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President Ramaphosa to embark on a working visit to Angola

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The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a working visit to the Republic of Angola on Thursday, August 8, 2024, to meet with President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. 

The two Heads of State will use the occasion of the working visit to reflect on the bilateral relationship between the two countries, who share very deep historical ties that are rooted in the liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid. 

President Ramaphosa and President Lourenço will also share perspectives on issues of regional mutual interest, including the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and on regional and continental efforts aimed at resolving the conflicts that are plaguing the continent.

President Ramaphosa will be supported by Ministers Ronald Lamola of International Relations and Cooperation and Angie Motshekga of Defence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa to embark on a working visit to Angola

Izimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them

Location: News

Izimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them

The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who briefed media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday on the President’s engagement diary.

He said government has an obligation to interact and communicate with citizens in all corners of the country. 

“With the Government of National Unity, this has become more urgent so that all citizens can understand how the new administration is working for them,” he said.

The Presidential DDM Izimbizo have been held since 2019 after President Ramaphosa indicated that he would like to visit South Africa’s 44 district municipalities and eight metropolitan municipalities.

Magwenya said the Izimbizo – which are attended by all Cabinet members – affords ordinary citizens a platform to voice their challenges and to hear from those that lead government on a national, provincial and local level. 

“The Izimbizo is more than just a feel-good or gig for the President and the Cabinet. It is about identifying a district in conjunction with the provincial governments. Once a district has been identified, the various spheres of government come together, different workstreams are established to drive the process that is coordinated by the political champion.

“A few days before the actual Imbizo, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are deployed to the district to inspect their respective programmes. New projects are identified. On the day of the Imbizo, the President is accompanied by the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of provincial governments, Mayors and Councillors and the community engages them. It does get heated at times and emotional,” Magwenya said.

He highlighted that public participation in the country has been a hallmark of South African culture since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.

“Public participation is intrinsically part of the DNA of the democratic South Africa. To be exact, it was initiated by the Constitutional Assembly in 1994 to consult and keep South Africans abreast of the Constitution writing process.

“It is against this background that the President can assert that the Presidential Izimbizo and the public participation programmes are not political gimmicks of the current and previous administrations. 

“Neither is it an extravagant exercise and wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money. But it is a caring government which is engaging its citizens across the political divide.

“It started in 1994 and it is entrenched in the South African public discourse. It has evolved from former President’s to today’s public participation programme of the Presidential Izimbizo under the banner of the [DDM],” he said.

At the briefing Magwenya hit back at critics of the izimbizo. This after recent reports claimed that government had spent at least R44 million on hosting four Izimbizo over the past 18 months.

While he conceded that hosting an Imbizo could be costly at times “all the officials involved must ensure that procurement processes are conducted within the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act”.

“Yes, critics will point out the high cost of DDMs and they will motivate how the money could have been utilised elsewhere. Indeed, one cannot quantify the impact of the Presidential Izimbizo in monetary terms, but it should be measured over the medium to long-term of what changes such events will bring to communities.

“It is mischievous to reduce the Presidential Izimbizo to Rands and Cents. It is about a caring government that is closer to the people, ensuring their right to access to basic services is solidified.” – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:38

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City of Ekurhuleni to host next Presidential Imbizo

Location: News

City of Ekurhuleni to host next Presidential Imbizo

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in Ekurhuleni in Gauteng later this month.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who was briefing the media on Wednesday.

The Presidential Imbizo will be the first to be held by the seventh administration. It is scheduled for Friday, 23 August.

“The DDM was established to improve coordination and alignment between the different spheres of government. This is an important initiative to improve planning, budgeting and implementation at a local level by bringing all spheres, departments and stakeholders together, towards uplifting our communities.

“You will recall that the planned District Development Model (DDM) oversight visit during April 2024 to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, had to be postponed due to challenges faced by the municipality at the time. The President is therefore pleased that the oversight visit to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality will take place,” he said.

