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15th BRICS Summit kicks off

Location: News

15th BRICS Summit kicks off

The anticipation is over and the stage is set. The much vaunted 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Summit kicks off at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg today.

The Summit is held under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism” and is expected to last until Thursday.

The Summit brings together Heads of State and Government from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with at least 30 other Heads and of State and Government from Africa and all across the world expected to attend.

President Cyril Ramaphosa set the tone for the summit on Sunday evening, saying the BRICS grouping has the ability to “collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations”.

“This BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.

“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.

“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system. It must be a system that does not depend on the exercise of power or unilateralism, but by the advancement of the interests of the peoples of the world,” he told the nation.

Road closures, safety and security

Traffic around the Sandton Convention Centre is expected to be disrupted during the week.

Road closures around the venue are as follows:

  • Maude Street: one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street.
  • West Street: lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
  • Alice Lane: lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
  • 5th Street: lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.

On Wednesday, traffic around the Midrand Gallagher Estate will also be affected from about 3pm.

Those road closures are as follows:

  • Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive
  • Richards Drive traffic circle
  • Johnnic and Lupton Street
  • Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road

Last week, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) moved to assure South Africans and delegates at the Summit that law enforcement officials will be on high alert.

The structure said it had mobilised “maximum resources from all government departments” to ensure the safety of the summit.

“[The] NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of State, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world - that this happens in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.

“A priority committee comprised of various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role-players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, route, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security.

“The safety and security preparations for the Summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities as per their mandate,” the structure said.

The BRICS leaders are expected to deliver their first statements this afternoon. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 15:33

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All systems in spot for a safe BRICS Summit

Location: News

All systems in place for a safe BRICS Summit

Police Minister Bheki Cele on Monday instructed law enforcement agencies to make the stay of all visitors, including delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) memorable by protecting them.

“Make the world that is descending here to say, indeed, South Africa is the place to be,” Cele said.

Addressing law enforcement officers deployed at the BRICS Summit at Innesfree Park in Sandton, Cele encouraged the officers to make people feel comfortable; make their trip enjoyable and also make them want to come back to South Africa.

He told the officers that they should not be scared, but be ready to protect people coming to the Summit.

“We are not scared; we are absolutely not scared; nobody should be scared. You are commanded to go and do your best for the country,” he said.

Various law enforcement agencies, which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, the Ekhuruleni Metro Police Department, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and security companies are among the law enforcement agencies deployed to ensure the safety of BRICS delegates.

“What is expected of you is to show that every person visiting and every citizen is safe. Approach situations and people here with friendly faces. You are not here just for security, you are ambassadors,” Cele said.

Cele told the officers that they should not hesitate to deal with those who break the law.

“Operation Shanela is bearing positive results. We have arrested many criminals and the operation will continue even after the Summit,” he said.

Cele said since Operation Shanela was launched, the police have arrested 99 754 criminals.

“We have upped our levels; we have upped our game. We have pushed up the capabilities,” he said.

The summit which will be hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre from tomorrow is expected to be attended by over 40 Heads of State, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries.

Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said it is confident that South Africa will host the 15th BRICS Summit successfully.

“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing at the time. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Edwin
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 15:27

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SA pulls out red carpet for BRICS

Location: News

SA pulls out red carpet for BRICS

South Africa will put its best foot forward at the upcoming 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit to be held in Johannesburg.

With a few hours to go before the start of the three-day summit that will get underway tomorrow, government has indicated that all is in place for the all-important gathering that will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

This year’s summit is the first to be held in person since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent global restrictions.

While the summit brings a level of frustration for motorists who find themselves in traffic in the Sandton central business district and related routes, the all- important gathering will show that South Africa is an important voice internationally.

“The fact that there’s more engagements with the BRICS countries helps contribute to more business and more trade between South Africa and the other BRICS countries. Those other countries see South Africa potentially as the gateway to at least southern Africa, if not the whole continent,” said Professor Daniel Bradlow of the Centre for Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria.

Bradlow points out that it is important that the meeting goes well “because then people can say that South Africa is a country we can do business with and rely on.”

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, South Africa assumed the chair of the BRICS in January 2023. This year’s summit will be the third one that South Africa hosts as chair.

“We’re a member of an exclusive club in which the leading voices in the global South are also members,” Bradlow said of South Africa’s membership to the bloc.

South Africa has also benefited from loans obtained from the BRICS New Development Bank which was set up by the five founding countries of BRICS in 2015.

In April 2021, the Board of Directors of the New Development Bank (NDB) approved a USD 1 billion COVID-19 Emergency Program Loan to the South African government. The loan was to support government in its efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The loan was part of the second batch of COVID-19 Emergency Program Loans to NDB’s member countries focusing on economic recovery.

