Ramaphosa

12 October 2023

Census 2022 shows improvement in basic services

Location: News

Census 2022 shows improvement in basic services

South Africa’s first digital census shows an increase in the proportion of households that had access to piped water inside their dwelling, from 32.3% in 2001 to 46.3% in 2011 and to 59.7% in 2022.

This is according to the South Africa's Census 2022 national results, which was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The data shows that in 2022 over four-fifths (82.4%) of households in the country had access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard.

“The proportion of households that accessed piped water off-site (from a water source outside the yard such as a neighbour or from a community stand) halved from 17.9% in 2011 to 8.9% in 2022.

“Households in the Western Cape were more likely to have piped water inside their dwelling (85.5%) compared to Limpopo, where less than one-third (31.4%) accessed piped water inside their dwelling.

“Although the national picture regarding access to piped water shows improvement over the years, there is a sizeable proportion of households in Limpopo (20.5%) and Eastern Cape (19.5%) with no access to piped water.

“The majority of households across the three censuses made use of a regional/local water scheme as their main source of water. This proportion increased steadily from 74.7% in 2001 to 79.7% in 2011 and to 82.7% in 2022,” Maluleke said.

There has been an increase in the percentage of households that used a flush toilet as their main type of toilet facility during this period (+18.9 percentage points).

However, the percentage of households that used a pit toilet without ventilation and households with no form of toilet facility declined during the same period, from 22.8% to 12.5% and from 13.6% to 1.6% respectively

Energy

The proportion of households using electricity as the main source of energy for lighting increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to 94.7% in 2022; conversely, the use of paraffin and candles as the main source of energy for lighting decreased.

Electricity was the main source of energy for lighting across all provinces.

In 1996, 28.8% of households utilised candles for lighting compared to the 3.2% in 2022.

The use of paraffin declined, with only 0.9% of households using it for lighting compared to the 12.7% in 1996.

“It is noted that the country recorded an upward trend in refuse removed by a local authority regularly, an increase from 52% in 1996 to 66% in 2022. Approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of households in the country had their refuse removed by a local authority once a week whilst one in four households used their own refuse dump (22.3%).

“The percentage of households with no refuse removal or using their own refuse dump both decreased over the same period. In 1996, 32.6% of households used their own refuse dump and 9.7% did not have any refuse removal,” he said.

In 2022, households using their own refuse dump decreased to 22.3% and those with no refuse removal halved to 4.5%

SA population

According to South Africa's Census 2022 national results, the population increased from 40.5 million in 1996 to just over 62 million in 2022; an increase of over 21.4 million people in 26 years.

“Black Africans remain consistently the dominant population group at a proportion of more than 80%, followed by the coloured and white populations at 8.2% and 7.3% in 2022, respectively.

“On the other hand, the Indian/Asian population comprised less than 3% of the population over the years. The age-sex structure indicates some decline in the ages between 0 and 29 years when compared to the 2011 distribution,” Maluleke said.

The sex ratio in the country decreased from 98.8 in 2011 to 94.1 in 2022. Gauteng reported the highest ratio at 101.8 in 2022, suggesting that there are more males than females in the province compared to the other provinces.

“Furthermore, the median age in the country was 28 years in 2022, showing an increase of three years from 25 years in 2011. It was highest in the Western Cape and lowest in Limpopo at 31 and 26 years, respectively.

“The median age of the white population was 45 years while that of the black African population was 27 years in 2022. The majority (62.2%) of the population has never been married, while 24% indicated that they are legally married,” Maluleke said.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:54

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11 October 2023

Call to use data from Census 2022 to improve lives

Location: News

Call to use data from Census 2022 to improve lives

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on government departments, policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and international organisations to use the information from Census 2022 to collectively strive to improve people’s lives.

“Census 2022 has told us where we are making progress, but it has also laid bare the challenges that remain. It will be an invaluable tool in meeting those challenges. We now have the information we need to ensure that as we build this country, we leave no one behind,” the President said

He made these remarks during the hand over of the Census 2022 national results by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information.

According to the results, South Africa’s population has increased from 51.7 million in 2011 to more than 62 million in 2022, which is a growth rate of 1.8% in the intercensal period.

“The data contained in a census is one of the most crucial planning, monitoring and evaluation tools for governments. It informs the planning, budgeting and policymaking work of government at the most fundamental level.

“We have long said that one of our priorities in building a capable, ethical, developmental state is to ensure that policy making is evidence driven. Policy making that is not informed by accurate data can result in inefficiency in the allocation of resources, under-estimation of the needs of citizens, poorly planned programmes and poor financial management. Unless we are able to see the bigger picture, we are unable to forecast,” the President said.

He said Census 2022 gives South Africa the information it need to implement government’s programme of action in a targeted, evidence-driven manner.

“We encouraged by the progress in the report presented by the Statistician-General. We note, for example, that the number of people older than 20 with no education has significantly decreased, where the number of people who now have grade 12 has more than doubled since 1996.

“It is significant also that a large proportion of our children are now in early childhood development centres. We still have work to do to ensure all eligible children attend ECD centres. The presentation shows that people’s housing circumstances have improved, with almost 90 percent of South Africans now staying in formal housing,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said despite the present challenges of load shedding, South Africans should be encouraged by the almost universal access to electricity supply.

“The results that have been presented here today underscore the urgency with which we must work towards meeting the aspirations of the National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.

The President said this is the fourth census undertaken since the advent of democracy in 1994, and, as such, it contributes to a vast body of knowledge that describes the state and the progress of the nation.