The President is expected to be accompanied by all members of the National Executive who would already be on the ground leading up to the visit.

A success story 

During the media briefing, Magwenya batted away notions that the DDM Izimbizo have not delivered – pointing out that notable successes have been recorded in municipalities like Sedibeng in Gauteng where an imbizo was held in 2022.

This after criticism about the Presidential Izimbizo came to the fore this week.

“[The] Presidential Imbizo contributed to a clinic becoming fully operational. The clinic, which was built before the COVID-19 lockdown, had become a white elephant and the community in Zone 17, Sebokeng had to travel distances for basic medical care.

“Through the Presidential imbizo in [August] 2022, an inter-governmental task team comprising of national, provincial, local government and Eskom, identified the gaps for the clinic to become operational. The big issue was that it was not connected to the grid and that there was a stand-off between the different spheres of government about costs.

“The Presidential Izimbizo unlocked the bottlenecks. Eskom and the various government departments procured the transformer and finances to connect the clinic to the grid. Today, the community is benefiting,” Magwenya highlighted.

He added that the seventh administration will engage citizens.

“This seventh administration will continue to engage citizens through the Presidential Imbizo and the second round of the Presidential Izimbizo starts later this month at the Tsakane Stadium in the Ekurhuleni Metro and many more will follow over the next five years,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:41

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President Ramaphosa’s public programme for August

Location: News

President Ramaphosa's public programme for August

Fresh off the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the delivery of the Opening of Parliament Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on several local and international duties this month.
 

The President’s public programme for the next month was released by Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya during a media briefing on Wednesday.

The President  is set to visit Angola for a working visit on Thursday, 8 August.

“The two heads of state will use the occasion of the working visit to reflect on the bilateral relationship between the two countries, who share very deep historical ties that are rooted in the liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid. 

“The leaders will also share perspectives on issues of regional mutual interest, including the situation in the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo] and on regional and continental efforts aimed at resolving the conflicts that are plaguing the continent. The President will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola and the Minister of Defense, Angie Motshekga,” Magwenya said.

Wednesday, 13 August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet with Cabinet members, senior business leaders, and technical experts from government and business to discuss a new era of collaboration for a partnership launched over a year ago to address barriers to growth in South Africa.

Thursday, 15 August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa, will host a public signing of the Health Compact. The signing of  the compact is expected to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, at 1:30 pm.

Saturday, 17th August 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, hosted the Republic of Zimbabwe. The SADC Summit is responsible for the overall policy direction and control of functions of the Community, ultimately making it the policy-making institution of SADC. 

Friday, 23 August 2024

The President will embark on the District Development model oversight visit and Presidential Imbizo to the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng.

Monday, 26 August 2024
President Ramaphosa will address the JET Municipal Conference. The aim of the conference is to convene key stakeholders within the municipal space to chart the way forward for the effective implementation of the JET Municipal Portfolio set out in the JET Implementation Plan (JET IP) which was approved by Cabinet in November 2023.

Wednesday, 28 August 2024
President Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Thursday, 29 August
President Cyril Ramaphosa will appear in the National Assembly’s hybrid plenary session to provide oral replies to questions from the NA Members of Parliament at 2pm.

Friday, 30 August
The President will honour the invite from Zimbabwe President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. and embark on a working visit to Zimbabwe to attend the official opening of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 15:01

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa’s public programme for August

Embracing the winds of change 

Location: News

Embracing the winds of change 

It is often said that the more things change, the more they stay the same - and to some extent this is true.

In an evolving world, change is a necessity and is accompanied sometimes by pangs of anxiety and the eternal “what if” questions that take up residence rent-free in our minds.

As South Africans, we went through a period of transition with July 30 marking exactly a month since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Cabinet of the seventh administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

The journey to the seventh administration began at the ballot box at the May 29 elections that resulted in no outright winner at the polls for the political parties. 

