SA News

31 July 2024

SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy

Location: News

SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says it is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth and export-oriented economy.

To this end, the department will support local industries to increase their manufacturing capacity and volumes, enhance their competitiveness and identify suitable export markets for their manufactured products.

Whitfield was speaking during a debate on the Budget Vote of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Tuesday.

“It is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth.

“Manufacturing is indeed less volatile and less vulnerable to economic downturns and will create real, sustainable and decent paying jobs for our people.

“South Africa must also create an export-oriented economy. A dedicated focus on manufacturing growth will also lead to export growth,” he said.

Whitfield said one of the dtic’s key focus areas under the new administration will be a renewed export drive to lower the risk of slow domestic growth, while also identifying high growth opportunities.

“The creation of an export-oriented economy can be realised through a dedicated focus on implementing measures to boost the competitiveness of local industries in global markets, streamlining export processes, lowering trade barriers, offering financial and technical assistance to exporters and cultivating beneficial trade alliances with other nations,” explained Whitfield.

He said South Africa’s exports in May this year totalled over R178 billion and the country recorded a trade surplus of over R20 billion, significantly higher than forecast, and the widest trade surplus in six months.

“This is commendable and illustrates the important contribution that exports can make to our fiscus. We will support local industries by building a supportive and competitive ecosystem to drive manufacturing growth.

“We will also identify intermediate goods that could make our manufacturers more competitive; as well as identify products that we produce competitively and the markets that consume those products in large and/or growing volumes,” Whitfield said.

Earlier this month, dtic Minister Parks Tau reiterated the commitment to “smart industrial policy”, which will support the successful implementation of government’s development imperatives.

READ | The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President

“In line with what the President said [during the Opening of Parliament Address] when talking about smart industrial policy, the dtic group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail and agro-processing sectors.

“Smart industrial policy speaks to underlining beneficiation and export-led growth. It highlights the imperatives of the Public Procurement Act that will complement the essential legislative tools to unlock localisation and transformation.

“Every year the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, it is also out of sync with our developmental needs,” Tau said.

The Minister said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others. He noted that smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles. – SAnews.gov.za

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

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31 July 2024

DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations

Location: News

DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has hit back at allegations by convict and alleged prison escape artist Thabo Bester regarding his incarceration at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.

In June this year, Bester told the pre-trial court in his escape case that, amongst other allegations, he was being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours of the day and was not given adequate time to consult with his lawyers.

The department has dismissed those allegations – insisting that everything surrounding his incarceration has been done by the book.

“As DCS, it is clear that we are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.

“Apart from these security measures aimed at preventing an escape, the department has, since Thabo Bester’s admission at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility, treated him in the same manner that it treats other inmates at the said facility,” DCS said in a statement.

The department was at pains to explain that although imprisonment does not strip individuals of their rights, in the context of imprisonment, some rights “are given effect to differently where it is possible, practical and safe to do so, while others inconsistent with imprisonment do not enjoy recognition for instance the right to liberty”.

“Equally, the department recognises that the conditions of detention of inmates should be consistent with human dignity, including at least an opportunity to exercise and provision of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and the opportunity to access legal advice.

“That said, inmates are not entitled to be imprisoned with all the comforts they have enjoyed before their incarceration. A Correctional Centre is not akin to one's own private residence. Therefore, those amenities that a person would ordinarily enjoy outside the Correctional Centre are not necessarily available in a correctional facility. That is an invariable consequence of being imprisoned,” the department added.

Solitary confinement and access to legal representation

The DCS pointed out that there is “no practice of solitary confinement in South Africa” and dismissed Bester’s allegations that he was kept in that state as “incorrect and fallacious”.

“C-Max, at Kgoši Mampuru, is a high security facility. It comprises only single cells. Hence, all inmates in the facility do not share a cell. Therefore, the impression created by Thabo Bester that he is in a single cell, as a form of solitary confinement, is, with respect, disingenuous.

“Thabo Bester gets an opportunity to exercise for an hour every day. That is the minimum time of exercise permitted by Section 11 of the Correctional Services Act. The exercise always takes place in open air, unless the weather does not permit. During the time allocated for exercising, an inmate has an option to participate in other recreational activities.

“Thabo Bester and other inmates in C-Max are also afforded a reasonable opportunity to have telephonic contact with and to be visited by their families when such visits are properly arranged with the centre. Equally, Thabo Bester’s assertion that he is segregated is not correct. The facility comprises only single cells,” the department said.

On the issue of whether Bester is allowed access to legal advice and representation, the DCS said Bester had made “hundreds of telephone calls to various lawyers” for the period 12 October 2023 until 16 July 2024.

“Thabo Bester is asking for ‘an in-person or physical legal consultations' of not less than seven hours on prior arrangements and to allow him to use a laptop/tablet or any suitable gadget. He complains about a consultation using [a] wall steel telephone, whilst separated by a glass with his legal representatives, is not meaningful.

“Thabo Bester suggests that he should be afforded an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in a specific office at the centre. With respect, there is no merit in Thabo Bester’s request. To be succinct, the request is unreasonable. Thabo Bester’s legal representatives can communicate with him during the consultation and take down the necessary notes.