At a recent media briefing, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor said that the bank had to date approved 12 projects in South Africa, valued at around $5.4 billion, to improve service delivery in critical areas.

The NDB was established to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, the bank initiated a membership expansion exercise and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as new member countries.

Expansion and other matters

Among the range of issues to be discussed at the summit, is that of the possible expansion of the BRICS footprint.

“The big issue in a sense will be [on whether] should the BRICS expand and take in new members or not and there’s differences of opinion among the five [member countries] on what the criteria should be for doing this and who should be admitted; so that will be a big issue, not the only one but that will be a big issue,” said Bradlow.

In what can be described as a “special” televised address to the nation on Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of the bloc saying the “value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members.”

This is also the sentiment of Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Chen Xiaodong who said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.

This as over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.

The summit has to some extent been eclipsed by whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would be attending the gathering in person. This is after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against President Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova in March for allegedly being responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia.

In July, the Presidency announced that the Russian President would not be attending the summit “by mutual agreement” but that he would be attending it virtually adding that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would lead the Russian delegation. 

At a recent state of readiness media briefing, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa chairs the BRICS in a “dynamic global environment where developments in the ICC were the sole topic of discussion around the summit for most of the year.” 

At the time she said that the country was aware of “our domestic and international legal obligations.”

Reflecting on the President Putin matter, Bradlow said:  “If he had come, it would have been terrible because South Africa would have been damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”

“We’ve been spared that. But the Ukraine war and Russia’s situation is definitely going to have an impact on the summit but it won’t be as bad as it would have been had Putin come,” said the professor.

Bradlow said the expansion of the bloc will be a big issue at the Summit.

“The big issue in sense will be should the BRICS expand and take in new members or not.  There’s differences of opinion among the five on what the criteria should be for doing this and who should be admitted. So that will be a big issue, not the only one but will be a big issue.”

Bradlow said he would like to see the interests of the African continent being promoted.

“The ones that makes sense here is food and fertilizer with Russia. I know it was raised in a meeting when Ramaphosa was there but that it gets raised in this context again.  

This as the Leaders of the African Peace Initiative issued a joint statement “called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General.”

The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.

“The issues of global governance reform and around sovereign debt issues is important and also because climate is such an important issue.”

Wish list

On the professor’s wish list is the campaign for a third African chair on the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The one that which is the most realistic that you can get action on is to campaign for a third African chair on the Board of Directors of the IMF. Africa’s voice is so weak from a voting point of view in the IMF and the two executive directors out of 24 that represent sub-Saharan Africa basically… and they each represent about 22 or 23 countries. So it would be good to have a third person who could take on some of that burden and be another voice for Africa,” said Bradlow.

No doubt being a member of BRICS has enhanced South Africa’s position and influence as an important emerging economy. It also has given the country access to policy and technical expertise of larger and established economies.

The red carpet has been rolled out; let us heed the President’s call to extend a warm South African Ubuntu to all our visitors. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 16:57

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Strategic agreements signed at BRICS women business alliance conference

Location: News

Strategic agreements signed at BRICS women business alliance conference

Delegates attending the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) Africa Trade Conference, have witnessed the signing of partnership agreements, which will pave the way towards building trade platforms with various countries.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is leading the Provincial Government’s participation at the annual BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference, currently underway at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.

The conference, taking place from 20-21 August 2022, brings together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, amongst others.

Dube-Ncube said the conference is a significant global milestone in the struggle for women empowerment, and it strategically takes place ahead of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Summit to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa from 22-24 August 2024. 

She said they are inspired that the gathering will discuss among others, access to funding, trade, investment among BRICS nations and Africa, and facilitation of exports.

Dube-Ncube said the conference will also highlight crucial deliberations on establishing a Women Advancement Fund, aimed at providing women entrepreneurs with vital access to capital, nurturing the growth of women-led businesses, and propelling economic activity and job generation. 

The Women Business Alliance will also expedite discussions on BRICS Tourism development, gendered healthcare policies, and collaborative efforts to boost economic prospects for women

“This platform will help propel women to competitively participate and fully exploit opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, a single market for goods and services. 

“Similarly, the BRICS WBA Africa Trade Conference promises to be an unparalleled platform fostering collaboration among women-owned businesses and enterprises across BRICS and African nations,” Dube-Ncube said.

The two-day indaba, which was unveiled in 2020, takes place at the time which is characterised by a tectonic shift in the global world order, with the BRICS family of nations, which accounts for more than 23 percent of the global economic output, emerging as a strong counterbalance to the dominant global set up.

Welcoming hundreds of delegates on the first day of the conference on Sunday, Dube-Ncube said the problem statements for women globally may possess different nuances for different countries and world regions, but essentially they all boil to one – the total emancipation of women to enjoy equality with their male counterparts.