While citizens wanted their voices to be heard through the ballot, all of us were wondering what the future would hold for a democratic dispensation that was not run by a political party that had obtained an outright majority at the polls. In the immediate future, fears of possible mayhem and violence post the elections have not materialised.

Setting the ball in motion in the proverbial winds of change, was the holding of the first Cabinet Lekgotla where the Ministers, the Deputy President and President sat down to map out the programme of action of government.

A few days later on 18 July, the President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) where he outlined the new administration’s key priority areas. These are: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state. 

In announcing these priority areas, the President appealed to the larger South African family to behave as weaver birds who give their all to build and cooperate. He has called on all South Africans to remain committed to pursuing the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion.

The new and returning Ministers and Deputy Ministers have hit the ground running in their respective portfolios having tabled their respective Budget Votes that concluded with the President’s reply to The Presidency vote on July 24.

And while we all continue to learn the names and faces of the new executive, what is clear is that the work of government continues unhindered, despite having some new captains at the helm of government departments.
 

The changes have not brought about angst and instability among our people. Instead, the period between the elections up until the setting up of the seventh administration to date, has been characterised by stability we should not take for granted.

And perhaps quite fittingly the changes are taking place in a year that the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy. The change not only tests the strength of our hard-won democracy, but also cements our freedom of choice in who we want to represent us in government and other areas of everyday life.
 

That freedom of choice has not been muffled or tampered with but has been taken seriously by the government of the day.

Attesting to this, the first citizen in replying to the Presidency Budget Vote said: “Above all, let us show that government will work for the people and that we can create a new era of growth and prosperity in our country.”
 

While it is still early days for the GNU, what has been clear for all to see is that there has been a sense of continuity in the operations of government, which is crucial in the creation of a better life for all as well as moving the country forward.

Just as human beings are constantly growing and evolving, change is constant but what remains is that the founding provisions of the Constitution of the republic founded on universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government, to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness among some of its values, still rings true, albeit the speed bumps along the way.

The Constitution as the supreme law of the land which cannot be superseded by any other law or government action, still lives and breathes for all of South Africa’s people.

Its supremacy has not changed and in an era of change, may its tenets to put South Africa’s people first, never fall. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Neo
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 11:11

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Special Tribunal dismisses Limpopo PPE procurement case exception application

Location: News

Special Tribunal dismisses Limpopo PPE procurement case exception application

The Special Tribunal has dismissed, with costs, an exception application raised by Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd in a matter related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Limpopo Department of Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into PPE procurement contracts - worth up to some R182 million - by the department in which Pro Secure was a service provider.

“This ruling supports the SIU's stance on the irregular procurement of PPE by the Limpopo Department of Health during the pandemic.

“The SIU’s investigation uncovered irregularities in the appointment of service providers such as Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd, Clinipro (Pty) Ltd, and Ndia Business Trading (Pty) Ltd for the supply and delivery of PPE, resulting in approximately R182 million in irregular and/or fruitless and wasteful expenditure by the department,” the SIU said in a statement.

The investigation occurred following a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which gave way for the corruption busting unit to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments by state institutions related to PPE procurement during the pandemic.

“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 10:03

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DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects

Location: News

DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will prioritise the completion of the remaining delayed Bucket Eradication Programme projects in the Northern Cape and the Free State.

Briefing the media on the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year on Monday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said of the 33 projects which formed part of the programme in the Free State, 26 have been completed (eradicating approximately 32 000 buckets).

“Approximately 10 000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects. Of 30 projects which formed part of the programme in the Northern Cape, 29 are completed (eradicating approximately 12 000 buckets), and 596 buckets remain to be eradicated in the one incomplete project,” Majodina said.

However, the Minister acknowledged that the programme will not result in the eradication of the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system altogether from the South African landscape. This is because the programme only focuses on eradicating buckets in certain towns in certain provinces, where they were identified in 2012.

