Public Relations

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided it will not prosecute former Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Fikile Mbalula in relation to his family holiday in Dubai.

This matters relates to the Public Protector's report, released on 19 December 2019, that the NPA should look into the allegation that Sedgars Sports funded the Mbalula family holiday in Dubai between December 2016 and January 2017, when he was the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.

The referral from the Public Protector was to investigate whether the trip was proceeds of money laundering, with the view to prosecute anyone who may have been involved in criminal activities.

A police docket was registered at Brooklyn police station, CAS 158/08/2019.

“After police investigations, guided by the prosecutors in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Unit office, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office, a decision to decline to prosecute anyone in this matter was taken, as there is no evidence supporting allegations of criminal activity,” the NPA said on Wednesday. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has expressed immense pride in Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national women’s football team, for progressing to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

In a memorable match on Wednesday, Banyana Banyana beat Italy 3 – 2 in Wellington, New Zealand. With this victory, Banyana Banyana became the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.

“Banyana Banyana have not only displayed great talent on the field, but they have also shown great fight. Their match against Italy was a must win game. Banyana Banyana showed just what makes them the pride and joy of South Africa, by matching toe to toe against the world’s top teams and creating history once again.

“I am thrilled that Banyana Banyana found it in them to get the necessary result to qualify for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. Banyana Banyana is an incredibly special team. All 60 million South Africans are behind this team and want them to do well.

“I would like to congratulate Banyana Banyana on making history. They have shown that they belong on the world’s top football stage. I urge the nation to continue to rally behind the team, as they seek to create even more history,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

A multimillion rand project set to establish two Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) hardware mass production facilities and 13 distribution satellite warehouses is to be rolled out nationwide.

The project will be administered and managed by Madinda Utilities, a Pretoria-based AMI hardware manufacturer and utilities diagnostics specialist company that has over 25 years of industrial experience in utilities cost-optimisation, diagnostics, sustainable renewable energy resources hardware distribution, installations and administration. 

The company pledged an investment of R600 million at the South African Investment Conference that was hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg in April.

Madinda Utilities is engaged in the deployment of the African Utilities Distribution Industry – Growth Portfolio Investment (AfUDI-GPI) project aimed at reducing municipal utilities’ revenue collection and distribution losses, token identifier (TID) rollover deadline readiness calibration, distribution asset acquisition and asset exponentiation through the South African Municipal Bond market.

According to the Managing Director of Madinda, Ogi Madinda, the purpose of the project is to roll out advanced metering infrastructure nationally.

“The end product consists of tamper-proof, state-of-the-art electronic/digital hardware and software, which combine interval data measurement with its continuously available remote communications. 

“The system is the quintessential full measurement and collection system that includes meters at the customer site, communication networks between the consumer and their distributor, such as an electric, or water utility/distributor, and data reception and management systems that make the information available to both consumers and suppliers,” Madinda said. 

He added that the system will allow consumers to receive real-time energy pricing and offers from the utility to manage their meter. This will enable them to benefit from lower bills, while utilities benefit from a stable load on the grid and less need to invest in expensive new capacity. 

“This is a turnkey solution for efficiency in the energy sector in South Africa. The project will enable South Africa to manufacture its own smart-grid hardware, which is currently designated for local manufacturing and content and only available through importation, solve a national utilities distribution problem and enable the country to join the global supply chain in this sector by establishing its own mass production plant for DLMS/COSEM compliant AMI hardware,” he said. 

He explained that ultimately it will prevent outages, massive revenue collection losses and excessive load shedding with long-term benefits. 

The long term benefits include utilities diagnostics integrity, distribution assets security and longevity, revenue collection protection and enhancement, increase in operational efficiency and performance, enhancement of customer service, demand response, demand-side management including outage detection and service restoration, enablement of customer engagement as well as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

The project's deployment is the African Electro-technical Standardisation Commission’s (AFSEC) recommended solution to prevent the distribution system’s demise resulting in regular and intermittent black-outs, outages, massive revenue collection losses and excessive load shedding. 

Gaps to be addressed will include AMI migration, supplier development and localisation contribution, unemployment, skills development contribution and sustainable energy renewable resources distribution and installations, amongst others. 

According to Madinda, the AMISA project has already been approved for grant funding from COP24's Sustainable Development Goals to the value of more than $126 million.