“A consultation with his legal representatives from 09:00 - 16:00 on a daily basis is neither reasonable nor practical. Kgoši Mampuru houses hundreds of inmates who also need to use the consultation rooms. The Regulations allow for consultations on a daily basis from 08:00 until 15:00 in the afternoon. Therefore, if Thabo Bester’s request is acceded to, it will mean that one of the consultation rooms will be occupied by him the whole day,” the department asserted.

Other allegations

In respect of Bester’s request to access electronic gadgets or equipment and the use of hand and leg cuffs the DCS said:

• Thabo Bester’s request for gadgets will pose a security risk to the centre and might enable him to orchestrate another escape.
• The use of hand and leg cuffs on Thabo Bester is justified under section 31 of the Correctional Services Act. Before his incarceration at Kgoši Mampuru, Thabo Bester had escaped from a maximum-security prison. Without a doubt, the department is justified in having an apprehension that Thabo Bester might attempt to escape again.

“The manner in which Thabo Bester has been treated is consistent with what is prescribed by the Correctional Services Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act. Basically, safe and humane custody of inmates is at the centre of the correctional system.

“The Act provides that the aim of a correctional system is to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful and safe society by enforcing sentences of the courts in a manner prescribed by the Act and detaining all inmates in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:38

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31 July 2024

dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

Location: News

dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

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

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

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

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

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

READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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31 July 2024

President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill

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

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

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

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

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

This includes:

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

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

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

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

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31 July 2024

DPWI Minister commits to expedite development of EduPark in Mamelodi

Location: News

DPWI Minister commits to expedite development of EduPark in Mamelodi

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has vowed to expedite the development of the EduPark community project in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.

“The EduPark and Mamelodi Skate Club, which forms part of it, is an example of how we need to accelerate development in our communities using State assets,” Macpherson said.

“The EduPark development has the financial backing of international donors to develop sports, education and agricultural facilities, but has been waiting for the release of unused State land in Mamelodi for the development to take place.

“For us to use public assets for public good, we will need to increase the number of partnerships the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has with private and non-profit role players, such as EduPark, to utilise unutilised public land for the best interest of communities.

“When the State does not utilise or protect State land, it often becomes a dumping ground for rubbish or illicit activities, where the municipality is then accused of not taking action to clear and protect the property, when it is not their responsibility.

“Going forward, we need to work together with municipalities to identify problematic properties and see how they can be used for public good,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 10:40

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30 July 2024

Fund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

Location: News

Fund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

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

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

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

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

READ | President Ramaphosa signs Pension Funds Amendment Bill into law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3550 views

30 July 2024

Transnet forging ahead with reforms

Location: News

Transnet forging ahead with reforms

Transnet says it is making “considerable progress” in the implementation of reforms in accordance with the Freight Logistics Roadmap and the Guarantee Framework Conditions issued to Transnet by National Treasury.

The reforms include the reform of Transnet’s rail business, corporatisation of the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the disposal of the company’s non-core assets.

Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, said: “These initiatives are a demonstration of Transnet’s commitment to the structural reforms in response to the changes in policy and regulations. In some cases, these changes entail entry of third parties in the rail and port networks, which is a necessary step to stimulate competition and address long-standing challenges such as underinvestment.”

Rail reform

Transnet said the rail reform process is on track.

This includes what the company calls the “vertical separation of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) into a Rail Operating Company and an Infrastructure Manager”.

“Since the publication of the draft railway Network Statement in March 2024, Transnet actively participated in a consultation process facilitated by the Interim Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (IRERC). This was in preparation of the finalisation of the final Network Statement to open train slots for third party train operator access.

“Following extensive consultations to align with key stakeholders, the Interim Infrastructure Manager has made the input to the IRERC, and Transnet looks forward to the publication of the final network statement and proposed tariff methodology to open slots for third party access by 30 September 2024,” Transnet said.

According to Transnet, the Rail Operating Company and Infrastructure Manager operating models, and organisational designs are expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2025.

Non-core assets and TNPA

The corporatisation of the TNPA is expected to culminate in the establishment of the National Ports Authority, which will be wholly owned by Transnet.

Work is underway to complete the Memorandum of Incorporation and the Registration of the National Ports Authority.

“The reform will enhance TNPA’s regulatory oversight on terminal operators across its port network. The corporatisation will establish TNPA as a financially autonomous entity capable of generating its own revenue, attract increased investments to improve the efficiency and positioning of SA ports to enhance competitive maritime trade and create appropriate partnerships.

“It will also, through its independence, enhance terminal licence oversight and align with international standards and regulations governing port authorities and ensure compliance with South African maritime and port regulations,” Transnet explained.

Furthermore, the company said its disposal of non-core assets is also progressing well.

“The disposals will generate cash and reduce holding costs. The Transnet Board of Directors has approved a plan for the disposal of the non-core assets. Transnet will finalise the full list of non-core assets for disposal in the current financial year,” the entity said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:47

513 views

30 July 2024

Strong bipartisan backing from the US for the reauthorisation of AGOA

Location: News

Strong bipartisan backing from the US for the reauthorisation of AGOA

South Africa’s position at the 21st African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum was to reset and create partnerships with an emphasis on industrialisation, building a capable state and job creation.

“As the dtic [Department of Trade, Industry and Competition] family, we regard the AGOA Forum as a crucial engagement reinforcing the strong economic ties between South Africa and the United States and our African continent,” Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said.