The summit is held under the theme: “The Role of Multi-lateral Trade and Investment in Economic Recalibration, Reconstruction and Recovery Plans”.

"The Role of Multilateral Trade and Investment in economic re-calibration, reconstruction and recovery plans is premised on collaboration and inclusivity of women in the broader development of women," Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 13:45

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Heads of State arrive in SA ahead of BRICS Summit

Location: News

Heads of State arrive in SA ahead of BRICS Summit

A few African Heads of State have already touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport ahead of the much-anticipated 15th BRICS Summit that will kick start on Tuesday, 22 August.   

The weekend saw at least two African leaders arrive in the country already. 

Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Sunday welcomed Cameroon Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, who landed at the OR Tambo International Airport, on Sunday afternoon. 

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera is already on home soil after Minister Angie Motshekga received him at the airport on Saturday. 

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa invited 67 leaders from Africa and the global South to attend the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues. 

Brazil President Luiz Inácio da Silva accompanied by his wife Rosangela da Silva also landed at the OR Tambo International Airport this morning.

The couple were also on the same flight with Brazil's Former President Dilma Rousseff, who is also the Chair of the BRICS New Development Bank. 

Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be arriving later this evening.  

The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.

According to President Ramaphosa’s televised speech last night, over 30 Heads of State from across Africa will be attending the summit. 

He also announced that over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.

BRICS expansion is expected to take centre stage as leaders descend on Sandton for a couple of days. 

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said his country was backing the expansion of the block, describing it as “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa believes the value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. 

“For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said on Sunday.  

The country’s First Citizen is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

It will be President Xi’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years.

BRICS Summit leaders are hoping that the gathering will cement the bloc’s partnership but also benefit the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.

It also seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and display opportunities within South Africa, Africa, and BRICS countries.

The country’s overall trade with its BRICS partners has increased by an average growth of 10% between 2017 and 2021. 

Meanwhile, South African trade with BRICS reached R830 billion in 2022 from R487 billion in 2017.

BRICS Business Council, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will also be bringing large business delegations to South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 12:27

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BRICS a chance to further electricity sector cooperation

Location: News

BRICS a chance to further electricity sector cooperation

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to host and participate in various engagements as part of strengthening the electricity sector cooperation with BRICS member states.

The 15th Summit of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa (BRICS) countries will get underway in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

The Minister will use the opportunity to host engagements in the interest of the development of new energy generation, forging support for a common position in advancing Africa’s energy security on Just Transition and technical support to transition, access to modern energy sources and advancing a call for a common BRICS position on the transforms of the global energy architect and governance.

According to the Presidency, amongst the engagements for the Minister of Electricity during the BRICS Summit include a bilateral with China State Grid, a meeting with TBEA and China National Electricity Engineering Company and a meeting with CNG.

On Tuesday the Minister will participate in the BRICS Business Forum and on Wednesday the BRICS Cultural Show. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 10:20

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President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit

The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.

More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.

This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.

“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.

As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.

“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.

“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.

The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.

“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.

“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.

“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.

Funding development

The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.

“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.

“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.

“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.

“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.

 “It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.

“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.

Supporting global stability

President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.

“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.

To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.

President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

 “Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.

“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.

On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa. 

The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.

Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53

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Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit

Location: News

Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit

Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday address all the forces deployed at the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.

This follows numerous security engagements and briefings by security role-players responsible for safeguarding the upcoming BRICS Summit.

The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.

The security forces parade will comprise officers from across various disciplines of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supporting security agencies deployed to safeguard the event.

Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th BRICS summit.

Together, BRICS has more than 40% of the world's population; makes up a quarter of the global economy and accounts for a fifth of global trade. 

BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the summit, with over 20 countries having formally applied to join BRICS.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.

“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.

Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:59

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China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

Location: News

China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

The upcoming BRICS Summit will usher new steps towards expanding the membership of BRICS countries, says Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong. 

Xiaodong confirmed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be attending the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, which will get underway next week.

The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies - Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa. 

He told the media that China was actively pushing for the strengthening of partnerships with other nations. 

“As the world faces rising exclusiveness and protectionism, President Xi Jinping pointed out that BRICS is not an exclusive club or small circle, but a big family of good partners that is based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation.”

This is after, according to the ambassador, the BRICS leaders reached a consensus on the bloc’s expansion. 

“The leaders supported discussions on the criteria and procedure for expansion.”

The ambassador said the international community voted in strong favour of BRICS cooperation, countries that have formally applied to join the five-country bloc. 

“BRICS expansion has become the top trending issue at the moment. Expansion is key to enhancing [the] BRICS mechanism’s vitality. I believe that this year’s summit will witness a new and solid step on this front,” he stressed. 

Cooperation

He also touched on BRICS cooperation, which he is of the view that this year’s summit will send signals for solidarity and its commitment to make the world a better place.

