SA News

22 February 2024

E Cape collaborates to accelerate spring water project rollout

Location: News

E Cape collaborates to accelerate spring water project rollout

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has joined forces with Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) to accelerate access to clean drinking water in rural communities, using the cost-effective rollout of spring water projects in the province.

DRDAR MEC Nonkqubela Pieters and Chris Hani District Municipality Executive Mayor Lusanda Sizani, have officially handed over a spring water project that will benefit five villages in the Manzana administrative area, outside eNgcobo. The community has been battling to access safe drinking water.

Pieters said the programme, implemented by the department’s Rural Appropriation Technology Unit (RATU), is cost-effective because no tenders were issued for the construction of the project. However, local people are trained to do maintenance work when the need arises.

“In this programme, we do not have a middleman or spend millions on contractors for something that will not be operational. We employ and train local people and in that way, we create the opportunities for people to fend for their families,” Pieters said.

The MEC explained that RATU trains locals workers and procures material for the construction of the project.

“In delivering these spring water protection projects, DRDAR identifies nearby hills and mountains with spring water [that is channeled]... for use by households,” Pieters said.

She said during the implementation of the Manzana project, which is set to benefit at least 1 220 villagers, about 75 people including 61 youth, seven women and seven men were employed and trained.

Pieters said the department will use the District Development Model (DDM) to work with the municipality to ensure the smooth rollout of spring water projects, taking advantage of the more than 250 natural springs in the district.

“We are in agreement with the executive mayor that all these springs will be utilised to bring water to all the people of Chris Hani District, who do not have access to water while they have spring water in their villages.

“They will now have access to clean drinking water because the implementation of the programme will be accelerated. We will reach more communities through this collaboration with the municipality,” Pieters said.

The delivery of the spring water protection projects marks the completion of infrastructure work done by the department in various rural communities, which will now have reliable access to clean drinking water and agricultural activities.

To date, Pieters said, a total of 757 water taps have been installed in 36 villages across the province, benefitting 8 781 households, including four schools, one clinic and one youth co-operative.

“The department has [also] implemented 17 spring water protection projects that are contributing towards community development with an investment of R14 765 million benefiting 4 123 households, and creating 967 temporary jobs,” the MEC said.

Sizani said with the district municipality being both a Water Services Authority (WSA) and provider, water supply that is pumped with generators to serve communities is expensive compared to the department's method of drawing water, using natural springs, to communal taps and households.

“We are a rural district, which is leaning towards the agricultural sector potential for growth, hence we are partnering with the department to bring water to the people for both consumption and agricultural activities. Through this programme, we aim to achieve agriculture development prosperity,” Sizani said.

Local farmer, Viwe Gidimisani, said when the spring water project construction started in his village, he was inspired to start his vegetable production business, banking on using water from the spring for irrigation.

Gidimisani received a new hose pipe, wheelbarrow, spade, fork spade, hand hoe, and various vegetable seedlings from government, as part of ongoing efforts to support villagers to produce their own food.

“This will help my enterprise to grow more, and it will give me strength to improve the productivity of my business. I am happy that water supply is always available, unlike in the past where we battled to get water," Gidimisani said.

Gidimisani is now able to grow his enterprise and owns a hawker’s stand, where he sells his spinach and cabbage produce to his neighbours and local buyers in town. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 13:35

473 views

22 February 2024

President welcomes training for traditional leaders to act as change agents

Location: News

President welcomes training for traditional leaders to act as change agents

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the partnership between the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government (NSG) to provide training on, among other things, facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.

“The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills so we can initiate sustainable economic interventions in our rural areas,” said the President.

The President was delivering the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber in Cape Town, on Thursday.

“We know that capacity building is essential if we are to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development,” said the President.

He said the goal was an active rural citizenry with traditional leaders at the helm.

The Art of Facilitating Socio-Economic Development for Traditional Leaders Programme is part of the suite of funded programmes offered by the NSG for public servants to attend free.

These courses are delivered by the NSG as part of interventions to professionalise the public sector and to improve performance in all spheres of government.

The programme seeks to support and empower Traditional Leaders to act as economic change agents in their communities and be able to create sustainable jobs and create wealth while also building an active rural citizenry who participate in and support economic development.