He said the mutually beneficial economic and trade partnership was highlighted by the more than 600 US businesses operating in South Africa and with over 1.3 million jobs created in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Minister was addressing the media in Cape Town on Tuesday to present some of the major outcomes that emanated from the two international engagements, AGOA and the 14th BRICS+ held in the United States and in Moscow, Russia, recently.

Parks said South Africa received strong bipartisan backing from the US Congress and colleagues in the US Administration for the reauthorisation of AGOA.

Proposals presented by the South African delegation included the extension of AGOA for stability, improved rules of origin, and adjustments to the eligibility review process to preserve regional value chains and enhance Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.

“The importance of maintaining these value chains was emphasised, with calls for AGOA enhancements to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) integration.

“AGOA and AfCFTA should be viewed as complementary forces crucial for Africa’s economic integration rather than as separate entities.

“AGOA has significantly expanded Africa’s access to US markets, while AfCFTA aims to create a unified continental market by eliminating tariffs and fostering economic cooperation among African nations,” Parks said.

Parks said to fully leverage both frameworks, AGOA’s provisions should be enhanced to support AfCFTA’s goals.

“This includes extending AGOA to provide trade stability, improving rules of origin to streamline the integration of regional value chains, and adjusting the eligibility review process to reflect AfCFTA’s progress,” he said.

The Minister said by aligning AGOA with AfCFTA, Africa can create a more cohesive economic structure that boosts intra-African trade, enhances manufacturing capabilities and integrates regional economies into the global market and driving sustainable growth across the continent.

“I would like to commend Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for his exceptional facilitation during the highly contested meeting that determined the host nation for AGOA in 2025. He navigated such a challenging and contentious environment skillfully. DM Whitfield's adept handling of the situation was crucial in achieving a balanced and effective outcome.

“Equally, Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi represented South Africa at the pivotal BRICS+ Trade Minister’s Meeting. A key from the BRICS+ Meeting was to call for a predictable, fair and equitable trade environment consistent with WTO’s rules as crucial for advancing economic prosperity,” the Minister said.

The outcomes emanating from the BRICS+ Meeting included, among others:

- The need for coordinated multilateral action on climate change and expressed concerns about unilateral measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impacting developing countries. Furthermore, they agreed to ensure climate measures respect WTO commitments and resist discriminatory practices.

- The potential of e-commerce to enhance market access and economic growth with calls for developing international rules and standards to address challenges such as cross-border taxation and data privacy.

- The role of SEZs in driving economic growth and investment was discussed, with a commitment to sharing best practices.

Parks said both the AGOA Forum and the BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting were fundamental in advancing international trade relations and economic cooperation.

“These engagements underscore the importance of cooperative trade relations in shaping a more equitable and sustainable global economy.

“They both underscore South Africa’s commitment to pursue transparent and strategic partnerships with both our Global North and Global South partners guided by the global policy and programmatic blueprints such as the SDGs, the Paris Climate Accord, the AU’s Vision 2063, and our very own NDP,” Parks said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 12:32

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30 July 2024

World faces era of new economic challenges

Location: News

World faces era of new economic challenges

The world is entering an era of new economic challenges, even as the recent ones have yet to be overcome, says South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago.

“The global economy continues on a long recovery path from the pandemic. This path has been a troubled one, and despite better prospects in recent months, remains beset by risks and vulnerabilities built up during the pandemic.
“Inflation remains stubbornly high, and public debt levels globally are at record levels,” the Governor said on Tuesday.

Addressing the 104th annual Ordinary General Meeting of the SARB shareholders in Pretoria, Kganyago asserted that technological development carries both risks to cybersecurity and the hope of large and sustained boosts to global productivity.

“Inflation remains a major policy concern for central banks globally. Although global inflation declined from 8.7% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023 and continues to ease in 2024, it remains high relative to the 2–3% inflation targets that many countries are trying to achieve.

“Restrictive monetary policy, along with the recovery in supply chains and other pandemic-related bottlenecks, has helped inflation to recede from its 2022 highs. However, global disinflation has slowed recently, as is well illustrated by consumer price inflation in the United States (US) still sitting at 3% relative to their 2% target,” Kganyago said.

He said the slow pace of disinflation reflects a pattern of lower imported inflation but higher services inflation across most economies.

“In some [economies], rising wages and sustained pent-up demand for services have been key factors. In emerging markets specifically, fiscal challenges and sustained currency depreciations have played more of a role.

“Policy commitment to reduce inflation back to targets has been strongly signalled around the globe, and central banks have generally been cautious in their approach to policy. Deepening geo-economic fragmentation, higher temperatures and other supply-related risks raise concerns about the long-term prospects for inflation, and considerable effort is going into reassessments of neutral real rate levels,” the Governor said.

While inflation remains higher than desired, global economic activity has proven to be more resilient than expected.

“Global growth surprised higher at 3.3% in 2023, despite considerable divergence in growth across individual economies. Generally, however, global growth rates are expected to remain below pre-pandemic trends. This reflects the impact of protectionist measures on global trade, relatively tight financial conditions as well as uncertainty of future policy trajectories,” Kganyago said.

Domestic real economy developments

Despite South Africa’s low economic growth, employment levels have recovered the 2.2 million jobs lost during the height of the pandemic.|

“As of the first quarter of this year, total employment surpassed its 2019 level. Nonetheless, job creation has been too slow and not enough to offset the growth in the labour force, leaving the unemployment rate elevated at 32.9% in the first quarter of this year,” the Governor said.