The project will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase expected to create 1 225 direct jobs, 2 770 indirect jobs in construction as well as 2 775 direct operational jobs with 26 576 indirect jobs. Humanitarian benefits will include directly addressing 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

“The project will effectively revive the revenue collection systems of municipal distributors to profitability and liquidity; conduct continental hardware calibration and security compliance for the TID Rollover Deadline increase job opportunities, skills transfer and defuse poverty and achieve utilities distribution efficiencies for 186 municipalities and Small Scale Embedded Generation Interconnection Projects that will improve their category grading, rendering municipalities equitable, profitable and sustainable to their constituencies - allowing even the smaller municipalities to benefit from the South African Municipal Bond Market,” Madinda said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, says Women’s Month is a time to highlight the plight of women and equally reflect on the strides made as a country in the advancement of women’s socio-economic emancipation.

Dube-Ncube made the remarks as the country kick starts the 2023 Women's Month commemoration under the theme, 'Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment'.

“The 2023 Women’s Month programme gives us an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the role that women can play in the revival of our economy by creating business and job opportunities in all sectors of our economy,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and various government entities, this week launched the 2023 Women’s Month in Durban.

Dube-Ncube said this year’s Women’s Month programme will focus on acceleration of socio-economic programmes and activities that are undertaken across the different sectors to fast-track gender mainstreaming.

Dube-Ncube called on women to grab the opportunities that are available, as South Africa has unique products that can be sold to global markets. 

She also urged them to speak out about the various forms of abuse experienced by women, both at home and in the workplace.

“August is a significant milestone in our history, as it marks the commemoration of  Women Day in South Africa and we celebrate the historic achievements of women in the fight for justice, equality, sexual and gender discrimination, and human rights abuse,” Dube-Ncube said.

BRICS roadshow

The Women’s Month launch culminated in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) roadshow, where Dube-Ncube met with BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) members and discussed the logistics of the upcoming BRICS Africa Trade Conference, which is scheduled to take place from 20 - 21 August 2023.

“We are not just merely launching the Women’s Month programme. We have brought in business and representatives of BRICS countries to come and have a conversation with us about opportunities that exist for women.

“We are discussing the energy sector and the role that women must play there. We are discussing access to the job market, finance and how we can now aggressively push that envelope to ensure that these things are realised,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said in the last few weeks right up to October 2023, KwaZulu-Natal has positioned itself as the theatre of BRICS conversations. 

“On 21 June, we hosted the BRICS Sport Ministers, and on 14 July, it was the BRICS Gender Dividend Dialogue. The BRICS Urbanisation Forum took place on 26 and 27 July and on 20 - 21 August, we are hosting the BRICS Africa Women's Business Alliance Trade Conference and in October, it will be BRICS games,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

By Neo Semono

Women’s Month got off to a thrilling start - thanks to the endeavours of South African women on the sporting terrain demonstrating that women can do anything they set their minds to.

Anxiety ruled supreme for those watching the midweek game between Banyana Banyana and Italy after which ululations were undoubtedly the order of the day.

While Banyana Banyana were crowned champions of the Women’s African Cup of Nations last year, this time around they were facing a team ranked 16th on the FIFA Women’s World Ranking and that was no easy feat.

While that may sound bias, life has not been easy for many women in South Africa and indeed for many others around the world.

The national senior women’s team didn’t just show up for the clash, but they made history in their nail biting finish.

While ululations in true South African style continue, reflecting on the fixture shows that the match served as a conduit of the country’s hopes and aspirations at a time when the country is tackling many a challenge.

Post the match, many young girls that have been playing soccer on imperfect pitches to pass the time are likely contemplating taking up the sport professionally, despite challenges.

The euphoria we find ourselves in as a result of their win, highlights the fact that with determination, nothing is impossible.

Three-days into Women’s Month, Banyana Banyana, made history becoming the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup underway in New Zealand and Australia.

 They however are not the only women making the nation proud.

The SPAR Proteas team drew with New Zealand in a spirited game in the Netball World Cup that South Africa is hosting in the Western Cape.

With additional pressure of the world cup being hosted on African soil for the first time, the Proteas gave it their all, drawing with the defending champions. While there are other matches still to go, the ladies are flying the South African flag high.