She said since then, and on an ongoing basis, other municipalities elsewhere have introduced buckets systems in formal and informal settlements.

“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation which will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.

Working together with the Water Research Commission, the department is developing new safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation systems.

“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities.”

Strengthening partnerships

The Minister added that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will continue to collaborate with all sectors, especially the private sector, to contribute to resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges.

This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen collaboration and social compacts with the private sector, labour, civil society and government.

In addition to partnerships with mining houses for water supply projects, the department is also facilitating partnerships between the private sector and municipalities, through its Water Partnerships Office, which was established in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

This includes finalising plans with the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which are resulting in high levels of non-revenue water.

Water Services Amendment Bill 

Meanwhile, the department will shortly be presenting the Water Services Amendment Bill to Cabinet for approval for it to be submitted to Parliament.

Majodina noted that despite the high level of support provided by the department to the municipalities, the municipal water and sanitation services continue to decline.

She said the Amendment Bill provides for the introduction of an operating license system for Water Services Providers, to enable Water Services Authorities to ensure that their providers have a minimum level of capability to provide water and sanitation services that meet national norms and standards.

“The amendments propose that this should be done through the introduction of an operating license requirement for Water Services Providers, to ensure that they have a minimum level of competency.

“The Bill also introduces measures to enable the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities which do not comply with national minimum norms and standards for water services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:23

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Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women’s Month gets underway

Location: News

Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway

By Khanyisile Rasmeni

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has delivered a compelling address to mark the launch of National Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards women’s development”.

The launch took place at Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Thursday.

Chikunga said this year’s observance is not only a tribute to the strides made over the past three decades but also a moment for introspection and continued commitment to gender equality.

“August has long been a month of reflection and tribute to the invaluable roles women have played in the fight against discrimination and exploitation.”

The commemoration of Women’s Month serves as a platform to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.

The 30-Year Review Report underscores the progress achieved in women empowerment. Notably, women’s representation in Parliament increased from 28% in 1994 to 45% in 2019.

“Similarly, their presence in senior management roles rose from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021. Furthermore, as of 2017, women accounted for approximately 61.5% of university graduates, surpassing their male counterparts,” said the Minister.

READ | Cabinet approves 30-Year Review Report for publication

Despite these advancements, Chikunga emphasised that “while these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done”.

The year 2024 marks the 101st anniversary of women entering the legal profession in South Africa. Reflecting on this milestone, the International Association of Women Judges noted a dramatic shift from 1994, when the judiciary was overwhelmingly male and predominantly white.

“As of February 2023, 45% of judges are women, and the composition has diversified significantly. This transformation was further celebrated with the appointment of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga remarked.

READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

In addition to these judicial achievements, Chikunga praised Tatjana Smith for winning South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in global sports.

Gender-based violence and femicide

The Minister said the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains a critical focus. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF aims to rally societal support and intensify efforts against persistent violence. 

Chikunga underlined the importance of a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government response”.

She used the occasion to ring the alarm on the rising trend of extortion and fraud targeting employed women. 

“We alert South African women not to be victims of such extortion and fraud,” she advised.

The year 2024 also marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a pivotal document in the struggle for women’s rights in South Africa. The Minister invoked the Charter’s call for the removal of discriminatory laws.

“We, the women of South Africa, hereby declare our aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions, and customs that discriminate against us as women.”

She said the voices of the women who gathered at the First World Conference on Women in 1975 must be echoed throughout the month of August.

“In the world outside, we are ignored. We are invisible, we are not important... We've got to change these attitudes toward us — smilingly, if necessary, angrily if necessary, and aggressively if necessary. Otherwise, there will be no such thing as true equality.” - SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:41

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Just Energy Transition must not leave communities behind – Ramokgopa

Location: News

Just Energy Transition must not leave communities behind - Ramokgopa

Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has insisted that as South Africa continues to transition from a carbon intensive economy to a green economy, communities must be informed, consulted and educated on what the transition will mean to them.