“Over the past 17 years, BRICS countries have focused on shared development. BRICS continues to advance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy and resources, as well as finance and monetary matters.”

In addition, they are looking to grow in other areas. These include supply chain, logistics, agriculture, food security, local settlement and cross-border payment, vaccines and public health. 

“President Xi Jinping put forward four major goals of building an integrated big market, ensuring sound circulation and transport connectivity at all levels and strengthening cultural exchanges for BRICS.”

He told the media that the leaders would also draw a sharp focus on the youth and people with disabilities. 

State Visit

According to a Presidency media advisory, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The ambassador said it would be his President’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years. 

He described the visit as significant as China and South Africa celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year. 

He told the guests that both countries had built a “comrade plus brothers special bond”. 

The ambassador also reflected on the partnership that the two nations enjoy. 

“China-South Africa ties have set a fine example for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.” 

Xiaodong said under Presidents Xi and Ramaphosa, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has moved to greater heights. 

“On the political front, the two countries have strong mutual respect and trust. We firmly support each other on issues of our respective core interest and major concerns.”

In addition, he said on the economic and trade front, the relationship is mutually beneficial. 

During the State Visit, he said both Presidents would have wide-ranging and in-depth exchanges on China-South Africa and China-Africa relations, BRICS cooperation, and international and regional issues of common interest. 

They are also expected to witness the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and hold a press briefing. 
The two Heads of State will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue. 

“All eyes will be on how stronger BRICS cooperation, China-South Africa relations and China-Africa relations will continue to contribute to regional and global peace and development.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:36

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NATJOINTS bold of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

NATJOINTS confident of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.

“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.

The 15th BRICS Summit will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg next week from 22 to 24 August 2023.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday on the safety and security plans in place for the hosting of the summit, Mosikili said NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, the summit will happen in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.

“A priority committee, comprising various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, routes, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security,” Mosikili said.

Mosikili explained that the safety and security preparations for the summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.

“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.

“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” Mosikili said.

All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times and at all areas of deployment.

“Each and every member deployed has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity. It is on that note that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers,” she said.

Mosikili cautioned members of the public against committing any illegal acts, as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.

“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively, within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.

Securing the venue

Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law.

Leading up to the summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting the BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August.

This seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa.

Residents in the City of Johannesburg are advised that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre. Those operating businesses and those who reside near the Sandton Convention Centre are advised of the following road closures that enclose the venue:

From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 24:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023

•            Corner Maude and West Streets

•            Corner West Street and Alice Lane

•            Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street

On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures from 15:00 to 24:00

•            Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive

•            Richards Drive traffic circle

•            Johnnic and Lupton Street

•            Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road

 - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:35

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BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

Location: News

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

The New Development Bank (NDB) has successfully issued its debut ZAR bond in the South African bond market, becoming the highest rated issuer to issue in this market since 2015.

The bond, which was issued on Tuesday, was well supported, with over R2.5 billion in bids across both the three-and five-year tranches.

This allowed the NDB to exercise its option to upsize the trade from R1 billion to R1.5 billion. Ninety-four percent of bids were within or lower than price guidance, with the outcome representing the tightest spreads achieved by any non-government issuer in the South African Debt Capital Markets in 2023.

The orderbook was well diversified, with 71% of bids being allocated to institutional investors and the remainder taken up by local banks.

“The NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries to fund its robust portfolio of local currency loans. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and the successful outcome sets the benchmark for future issuances by NDB,” NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Maasdorp, said.

The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:35

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Road closures ahead of BRICS Summit

Location: News

Road closures ahead of BRICS Summit

With South Africa hosting the 15th Summit of BRICS nations next week, roads near the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg will be closed.

Motorists have been advised that the roads will be closed from this Sunday, 20 August 2023 until 26 August 2023.

The following roads will be closed:

  • Maude Street - one-way traffic from 5th Street to West Street.
  • West Street - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
  • Alice Lane - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.
  • 5th Street - lanes closest to the convention centre will be closed. The lanes furthest away will be open for traffic.

“The community is requested to be aware of the impact to routes during the Summit and follow traffic updates when travelling around the Sandton Convention Centre. As can be expected, there will be significant security presence around the Sandton CBD for the duration of the summit,” the Gauteng Police Board Initiative said on Tuesday.

South Africa is hosting the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit that will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August. - SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:23

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It is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

It is all systems go for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

By Michael Currin

It is Women’s Month and Government is delighted to be hosting an important group of leading emerging markets and developing countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit. Together BRICS has around 42% of the world's population, 27% of global GDP and around 20% of international trade.

It is our third time hosting this important event as a country and South Africa is privileged to be the chair of BRICS this year.

Our theme is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.