"It will provide the Traditional Leaders with knowledge and skills to identify and utilize local natural resources in an environmentally sustainable way.

"It is aimed at capacitating Traditional Leaders with knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practical capabilities to engage and empower communities to use the available opportunities for their own socio-economic development. The programme supports a range of role-players who work closely with communities, that are, volunteers from the community, Community Development Workers, government officials and Traditional Leaders," the NSG had said in an earlier statement.

The Programme assists Traditional Leaders, amongst others, to:

Act on their roles and responsibilities in terms of the Constitution, related legislation, and the NDP, to realise the socio-economic rights of their poor communities through paying attention to their economic and developmental needs.
Recognise that their primary function is to promote socio-economic development, good governance, and wealth creation interventions in their areas of jurisdiction.
Demonstrate commitment and passion for working in a collaborative and participatory way with communities and other strategic partners.
Understand and apply protocols for working with a range of community stakeholders (community representatives, government officials, ward councillors and community development workers) in a respectful and participatory manner to further the socio-economic objectives of their communities.
Demonstrate and apply mentoring skills needed to support, empower, and mentor communities in sustainable developments activities.
Make communities aware of their Constitutional rights and government responsibility in granting access to services.
Apply Ubuntu and Afrika-centric principles and methods for dealing with community stakeholders.

Elections

Meanwhile, the President urged traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the National and Provincial Elections on 29 May 2024.

“As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 16:14

219 views

22 February 2024

President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts

Location: News

President hails traditional leaders for flood relief efforts

President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the efforts of uMgogodla kaZulu, a group comprising the spouses of traditional leaders and women traditional leaders, for their commendable work in addressing the challenges posed by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal.

Addressing the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) in Cape Town on Thursday, the President said it was pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is playing its role in assisting communities.

The President told the traditional and Khoi-San leaders that climate change is a growing concern in South Africa. He said the recent flooding, together with other extreme weather events, are a stark reminder that the country cannot be complacent about this grave threat to both lives and livelihoods.

“It is pleasing to note that the institution of traditional and Khoi-San leadership is once again playing its role to assist communities. I specifically wish to commend the work done by the structure of spouses and female traditional leaders, called uMgogodla kaZulu, during the floods that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal.

“The Ondlunkulu stood up, in partnership with Al-Imdaad, Old Mutual, the Princess Gabo and Kaizer Junior Foundations, and others to help those who were affected by floods. We appreciate this valuable work,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said he has been advised that several other provinces have formalised the structures of spouses and women traditional leaders of amaKhosi.

He implored the House to continue working together with provincial Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders to ensure that such structures are established and capacitated.

30 Years of Democracy

In his State of the Nation Address delivered earlier this month, the President reflected on the journey South Africa has traversed over the past 30 years since attaining freedom.

"As a nation, we can also be proud of the journey we have travelled, according to the institution of traditional leadership and the stature it deserves.

“Today, our Kings are recognised as Kings, as opposed to Paramount Chiefs, a term which colonial and apartheid rule introduced to make it clear that in their minds the real Kings were only those found in Europe.

“Today, we have a National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders that plays an active and meaningful role in our national life,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa expressed the wish that more Khoi-San leaders will be brought into the fold and be formally recognised under the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.

He said that the Commission on Khoi-San Matters has been appointed to receive and assess applications for recognition and make recommendations to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

While the process is taking longer than was initially envisaged, the President has appealed that the Commission be allowed the space to continue with this complex historical mission that they have been assigned.

Addressing unemployment

The President told the House that they have a shared responsibility to work together to address the country’s unemployment crisis, particularly among young people.

He highlighted that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service are just some of the initiatives government is implementing that are making a difference.

“I call on this House to play an active role in the ongoing process of recruiting young people into the National Rural Youth Service Corps that is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

“The InvestRural blueprint handed over to me by the former Chairperson of this House, the late iNkosi Mahlangu, is being fused into government programmes.

“The training of young people by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is a practical example of this. Another is the work being done by the Department of Traditional Affairs in partnership with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to streamline and integrate Social Labour Plans into industry operations,” he said.