Census 2022 was the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, with the first conducted in 1996, with subsequent censuses being conducted in 2001 and 2011.

This is South Africa’s first-ever digital census, compiled from data collected from everyone within the borders of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 09:48

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11 October 2023

Namibia, SA to explore business opportunities

Location: News

Namibia, SA to explore business opportunities

Namibia and South Africa’s business executives will be exploring opportunities to increase trade and investment flows between the two countries at the Namibia-South African Business Forum and Exhibition on Friday.

The Business Forum and Exhibition, which will be held at the Windhoek Country Club, will focus on strategic priority sectors agreed to by both countries, namely, agriculture and agro-processing, automotive, clothing and textile, and green hydrogen, including exploring opportunities to strengthen cross-border value chains along with the integration of the requisite infrastructure and logistics supply chains.

The Forum will be held under the theme: “Forging a New Era of Mutually Beneficial and Reciprocal Trade and Investment Relations”.

The event will be hosted by Namibia’s Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade on the margins of the 3rd Session of the Namibia-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), which is co-chaired by Namibian President Hage G. Geingob and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and the Namibian Minister of Industrialisation, Lucia Lipumbu, are expected to address the business forum.

The programme of the forum will include presentations on opportunities available to strengthen value chain linkages between the two countries, exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, and breakaway sessions for in-depth discussions on value chains in agriculture, automotive, green hydrogen, and clothing and textile sectors.

The business forum will provide businesspeople from the two countries a platform to exchange concrete ideas on the new opportunities that can be explored with the assistance of both governments to increase trade.

It is anticipated that a joint Namibia–South Africa business forum will be created and institutionalised to become a major platform that further enhances and solidifies trade, industrial and investment linkages between the two countries. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 10:08

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11 October 2023

President Ramaphosa to appear in the NCOP

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to appear in the NCOP

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to field questions related to, among other things, women empowerment and youth unemployment when he appears in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.

According to the Presidency, President Ramaphosa will outline government’s approach to these and other matters during the Questions for Oral Reply session in the NCOP.

“The President will also outline government’s progress in institutionalising gender mainstreaming across departments, provinces and districts for gender equality through responsive planning, budgeting and reporting.

“He will also address progress in advancing the economic empowerment of women, especially in townships and rural areas.

“On youth unemployment, the President will set out government's initiatives and collaboration in developing a comprehensive youth employment and economic empowerment strategy,” the Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa will also answer questions related to other key developments in the country.

“Among questions put to the President are the outcomes of the recent XV BRICS 2023 Summit and action against construction mafia. The President will discuss the outcome of the 2023 BRICS Summit and South Africa's plans to use the outcomes to advance Agenda 2063.

“Regarding the government's commitment to global climate change mitigation efforts, the President will elaborate on the balance between ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply and contributing to climate goals,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 11:35

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9 October 2023

New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

Location: News

New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to the nation to highlight the importance of the New Border Management Authority (BMA) in boosting the country’s security and development.

The President said that the establishment of the BMA is a significant step towards safer communities, better law enforcement and the growth of the economy through greater trade with the country's neighbours.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that ensuring the borders are well-managed and well-protected is key to the security and development of the country.

“Maintaining the integrity of our country’s borders is key if we are to realise the aspiration of every South African to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours.

“It is a daunting undertaking. Our land border is over 4 800 km long and is shared with six countries. We have 53 land ports of entry, 11 international airports and eight sea ports.

“The launch last week of the country’s first integrated, unified Border Management Authority (BMA) is therefore a milestone in the necessary effort to secure our borders,” the President said.

Turning to the challenges faced on our borders, the President said that they are both historical and contemporary.

He highlighted that the apartheid regime flagrantly disregarded the sovereignty of neighbouring countries to conduct illegal cross-border raids.

He added that “it abused immigration measures to harass its opponents, and enforced hated policies like influx control and the exploitation of labour from the region.”

President Ramaphosa told the nation that it then became the priority of the democratic government elected in 1994 to progressively reform the border management and migration regime, not just in the interests of economic growth and development, but also so that these reforms should reflect the broader values of the new state.

“The democratic government has worked to uphold the right of citizens to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers under international conventions.

“It also sought to deepen trade and investment between South Africa and other Southern African countries, and contribute to the political and economic integration of the African continent,” he said.

Over time, however, he said, the complexities of border management have resulted in an uncoordinated approach by the various authorities.

He highlighted that one of the challenges has been the sheer number of government departments and entities involved in this work. This includes the absence of a central authority which led to fragmentation of efforts and made it difficult to enforce accountability. This in turn rendered the country’s borders vulnerable.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that South Africa has become an important transit route for organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drugs and small arms smuggling and various other forms of cross-border crime.

It has also noted that as the economic powerhouse of the region, South Africa continues to attract economic migrants who are undocumented, especially from the SADC region.

The President said that the proliferation of cross-border crime, illicit trade and illegal migration as a result of porous borders presents a serious threat to national security and the economy. He added that it also places strain on already stretched resources and public services, and fuels social instability.

“We have in recent times seen anti-foreigner sentiment resulting in acts of violence and harassment. As a country, we must condemn without reservation all acts of violence against foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status, and work together to prevent such acts.

“At the same time, we must recognise that South Africans are justifiably concerned about illegal migration. Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to guarantee the integrity of our borders and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here.