This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Since January 2023, we have held a large number of meetings across all three pillars of cooperation, namely:

1. Political and security,

2. Economic and financial; and

3. Social and people-to-people cooperation.

GCIS has supported various Ministerial meetings held to precede BRICS across all provinces. Our Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts, in Sandton, on 24 July 2023.

The Friends of BRICS is a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS, those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited as per the Chair’s prerogative and henceforth invited as per the consensus reached between the host and fellow BRICS members. The Friends of BRICS countries who attended this meeting are Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Various other meetings took place headed by various Ministers such as the BRICS Foreign Ministers, the BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Ministers of Communication, the BRICS Youth Forum, the BRICS Urbanisation, BRICS Ministers of Health, and BRICS Ministers of Science and Innovation have all concluded their meetings.

Cabinet has encouraged BRICS meetings to be held in different towns and cities so that our guests have a wide range of experience of our beautiful country. It is also important that the tangible economic benefits of hosting our BRICS partners are experienced in a variety of communities.

All these activities build up to the XVth BRICS Summit which will provide an opportunity for BRICS Leaders to reflect on all the elements of BRICS cooperation. The XVth BRICS Summit will also provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of our friends in Africa and the global South with the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the XVth BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg and we are running a countdown to hype the upcoming activities of the Summit. South Africa Chairs BRICS in a dynamic global environment where the eyes of the world are on us.

Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting a content-rich BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August which seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa. As an outcome of South Africa's Chairing of BRICS in 2013, the BRICS Business Council celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2023 and we look forward to the celebrations as well as the outcomes of the review of the work of the Council in its first ten years.

The BRICS Summit programme

The first event on the BRICS Leaders' programme is the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 August. The Leaders will get a report on the outcomes of the deliberations during the BRICS Business Forum and will deliver statements reflecting on BRICS economic relations.

Following the Business Forum, the Leaders move to a quieter venue for the BRICS Leaders Retreat. This is a signature event of South Africa as BRICS Chair. Leaders meet in a comfortable setting in a private venue for an unscripted discussion of contemporary issues of importance. There is no set agenda and Leaders can initiate a discussion on issues of choice such as BRICS membership expansion, reform of global governance, or use of local currencies.

On 23 August, the XVth BRICS Summit continues with a closed plenary followed by an open plenary session.

The BRICS Leaders will deliver national statements which will be followed by reports by the President of the New Development Bank, the South African Chair of the BRICS Business Council and the South African Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.

It is befitting during Women’s month to re-emphasise my focus on the BRICS Women's Business (WBA) Alliance. This will be the first in-person engagement with BRICS Leaders as it was established in 2020 under the Chairship of Russia during the height of the pandemic. This Alliance aims to empower and advance women entrepreneurs in BRICS to create a vibrant network in partnership with others that facilitates knowledge-sharing, skills development, and business opportunities for women across diverse sectors and industries.

Their flagship meeting is the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference to be held in Durban from 20 to 21 August which brings together over 500 women-owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, from BRICS and Africa. The conference will include the first in-person joint meeting of BRICS WBA national chapters and develop recommendations to be presented to BRICS Leaders at the Summit.

Following the reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the Summit is expected to adopt the eGoli Declaration as the main outcome document of the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

South Africa is also pleased to welcome the first meeting of Ministers responsible for Women Affairs as an important step in mainstreaming women's issues across all areas of BRICS cooperation.

This is also a concrete step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. As a partnership, BRICS operates on the principles of openness, solidarity, mutual respect and understanding as well as mutually beneficial cooperation that is seen to deliver tangible benefits.

The XVth BRICS Summit is the venue and occasion for the voices of BRICS, Africa and the global South to converge and be heard. We meet to reflect on the status of cooperation, to consider regional and global developments and to assess the status of global governance reform.

The Summit is not the final event of South Africa as Chair of BRICS. We continue our programme of mutually beneficial cooperation until the end of 2023.

We look forward to further meetings including the Ministers for Disaster Management, Ministers of Tourism, possible Ministers of Transport meeting, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Foreign Policy Dialogue, Young Diplomats and the first workshop on incident management later in the year. We particularly look forward to the return of the BRICS Games in October.

We are confident that we will leave 2023 having strengthened the BRICS partnership and having delivered benefits to the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.

Government calls on South Africans to continue to extend the warmest of South African welcomes to the many official delegates, businesspeople, media and civil society who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the world shortly for the Summit.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and  Stakeholder Management (ICSM) at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

 

Janine
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:39

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Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Honest

Location: News

Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Fair

The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will be a hive of activity when the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the South African BRICS Business Council host the BRICS Trade Fair.

The fair will run from 19 - 23 August 2023 ahead of the highly-anticipated 15th BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Summit in Sandton.

The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, together with his BRICS counterparts on 19 August.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries, as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment.