The President further told the House that the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is yet another example of positive and meaningful change being brought to rural areas. Just last month he attended the launch of one of these bridges in KwaZulu-Natal.

“To witness the difference these bridges are making in the lives of rural communities, especially for young learners who need to cross rivers to get to school, is remarkable,” he said.

Capacity building

The President has emphasised that capacity building is essential if the country is to enhance the role traditional leaders play in development.

In this regard, he welcomed the partnership between the Department of Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government to provide training on, among others, facilitating socio-economic development for traditional communities.

The programme is aimed at empowering traditional leaders to act as change agents in their communities, and to transfer new knowledge and skills for the activation of sustainable economic interventions in rural areas.

“Our goal is an active rural citizenry, with our traditional leaders at the helm. The issue of transferring communal land to traditional councils is one of great interest to this House.

“As government, we are in the process of finalising the bill on communal land, which will be followed by extensive consultations.

“I know that this process is taking longer than expected, but democracy requires that we give society a voice in matters that concern them,” he said.

Initiation

Turning to the challenges facing initiation, President Ramaphosa said that these should be decisively addressed.

“We cannot continue to have customary initiation being turned into a harmful practice.

“We need to do all in our powers as government, communities, traditional leaders, the National Initiation Oversight Committee and provincial structures to put to an end to these unnecessary and entirely avoidable deaths and injuries,” he said.

The President further urged the House to continue to monitor and guide provinces and various local houses on the provisions of the Customary Initiation Act.

“We must live up to the slogan of 'Mabaye Bephila, Babuye Baphila',” he said.

Traditional Courts Act

The President told the House that he has assented to the Traditional Courts Act and will soon be proclaiming the date on which it comes into effect.

In the meantime, he said, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Traditional Affairs have started with some of the preparatory work that will facilitate implementation.

This includes visiting some of the traditional councils to further discuss their approaches to alternative dispute resolution and the resources they deploy in this regard. The President added that this is a matter on which they have finally made good progress.

On concerns expressed by the House with regards to involving traditional leadership more in the work of the Inter-Ministerial task Team, President Ramaphosa said that he, along with the Deputy President, is seized with the matter of ensuring that members of this House are invited to workstream meetings and are able to participate more fully.

Exercise your right to vote

The President said on 29 May, South Africans will be going to the polls to vote in the seventh democratic elections for national and provincial government.

As the country prepares for this historic occasion, President Ramaphosa has once again urged traditional leaders to continue to encourage all eligible voters to register and participate in these elections.

“As we have done before, we call on traditional leaders to actively promote free and fair campaigning, and to ensure that all voters can exercise their democratic right.

“May you remain with the spirit of our forebears, who never retreated when challenges were facing them. Working side by side, we will move forward,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:04

272 views

22 February 2024

President condemns the killing of traditional leaders

Location: News

President condemns the killing of traditional leaders

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned in the strongest terms the rise in the killing of traditional leaders, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.

The President delivered the keynote address at the annual official opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chamber in Cape Town on Thursday.

“Our law enforcement agencies are hard at work to ensure that those responsible are brought to book. On behalf of government, I wish to pass our deepest condolences to all families for the loss of their loved ones and to you for the loss of your colleagues.

“May their souls and those of other traditional leaders who passed on since the last opening of the House continue to rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said.

Last year, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube condemned the killings calling them an attack on the State as they threaten to destabilise an institution critical to the stability and order of society.

In a meeting with the South African Police Service in January 2022, it emerged that the police were investigating 51 murder cases going back to 2012, and at the time 30 people had been arrested, while 18 cases were still pending in court.

“As government we remain committed to working with the institution of traditional leadership in pursuit of progress and development. We did so extremely successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic, during recent floods, and in a number of other areas.”

He said they were working together to combat gender-based violence, a scourge that is tearing communities apart.

“I have just returned from the annual Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, where we participated in a high-level event on promoting positive masculinity across our continent.

“We need to be doing more in our communities to bring men into this effort, and focus on prevention and awareness raising,” the President said.

Personally, he said he has been engaging with young men through peer dialogues where they are able to not only speak openly about what masculinity and manhood means to them, but also commit themselves to playing their part to end gender-based violence.