“Those who have sought refuge in South Africa or wish to live and work here are subject to immigration regulations and must adhere to the country’s laws,” the President said.

The Border Management Authority is tasked with ensuring that the country’s immigration laws are enforced, and that the borders are well-protected and ports of entry well-managed.

The new authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The first officers of the new BMA border guard were deployed in July this year at vulnerable segments of the border, including at informal crossings.

Although they will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the SANDF remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.

With this new structure in place, President Ramaphosa said the country will also be able to better prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods, curb illegal migration and human smuggling, and combat cross-border crime.

The BMA will take on the work of several other departments and agencies and is already working with the South African Revenue Service, SAPS and SANDF to integrate border management functions. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:14

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9 October 2023

Moove rolls out R284m Investment Conference pledge

Location: News

Moove rolls out R284m Investment Conference pledge

Moove, a mobility financial technology (fintech) company, has rolled out a R284 million investment, which it pledged at the fifth South African Investment Conference hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2023.

As an impact driven fintech, Moove exists to provide financial services to those who are unbanked or underserved by traditional lenders, so they can obtain revenue-based financing and access a path to asset ownership and financial stability.

It does this by embedding its alternative credit scoring technology onto ride-hailing, logistics, mass transit, and instant delivery platforms, using proprietary performance and revenue analytics to underwrite customers that have previously been excluded from financial services.

“The pledged amount of R284 million was invested in the purchase of more than 2 000 vehicles in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“These vehicles were deployed to mobility entrepreneurs operating in these cities. Further investment of R300 million will soon be allocated to the purchase of 1 400 new vehicles, with further funding and vehicle allocation taking place in 2024,” said the Managing Director of Moove South Africa, Warren Peters.

Peters said the initial investment created over 2 000 jobs across mobility entrepreneurs, Moove employees and the technical resources employed at dealerships in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“We anticipate future funding to create opportunities for an additional 1 400 mobility entrepreneurs and an estimated 50 additional jobs through our network of partners and service providers,” Peters said.

The investment, Peters said, allows Moove to offer financial inclusion to mobility entrepreneurs. It creates opportunities for deserving South Africans, who are currently excluded from access to certain financial services, and who aspire to become mobility entrepreneurs and asset owners.

Moove operates in various cities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and India. These include Lagos, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dubai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and London. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 14:44

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9 October 2023

Human Settlements launches Title Deeds Friday

Location: News

Human Settlements launches Title Deeds Friday

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on public servants and representatives - together with the relevant institutions - to work around the clock to fast track the processing and issuing of title deeds to the rightful beneficiaries.

Kubayi made the call at the handing over of title deeds at Mabopane Sports Complex in Tshwane on Friday.

The event formed part of the launch of Title Deeds Friday campaign aimed at mobilising beneficiaries of government-subsidised homes -- Breaking New Ground (BNG) -- to collect their title deeds at municipal offices.

Kubayi, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete; Tshwane Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Ofentse Madzabatela, and local councillors handed over title deeds to some community members of Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa (MAWIGA), north of Tshwane.

The community members of MAWIGA have been advocating to be recognised as the rightful owners of houses located around Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Kudube and Winterveldt.

The Minister declared MAWIGA a Ministerial Project and established a committee with the community to resolve the ownership and transfer for 8 000 uncontested properties held by the City of Tshwane.

The over 14 000 properties, including contested ones, date back to pre-1994.

During the event, Kubayi provided feedback to the community on the roll-out status. She said a phased approach has been adopted to avoid keeping communities waiting due to red tape and intergovernmental disputes.

Kubayi said government has declared war on the title deeds backlog, particularly as President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need to get rid of red tape within the State.

“We are deliberately launching this campaign here in MAWIGA to re-emphasise our message that as a government, we have heard the cries of this community and others, who are yet to receive their title deeds. Every parent deserves to know that his or her children have a place to call home.

“These title deeds are legal documents that assure you these properties are yours. Today, you can be at peace that the houses you have lived in and raised your families in over the years are yours and are valuable assets to hand over to future generations,” Kubayi said.

She said the handing over of title deeds is also a testament that “when government partners with community members, nothing is impossible to achieve”.

The MAWIGA Ministerial Project was declared in 2022, with a committee established and tasked with the responsibility of facilitating the transfer of uncontested properties to the rightful owners.

Kubayi said government is using MAWIGA to showcase the importance of working together with the community to resolve their challenges.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Moota Mfulwane, said they are happy that finally, working together with government, they made some breakthroughs.

“Although some of those who were also waiting for this day have since unfortunately passed on, we are hoping as a community that the targeted handover of 14 000 title deeds will be realised,” Mfulwane said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry has undertaken to convene an urgent meeting with municipalities to unlock existing bottlenecks.

Kubayi said interventions are required, working with all three spheres of government, including the urgent establishment of townships to pave the way for the registration of title deeds.

The Minster made a call to all councillors to champion the Title Deeds Friday campaign by working with municipal officials to issue all title deeds on hand. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:13

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9 October 2023

President Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in Lohatla fire

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has, as Commander-in-Chief of the nation's armed forces, expressed his sadness at the death of six soldiers who died in a Northern Cape fire that struck the SA Army Combat Training Centre at the Lohatla military base. The troops were part of a military exercise named Vukuhlome.

The South African National Defence Force announced on Saturday, 07 October that a wildfire that had originated in Khathu in the Gamagara local municipality had reached the military base where six soldiers died in the blaze while three were injured and the army lost equipment including vehicles.