The fair and the BRICS Business Council Programme will include a series of sectoral sessions that will include, among others:

•            Energy Cooperation Forum;

•            Accelerating Infrastructure Development through Government Business/Private Partnerships;

•            Embracing the Digital Economy for Transformation and Advancement;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Importance of Skills for Emerging and Future Jobs;

•            DFI Funding Instruments;

•            The BRICS Manufacturing Forum;

•            Oceans Economy High Level Dialogue;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) - Side Event and

•            Africa’s Economic Place in the BRICS Alliance, which will be hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).

The fair will be a platform to showcase proudly South African products and services from companies and institutions from South Africa and the rest of Africa, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

These companies and institutions are from sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, energy and energy infrastructure.

South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, will host the 15th  BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22 - 24 August 2023, under the theme, 'BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism'.

The summit will be preceded by the Inward Buying and Investment Missions from Brazil, Russia, India and China, which will take place in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from 13 - 23 August 2023, and the BRICS Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:25

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BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

Location: News

BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has lauded the upcoming BRICS Summit as a significant opportunity to create jobs and boost tourism revenue for the province.

The BRICS Summit brings together governments and their leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

“There is no doubt that many sectors will be positively impacted from accommodation, transportation, food, security, logistics and hospitality establishments, with the majority of them already fully booked. We are excited by the prospects of our visitors and delegates immersing themselves in our food and culinary experiences,” the GTA said.

According to the GTA, this year’s summit brings together Heads of State and from the BRICS countries, ministers, government officials and support staff, as well as “at least 25 other countries represented by their Presidents and ministers”.

“Recent reports have also indicated that more than 40 countries have expressed their interest in joining BRICS, so we can expect many more representatives from countries in the global South to make their way to Johannesburg. Add to this the various observers, business leaders, analysts and civil organisations and members of the media, both local and international, makes up the impressive numbers.

“All these people will be sleeping in the province, eating at the various venues and establishments, buying local products, interacting with our communities, and immersing themselves in our culture and way of life. These are the direct ripple effects of tourism and a growing visitor economy. It is more than just a conference or meeting room. It is social currency in action,” the GTA said.

The authority highlighted that the business, tourism, trade and investment activities expected to take place over the duration of the summit will bring business to the business tourism orientated wing of the sector.

“The formal sessions of this important gathering are expected to be spread across the major economic and business event nodes of the city region with Sandton City, Gallagher Convention Centre, Birchwood and Montecasino, amongst others, playing host.

“This bodes well for the visitor economy and business events sector in the province, as these types of high-profile events generate the much needed jobs and tourism revenue into the economy,” the GTA said.

The authority emphasised that the summit will bring in much needed impetus to the province’s economic recovery efforts for the present and the future.

“The summit comes at a time when the country has shown an impressive 46.5% rise in foreign tourist arrivals when comparing June 2023 to the same period last year, as reported by Statistics SA. A quick glance at these numbers also shows that business travellers tend to stay longer and spend more, with African travellers leading the pack.

“It is for this reason that the GTA, who is the key driver of tourism business growth initiatives in the province, is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this period showcases the best of Gauteng’s attractions to global and local visitors alike.

“For the GTA and many businesses in the province that rely on tourism activities and increased visitors into the province, the summit is not only about the BRICS delegates who will be here, but also potentially future visits from repeat visitors once they have tasted the unique attractions that Gauteng has to offer,” the authority said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:30

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BRICS Ministers sign declaration on agriculture

Location: News

BRICS Ministers sign declaration on agriculture

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has welcomed the signing of the Joint Declaration of the 13th Meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Ministers of Agriculture.

The Declaration outlines areas of collaboration, cooperation and agreement on various interventions among BRICS member countries on agriculture.

These include reducing the impact of climate change on agriculture and food production; ensuring access to food for the most vulnerable; agriculture trade and investment; enhancing agricultural technology cooperation and innovation, and strengthening exchange of agricultural information.

“On climate change, the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture called for the provision of means of implementation for developing countries to enable them to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on food security by enhancing the adaptive capacity and resilience of people, food, and agriculture production systems.

“They further resolved to advocate for joined efforts among BRICS member countries to address climate change impacts on agriculture. The Ministers also support the adoption of agricultural best practices that align with internationally agreed goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development said on Monday.

The Ministers noted that the challenges to achieve food security and nutrition are multi-sectoral and multidimensional. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among the BRICS countries in ensuring access to food for all.

In addition, they acknowledged the significance of food and nutrition security programmes, including food safety nets to reduce hunger and malnutrition among women, youth, children, older people, and persons with disabilities.

The declaration was signed last week at the conclusion of a four-day gathering of the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture in Mookgopong in Limpopo, South Africa.