The President called on male traditional leaders to be part of this effort and to start their own men’s dialogues.

“The influence and stature you bring to bear can and does make a difference, given the role that cultural norms and practices often play in perpetuating violence against women and girls,” he said.

President Ramaphosa pointed out that drug abuse is another serious challenge in communities.

He said it was encouraging to note that the House was supporting the work of the Central Drug Authority. “I urge you as this House to encourage provinces and local Houses to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs together,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:01

145 views

22 February 2024

Agrizzi to appear in Pretoria High Court next week

Location: News

Agrizzi to appear in Pretoria High Court next week

The corruption case of former Bosasa Chief Operations Officer (COO) Angelo Agrizzi has been transferred to the Pretoria High Court.

The matter relates to alleged gratifications Aggrizi paid to former Member of Parliament, Vincent Smith.

It is alleged that in exchange for using his influence to shield Bosasa from accountability, Smith received security upgrades to his home and cash payments through the business he owned.

“Agrizzi was initially arrested in October 2020 for having allegedly offered former Parliamentarian Vincent Smith gratification to the value of over R800 000. He is the only accused in the matter as the case was separated from his co-accused Vincent smith in July 2021.

“Agrizzi currently faces two cases brought against him by the Investigating Directorate. His mental assessment report from Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital is also expected to be submitted to the court on 29 February 2024, in his separate R1.8 billion Bosasa and Department of Correctional Services matter,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said.

Aggrizi is expected to appear in court on 29 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 12:16

171 views

22 February 2024

Challenges can be overcome by working together – Enoch Godongwana

Location: News

Challenges can be overcome by working together - Enoch Godongwana

Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has called on South Africans – both citizens and private business – to work together with government to resolve the challenges the country faces.

The Minister was speaking during a post-Budget Speech discussion held in Cape Town on Thursday morning.

In his Budget Speech on Wednesday, Godongwana highlighted electricity and logistics challenges as two of the key issues facing the economy.

“We need to work together to address these challenges. For instance, there are a number of business people who have come forward, business associations that have come forward and bringing in talent to work with government in what is called NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] to address the electricity challenges.

“Building on that template, business has come forward, working with government, and developed what is called now the [Freight] Logistics Roadmap. We need, as South Africans and even as government, not to be arrogant and accept solutions from different people across the board,” he said.

Godongwana said on crime, government has brought in business “to work with us on how we can deal with crime”.

In a frank discussion regarding the country’s challenges, the Minister said government takes responsibility for some issues.

“We have got challenges. The government has got to take the responsibility for some of these challenges. I can’t say I’m happy with the fact that we’ve not been able to deal with the electricity challenge for 16 years. It is a fundamental flaw…which has cost the economy substantially,” he said.

On the question of why National Treasury left most taxes – barring sin taxes and carbon tax – unchanged, the Minister said solutions to broadening revenue lie elsewhere.

“Our tax strategy is to broaden the base than increasing taxes. If you…compare us to our peers, tax to GDP, we are not comparing favourably. So…we should not be working hard to say how much should we tax people more; we should be saying how do we broaden that tax base.

“There are a number of ways of doing it and first, fundamentally, is to grow the economy but we can only grow the economy if we bring all of our solutions and I think we can do it working together,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 11:37

167 views

22 February 2024

Pandor calls on the G20 to help resolve global tensions

Location: News

Pandor calls on the G20 to help resolve global tensions

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has challenged G20 nations to address ongoing global tensions, which have been fueled by a variety of developments in recent years.

Pandor drew attention to a few pressing issues including the increasing debt load faced by poor and middle-income countries, inequality, and neglect in certain parts of the world like Palestine.

She highlighted the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the recent Israel-Gaza war, and related violations of international law and United Nations (UN) guidelines.

The Minister also mentioned that there are several issues, such as trade tensions between major economies, economic decline due to COVID-19, and continuing terrorism and extremism.

“All these have placed the world in a more precarious context and as G20 we must attempt to craft implementable responses,” she said.

Pandor was speaking at the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil on Wednesday.

She believes that the G20 leaders are most suitable to tackle the challenge of providing effective solutions to issues that are leading to conflict, division, insecurity, and growing inequality.