The South African economy slowed to 0.7% in 2023 from 1.9% in 2022, and remains well below growth in peer emerging markets.

“Load shedding and logistical challenges have been weighing heavily on economic activity, depressing the credit appetite of businesses and the spending of households.

“South Africa’s tailwind for growth coming from strong terms of trade continued to fade, despite still remaining at historically good levels. Exports also suffered over the past 12 months from energy and logistics challenges as much as price factors. Imports were also muted by logistics.

“As energy and logistics constraints continue to ease, the growth outlook will also improve. The domestic economy is expected to grow by 1.1% this year, rising to 1.7% by 2026, as both household spending and investment start to strengthen,” Kganyago said.

Domestic inflation dynamics

As with the global trend of moderating inflation, South Africa’s headline inflation decelerated over the past year, falling from 6.9% in 2022 to an average of 6% in 2023.

“These annual averages, however, hide the ongoing volatility in the underlying components of inflation, in turn demonstrating the risks and uncertainty marking the disinflation path.
“Since September of last year, headline inflation has been fluctuating between 5% and 6%, with frequent monthly setbacks coming from fuel, food and services prices.

“In February, core inflation rose by 0.4 percentage points to 5%, propelled sharply higher by medical insurance inflation. Encouragingly, as of June, core inflation has moved to 4.5%,” Kganyago said.

The SARB sees core inflation averaging 4.6% this year, from 4.8% last year. Inflation expectations eased in the first half of this year, but still remain well above the midpoint of the target band.

“While headline inflation came out between 5% and 6% for much of the past year, our current forecast shows it easing to 4.9% this year, pulled lower mainly by softening food and fuel inflation, and resting at the midpoint in 2025 and 2026.

“Even with some quantitative and qualitative adjustments to risk perceptions over time, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has felt it appropriate to maintain the repurchase (repo) rate at 8.25% – a level set in May of 2023,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 14:14

308 views

30 July 2024

Eastern Cape police lauded for tracing CIT suspects

Location: News

Eastern Cape police lauded for tracing CIT suspects

The provincial head of the police in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, has welcomed efforts by the Interim Cash-In-Transit (CIT) task team of the Hawks and the provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT) in locating cash-in-transit (CIT) suspects on Monday.

The suspects were located within hours after the incident occurred.

It is alleged that on Monday around 06:00, an SBV armoured vehicle (AV) from East London, enroute to Stutterheim, was ambushed on the N6 near Macleantown by a number of suspects in a fleet of vehicles.

“It is further alleged that during the incident, three guards were injured as the AV landed on its side during the attack. An SBV escort vehicle was also allegedly shot at and a backup to the scene was called,” the police said in a statement.

The suspects allegedly fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money and abandoned three vehicles from their fleet, which were later circulated and discovered to have been reported stolen in other provinces. Explosives were also recovered on the scene.

“A few hours later, information was received which led the team to Kom location in a homestead of Keiskammahoek.

“The team was received with a hail of bullets from the assailants in the suspicious homestead and the police were forced to retaliate with the same force which ended with five of the assailants fatally wounded,” the police said.

Cash in original money bags,3xAK 47 riffles, 1x R1 riffle, 4 x R5 riffles,17 magazines with a large number of live rounds of ammunition were recovered and seized in the household.

A 58 year old suspect who happened to be the owner of the homestead was arrested and will appear in King William’s Town Magistrate’s court soon.

A follow up investigation ensued which led to the arrest of three suspects driving in a suspicious Porsche vehicle with GP registration between Queenstown and Cradock.

A quick roadblock was set up by Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks jointly with Cradock SAPS K9 (Dog Unit), Cradock Visible Police (Vispol), Cradock Public Order Police (POP) and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members outside Tarkastad where the suspicious vehicle failed to stop.

The chase ensued and conventional methods were used to bring it to a halt.

Three suspects aged between 44 and 48 were arrested. Cash in stacks of R100 and R200 notes in original cash bags, four burner cellphones and a Porsche Cayenne vehicle were seized during the arrest. On circulation the Porsche was found to be reported stolen in Gauteng.

The three suspects will make their first court appearance before Cradock Magistrate’s court on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 14:45

268 views

30 July 2024

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

Location: News

Social Department reaffirms its commitment to protecting children from trafficking

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating human trafficking, focusing on the protection of children as the world commemorates World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

This year’s theme focuses on leaving no child behind in the fight against human trafficking.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on 30 July to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.

The department has since taken the time to remind South Africans especially caregivers about the prevalence of human trafficking and appeal for their vigilance when it comes to protecting children.

Citing the June 2023 publication by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the department said it was estimated that a possible 250 000 people have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa alone.

“This serves as a grave violation of human rights and dignity. On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development stands united against this heinous crime,” the department said.

According to the department, children represent a significant proportion of trafficking victims worldwide, with girls being disproportionately affected.

In terms of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults.

Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Caribbean, according to the department, make up 60% of detected trafficking victims.

“In addition to conflicts, pandemics, economic hardships, and environmental challenges, the proliferation of online platforms poses risks as children often connect to these sites without adequate protection.”

The department explained that traffickers exploit online platforms, social media, and the dark web to recruit and exploit children.

They also use technology to evade detection, reach wider audiences, and disseminate exploitative content.