Over the gathering (8 - 12 August), delegates from BRICS deliberated on various challenges under the theme, 'Strengthening collaboration towards sustainable agricultural production and increasing productivity'.

On agriculture and rural development, the Ministers committed to accelerate existing national agriculture and rural development programmes and initiatives, with a focus on revitalising rural economies, and attracting public and private investment, while fostering skills development.

“The Ministers also support the reform of the global agricultural trade system through measures that support developing economies.

“Furthermore, the Ministers encouraged policies enhancing open, free and fair agricultural trade, and encouraged the removal of unjustified trade restrictions,” the department said.

The full declaration can be accessed on the DALRRD website: www.dalrrd.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 11:59

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SA ready to host BRICS Summit  

Location: News

SA ready to host BRICS Summit  

It's all systems go for the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg later this month.

Taking place from 22 to 24 August, government has indicated that it has concluded the BRICS outreach programmes for various sectors and communities.

“Cabinet was apprised that it is all systems go in terms of South Africa’s readiness to host the 15th BRICS Summit. The last of the BRICS Ministerial Meetings – the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture Meeting – is currently underway, while the Ministerial Meetings of Foreign Affairs, Security, Trade, Industry, Education, Science, Labour, Communications, Health, and Urbanisation Forum have concluded their reports for the Leaders’ Summit.

“These engagements provided governments, organisations, experts and academics from the BRICS nations an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest that will enable informed decision-making during the BRICS Summit,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.

She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.

Russia-Africa Summit

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held a bilateral meeting and discussed opportunities to increase trade between the two countries, and for the Russian Federation to increase investments in South Africa.

This meeting took place during the Second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 27 and 28 July 2023. Ramaphosa was amongst other African leaders who attended the summit.

“This summit adopted the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan, which focuses on strengthening cooperation in areas of politics and security, economics, humanitarian matters, and interests of mutual benefit and prosperity.

“On the sidelines of the summit, African Heads of State and Government, who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, held follow-up talks with President Putin on the previously discussed confidence-building measures that will create conditions for a negotiated settlement to ending the war,” Ntshavheni said.

Security in Niger

Cabinet also has noted the impact the security situation in Niger is having on air travel between South Africa/Southern Africa and Western Europe, with negative implications for business and individuals alike and the airline industry, which is just starting to recover from the devastating ravages of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Cabinet reiterated government’s condemnation of the coup in Niger and the call for the speedy restoration of a democratic order, and also noted the initiative to restore normality under the Economic Community of West African States,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:47

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Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes pace 

Location: News

Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes progress 

The Leaders of the African Peace Initiative have recognised progress achieved since the proposals discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their first meeting on 17 June 2023 in St. Petersburg. 

The leaders made proposals on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

The seven African leaders issued a joint Statement on Thursday following the engagement between them and the President of the Russian Federation on 28 July in St. Petersburg, in the Russian Federation.

At that engagement last week, the leaders continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.

“The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

“The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul,” the statement read. 

The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.

The leaders have agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened. 

African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:

- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union;
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa;
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo;
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal;
- President Yoweri  Museveni of the Republic of Uganda;
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley  Kakubo.

Advancing SA's international interests 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation. 

This after he concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the summit which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments. 

He concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture. 

“The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development,” Magwenya said.

Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Meanwhile on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada. 

“In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future. 

“The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:54

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Phaahla calls on BRICS to not let guard down against COVID-19

Location: News

Phaahla calls on BRICS to not let guard down against COVID-19

While the world is no longer living in a COVID-19 pandemic crisis mode, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has warned BRICS leaders that they cannot afford to let their guard down.

“This virus will still unfortunately continue to cause havoc in our population and in our economy,” he cautioned on Friday. 

“We just need to make sure that we are tracking the virus because it will continue to evolve and pose risk in our societies.”

However, he said he was hopeful that the leaders now have the tools and the political will in place to ensure that future waves do not result in more severe diseases and deaths.

Phaahla, together with Health Ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, and China were speaking at the adoption of the declaration of the 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting. 

Today marked the last day of BRICS health events currently underway at the Durban International Convention Centre in the run-up to the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023. 

The 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting was taking place under the ‘Bridging the Gap on Sustainable Health on the Road to Universal Health Coverage 2023’ theme. 

The Minister said the bloc partnership has a significant role to play in surveillance, preparedness, and developing health mechanisms to confront pandemics. 

Universal health coverage (UHC)

He said over the last decade, the BRICS countries have committed to substantial health-system reforms designed to improve equity in service use, quality, and financial protection, with the ultimate goal of achieving UHC. 

Last month, the National Assembly passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill paving the way for universal healthcare, bringing it a step closer to being signed into law and being rolled out. 

“This is one of the most revolutionary bills ever passed by the National Assembly since the dawn of our democracy in 1994,” he told delegates. 