“The world is watching to see whether the most powerful can initiate a reversal of our slide to disaster,” the Minister stressed.

G20, which is also known as the Group of 20, is a forum for international economic cooperation and plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.

“The G20 was conceived to draw together governments that would work together in strategic cooperation to create a platform or global practice that would assist developing countries to overcome poverty inequality and insecurity.

“Our governments acknowledged that changing the material conditions of the poorest was and remains fundamental to maintaining the relevance of G20,” she explained.

She said it was encouraging that following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group renewed its focus on development compared to the past.

Meanwhile, according to Pandor, if developing countries were to achieve greater progress with the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs), funding would be needed from the multilateral development banks (MDB).

According to the United Nations Development Programme, SDGs, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

“Greater financing and development support could be secured through active support to arrest illicit financial flows from and between African countries given the impact on development illicit finances fuel corruption undermine the rule of law and the stability of markets, yet little has been done to address them,” said the Minister.

The MDBs offer financial and technical assistance to developing countries to improve economic management and reduce poverty.

She told delegates that the multidimensional and transnational nature of illicit financial flows also requires concerted international action.

“G20 could do much to strengthen its important role in acting on this drain of developing countries resources,” she added.

The Minister also called for an urgent need to reform international institutions to make them more able to address development challenges.

She highlighted the Breton Woods Institutions, which she said had been more responsive to development needs.

However, she said much more has to change to enhance and safeguard these changes.

“The international tension we see today requires balanced and fair approaches to global challenges, respect for diversity of opinion and belief and acceptance that global bodies are most successful when they act in the interests of all equally,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 09:38

353 views

22 February 2024

Cash-in-transit suspects sentenced to life in prison

Location: News

Cash-in-transit suspects sentenced to life in prison

The Eastern Cape Hawks Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, has commended the collaborative efforts of the investigation team and the National Prosecuting Authority in securing life sentences and 216 years for Lwando Ntiayantia (36) and Nkosekhaya Lloyd (38).

The two were arrested for robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The Makhanda High Court sentenced Ntiyantiya and Lloyd on 19 February 2024 for charges including four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Their arrest by the Centane Crime Prevention Unit on 25 March 2022 followed a robbery of a G4S armoured vehicle.

The East London-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks conducted an extensive probe linking the accused to multiple cash-in-transit armed robberies.

The arrests stem from an incident on 25 March 2022 when a G4S vehicle was robbed at gunpoint in Centane. Despite a shootout, the police managed to apprehend the suspects and that resulted in the unfortunate death of an innocent bystander used as a shield by the perpetrators.

Following various court appearance, both Ntiyantiya and Lloyd were sentenced on 19 February 2024 in the Makhanda High Court.

The breakdown of their sentences includes significant prison terms for counts related to robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of ammunition. Concurrent sentences were also imposed for certain charges. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 02/22/2024 - 09:48

109 views

22 February 2024

Government to introduce global minimum corporate tax

Location: News

Government to introduce global minimum corporate tax

Over the next few years, government plans to implement a global minimum corporate tax to limit the negative effects of tax competition.

“Multinational corporations with annual revenue exceeding €750 million will be subject to an effective tax rate of at least 15%, regardless of where their profits are generated. The proposed reform is expected to yield an additional R8 billion in corporate tax revenue in 2026/27,” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday in Parliament.

Delivering the 2024 National Budget Speech, Godongwana encouraged interested parties to provide comments on the draft Global Minimum Tax Bill published today.

The draft Global Minimum Tax Bill aims to limit the race to the bottom of effective corporate tax rates for large multinationals, with countries competing to attract income by offering low tax rates and tax incentives.

“Implementing the minimum tax in South Africa will bolster the corporate tax base. South Africa helped develop tax rules to address base erosion and tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy as a member of the Steering Group of the OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] /G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

“These rules are designed to limit the channels that multinationals use to shift profits from high- to low-tax countries. The 2023 Budget Review outlined the two pillars of this framework, which were endorsed by more than 135 countries in 2021. The first focuses on the digital economy and the coherent tax treatment of multinationals,” the 2024 Budget Review said.