President Ramaphosa offers his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased SANDF members.

The President wishes the injured SANDF members a speedy and comfortable recovery and his thoughts are with survivors who witnessed this tragedy.

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

8 October 2023

President Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in military vulgar fire

Location: News

President Ramaphosa mourns soldiers who perished in military base fire

As the Commander-in-Chief of the nation’s armed forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his profound sadness at the the deaths of six soldiers who died in a Northern Cape fire.

This comes after a blaze that struck the SA Army Combat Training Centre at the Lohatla military base on Friday.

The troops, according to the Presidency, were part of a military exercise named Vukuhlome.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced on Saturday that a wildfire that had originated in Khathu in the Gamagara Local Municipality had reached the military base where six soldiers died in the blaze while three were injured and the army lost equipment including vehicles,” said the Presidency on Sunday.

President Ramaphosa has since offered his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased SANDF members.

“The President wishes the injured SANDF members a speedy and comfortable recovery and his thoughts are with survivors who witnessed this tragedy,” said the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 11:15

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8 October 2023

President Ramaphosa to receive Census 2022 results

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to receive Census 2022 results

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to receive South Africa's Census 2022 national results from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, will officially hand over the report to the President and announce the results of the population and housing count to the country at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday

Census 2022, according to the Presidency, was the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, with the first conducted in 1996, with subsequent censuses being conducted in 2001 and 2011.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and will provide comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery-related information.

Stats SA will be following the trend adopted by many countries and data will be released in phases.

For phase one, the Census 2022 launch will only cover reports and indicators at the national, provincial, district and local municipality levels.

“Census data is an important data source used for planning and evidence-based decision making by government and various sectors of society.

“The census population count provides data on the demographic, economic and social makeup of the country. Furthermore, findings from censuses are key in tracking service delivery programmes over time," said the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 11:24

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6 October 2023

President Ramaphosa launches Border Management Authority

Location: News

President Ramaphosa launches Border Management Authority

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the newly launched Border Management Authority (BMA) will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination.

The President emphasised that a more secure border is important for curbing illegal migration, human smuggling and trafficking, and that the BMA will help in combating cross-border crime.

President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) at Musina Show Grounds in Limpopo on Thursday.

He said that this will be a new model of integration of functions, roles and responsibilities in the broader law enforcement environment.

“The Border Management Authority is expected to tackle the challenges of congestion, procedural delays, long transit times, lack of predictability and high logistics costs. I commend the Border Management Authority for the speed with which it has already commenced its work.

“When our country’s ports of entry and borders are well-protected and well-managed, we are able to prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods. We see the Border Management Authority as a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.

The President said the Border Management Authority was established in response to a number of serious challenges. One of these challenges is the increase in the number of undocumented foreign nationals entering the country, which has exacerbated many of the country’s social and economic problems.

“The movement of persons and goods at ports of entry has often not been as efficient as it should be, resulting in unnecessary delays and increased costs for individuals and companies. This in turn is harming our economy.

"Deficiencies in border management have also enabled corruption and organised and cross-border crime to thrive. We have faced a problem of fragmentation of powers, responsibility and accountability,” the President said.

The Border Management Authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service.

It is mandated to perform border management functions within ports of entry as well as the law enforcement area. The Border Management Authority is being established through an incremental approach.

Steps have already been taken to integrate under the Border Management Authority various relevant functions of the departments of Home Affairs, Agriculture, Health, and Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment.

To enable its work, the President said the Border Management Authority has signed implementation protocols with the South African Revenue Service, Police Service and Defence Force.

“While the border guard will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the South African National Defence Force remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.

“The border guard will interface with the nearest police station with regards to the occurrence of a crime at a port of entry,” the President said.

BMA important tool to develop the region

The President took a tour to the Beit Bridge Border Post with his counterpart from Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and they agreed that the establishment of the Border Management Authority will be an important tool for the development of the region.

“It will form part of integrating border management activities in the SADC region as we implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. We will be able to work towards eradicating various forms of red tape that are hindering trade, investment and the movement of persons,” he said.

The President said that Border Management Authority will be redeveloping six ports of entries as one-stop-border-posts.

This approach will improve efficiency at land border crossings by combining the stops required for processing exit and entry formalities.

In July, the country saw the deployment of the first officers of the border guard of the Border Management Authority at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 10:20

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4 October 2023

President Ramaphosa to officially launch the BMA

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to officially launch the BMA

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA) in Musina, Limpopo.

The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.

The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.

As part of the launch, President Ramaphosa will receive President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe to hold official talks and undertake a guided tour of the Beitbridge border, supported by members of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on the BMA.

The President will then proceed to officiate the launch of the BMA at the Musina Show Grounds and also handover a Sword to the Commissioner of the BMA to delegate the powers to lead the third law enforcement authority in the Republic.

The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.

In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.

The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.

The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.

It is intended that the BMA will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:00

519 views

4 October 2023

President Ramaphosa mourns Prof Hoosen ‘Jerry’ Coovadia

Location: News

President Ramaphosa mourns Prof Hoosen ‘Jerry’ Coovadia

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Professor Hoosen Mahomed “Jerry” Coovadia, a leading scientist, health policy innovator, and anti-apartheid activist who has passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Durban.

The President described Coovadia as an outstanding scientist and committed anti-apartheid campaigner who dedicated himself to the liberation struggle.

The President has offered his deepest condolences to Coovadia’s wife Dr Zubeida Hamed, his son Prof Imraan Coovadia, and daughter Dr Anuschka Coovadia, on behalf of government and the nation.

