
Significant By-Election Victories
Dear Editor “These victories are more than just electoral successes; they are a powerful vote of confidence in the DA’s policies, leadership, and our commitment to saving South Africa.” – John Steenhuisen The DA is proud to announce our significant victories in seven by-elections held across the country yesterday. These results are a clear indication …
Minister Meth welcomes Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings
Minister Meth welcomes Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has welcomed the Supreme Court of Appeal judgment against Thuja Holdings in the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme matter.
The Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed with costs on 15 August 2024 an application by Mthunzi Mdwaba, Thuja Holdings and others to appeal against judgments and orders handed down earlier this year by the Pretoria High Court.
“In dismissing the application, the Supreme Court of Appeal found that there is no reasonable prospect of success in the appeal. Furthermore, there is no other compelling reason an appeal should be heard,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.
On 19 April 2024, the Pretoria High Court set aside the R5 billion Thuja jobs scheme agreement and declared it invalid after it found that the agreement entered into between the Department of Employment and Labour and Thuja Holdings (Pty) Ltd did not comply with the relevant provisions of the Public Finance Management Act.
Mdwaba was ordered to pay the Minister's costs of the application, including the cost for two legal counsel employed.
Mdwaba, subsequent to the judgment of 19 April 2024, applied for leave to appeal the Pretoria High Court judgments and orders, but after hearing the appeal, the court dismissed the matter with costs, on 28 May 2024.
Meth is pleased that the Court has finally pronounced on the validity and lawfulness of the agreement, which has brought the matter to its conclusion.
"I am pleased that the SCA has finally brought this protracted Thuja jobs scheme matter to closure. This judgment is significant to us as the department and the workers whose UIF [Unemployment Insurance Fund] money was preserved through the aversion of this irregular transaction.
“It goes to show that as government, we do not take light the responsibility placed upon us to safeguard the monies reserved for workers. Indeed, certainty and clarity about the oversight responsibility bestowed on political office-bearers deployed in government was elevated through this matter,” Meth said.
The Minister said the work of the Unemployment Insurance Fund can continue in earnest, as the department maps the way forward to create much needed employment opportunities for unemployed jobseekers.
READ | Nxesi denies allegations of corruption in R5 billion UIF jobs deal. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:31
397 views
Gayton McKenzie Silent on Basketball Fiasco
The sports minister promised to report back last Friday after chaos of U18 African Championship tournament came to light
Empowering Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs: Transformative Workshop Coming to Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa – Aiming to equip job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive market, a highly anticipated workshop is set to take place on the 18th and 19th of October 2024 at 24 Skipper Avenue, Akasia, Pretoria North. Organized by Noble Wealth Creation Group, this event …
Addressing Debt Challenges in State-Owned Enterprises
In a concerted effort to tackle the growing challenges of State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) debt in Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted a high-level workshop in Pretoria from 21 to 23 August 2024. The event brought together finance policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations to share best practices and develop strategic solutions for effective SOE debt management across the continent.
The workshop brought together officials from the Ministries of Finance of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia, along with representatives from UNDP, the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, and major state-owned entities. The focus was on enhancing governance frameworks, improving financial oversight, and exploring privatization options.
Participants discussed the critical role of SOEs in driving national development, acknowledging that while these entities have the potential to bolster economic growth and address market deficiencies, they also pose significant risks to government finances. The workshop highlighted that poorly managed SOEs can lead to severe financial burdens, potentially destabilizing national budgets and contributing to the deterioration of sovereign credit ratings.
“In many African countries, SOEs play a vital socio-economic role. This workshop comes at a critical time for Africa's development, with both SOE and government finances under pressure amid cascading crises and multiple shocks,” said Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance, and Governance Division (MFGD) at ECA, in her opening remarks.
Ms Schwidrowski noted that “critical public services tend to deteriorate alongside SOEs' financial difficulties, leading to a downward spiral of weakened service delivery and growth.” That is why ECA organized this capacity-building workshop “to develop practical solutions and options for Africa,” she added.
The discussions also underscored the importance of corporate governance, risk management, and internal oversight as drivers of reform. Participants shared successful approaches to SOE debt management and identified key barriers, including challenges related to mandate delivery and the intricate links between sovereign and SOE credit ratings.
Lee Everts, Chief of the Macroeconomic Analysis Section in MFGD, emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address the rising SOE debt. “Financial restructuring, governance and operational improvements, and in some cases, privatization or asset sales, are essential steps to mitigate the risks posed by SOE debt,” she said.