“Countries including South Africa, are required to prioritise child protection, bolster legislation, improve law enforcement, and allocate more resources to combat child trafficking.”

The department has since called for prevention efforts to target root causes of human trafficking such as poverty and inequality to reduce children’s vulnerability with special attention paid to trafficking of children on the move or in transit.

According to the department, South Africa remains a source, transit, and destination country for men, women and children subjected to the crime of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.

“This means South Africans are being trafficked to other parts of the globe while the country is also used by traffickers to harbour victims in transit to other countries where they are going to be exploited.

“Victims of trafficking are also brought into the country to be exploited.”

Meanwhile, traffickers are said to control victims through deception, intimidation, threats, use of force, withholding of passports, debt bondage, and forced use of drugs and alcohol.

The department has described the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (PACOTIP) of 2013 as a critical legislative tool in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking.

The South African government, through the Department of Social Development has implemented various measures to prevent child trafficking. The PACOTIP Act aims to align with international agreements and provides for the prosecution of traffickers, protection of victims, and coordination of anti-trafficking efforts.

The Department of Social Development’s Gyan Dwarika said the significance of the PACOTIP Act, in conjunction with the Children’s Act, in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their rights and safety are upheld.

“The Act ensures that any child identified as a victim of trafficking is treated as a child in need of care and protection mandates immediate reporting and investigation of suspected cases, and provides for the safe placement and care of trafficked children,” Dwarika said.

Dwarika’s roles in the department include focusing on child labour, commercial sexual exploitation of children, online safety, and child marriages.

The department said they also offer victims of child trafficking comprehensive support and rehabilitation services.

These include psychological counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and placement in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs).

She said community involvement was crucial in preventing and combating child trafficking.

“International cooperation strengthens the response to the repatriation process of children trafficked into and out of South Africa. It ensures that children are repatriated safely and in line with international standards, considering factors like the best interests of the child and the safety of the repatriation process.”

Victims are also placed in accredited shelters where they are cared for by shelter staff and social workers to determine if they were trafficked.

Through the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) fund, the department is procuring a fleet of 10 vehicles to be distributed to gender-based violence (GBV) shelters accredited to accommodate victims across all nine provinces.

The Western Cape has partnered with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) to create awareness at the Cape Town bus rank. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 15:11

128 views

30 July 2024

Special Tribunal sets aside R1.6bn IDT contracts

Location: News

Special Tribunal sets aside R1.6bn IDT contracts

The Special Tribunal has reviewed and set aside two Independent Development Trust (IDT) contracts, worth some R1.6 billion, and has ordered the five companies, who received the contracts, to pay back all profits gained from the contracts.

According to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the five companies were awarded the contracts by the IDT to implement projects at the Department of Correctional Services.

“The decision of the Special Tribunal… follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the affairs of the Department of Correctional Services.

“This investigation revealed that the IDT failed to follow the applicable statutory and regulatory procurement provisions governing public procurement as set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, in concluding the contracts with the companies,” the SIU said.

According to the SIU, the department had appointed the IDT as an implementing agent to “manage the implementation of security fencing, parameter fencing, intercoms and conditions audits, and other infrastructure projects at various correctional centres in South Africa”.

“Following its appointment as an implementing agent, the IDT contracted Secelec Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd, Bakone Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd, and Bakone Secelec Consulting JV 2011 as transactional advisors to implement the building of fences around various prisons at a cost of R492 960 564.66. The contract was later cancelled.

“In 2012, the IDT appointed Manyeleti Consulting SA (Pty) Ltd and SA Fence and Gate JV as transactional advisors for a similar job. The budget for the initial tender increased with R72 454 350.62 or 15.2%.

“However, the total budget increased to R861 255 544.40. This escalation represents 81% of the approved budget and way above the permitted 20% deviation as per the National Treasury regulations. The Tribunal found that the tender/contract award was predetermined,” the SIU explained.

The corruption busting unit welcomed the Special Tribunal’s ruling on the matter and added that any criminality will be reported to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The Special Tribunal had ordered the five companies to render the full accounts of all the payments they received under the contracts awarded by IDT and reasonable expenses incurred, supported by necessary vouchers.

“Following the calculations of expenditure to service the now illegal contracts, the companies shall pay whatever profits that were earned. Furthermore, the companies were ordered to cover the legal costs of the review application brought by the SIU.

“The SIU welcomes the decision of the Special Tribunal, as it forms part of the implementation of investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by the State…[and] will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the [NPA] for further action,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 12:34

224 views

30 July 2024

DMPR notes withdrawal of TotalEnergies from offshore blocks

Location: News

DMPR notes withdrawal of TotalEnergies from offshore blocks

The Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources has expressed confidence that a suitable investor will come on board and “be able to monetise” gas discoveries off the south coast of South Africa.

This after international energy giant, TotalEnergies, announced its withdrawal from offshore Block 11B/12B and 5/6/7.

“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) notes TotalEnergies' announcement to exit from offshore blocks 11B/12B and 5/6/7. We are confident that a suitable investor will come on board and be able to monetise the gas discoveries.

“The department remains committed to the exploration of the country’s oil and gas resources and will intensify engagements with key role players to ensure the development and sustainability of the sector,” the department said in a statement.

Furthermore, the DMPR said it was pleased that the company is not totally withdrawing from South Africa.