The Prof, the President said, dedicated himself to the physical well-being and social inclusion of people all over the world through his enterprising mission as a scientist and architect of public health policies.

“His pioneering, globally acclaimed research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV has rendered an immeasurable legacy to humanity in terms of which persons living with HIV can live long and healthy lives subject to early detection and access to treatment.

“Our nation’s loss will be felt globally but we can take pride at and comfort from the emergence of a giant of science and an icon of compassion and resilience from our country,” the President added.

Although he faced numerous obstacles in apartheid South Africa, Coovadia established himself as a top paediatrician and became an international authority on HIV/AIDS, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

Those who have been paying their tribute have described his passing as a great loss to the scientific community and remarked that his contribution will always be remembered.

According to reports, he was appointed Associate Professor at the University of Natal now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 1982 and ad hominem Professor in 1986.

From 1990 to 2000, he served as Professor and Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at the UKZN.

Director of Biomedical Science at the Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking (HIVAN), and the scientific director of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the UKZN.

He was awarded the 2013 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. He has also received the 1999 Star of South Africa Award from President Nelson Mandela and the 2000 Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights.

The National Research Foundation (NRF), said during his career, he served as the Chairman of the Board of the UKZN Children’s Hospital Trust, a Commissioner for the National Planning Commission, and Associate Scientific Director at CAPRISA, which is home to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 13:12

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4 October 2023

Investment pledge creates 3000 jobs

Location: News

Investment pledge creates 3000 jobs

The roll out of the investment of R500 million pledged by SA Taxi at the fifth South African Investment Conference hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg in April this year is gaining momentum and has already created more than 3 000 jobs.

The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Ramaphosa.

Chief Government and Industry Officer at SA Taxi Holdings, Matsidikanye Moswane, said more than R350 million of the funding that was provided by the developmental credit provider, Transflow, has already been spent.

“The investment is being used to enable financial inclusion by extending developmental credit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that may otherwise not have access to credit from traditional financiers,” Moswane said.

“By providing debt funding through Transflow, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is empowering under-serviced and emerging SMEs to build their businesses, which in turn creates further direct and indirect employment opportunities. To date this has helped create 1 620 direct jobs and 2 700 indirect jobs,” he said.

Moswane said the SA Taxi, whose headquarters are based in Midrand, Gauteng, but has a national customer base, finances entrepreneurs who operate minibus taxis that may not otherwise have access to credit from traditional banks, contributing to job creation, and enabling and improving the safety of public transport in South Africa.

“SA Taxi is an independently owned commercial business. It is the first financial service provider to focus solely on the taxi industry. We make a vital contribution to a market sector that has a stimulating effect on the national economy at many different levels.

“Each taxi creates 1.8 new jobs related to the industry. We focus exclusively on building entrepreneurs through the medium of the taxi industry which comprises an estimated 250 000 taxis that are on the roads in South Africa,” Moswane said.

He said SA Taxi has to source the money it lends to its clients from foreign and domestic direct investment. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 10:09

10 views

3 October 2023

ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion

Location: News

ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion

ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is rolling out a R100 million investment in plant expansion in Pretoria.

The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that were made at the fifth South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in April this year.

This contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Naidoo, ACTOM is a well-positioned South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners.

He said they offer market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.

“We are a leading stockist and supplier of competitively priced quality electrical equipment through our extensive Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprising13 branches across the country,” Naidoo said.

“We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing in the electro-mechanical equipment,” he said.

He said the company made the R100 million investment with an intention of taking advantage of some of the growing sectors like the renewable energy, and for contributing to creating jobs.

The expansion of the Pretoria plant will result in 30 people being employed.

The company is employing more than 7 000 people in their 34 operating units, 53 production, service and repair facilities and more than 33 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 11:04

361 views

3 October 2023

President honours SA Special Olympics Team

Location: News

President honours SA Special Olympics Team

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.

Competing against 7 000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June 2023, the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.

Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.

“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind.

“South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society,” the President said on Tuesday.

Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, the President expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.

“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.

“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said the team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them.

The team is being led by Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.

“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” the President said.

Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.

“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:06

218 views

2 October 2023

Practical partnerships forged for growth and jobs – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Practical partnerships forged for growth and jobs – President Ramaphosa

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is forging practical partnerships for growth and job creation.

The President highlighted that he recently met with business leaders and the leadership of the country’s four labour federations respectively, where they agreed to work more closely to address the immediate challenges that confront South Africa’s economy.

“These efforts are important because an economy that is growing slowly cannot create enough jobs. It can also not generate enough revenue for government to fully implement the programmes needed to improve people’s lives.

“The fact that the country’s debt service costs are the fastest growing budget item means that spending on education, health, social protection and infrastructure come under even greater pressure.

“We are acting with increased focus and effort to remove the most immediate constraints on growth and doing so together with our social partners,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said that the economy is now larger than it was before the pandemic and the two million jobs that were lost have largely been recovered.

Yet, he said, the combination of global economic instability and the effects of the electricity crisis have meant that the economy continues to grow too slowly and is unable to create jobs at the pace needed.

While government has done much to implement the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which was launched in October 2020, the President said that they have always maintained that the success of its efforts would depend on greater partnership across society.

“Our collaboration with business, for example, has moved far beyond discussions. Since June this year, government has been working closely with Business for South Africa on critical actions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption,” he said.