This is in addition to the feat of Tatjana Schoenmaker on her 200m breaststroke victory. The win has made her the first South African woman to win gold at the World Aquatics Championships.

Sport indeed has the power to unite a nation enmeshed in the very real daily challenges of unemployment, gender-based violence and poverty, among others.

Across communities, office parks and indeed the international community, women in sport are the talk of the town.

Just as there are challenges in other sectors of our society, sport has not been spared with gender disparity in relation to income still to be adequately addressed. 

In taking cognisance of the challenges of women sport, Cabinet recently approved the gazetting of the draft Policy on Women in Sport for public comment.

The policy outlines a set of measures that will promote and support women in sport and ensure programmes are in place to address gender disparities in sporting codes and structures.

It also addresses barriers to entry by women in sport such as a lack of funding, sponsorship and inadequate remuneration. The proposed policy intends to promote increased active participation of women in sport and leadership roles such as coaching and officiating.

Women in sport are proving that despite the uphill challenges, the human spirit is resilient and does triumph over adversity. They are living proof. While much has been done to advance the interests of women, much more remains to be done to support them in many other areas of society.

Win or lose, we all should be proud of their accomplishments. The women who marched to the Union Buildings 67 years ago would certainly be.- SAnews.gov.za

 

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will host her counterpart in New Zealand, Nanaia Mahuta, on Friday, 5 August, in Cape Town.
 
“It is expected that the two Ministers will discuss bilateral relations between South Africa and New Zealand, as well as the situation in Africa, Ukraine-Russia, women empowerment, science, technology, nuclear disarmament, and United Nations Security Council reform,” the statement read. 
 
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994, the department said South Africa and New Zealand have signed nine agreements. 

Additionally, the two Ministers will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on bilateral cooperation.
 
New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues as well as sports.

The media are invited to cover opening remarks by Ministers Pandor and Mahuta at the Westin Cape Town at 8:00. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, will next week host the 13th BRICS Ministers of Agriculture meeting aimed at increasing cooperation among its member countries to promote sustainable and fair growth.  

BRICS is the grouping of the world’s leading emerging market economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The 13th BRICS Ministers of Agriculture meeting will take place from 8-12 August 2023 at Mookgophong, Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality in the Waterberg District, Limpopo, 

Held under the theme, 'Strengthening collaborations towards sustainable agricultural production and increasing productivity', the meeting will seek to pursue issues of common interest relating to food security, climate change, rural development, economic challenges, poverty, and population growth. 

The department said the BRICS mechanism aims to promote development cooperation, security, peace, and establishment of a more equitable economic world. 

“The overall aim of BRICS agriculture cooperation is to improve access to food and increase comprehensive food production. The event will showcase rural development and climate change programmes,” the department said.

The meeting is hosted ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Last week, the department hosted the BRICS Road Show 2023 in Bloemfontein, Free State, which aimed to encourage debates, discussions, and conversations about the challenges confronting all provinces as an investment destination today and economies of scale.

The show also aimed to highlight programmes for economic development and sustainable job creation initiatives for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs); increase initiatives on rural development and climate smart technologies; expand market access/trade agreements; conclude on protocols; and to increase training opportunities to post graduate students. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has noted with deep concern the recent incidents of violence in Cape Town related to law enforcement officials impounding taxis due to various infringements.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister strongly condemned any form of violence from all parties involved in dealing with this impasse.

The Minister said she recognises the vital role that the taxi industry plays in providing essential transportation services to the public. She acknowledges the challenges faced by operators and drivers.

"However, resorting to violence and acts of aggression not only undermines the rule of law but also jeopardises the safety and well-being of passengers, law enforcement officials and innocent bystanders. It is crucial that all parties involved in this matter prioritise peaceful and constructive dialogue to resolve the issues at hand,” Chikunga said.

The Minister urged all stakeholders to work together and find common ground, without resorting to violence, in order to speedily address the challenges faced in the taxi industry.

She said government is committed to finding sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the taxi industry.

The Minister called on all relevant stakeholders, including taxi associations, law enforcement agencies and government officials, to engage in open and transparent discussions to address grievances, improve regulations, and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of passengers.

She said she understands the frustrations and concerns of the affected parties, and encouraged them to express their grievances through peaceful means and established channels.

Chikunga urged all parties to explore mediation and negotiation processes to resolve conflicts and reach mutually beneficial agreements.