“Additionally, we are pleased that TotalEnergies is not entirely leaving oil and gas opportunities in South Africa as they still hold exploration rights over Blocks Deep Water Orange Basin and Orange Basin Deep, Outeniqua South, and recent entry in Block 3B/4B east of Deep Water Orange Basin,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 09:58

310 views

30 July 2024

Rand Water concludes month-long maintenance project

Location: News

Rand Water concludes month-long maintenance project

Rand Water will this evening wrap up the final phase of its month-long proactive maintenance, which commenced last month.

The final phase of the maintenance project includes work at Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant (ZWTP) Engine Room 2, which resumed on Monday and will end on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, around 9pm.

“This work involves maintenance of various valves, pipelines as well as electrical and mechanical assets,” Rand Water explained.

According to Rand Water, the work will impact the water supply to the Palmiet Pumping Station, as pumping will be reduced to 76% during this period.

This means that 24% of Palmiet’s pumping capacity will be out of production.

Municipal customers affected by this maintenance work include residents from Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

The Madibeng Local Municipality in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, in the North West, will also be impacted.

The water utility explained that areas recover differently after the maintenance process due to different hydraulic designs of the systems, which indicate that some areas will recover earlier than others.

Rand Water said it continues to work with affected customers to ensure that municipalities continue to inform their customers of the extent and impact of water supply and measures to provide alternative water supply to residents.

“Maintenance of the water infrastructure is critical to improving the reliability, integrity and long-term preservation of the infrastructure to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted supply of bulk potable water,” said Rand Water. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:16

271 views

30 July 2024

Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

Location: News

Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

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

Smith finished the race at 1:05.28 on Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

142 views

29 July 2024

Labour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act

Location: News

Labour Minister welcomes signing into law of Companies Amendment Act

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

379 views

29 July 2024

Disease Management Area declared amid foot and mouth disease in EC

Location: News

Disease Management Area declared amid foot and mouth disease in EC

In further efforts to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the Department of Agriculture has declared a Disease Management Area (DMA), which includes part of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

This follows the department’s concerns over the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities, where cattle on 26 farms have tested positive for the disease.

The department said the cattle on the positive farms have been vaccinated to decrease the viral load and to control the severity of the clinical signs seen in especially dairy cattle.

The positive farms were also placed under quarantine, with strict movement control.

“Requests were received to preventatively vaccinate dairy cattle on farms that have not been confirmed as being FMD positive but were at high risk of infection. Permission was given to preventatively vaccinate cattle on 29 farms.

“Animals on a further seven farms were vaccinated after veterinary officials reported suspect clinical signs. In total, 84 655 animals were vaccinated on 62 farms,” the department said.

The department said the boundaries of the DMA will be detailed in the related July 2024 Government Gazette Notice.

The department explained that the DMA, which was declared on Friday, will make it possible to control the movements of animals out of, into and within the affected area.

“The main aim of the DMA is to prevent outward spread of the outbreaks, to areas not previously affected. In addition, the DMA aims to decrease further spread of the disease within the affected area, as this will decrease the viral load and infection pressure of the area.

“No cloven-hoofed animals, animal products derived from cloven-hoofed animals or genetic material of cloven-hoofed animals may be moved from, to or within the Disease Management Areas of the Eastern Cape Province except under authority of a State veterinary permit contemplated in Regulation 20 (1) of the Regulations and in compliance with the conditions of such permit,” the department said.

In addition to the control measures of the Eastern Cape Province DMA, the department said the July 2024 Gazette Notice also stipulates that cloven hoofed livestock may only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner of the animals, attesting to their health at the time of moving.

“All cattle, [including] sheep and goats newly brought onto a farm must be kept separated from the resident herds for at least 28 days. This has been a requirement by law since October 2022, but the importance of this is again emphasised,” the department said.

The department has strongly recommended to all livestock farmers in the whole country to limit animal movement as far as possible.

“Cloven-hoofed animals should not be moved unless it is necessary to allow for an opportunity to find and quarantine further undetected and affected properties to prevent any further spread of the disease.

“The significance of the incubation period for FMD cannot be overemphasised. This is the period when animals appear to be healthy, in the early stages of infection (incubation period) where they are shedding virus without showing clinical signs of disease yet,” the department said.

Farmers are again urged to observe biosecurity on their farms and to protect their own herds from becoming infected with disease. Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 11:43

316 views

29 July 2024

Gauteng launches e-Panic app

Location: News

Gauteng launches e-Panic app

The Gauteng Provincial Government has officially launched its e-Panic app (Gauteng e-Panic) as part of the province’s commitment to prioritise the safety and security of citizens and communities.

The panic button has been created to fight against crime and the persistent issues of domestic violence in Gauteng.

It is a free to use service and, according to the provincial government, the response team is fully equipped to assist residents in their time of need.

The Gauteng MEC of e-Government, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, has encouraged all residents to use this free resource.

"The Gauteng Panic Button is a testament to the progress made by the provincial government to create a safer environment for everyone in the province. By downloading and using this app, you can protect yourself and your loved ones in times of emergency,” Dhlamini said.

The Panic Button initiative offers both a physical device and an electronic version that is available as an app.

The Gauteng Panic Button app, is available for download on Android and iOS platforms, providing a convenient and accessible way for all residents to stay safe.

"The Gauteng Panic Button is not just a tool; it's a lifeline. It is an initiative by the Gauteng Provincial Government to ensure that all our residents are safe at all times," Dhlamini said.