The minister was delivering an address at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) seminar on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and the Future of Work in Tshwane.

Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of consultations with and education of communities  as South Africa transitions and, by implication, some coal fired power stations wind down operations.

“We need to answer that question by what we mean by [Just Energy Transition]. It’s also about the democratisation of the conversation. It’s important that when you move into [communities] you don’t undermine the agency and the ability of people in those areas to comprehend and understand the implications of the decisions that you want to take.

“You don’t suggest that you have the authority to decide on their behalf. We don’t have that authority. It’s important that they get to be educated [on] the impact of not transitioning to the environment, to their own health, what it means and the impact of doing that suddenly.

“And they must contribute to the generation of how best to do that Just Transition and don’t treat those people as unthinking [and] as people who don’t have a view. As we move this just transition, we [must] take communities with us,” he said.

The minister highlighted that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition is expected to be an expensive process which – he added – should be subsidised by developed nations who are responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gases causing climate change.

“There’s a ticket that’s assigned to the transition…the financing ticket. We are talking about R1.6 trillion over a period of five years. The South African balance sheet is very weak; it will not be able to carry this. So you need to design bespoke financing instruments…to help us to go this route.

“But also more significantly, what is the contribution of the developed world? Those parties that are largely responsible for the kind of damage that we are seeing to the environment. Africa in total contributes about 4% to the greenhouse gas emissions. We can’t carry the same responsibility. The industrialised and developed north have got both a moral and ethical duty to ensure that they are able to finance this transition,” he said.

Turning to South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Ramokgopa reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance that the sector is undergoing a revolution that will create jobs and growth.

“Without any hesitation, renewables are going to see the biggest exponential growth of any form of fuel in the energy mix. We are tilting towards green forms of energy. Nuclear, solar PV, hydro and wind are going to be the mainstay of this transition. Of course, we do all of these things at the pace and scale that we can afford.

“We know that on solar PV and wind, these are some of the cheapest forms of generation. So we are going that route with its own weaknesses that this is not dispatchable power. So it’s not available all the time. It’s important that we do this configuration of what constitutes the various forms of fuel sources…understanding that the backbone of our energy generation will still be baseload,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 10:31

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dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

Location: News

dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday. 

Tau was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the debate on his department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday. 

“In the spirit of transparency and in the hopes that we further improve the ease of doing business, we welcome President Ramaphosa’s ascension to the Companies Amendment Act. The Act aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that our company law is consistent with well-established principles that are not over-burdensome on businesses,” he said. 

Tau said the new Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand, as well as addressing public concerns regarding high levels of inequality in society.

“The Act will go a long way in ensuring adherence to sound corporate governance, accountability and transparency, and that directors carry their duties with integrity and care,” he said.

READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business

Tau also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Climate Change Bill into law, saying that all South Africans needed to celebrate its ascension. 

The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response. 

“The signing of the law came at an opportune moment because as the department, we had already taken significant steps towards identifying opportunities in industrial decarbonisation and manufacturing of green products for both local and export markets,” he said.

The Act makes provision for an active role by provinces and municipalities in coordinating the country’s climate change responses, as well as setting emissions targets for manufacturing and related sectors. 

“In this regard, our department has developed the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which will be implemented. 

“In the next few weeks, we will be meeting with provinces and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to map these out further and ensure that we all channel our energies towards building a greener and climate-resilient South African economy,” Tau said.

During his speech, Tau said the department will accelerate the roll out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme in order to achieve better spatial equity.

“Fortunately, there are local success stories we can learn from to accelerate the SEZ model in other under-serviced areas,” he said.

He cited the Coega Industrial Development Zone, which is presently home to 63 firms, employing approximately 10 000 people and with cumulative investments of about R11.5 billion.

Tau told the NCOP that his administration will ensure that industrial opportunities resulting from policy, regulatory and private-sector decisions were maximised to enable manufacturing-led growth. 