UHC, he said is undoubtedly the cornerstone to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, on good health and well-being. 

“We have an opportunity to make our voices heard as BRICS countries building on our hard negotiated and agreed goals towards universal health agenda.”

He believes that the BRICS nations are a force to be reckoned with, as they carry a great number of the world's population of underprivileged societies. 

“So we should leverage our involvement in the G20 to push the global health agenda and related areas for ensuring global health security.”

He also acknowledged that there is still a lot to be done to ensure access and equity to safe and essential medical products for people, especially in developing countries. 

Vaccines
Phaahla also touched on the equitable distribution of vaccines and expeditious vaccination, to fill the immunisation gap globally. 

“We should, therefore, remain focused on discussions on the importance of the World Trade Organisation on relevant intellectual property waiver proposals, as well as capacity building and strengthening local production of vaccines and other health tools, especially in developing countries,” he stressed, adding that mNRA hubs should be supported. 

Phaahla said the leaders have also agreed that they should jointly take proactive and effective measures to prevent and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases and contribute to improving global health. 

Public health emergencies

This year, he said they also added a BRICS Network of Public Health Emergency Centres (PHEOC), serving as nerve centres for preparation and response to public health emergencies. 

“This is especially critical as we reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic response and aim to build back better for future outbreaks and pandemics. 

“The effective coordination and improved control of outbreaks as evidenced by shorter times from detection to response that a functional PHEOC is valuable in the prompt containment of infectious disease outbreaks in all countries.”

He said the medicines regulatory authorities were also ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation. 

He said this was a significant step towards realising the objective to work together in the field of medical products regulation. 

This, according to Phaahla, will also enable the nations to share regulatory experience and best practices. 

It will also enable them to exchange experts for capacity building as well as facilitate the regulatory landscape to promote research and development and adaptation through technology transfer of innovative medical products. 

These include drugs, vaccines, medical technologies, and anti-microbial resistance. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:19

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Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation

Location: News

Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on his partners from BRICS to develop science and innovation capacities across Africa for the creation of a better future for all. 

Nzimande was speaking on Friday at the 2023 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) Ministerial Meeting on Science and Innovation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 

He told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and China that one of the strategic objectives of the annual ministerial meeting is to provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange on science, technology, and innovation policy. 

The platform is to also share information on priority investment areas, as well as national progress in the implementation of BRICS partnership initiatives.  

He told delegates that in 2022, the country witnessed a historic milestone in science policy development with the adoption of the Decadal Plan. 

The Decadal Plan, approved by Cabinet, focuses on growing South Africa by finding sources of new economic growth for a re-industrialised and modern economy.

“Although prepared by my department, it is not only a plan for the Department of Science and Innovation, or for government alone, but for all of South Africa,” he said. 

The plan also seeks to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of South Africa’s growth and development agenda.

Meanwhile, the Innovation and Skills Compact will undertake amongst others a regulatory reform to create a more enabling policy environment for innovation in South Africa. 

It will also forge a closer collaboration between higher education and training bodies, and employers, to ensure that skills development better corresponds to the needs of the economy.  

“Our plan does not identify priorities [of] scientific disciplines or technology platforms in their own right, but instead focus on the collective and holistic response of South African science and innovation on key societal challenges confronting South Africa.

“This approach notably foresees a central role by the social sciences and humanities, which remains a priority investment area.”

He also touched on the strengthening BRICS collaboration, namely vaccine manufacturing, the hydrogen economy, and the marine sciences.  

“The Decadal Plan proposes a new dedicated programme on innovation for a healthy South African population.  

“This programme will focus on both physical and mental health; build on our existing successes in for example the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, while also reinforcing our pandemic preparedness.”

The Minister said developing South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a priority investment area.  

“Our objective is to develop a viable local vaccine manufacturing industry in South Africa, which will notably address African concerns regarding the security of supply.”

The plan will also zoom into energy security as a priority, which has led to the implementation of South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

The roadmap also seeks to exploit South Africa’s unique comparative advantage, the endowment of 75% of global platinum metals group reserves.

“We have made excellent progress in developing new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and are keen to join forces with BRICS partners in this enterprise.

“Opportunities abound in areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and the production of green hydrogen, including as part of a dedicated Platinum Valley, spatial and economic development initiative.”

Nzimande said the country is also committed to the marine sciences and the development of a blue economy.  

He explained that cooperation with partners in the Global South and strengthening multilateralism and solidarity through our BRICS science, technology, and innovation partnership is a priority of the highest order.  

“I, therefore, have every confidence that our BRICS partners will join us in an effort, within the spirit of generosity President Mandela spoke about, to also develop science and innovation capacities across Africa. This will be a lasting contribution of our shared objective to creating a better future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:50

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