Download and register for the app:

Go to Google Play or the App Store. Search for "Gauteng Panic Button”. Look for the blue icon labeled "Crime Prevention Panic Button Gauteng”.
Press Install: Download the app to your device.
Open the App: Once installed, open the app to start the registration process.
Enter your phone number: Provide your phone number and press "Submit”. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) via SMS.
Enter the OTP: Input the OTP and press "Submit”.
Complete your profile: Enter your name, surname, phone number, and email (email is optional). Accept the terms and conditions to complete your registration. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 13:37

4513 views

29 July 2024

Call to participate in Money Smart Week

Location: News

Call to participate in Money Smart Week

National Treasury, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the National Consumer Financial Education Committee (NCFEC) has called on organisations and individuals to participate in the Money Smart Week South Africa (MSWSA) 2024 campaign.

The 2024 edition of MSWSA will run from 26 August to 1 September 2024, featuring various consumer-focused financial education programmes and initiatives.

“The key objective of the MSWSA is to provide a national collaborative platform and mobilise a wide range of stakeholders to motivate, empower and educate South Africans and contribute to a more financially literate citizenry,” the National Treasury said on Monday.

MSWSA is an initiative of the NCFEC and was first launched in 2018.

Over the past six years it has reached a multitude of South Africans through mainstream media, community radio, exhibitions, television, social media, and face-to-face workshops.

Additionally, the initiative has witnessed an increase in stakeholder participation from 48 participants in 2018 to 78 participants in 2023.

“Participation in MSWSA is open to any organisation or individual, including academic institutions, government departments, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, community groups, companies, non-governmental organisations and public benefit organisations.

“Activities during this campaign will include free workshops, presentations, mall activations, exhibitions, and webinars. Interested participants are invited to organise their own financial education initiatives and events to host during the week-long campaign,” National Treasury said.

The online registration process is open for participants to submit a participation application form, by no later than 16 August 2024. -SAews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 13:56

258 views

29 July 2024

No “secret meetings” held to discuss climate change commitments

Location: News

No "secret meetings" held to discuss climate change commitments

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has asserted that it has not conducted any “secret meetings” with business on the review of the country’s climate change commitments.

This comes after the department received a request for access to information related to closed-door meetings and other interactions between government officials and private industry representatives relating to South Africa’s policy and regulatory approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The application also relates to other interactions on South Africa’s energy mix, the Just Transition to a low-carbon economy and any associated infrastructure and resource exploration activities.

The request was received on 25 August 2023 in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000) for information.

“DFFE will respond to the PAIA application from Just Share and the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in due course. South Africa concluded its process to develop its national climate change commitments on climate mitigation and adaptation in 2021.

“The process involved rigorous public consultation and the Presidential Climate Commission, a constituency based advisory body, provided valuable advisory inputs that led to the finalisation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the department said on Monday.

Through the updated NDC, South Africa has committed to a target range of 420-350 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“This is consistent with the Paris Agreement limit of a temperature increase well below two degrees Celsius. Since then, there has not been any subsequent discussion to review these targets,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 15:06

148 views

29 July 2024

Minister Ramokgopa commits to finding ‘enduring, lasting solution’ to rising electricity costs

Location: News

Minister Ramokgopa commits to finding 'enduring, lasting solution' to rising electricity costs

Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has moved to assure South Africans that the department is committed, together with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and municipalities, to finding an enduring solution to the rising cost of electricity in South Africa.

The Minister was addressing a media briefing on Monday morning.

“There’s been an exponential rise in the cost of electricity. Our electricity pricing plan needs to kick in and that’s the primary preoccupation of the work of the ministry now working with Eskom; working with municipalities and working with SALGA.”

Ramokgopa addressed some initiatives by municipalities, which have not been well received by communities. He cited the example of a “surcharge” (also known as a network fee).

“We really don’t want to engage publicly on the merits of whether the R200 [surcharge] is necessary or not. What we want to do is to find a more enduring and robust solution to this problem,” he said.

The Minister added that discussions with SALGA had already begun during the sixth administration.

“There’s an appreciation that it’s important that we pull together. This situation is untenable. Communities are getting more and more enraged [and] people just can’t afford the cost of electricity.

“As the ministry, together with the Deputy Minister, we have taken a view that we will not fold our arms although that domain… is the exclusive purview of local authorities. Municipalities rightfully say that it’s their domain but we are agreed with SALGA that we are going to resolve this problem domestically,” he said.

Ramokgopa said in finding solutions, the role of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) is indispensable.

“As an independent authority, they’ve got the duty to protect the consumer, they’ve got a duty to interrogate the proposed tariff increases from Eskom and also from municipalities. So what we’re going to do is not to pressure Nersa but to work with Nersa.

“We are going to insist on a Nersa framework… that takes care of the interests of the poor and the marginalised so that we don’t deny them access to electricity. Protect the interests also of the affluent because we can’t get to a situation where the pricing structure is such that it becomes unaffordable over time but also protects industries… that don’t become competitive as a result of the pricing structure.

“We will work with the municipalities. We know what you are going through and it is our intention to resolve this question,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:05

169 views

29 July 2024

Governments urged to prioritise testing, treatment and vaccinating against hepatitis

Location: News

Governments urged to prioritise testing, treatment and vaccinating against hepatitis

A liver performs over 500 vital functions every single day to keep us alive, that is the reason that the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes testing, treating and preventing viral hepatitis is so important.