The framework will be implemented through a multilateral convention to ensure that the biggest and most profitable multinationals reallocate part of their profit to all countries where they sell their products and provide their services.

“The second pillar introduces the global minimum tax. It ensures that any multinational with annual revenue exceeding €750 million will be subject to an effective tax rate of at least 15 %, regardless of where its profits are located. Government proposes to introduce two measures to effect this change – an income inclusion rule and a domestic minimum top up tax – for qualifying multinationals from 1 January 2024.

“The income inclusion rule will enable South Africa to apply a top-up tax on profits reported by qualifying South African multinationals operating in other countries with effective tax rates below 15%.

“The domestic minimum top-up tax will enable SARS [South African Revenue Service] to collect a top-up tax for qualifying multinationals paying an effective tax rate of less than 15 % in South Africa,” National Treasury said.

The Explanatory Memorandum and Draft Global Minimum Tax Bill will contain more details on these proposals as well as a request for public input.

Broadening the tax base

“Our long-term tax policy strategy remains focused on broadening the tax base while improving tax compliance and administrative efficiency. Visible progress has been made in rebuilding and modernising the South African Revenue Service.

“The tax authority has expanded the tax register, improved debt collections and reduced fraudulent refunds and trade valuations. This has led to improvements in revenue collection,” the Minister said.

To address the high levels of illicit tobacco, SARS is deploying CCTV and related technologies at licensed tobacco manufacturers.

“Investigations and prosecutions have resulted in R10 billion in additional assessments from the key players in the illicit gold and tobacco industry, of which over R4 billion from key players in the illicit gold and tobacco industry.

“These and other efforts have assisted with the improvement in revenue. Our bigger challenge, as I have stated earlier, is that our pie is not growing fast enough and this limits our ability to generate sufficient revenues to distribute among our priority areas,” Godongwana said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:08

632 views

22 February 2024

Government ups the ante against crime

Location: News

Government ups the ante against crime

Some R765 billion has been allocated to the security cluster to up the ante in Government's fight against crime and to support the defence forces.

This was revealed during Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech delivered in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“In the coming financial year, 10 000 new police recruits will be trained. As part of the country’s responsibility to promote regional peace and stability, this budget will also allocate funding for the deployment of soldiers in Mozambique and the DRC.

“Work on costing and identifying the needs for these critical missions will continue throughout the year and funding will be allocated as such.

“R628 million has been allocated to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development [DJCOD] for the implementation of FATF [Financial Action Task Force] and State Capture Commission recommendations - bringing the total funding to these efforts to R2.3 billion,” he said.

Godongwana added that some R2.9 billion from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account is being used to combat illegal mining and other priority crimes “with 60% allocated for police deployments, including vehicle procurement”.

In the 2024 Budget Review, National Treasury explained that the total allocation includes “additional allocations of R39.4 billion to selected departments to cover the carry‐through costs of the 2023/24 public‐service wage increase”.

“Of this, R22 billion is allocated to the Department of Police. To improve efficiency, the department will rationalise its organisational structure, align police districts with municipal districts, implement cost containment measures and improve operations. It is also fostering strategic partnerships with local communities to enhance safety.

“The [DJCOD] is allocated R627.8 million over the medium term to implement recommendations from the [FATF] and the State Capture Commission. For land rights representation, R156 million is shifted from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to Legal Aid South Africa.

“The Department of Defence will prioritise acquiring vehicles and technology to safeguard the country’s borders. An amount of R1.9 billion is reallocated within the Department of Defence for day‐to‐day maintenance and emergency repairs.

“Measures are being implemented to reduce the pressure on employee compensation and sustain critical defence capabilities,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:11

536 views

21 February 2024

Economic growth to stay low over the next three years

Location: News

Economic growth to stay low over the next three years

South Africa’s economy is expected to grow at some 1.6% over the next three years, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reaching 0.6% in 2023.

“Despite the improved global outlook for 2024, South Africa’s near-term growth remains hamstrung by lower commodity prices and structural constraints. We estimate real GDP growth of 0.6% in 2023. This is [revised] down from 0.8% growth estimated during the 2023 MTBPS [Medium Term Budget Policy Statement].