The President highlighted that last week’s meeting confirmed that good traction has been achieved in these areas, most notably in the work being done by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) to end load shedding and achieve energy security.

He further highlighted that a good example of the work being done is the mobilisation by business of additional capacity and skills to support the recovery of Eskom’s power plants.

This includes the deployment of technical support teams to five power stations, Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka, and experts to help speed up the repair of units at Kusile power station that were damaged in November last year. This weekend, he said, Kusile unit 3 was returned to service two months earlier than planned.

“Full implementation of the plan to improve the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations, add new generation capacity and reform the energy sector is expected to result in over 12 000 megawatts of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system by the end of 2024,” the President said.

Turning to the freight rail network, President Ramaphosa said work is underway to improve the operational performance of the bulk freight rail network and port system through the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC).

“Corridor recovery teams have been established for five strategic rail corridors, comprising Transnet executives, industry representatives and independent experts. They are working to urgently increase the volume of freight traffic on our rail lines,” he said.

Through this collaboration, the President said, business is working with government to build capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks, along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the South African Police Service to address crimes targeting infrastructure.

The President said that this work is being made possible by the willingness and determination of all social partners to collaborate on practical actions that make a measurable difference in the performance of the economy.

“While these partnerships may take different forms and may be at different stages of advancement, both business and labour have shown their commitment to work with government to address these challenges.

“It is this kind of cooperation in action, even more so than negotiated agreements, that gives meaning to the concept of a social compact that is based on achievable outcomes.

“Yet, while we have together identified key milestones and timeframes, the success of all these efforts will ultimately be measured by their impact on the lives of the South African people,” the President said.

From the progress that has been made to date, President Ramaphosa said he is certain that “this is a task at which we will together succeed”. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:21

1494 views

1 October 2023

President Ramaphosa to host SA’s Special Olympics team

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to host SA’s Special Olympics team

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday host South Africa’s national team, who excelled at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June 2023.

Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.

The team brought home a total of 49 medals from Berlin - 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze.

The interaction with Team South Africa at the Union Buildings is part of President Ramaphosa’s ongoing commitment to encourage and celebrate excellence among South Africa’s sports women and men, and the President’s recognition of the role of sport in unifying the nation and forging social cohesion. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:18

651 views

1 October 2023

Electricity generation improving with return of Kusile units

Location: News

Electricity generation improving with return of Kusile units

Due to the return to service of Kusile Unit 3, the sustained improved generation performance and the lower than anticipated demand for electricity, load shedding will be suspended until 16:00 on Monday, when Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented.

Power parastatal, Eskom, on Sunday, said should any significant changes occur, it will communicate.

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said at a briefing on Sunday that significant progress has been made with regard to electricity generation. Kusile Unit 3 returned to service ahead of schedule, with Ramokgopa saying South Africa was "starting to turn the corner" in terms of electricity provision.

The three units at the Kusile plant were discontinued in October 2022 for maintenance purposes. This strained the national grid and affected Eskom's generating capacity.

Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said they had to discontinue the units to address safety concerns.

“It’s been almost a year that these units have not been operating. Essentially, the South African economy and the grid were losing about 2 400 megawatts of generating capacity… and that contributed to a significant amount of strain that has been experienced on the grid,” Ramokgopa said.

Ramokgopa said Kusile Unit 3 now currently generates 550MW, and that it will take a considerable amount of time to restore normality, with the other units expected to return on-stream in due course.

“I am really excited to say that we will be returning the other units, with 2 400 megawatts,” Ramokgopa said.

This is eventually expected to be bumped up to 3 200MW when Unit 5 is brought back on-stream.

Ramokgopa said he is confident about the work that is currently being done.

Government continues to implement the country’s Energy Action Plan in earnest, with the long-term goal of securing continuous, credible energy supply.

To respond to the severe impact of load shedding on households, small businesses and the economy as a whole, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a range of measures in July 2022 to improve the performance of existing power stations, and add new generation capacity as quickly as possible. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 15:40

374 views

30 September 2023

President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad

Location: News

President Ramaphosa pays tribute to legacy of Aziz Pahad

President Cyril Ramaphosa says to give full expression to the legacy of stalwarts like Aziz Pahad, their teachings must not be confined to history books but they must be frequently revisited and taken into the future.

“We have lost a comrade, a friend and a patriot who dedicated his life to the liberation of our country and its people,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

Delivering the eulogy at the funeral service of the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad, at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa described Pahad as a hardworking public servant.

“It is a sad day for the diplomatic community, particularly for the many men and women chosen to represent the country abroad, who had the privilege of being mentored, counselled and trained by our departed brother and comrade,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Pahad and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast until this evening. Former Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi, senior government officials, politicians and members of the public attended the funeral.

“Over the past few years, we have had to bid farewell to many dear comrades, men and women who were giants of the liberation struggle,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said the departed stalwarts played an important role in the history of the country.

“They were there at all the high and low points in our struggle for liberation, and remained on to shepherd us along the difficult road to democracy. At times such as this, when we lose another stalwart, we are shaken, as would a tree whose roots have been damaged or lost.

“These great men and women, of whom Aziz Pahad was one, were the roots that nourished the tree of our democracy. It feels as though a part of us has gone with them.

“And yet, such were the legacies they left behind that this great tree that is our democracy, abides. We may at times be battered by strong headwinds. Times can be hard.”

President Ramaphosa said the democracy that Aziz Pahad and his generation worked so hard to achieve remains firm, steady, well-anchored and strong.

“Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his many fine attributes and we will have reflected on some of them today.

“He was an activist who played a formative role in the liberation movement in exile in the 1960s and beyond, and was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement in Europe and the United Kingdom.

“As Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was involved in peacebuilding and mediation efforts in a number of conflicts on the continent and in the Middle East,” the President said.

Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82. He served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) -from 1994 to 2008.

Pahad's passing follows that of his brother and former Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, in July 2023.

Former colleagues hailed Pahad as a fine diplomat. He has also been hailed as one of the key architects of South Africa’s foreign policy.

In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature for his contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity.

“Pahad's contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa's challenges,” the University of Pretoria said at that time.

Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs. In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by then Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.

At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic, and a world that is fair and just. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 13:03

244 views

29 September 2023

Western Cape working to restore services after severe storm

Location: News

Western Cape working to restore services after severe storm

The Western Cape Provincial Government has urged flood-ravaged municipalities to compile damage assessments for provincial government to present a disaster declaration motivation to the National Disaster Management Centre.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government needs a national disaster declaration in order for the municipalities to qualify for potential assistance.

Bredell said the provincial government is working to restore services and calculating the costs of the severe storm.

He said the City of Cape Town’s assessment shows that 3 986 structures and 4 449 people are in need of assistance, with more than 30 areas still needing to be formally assessed.

“The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) reported that a stop-and-go is in place on the N1 at De Doorns. The N2 section that washed away at Botriver has been visited by engineers, and there are discussions with the SANDF to provide a temporary solution with a mobile bridge for the short-term.

“Sir Lowry’s Pass is confirmed open. Pringle Bay and Bredasdorp are still without cell reception and a helicopter has been made available to assist restoring the infrastructure located in mountainous area,” Bredell said.

Noting some of the interventions by provincial government, Bredell said water tankers from other municipalities are being sent to Overstrand Local Municipality to assist.

In Breede River Municipality, the MEC reported that several farms are still inaccessible due to roads being washed away. He said plans are being made to provide the affected people with food and other essentials.

“Work is progressing in Franschhoek, which is currently divided into two inaccessible parts, and the CBD is still without electricity. Road access should be restored in the next 24 hours.

“Eskom reported that major faults are being restored, and power in affected areas in Khayelitsha and Caledon should be restored by [Thursday night]. Smaller faults will be attended to as soon as possible,” Bredell said.

Bredell said he has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting assistance with humanitarian aid.

“This is now the number one priority, and we need urgent support from the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to reach especially people in rural and isolated areas. We are also requesting engineering support from the SANDF to help with temporary roads and bridges, as well as aerial support to help with evacuations and logistics in inaccessible areas.

“Donations are being coordinated by the Red Cross, and anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to contact them. Relief work is being conducted throughout all the affected areas, with 3 250 people currently receiving food from aid agencies, as coordinated by SASSA,” Bredell said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:01

386 views

29 September 2023

BRICS offers SA prospects to deepen relations

Location: News

BRICS offers SA prospects to deepen relations

The expansion of the BRICS not only gives weight to the bloc but also grants South Africa the opportunity to deepen ties with the countries that are expected to join the formation next year.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg last month where President Cyril Ramaphosa as chair of the bloc announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS.

“It gives the bloc more weight politically [and] economically in an international space. Domestically, we can gain from ensuring that there’s deepened trade ties with these countries which would expand economic opportunities within South Africa itself and the other emerging markets you find in the BRICS bloc.

“It increases your momentum within the global stage itself,” assistant lecturer at the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Johannesburg, Ndzalama Mathebula told SAnews.

The six developing countries are set to become full members of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] bloc from January 2024.

Senior research associate at the think tank, Institute for Global Dialogue, Sanusha Naidu said there could be other developments leading up to the new year.

“…when we come to January 2024, what will be some of the issues? Will countries automatically accept the invitation to become members of the expanded BRICS or what will be some of the strategic orientation that will influence and the factors that will shape this?,” remarks Naidu.

Naidu adds that this poses “some serious questions, introspection and reflection around South Africa’s BRICS strategy going forward.”

She adds that South Africa now needs to be much more coherent about its strategy.

In his address to Members of Parliament earlier this month, President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s trade with the bloc has increased by an average of 10% every year over the period 2017 to 2021. According to the President, the country’s total trade with other BRICS nations stood at R830 billion in 2022 from R487 billion in 2017.

During the Questions for Oral Reply session held at the National Assembly, the President explained that BRICS is an important source of foreign direct investment in key areas such as mining, automotive, transportation, clean energy, financial services and information technology (IT).

New chapter

In his address to the nation post the summit, the President described the summit—which was attended by the five BRICS member countries and representatives of 61 other countries-- as a success that “heralded a new chapter” for the group.

Naidu said the expansion of the BRICS is very much part of the interest in Washington right now.

“I don’t think it’s because [and] I say this with the most respect for the South African government and for South Africa. I don’t think it is because of South Africa that there’s interest in the BRICS. The interest in the BRICS right now is because the BRICS is expanding but it is not because of South Africa.”

The country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, was invited to join the bloc in 2010 and in 2011, South Africa attended its first summit of the group of leading emerging markets and developing countries.

Having been part of the bloc for over a decade, it was interesting to see other countries invited to join the bloc on African soil.

She notes that the first expansion of the BRICS that happened was with South Africa being invited to join the formation but that “didn’t get the attention” because the world at that time was not as “volatile, unpredictable and inflamed as it is now.”