On Sunday, the globe commemorated World Hepatitis Day and the WHO called on all governments to prioritise testing, treatment and vaccination to realise a hepatitis-free world by 2030.

The Department of Health said viral hepatitis is a preventable and manageable disease, which remains a silent and neglected cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver often caused by a virus. Viral hepatitis means there is a specific virus causing your liver to swell or become larger than normal.

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to educate the public about the disease and encourage people, health professionals, communities and governments to drive awareness and action to eliminate viral hepatitis.

“Viral hepatitis is responsible for an enormous health burden, mostly due to chronic hepatitis B and C infection,” the department explained.

According to the 2024 WHO Global Hepatitis Report, in 2022, an estimated 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C globally.

The department said viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with about 1.3 million deaths recorded annually around the world, including over 2 000 deaths recorded in South Africa.

This burden is further compounded by the lack of screening, access to care and treatment, inadequate disease surveillance, and human and financial resources.

Meanwhile, the department stated that people living with underlying conditions such as HIV are at a higher risk due to coinfection, which further exacerbates the burden of liver disease.

South Africa is a signatory to the WHO’s global hepatitis strategy endorsed by other Member States, which aims to reduce new hepatitis infections by 90% and deaths by 65% between 2016 and 2030.

The prevention of this infectious disease includes both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions such as vaccines, practising safer sex, good hygiene, avoid sharing needles, toothbrushes and razors.

The department is also advising people to avoid drinking water from known potentially unsafe sources and cooking food well to help prevent the spread of the disease.

While viral hepatitis is typically asymptomatic, the department said some signs may include fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice.

“In some cases, the virus can also cause a chronic liver infection or liver cancer, putting patients at a higher risk of death, unless they get treatment.”

The department has since developed National Guidelines for the Management of Viral Hepatitis as part of efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality in the country.

People, especially those experiencing any of the hepatitis symptoms, are urged to go for screening and testing for early diagnosis and treatment depending on the type of hepatitis.

In addition, those at higher risk of serious health complications if they contract hepatitis B and/or C need the vaccine, including all newborns and previously unvaccinated children and adolescents, people with more than one sex partner, key populations, and those infected with HIV and/or other sexually transmitted diseases. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:11

357 views

29 July 2024

Call for inclusion of young professionals in finding solutions to water challenges

Location: News

Call for inclusion of young professionals in finding solutions to water challenges

The National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba has thrust into the spotlight the inclusion of young professionals in research and innovation to improve the water sector.

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in conjunction with its entity in Limpopo, Lepelle Northern Water, hosted the Indaba under the theme: “Actively embracing the socio-economic gains of our democracy” last week.

Addressing the young professionals, Lepelle Northern Board Chairperson, Dr Nndweleni Mphephu, emphasised the significance of the youth’s active participation in research and innovation in the sector.

“As many might be aware of the challenges facing the water sector, which are increasingly being exacerbated by the impact of climate change, I urge you all to invest your brilliant young and sharp minds into research and to find long lasting solutions that could steer the sector to new heights,” Mphephu said.

The Department’s Chief Director responsible for Intergovernmental Relations, Sector Transformation and Provincial Governance, Petunia Ramunenyiwa emphasised the department’s commitment to the inclusion of young professionals, as a means to finding innovative solutions to address challenges faced by the sector.

“This Indaba is one of the programmes of the Department of Water and Sanitation that is very close to my heart, and it is by no means just a talk shop but a platform for engagement and exchange of knowledge and technical expertise that will improve the sector’s governance and transformation,” Ramunenyiwa said.

The indaba undertook discussions that provided opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise aimed at improving the sector’s governance and transformation.

These included discussions on understanding national water and sanitation issues and government priorities, providing youth with information, opportunities, and technical resources available within the sector, as well as encouraging community involvement in the sector and establishing partnerships with the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders, among others.

To give a first-hand account of the operations of water testing and water treatment, the department and Lepelle Northern Water led a guided tour of the Ebenezer Water Treatment Plant, which mainly treats water abstracted from Ebenezer Dam and supplies to Polokwane Local Municipality and surrounding areas.

An excursion was also undertaken to the University of Limpopo’s water laboratory to explore the analytical methods used to conduct water quality analysis.

The laboratory is among the country's best and most advanced technologies, which use methods, including inductively coupled plasma to analyse heavy metals in water samples.

The National Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba was attended by more than 400 participants in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector from various backgrounds, including unemployed individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, young professionals and civil society organisations.

The four-day Indaba was held in Polokwane, in Limpopo from 22-25 July 2024.

Among the issues discussed were the department’s youth strategy with a special focus on innovations and entrepreneurship, challenges and opportunities in South Africa's water and sanitation sector, South Africa's water issues in the global context, as well as education and career opportunities within the sector. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:24

163 views

29 July 2024

Government activities for the week 29 July – 02 August 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 29 July – 02 August 2024

On Monday, 29 July, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, will hold a regular media briefing to update the public on energy and electricity related issues at the GCIS in Pretoria.

On Tuesday, 30 July, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, will lead the ”Home Affairs Services on Wheels” outreach in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.

On Wednesday, 31 July, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a media briefing on the 2024 Women’s Month campaign.

On Thursday, 01 August, is the start of World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 August.

Janine
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:22

161 views