“Manufacturing induces or catalyses growth and jobs in upstream and downstream sectors. These jobs are typically permanent, pay relatively decent wages and provide workers with sustainable careers. And as you would agree, these jobs offer a sense of dignity to our citizens and communities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:42

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President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill has been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the Presidency, the new law is aimed at “affirming the institutional and operational independence” of IPID and empowers the directorate to “investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers, whether they were off duty or not”.

“The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

“This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter, which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight,” the Presidency said.

The newly assented to law also amends provisions in certain appointments, what the IPID can investigate and savings provisions for officials working in that office.

This includes: 

  • The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director’s responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters. 
  • The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.
  • The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
  • IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
  • The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.

“The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

“The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 15:21

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President Ramaphosa assents to Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation affirming the institutional and operational independence of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and empowering IPID to investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers whether they were off duty or not.

The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.

The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters.

The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.

This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight.

The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director's responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters.

The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.

The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.

IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.

The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa assents to Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill

Fund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

Location: News

Fund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

With the President signing into law the Pension Funds Amendment Act (31 of 2024), National Treasury has urged fund members to seek trustworthy financial advice to consider the implications for withdrawals from the savings component.

“Fund members should also note that administration costs and tax at marginal rates will be deducted from such withdrawals. Members will lose out on all related future growth and the retirement benefit originally intended for those funds,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.

The signing into law of the Pension Funds Amendment Act ushers in the last part of the significant amendments required to implement the two-pot system to commence on 1 September 2024 after proclamation by the President.

The Pension Funds Amendment Act provides for certain amendments to the Pension Funds Act, 1956, the Post and Telecommunications-related Matters Act, 1958, the Transnet Pension Funds Act, 1990 and the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996, which are necessary to enable retirement funds, including public sector funds, to implement the two-pot reform. 

READ | President Ramaphosa signs Pension Funds Amendment Bill into law

These changes follow the related amendments to the Income Tax Act, which are contained in the Revenue Laws Amendment Act (12 of 2024).

“The main intention of the two-pot system reform is to improve South Africa’s retirement outcomes for members at retirement through the preservation of a larger portion of the retirement savings.

“At the same time the reform allows some measured access in cases of financial distress without a member having to resign from employment.

“The new two-pot retirement system creates a more sustainable retirement fund system, while increasing flexibility to cater to the differing needs of members. The system will provide a welcomed relief mechanism for people in real crises to access emergency funds without resorting to loan sharks or having to quit their jobs to access their retirement savings, while ensuring a larger portion of those savings are preserved until retirement,” National Treasury said.

Retirement funds and trustees are now in the process of aligning their fund rules with the changes to the acts and should be communicating with fund members about these rule changes and processes to be followed for savings benefit withdrawal claims. 

Fund rule amendments still need to be submitted to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority for approval before implementation. 

“Most funds are set to implement the new split for contributions to the two new components (i.e. savings component and retirement component) on 1 September 2024, as planned.

“They will also calculate the once-off seeding capital value using the vested component (i.e. retirement savings accumulated before implementation date) on 31 August 2024, that will be available for transfer to the savings component and accessible to members from 1 September 2024. 

“However, not all funds will likely be able to process withdrawal requests immediately on 1 September 2024, as the systems to do so and the mechanics to request such withdrawals will still be new or are being installed. Funds that are ready for such withdrawals will also need some time to process requests,” National Treasury said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:12

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Read moreFund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

Location: News

Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

South African swimmer Tatjana Smith has bagged the nation’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, putting on a glittering performance in the women’s 100m breaststroke.

Smith finished the race at 1:05.28 on Monday.

“Smith’s own Olympics tally has now grown to three, with two golds and a silver, and one more will see her equal Chad le Clos on four, the most of any South African Olympian. The chances of her adding to that total later in the week are high, given she’s the reigning champion in the 200m,” the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said.