The workshop, organized by ECA's Macroeconomics, Finance, and Governance Division in collaboration with its Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, is part of a broader series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening public debt management across Africa. ECA remains committed to supporting African nations in implementing innovative and robust solutions to the persistent challenges posed by SOE debt and related government liabilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Interventions to make housing affordable
Interventions to make housing affordable
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the department is forging ahead to implement several interventions to redress the unaffordability of houses for the missing middle.
Announcing government plans and developments in the human settlements sector at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday, Kubayi said the department has recognised that the gap market or missing middle continues to face challenges in accessing adequate affordable housing.
“These are the households earning between R3 501 and R22 000 per month, who neither qualify for mortgage finance nor fully subsidised houses,” Kubayi said.
WATCH | Minister Kubayi briefs media
Kubayi said the interventions include First Home Finance, social housing and the Rapid Land Release Programme to encourage people to build for themselves.
Government will also develop a policy to encourage employers to provide housing to their employees and housing access for government employees through the Government Employees Housing Scheme. Government will also strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to collaboratively deliver housing solutions.
Progress
The Minister highlighted that since April 2023, First Home Finance (FHF) has been providing grants for non-mortgage products, and the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) has seen a significant increase in applications from individuals who want government assistance to buy their first properties through FHF.
“Since April 2024, the NHFC has approved about 1 151 of the non-mortgage subsidies at a value close to R160 million. The majority of these are from KwaZulu-Natal (283), Gauteng (160) and Limpopo (263),” Kubayi said.
Kubayi added that the NHFC action plan has identified potential partners who can partner with the corporation as subsidy origination and distribution channels to support the non-mortgage housing programme. This has also been warmly welcomed by traditional authorities, mainly in the Free State, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
She said the department will soon launch its first rural First Home Finance housing project at Inanda, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Partnerships
“Over the next five years, the NHFC will also intensify its working relationships with traditional leaders to increase the delivery of affordable housing in rural areas. Another category of partners in the action plan is of building merchants and employers keen on assisting their employees to access adequate housing.
“The recently unveiled strategic partnership between the NHFC with Cashbuild and Capitec for the Zakhelikhaya initiative is a great step towards strengthening partnerships with this category. Cashbuild formulated this programme so that its staff and clients could build their own homes using the First Home Finance grant and a purpose loan from Capitec,” Kubayi highlighted.
By partnering with NHFC, the minister said the programme has been widened to include the broader Cashbuild clientele that qualifies for the subsidy.
She explained that the NHFC and Cashbuild will collaborate in assisting Zakhelikhaya customers to apply for and access First Home Finance subsidies.
“Capitec has partnered with Cashbuild to provide purpose loans to the Zakhelikhaya Project, meaning that the grant will get to its intended beneficiaries a lot quicker than has been the case with just the mortgage products.
“The partnership will also facilitate payment of subsidies to assist Zakhelikhaya clients to buy material and be assisted to build their homes.”
Transfer of old government property
The Minister and Members of the Executive Council (MINMEC) responsible for Human Settlements took a decision earlier this year, to have the old government housing stock to be given back to municipalities or to the people who have been staying there for a long time, by 31 March 2025.
Kubayi said people who have been occupying these houses for more than 20 years will be given the preference to take ownership.
She said all provinces have commenced their work to ensure that they meet the deadline of 31 March 2025.
“All provinces have met municipalities to agree on the transfer of properties to beneficiaries and devolution of vacant land to municipalities. Provinces will continue to engage individual beneficiaries to conclude transfer processes, and we will be monitoring the progress,” Kubayi said.
Once completed, the transfer will economically empower beneficiaries who mostly fall within the gap market. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 15:02
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SA-China State Visit to focus on strengthening economic relations
SA-China State Visit to focus on strengthening economic relations
With China being South Africa’s largest trading partner, the upcoming State Visit to the People’s Republic of China by President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to fortify the economic relationship between the two countries.
In 2023, South Africa’s bilateral trade reached $34 billion, with exports totalling $12 billion and imports at $22 billion.
“China’s substantial contribution to our investment drive has made it the largest source of foreign direct investment for South Africa. We anticipate concluding several important agreements during this State Visit, including a Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation, addressing the trade balance, and expanding market access,” spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Chrispin Phiri, said on Monday in Pretoria.
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Phiri said these agreements will strengthen South Africa’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and elevate regional and multilateral cooperation to support global peace and security.
The President will travel of China from 2 - 5 September 2024 to further strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
“This visit is a testament to the robust relations between our two nations, built on mutual respect and benefit. It follows President Xi Jinping’s fourth State Visit to South Africa, further strengthening our ties.