Furthermore, she called on the taxi industry to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing their operations.

“Adherence to these regulations not only promotes safety but also demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and accountability. All stakeholders must work together to foster an environment where the rights and responsibilities of both operators and passengers are upheld.

“I appeal to taxi associations, law enforcement agencies and all relevant parties to prioritise the well-being of the public and work towards finding a resolution that respects the rule of law. All parties must act responsibly and in the best interests of the passengers and the broader community,” the Minister said.

She assured the nation that she remains committed to ensuring a safe and reliable public transport system.

“All South Africans must play their part in fostering a culture of peace, respect and adherence to the law. By working together, we can overcome the challenges faced by the taxi industry and create an environment that benefits all stakeholders,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, says a sharp focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning and future skills is needed to enhance the objectives of the Young Scientist Forum (YSF). 

“Further to this, we also believe that consideration must be given to the human and social sciences. 

“We believe that all these areas of focus are critical for the development of all BRICS countries and essential for their resilience and the long-term psychological well-being of their respective populations,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday. 

Manamela was speaking in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, where he was delivering the closing remarks at the BRICS YSF. 

The three-day event is a platform where participants zoom into transforming skills development for the future, climate change and environmental sustainability, and the future of society.

Organised by the Department of Science and Innovation’s entities, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the forum also hosted the Young Innovators Prize from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to reward innovations with societal benefit. 

Fifty South African scientists under the age of 40 were among 200 Master’s and PhD students discussing themes aligned with South Africa’s societal challenges. 

“The BRICS Young Scientist Forum has become an important platform for critical reflection by young scientists, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs on some of the most urgent challenges of our time.

“As South Africa, we are particularly pleased that this year’s BRICS forum upheld the tradition of focusing on such critical global issues as climate change, environmental sustainability, the future of education, mindset, and skillset, and the future of society,” Manamela said.

Another issue he believes deserves attention is the creation of strong YSF engagements with current and past cohorts. 

The Deputy Minister also proposed the establishment of an alumni forum of YSF participants from BRICS countries.

He said he was also pleased that the five installments of the BRICS Young Innovator Prize have been held successfully. 

“This prize has become an important stage for young people in BRICS countries to showcase their innovation talents and strengthen exchanges and cooperation with peers.”

The winners, he said, will be announced and awarded at a dinner by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande. 

The winner will walk away with US $25 000 (R463 926), while the second prize is $15 000 (R278 356) and the third prize is $10 000 (R 185 571). 

“To enhance the prestige of this prize, it is important that we continually improve the resourcing of this initiative in support of innovation improvement in the BRICS countries,” Manamela said.

He is also of the view that there is a need to increase the scope and thematic areas to resonate with the economic development of the BRICS countries and identify thematic areas that support developmental growth, especially the alleviation of poverty.

Manamela thanked the TIA and ASSAf for the sterling work of organising this year’s forum and innovation prize.

“Our gratitude also goes to the representatives of the various BRICS countries and our various esteemed guest speakers, who enriched our understanding of a number of critical issues that face our various countries and humanity today.

“It is our hope that the outcome of the 8th YSF BRICS Forum and the ideas presented by our young innovators will enhance the resolve of BRICS countries to improve the quality of life of the people in the global south.” 

The YSF precedes the 2023 BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting, which takes place on Friday, 4 August, under the theme ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism’.

The BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting is part of a series of activities leading up to South Africa's hosting of the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Former SABC Group Executive for Legal Governance and Regulatory, Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara, has been appointed as the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) Chief Legal Counsel.

The unit said Vanara’s appointment is in line with strengthening its “implementing business process improvements that are result driven”.

“The strategy places emphasis on the positive impact of the SIU work, improving turnaround time of investigations, reaching expected legal outcomes, and ensuring the implementation of SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management,” the SIU said.

Vanara has legal expertise spanning over two decades, including his work at the public broadcaster.

“He has also worked at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa as Acting Registrar of Members’ Interest, Chief Director: Legal Advisor and has occupied other legal positions. He holds a B. Proc through Vista University, LLB and LLM through the University of the Free State.

“The SIU looks forward to Advocate Vanara leading our legal team and strengthening our Civil Litigation Division to achieve even greater milestones,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za