Nearly 150 athletes are representing Team South Africa at Paris 2024 - in the country's 21st appearance at the Olympic Games, taking place from 26 July to 11 August.

“I had no idea where I was most of the race. I actually didn’t think I medalled because when I turned to my left, the two blocks next to me both had lights on and it felt like someone else on the other side touched first.

“So, I actually didn’t think I was medalling. My main goal was just to not do what I did in Tokyo and look around. So literally the last 15 metres, I was like, no, close your eyes, let’s just go,” Smith said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Smith in a post on social media platform X, adding that he looked forward to more spectacular performances. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:21

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Read moreTatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

Labour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act

Location: News

Labour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act

Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has commended the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 on Friday, which promote the ease of doing business and impose greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.

The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill, which were referred to the President for assent, jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome. They also tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including State capture, and addresses disparities in earnings.

The Companies Amendment Act, as signed by the President, streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy, as well as the attraction of foreign investment.

The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand.

According to Meth, this law has a direct linkage to the Employment Equity Amendment Act, 2022, particularly section 27, which refers to the statement of income differentials required from designated employers.

Meth said the requirement of disclosure by companies of the average and median total remuneration of all employees, the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees, and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company, will go a long way in exposing existing inequalities in employment.

“As a result, the work done by the Department of Employment and Labour to transform the labour market will be strengthened, as the two pieces of law are complementing each other and will ensure more transparency from the employers.

“Through our departmental inspectorate, we will promote, strengthen and enforce compliance of our labour laws, as we strive for a labour market that is conducive to economic growth,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:56

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Read moreLabour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act

Well wishes for Team South Africa at Paris Olympics

Location: News

Well wishes for Team South Africa at Paris Olympics

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished Team South Africa the best success for the Olympic Games currently underway in Paris.

This as the 2024 Olympic Games got underway this week in France.

“Having our flag held aloft by Team South Africa fills us with great pride and expectation for the team’s success in the Paris Games. Team South Africa also causes us to reflect on how our 30 years of freedom have opened the doors for South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and geographic locations to exercise their human potential and talents,” said the President in a statement.

The Opening Ceremony of the Games was held on Friday evening with the President saying that the diversity of national team reflects the unity, social inclusion and shared vision “we have been able to build as a previously divided nation.”

“Today, we celebrate our participation in global society, including in the sports arenas of the world.
“From rugby sevens, aquatics, fencing and archery to track and field, canoeing, cycling and golf, our flag and our good wishes will accompany our athletes as they realise their dreams, which are our collective dreams.”

President Ramaphosa assured the athletes who will perform at the games as well as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) of the nation’s full support.

The President similarly wished the host nation, France, and the International Olympic Committee a successful showcase of human ability and social solidarity.

The Paris Olympic Games which began on on 24 July, will conclude on 11 August 2024. -SAnews.gov.za 
 

Neo
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:24

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Read moreWell wishes for Team South Africa at Paris Olympics

CGE congratulates Justice Maya on appointment as Chief Justice

Location: News

CGE congratulates Justice Maya on appointment as Chief Justice

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has congratulated Justice Mandisa Maya on her appointment as the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. 

“This historic appointment of Justice Maya as the first woman in this position will serve as an inspiration that gender equality and equity can be achieved through a concerted effort,” the CGE said in a statement on Friday.

In a significant milestone for the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said the appointment follows the President’s consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

The CGE released a report titled “Gender Transformation in the Judiciary” in 2016.

“The findings of this report decried amongst others lack gender transformation in the judiciary. The CGE believes that Justice Maya has over the years displayed strong leadership qualities since she became a member of the bench, and this will serve as a catalyst for her to do exceptionally well.