“The primary focus of this visit will be to fortify our economic relationship. South Africa’s largest trading partner, China, has played a pivotal role in our economy.
“Our relations with China are central to realising our developmental agenda and efforts to implement the National Development Plan. This visit provides an opportunity to review progress on existing trade and cooperation, and to expedite and finalise new areas of collaboration,” he said.
While in China, the President will lead the South African delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing from 4 to 5 September 2024.
The Summit, themed, 'Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future', will further South Africa’s cooperation under the Belt-and-Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative (“Three Initiatives”).
SA-Japan developments
Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola successfully concluded his working visit to Japan, which coincided with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting on 24-25 August 2024 in Tokyo.
Launched in 1993, TICAD is the first international developmental partnership with Africa. It advocates for Africa’s development agenda and strengthens economic cooperation between Africa and Japan.
The Minister led South Africa’s delegation at the Ministerial Meeting, held under the theme, ‘Realising a Sustainable Future'.
The Government of Japan convened this significant gathering in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (UNOSAA), the World Bank, and the African Union (AU) Commission.
“The Minister’s visit to Japan coincided with Toyota’s announcement of a strategic investment of R 1.2 billion in the South African automotive industry and our first consignment of avocados to Japan. This marks a significant moment for our agricultural sector in the East Asia market.
“These important economic developments will go a long way to drive faster industrialisation, job creation, and transformation implementation. The Minister reiterated that South Africa enjoys a significant relationship with Japan, underpinned by a fair economic partnership that contributes significantly to our nation’s economic development and people-to-people relations,” Phiri said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 15:07
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Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally
Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally
As South Africa transitions towards a low carbon economy, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, says the benefits of energy renewable projects should be shared equitably with communities.
Addressing the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of addressing potential job losses in the coal sector.
South Africa’s plans for the just energy transition will focus on the transition of the energy sector, as it navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy.
“It is essential that we approach this transition with humanity, providing support, training, and creating new opportunities within the renewable energy sector. A holistic approach is required, one that embraces clear and comprehensive national renewable energy policies sets defined targets and provides a roadmap for the transition.
“Community participation and ownership in renewable energy projects must be a cornerstone of this policy, ensuring that the benefits of this transition are shared equitably,” Singh said on Monday.
While necessary, he said the just energy transition does come with its set of challenges.
“Acknowledging our current economic growth's stagnation, the reliance on coal for energy, and the coal industry's role as a significant employment sector, we understand the complexities involved.
“Moreover, the challenge of making renewable energy technologies affordable and accessible cannot be overlooked. We need innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that clean energy solutions are within reach for all South Africans, especially those in low-income communities.
“As we chart our course forward, it is clear that no single solution can address the multifaceted challenges we face,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said for South Africa to truly succeed, it needs more than just policies and roadmaps.
“…We need action and commitment from every sector of our society. From all spheres of government to the private sector, from civil society to every citizen, we must unite in our efforts towards a sustainable future. Now is the time for us to harness the incredible potential of renewable energy, to innovate, to build, and to grow together.
“Therefore, our call to action as a responsible, interdependent, and interrelated government is not just to listen but to participate actively in this transition. Let us collaborate, innovate, and implement the solutions that will power our nation forward.
“Let us build a future that aligns with our environmental, economic, and social imperatives. A future where sustainable energy drives our progress, where no one is left behind, and where we stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of global challenges,” Singh said.
He stressed that local government is at the coal face of the country’s efforts, as this is where policy legislation and regulation turn into action.
“We must be focusing on a back-to-basics approach, getting the basics right with respect to our daily deliverables. More than half of the battle will be won if every local sphere of government gets the basics right. Innovation and consistently good service delivery are what will carry the day,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said electricity is the backbone of progress, an enabler that unlocks industrial growth, drives the economy, and promotes inclusivity.
“Yet, the sustainability of our progress hinges on our ability to shift towards clean energy. The spectres of poverty, inequality and unemployment cannot be exorcised without robust GDP [gross domestic product] growth, which in turn demands a stable and sufficient energy supply.
“However, our journey is compounded by the environmental cost of our past reliance on coal. This has left us with a legacy of environmental degradation and health issues, making our commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources crucial for our environment and the well-being of our communities,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 14:30
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35 Years of Shared Adventures
Embodying resilience, evolution, and a sustained connection with families, Discovery commemorates its 35th anniversary this year. This milestone reflects the brand’s ability to adapt to changing market demands and showcases a commitment to innovation and distinctive design solutions for evolving consumer needs. Over three and a half decades, Discovery has consistently delivered quality and reliability. …