The summit called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN) including the Security Council. Speaking at the summit, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres said the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system are two areas which require a ”particularly important reform effort.”

He said if reform fails, “we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation can be one day a factor of confrontation.”

Naidu agrees with the Secretary-General’s comments.

“If reform is not happening; it is fragmenting and you can see that happening in a very real way. I think the expansion of the BRICS actually brings about a regionalisation of the geopolitics of the international system and you see that with the countries that are being invited to expand [the group].

Naidu said that this time around, the reform of the UN Security Council was not just a broad statement.

“My view was that for the first time in a long time, I think since the BRICS inception [that] the issue of the UN Security Council reform wasn’t just a broad statement. It kind of referred to the developing world and especially India, Brazil and South Africa.

“I feel that was a bit of a broad win in a way that [gets] Russia and China to kind of not to explicitly endorse, but to implicitly support the membership of India, Brazil and South Africa into the Security Council … where I didn’t previously see them doing that.”

Mathebula said that 15-years ago when the BRICS was formed, it was not thought that the group would one day challenge the United States.

“We never thought that it would challenge US hegemony but what we are seeing right now, is that we have this challenge of the US hegemony using emerging economies like South Africa [with] these countries being central to the global stage and determining policies instead of inheriting it.

“So considering that Russia and China are permeant members of the UN, it is an important indication of the changing global order,” Mathebula said.

Meanwhile, Naidu said South Africa must align its foreign policy to the new chapter.

“Yes the President was right that it brings a new chapter, but is South Africa understanding what that new chapter is? Is it aligning its foreign policy to the new chapter? You’ve got to think about the alignment of your strategic interests in where you want to position yourself in global affairs.”

The African voice

While the African voice was heard at the gathering, Mathebula said the question was whether or not “Africa will take what it needs.”

“Will Africa use the bloc in the right way to ensure that there’s development within their domestic markets?” she asked.

This year’s summit was held under the theme: ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism’.

Both analysts were of the view that South Africa did a good job in hosting the summit.

“Overall I think it was from a technical, transactional perspective, yes [South Africa] hosted the summit well. It showed that South Africa can host summits and has done so in the past and I think it will be difficult to nit-pick. The summit in itself did give some kind of transactional value to South Africa,” said Naidu.

Asked about what the country could have done better in hosting the summit, Mathebula said while a lot of people had something to say about the summit, there was also plenty of misinformation going around on platforms like TikTok.

“Not many people understood what it was about, the youth don’t know. [I] don’t know if its ignorance… the ignorance that you find in African states are [sic] actually the engineers of underdevelopment … I urge everyone to read on what [the] BRICS is,” said Mathebula. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:31

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29 September 2023

Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour Mr Aziz Pahad

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 tomorrow, Saturday 30 September 2023.

Mr Pahad passed away on Wednesday, 27 September 2023, at the age of 82.

President Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences to the extended Pahad family who have in short succession lost Mr Aziz Pahad and his brother, former Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, who passed away in July 2023.

The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements during the funeral service for the former Deputy Minister, which will commence at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg at 10h00 tomorrow.

President Ramaphosa has directed that flags be flown at half-mast around the country until tomorrow evening.

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

28 September 2023

SIU probe into Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender welcomed

Location: News

SIU probe into Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender welcomed

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of maladministration and corruption related to the R295 million tender to refurbish and upgrade the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.

Mchunu said the mismanagement of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment plant funds will remain "etched in the mind of many South Africans as lives were lost due to alleged improper conduct”.

“We welcome the investigation into the allegations of unlawful and improper conduct related to the tender awarded by the City of Tshwane.

“We believe that the SIU will do a thorough investigation on maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud against any person or entities that were responsible. We also hope that the SIU will recover any financial losses suffered by the State,” Mchunu said.

The investigation into the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will resume following the signing of a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa which authorises the SIU to probe the tender of Phase 1 of the upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the wastewater treatment plant.

The plant receives wastewater from Atteridgeville, Pretoria’s central business district, Pretoria North, Soshanguve South and Rosslyn.

However, due to problems with operations and maintenance, the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works is of sub-standard and it continuously discharges into the Apies River and the Leeuwkraal Dam, resulting in poor water quality in Leeuwkraal Dam.

The Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW) abstracts water from the Leeuwkraal Dam for purification and supply to the Hammanskraal area. As a result, the water produced at the Temba plant is of poor quality and not potable.

On 20 August 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) declared that water in Hammanskraal was not fit for human consumption. This followed tests on the water with the help of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) after residents lodged complaints with it.

Mchunu said the department has on numerous occasions engaged with the City of Tshwane on the poor quality of effluent released from the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.

The department has made interventions, including the western side of Hammanskraal (Refentse), which was supplied with water from the water supply pipelines in Soshanguve, and the Eastern part of Hammanskraal, which was supplied with water by Magalies Water.

However, Mchunu said the central part of Temba is still experiencing problems with the quality of drinking water.

“The Department of Water and Sanitation and the City of Tshwane have formed a partnership to repair and upgrade the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works, and it is estimated that the cost of a full rehabilitation and upgrade of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will be in the region of R4 billion.

“The Development Bank of Southern Africa will be appointed as an independent implementing agent to manage the design and construction work, whereas the department and the City of Tshwane will form a joint steering committee to oversee the project,” Mchunu explained.

The project will be implemented in stages with an emphasis on work to stop or reduce the pollution from Rooiwal in the early stages. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:53

627 views