“The CGE believes that the Commission’s report on transformation in the judiciary has decried lack of gender transformation in the judiciary, and this appointment is the first step in addressing that imbalance.”
It further added that Maya’s appointment will go a long way in ensuring that more women are considered for senior positions in the judiciary. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:41

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Read moreCGE congratulates Justice Maya on appointment as Chief Justice

Mabe emphasises importance of a healthy lifestyle

Location: News

Mabe emphasises importance of a healthy lifestyle

Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Peace Mabe has emphasised the importance of exercise in the overall wellbeing of the nation.

“We are a winning nation and as a winning nation we need to be healthy. So encouraging our people to be involved in being active and exercising is part of us moving forward as a healthy country. 

“Being active in sport is not about having money, this kind of activity of bringing people together to walk as nation is one of the indicators that it is possible for people to organise themselves as communities [to take up walking],” said the Deputy Minister in an interview with Radio 702.

This as the radio station hosted the Walk the Talk event in Tshwane on Sunday in celebration of 30 years of democracy following the historic elections of April 1994 where South Africans of all races went to the polls for the first time. The 1994 elections ushered in a new democratic dispensation. 

The walk started from the Freedom Park Heritage Site and finished at the southern lawns of the Union Buildings.

The Deputy Minister also encouraged South Africans to support Team South Africa as it participates in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. The opening ceremony of the games took place on Friday.

“We are expecting more medals... they never disappoint. Let us tweet and send messages of support to encourage them [as they] represent the country. Let us rally behind the team,” she told the station.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished Team South Africa the best success for the games.

READ | Well wishes for Team South Africa at Paris Olympics

In a post on X, President Ramaphosa congratulated the Springboks Sevens on obtaining South Africa’s first medal at the games on Saturday.

“Well done to our Springbok Sevens on your bronze-winning 29-16 victory over Australia to open #TeamSA’s medal harvest at #Paris 2024. This is a great start to our Games,” said the President.

Mabe as well as Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, were among the many South Africans who participated in the walk.

“Eight kilometre walk done (1h25) and the route was magnificent,” said Minister Ntshavheni in a post on social media platform, X. -SAnews.gov.za
 
 

Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 14:28

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Read moreMabe emphasises importance of a healthy lifestyle

President assents laws advancing ease of doing business

Location: News

President assents laws advancing ease of doing business

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promotes the ease of doing business and imposes greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.

The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and addresses disparities in earnings.

The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand and shareholders and workers on the other hand.

“In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year,” said the Presidency in a statement.

This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company’s remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.

Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.

Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.

Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.

The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.

These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.

Companies Second Amendment Act

The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).

This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.

The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.
While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.

This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:29

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Read morePresident assents laws advancing ease of doing business

President Ramaphosa wishes Team South Africa well for Olympic Games

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes Team South Africa the best success for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and assures the team of the nation's fervent support.

President Ramaphosa said: “Having our flag held aloft by Team South Africa fills us with great pride and expectation for the team's success in the Paris Games.

“Team South Africa also causes us to reflect on how our 30 years of freedom have opened the doors for South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and geographic locations to exercise their human potential and talents.

“The diversity of our national team reflects the unity, social inclusion and shared vision we have been able to build as a previously divided nation.

“Today, we celebrate our participation in global society, including in the sports arenas of the world.

“From rugby sevens, aquatics, fencing and archery to track and field, canoeing, cycling and golf, our flag and our good wishes will accompany our athletes as they realise their dreams, which are our collective dreams.”

President Ramaphosa assures the athletes who will perform at the Games as well as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) of the nation's full support.

The President similarly wishes the host nation, France, and the International Olympic Committee a successful showcase of human ability and social solidarity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa wishes Team South Africa well for Olympic Games

President assents to laws advancing ease of doing business and corporate transparency

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Download logo

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promote the ease of doing business and impose greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.

The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and address disparities in earnings.

The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.

The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand.

In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.

The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year.

This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company's remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.

Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees, and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.

Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.

Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.

The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.

These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.

The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).

This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.

The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.

While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.

This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident assents to laws advancing ease of doing business and corporate transparency