“The revision is due to weaker-than-expected outcomes in the third quarter of 2023, particularly in household consumption and fixed investment,” said Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, who delivered the Budget Speech at the Cape Town City Hall on Wednesday.

Godongwana said despite this, between 2024 and 2026, growth is projected to average 1.6%.

“The growth outlook is supported by the expected easing of power cuts as new energy projects begin production, and as lower inflation supports household consumption and credit extension.

“But, there are also risks to the domestic outlook. These include persistent constraints in electricity supply, freight rail and ports, and a high sovereign credit risk. Our challenge… is that the size of the pie is not growing fast enough to meet our developmental needs,” he said.

National Treasury’s 2024 Budget Review explained that load shedding and challenges in freight rail and the ports “continue to disrupt economic activity and limit the country’s export potential”.

“Comprehensive reforms are underway in these sectors, although it will take time to see a recovery in growth. Household consumption is under pressure from high living costs, and investment remains low due to weak confidence and challenging business conditions linked to structural constraints.

“To turn the tide and raise economic growth sustainably, government is prioritising energy and logistics reforms, along with measures to arrest the decline in state capacity.

“Successful efforts to improve the fiscal position, complete structural reforms and bolster the capacity of the State will, in combination, reduce borrowing costs, raise confidence, increase investment and employment, and accelerate economic growth,” National Treasury said.

The department said as reforms begin to bear fruit, GDP will be on the rise.

“[This] as the frequency of power cuts declines, lower inflation supports household consumption, and employment and credit extension recover gradually. New energy projects will improve fixed investment and business sentiment.

“To accelerate GDP growth after an extended period of weak economic performance, South Africa needs large‐scale private investment. Government is working to improve the fiscal position, complete structural reforms and bolster the capacity of the State to reduce borrowing costs, raise confidence, increase investment and put the economy on a higher, job‐creating growth path,” Treasury said.

Meanwhile, global growth is forecast higher at some 3.1% for 2024 and 3.2% for 2025.

“The moderate improvement is due to better‐than‐expected growth in the second half of 2023, particularly in the United States and several large emerging market economies, as well as fiscal support for disaster relief in China.

“Robust US economic growth has partially offset weaker‐than‐expected outcomes in the Euro area, which, nevertheless, is expected to recover gradually. Commodity prices are expected to continue to decline in 2024 and 2025,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:13

507 views

21 February 2024

Government raises US$3.3 billion to support climate change initiatives

Location: News

Government raises US$3.3 billion to support climate change initiatives

Government has raised US$3.3 billion so far from Multilateral Development Banks and International Finance Institutions to support climate change, energy, and just transition objectives.

Delivering the 2024 National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said National Treasury plays a crucial role in mobilising resources, designing incentives, and influencing policy to mainstream climate change.

“As climate-related disasters intensify, a multi-layered risk-based approach is being developed to manage the associated fiscal risks. This considers various funding instruments from grants to contingency funds, including the Climate Change Response Fund, depending on the incidence and intensity of the disaster event.

“The National Treasury is reviewing disaster response grants to improve efficiency and create incentives for disaster planning, preparedness and risk reduction. It is also developing a climate-budget tagging framework to influence policy, planning, and budget decisions, by tracking climate-related expenditures in public budgets,” the Minister said on Wednesday in Parliament.

He said the support of concessional funding providers, such as Multilateral Development Banks, is going a long way to support the country’s climate adaptation, mitigation, energy transition, and sustainability initiatives.

“Crowding-in the private sector is necessary to managing the climate disaster funds. We are actively participating in climate negotiations, aligning with the government's advocacy for reforming multilateral finance institutions.

“We are also working with eight municipalities to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate and weather-related events, by providing technical assistance for climate-responsive capital projects,” the Minister said.

According to the 2024 National Treasury Budget Review, the department is finalising a disaster risk financing strategy, centred on innovative financing and risk transfer to effectively mitigate climate impacts.

The strategy will boost state capacity to fund disaster recovery efforts and expand insurance mechanisms to protect against the financial strain of natural disasters.

“Recent years have seen a significant increase in extreme weather events and economic losses amid mounting concern over the effects of climate change. Between 1980 and 2021, 86 notable weather-related disasters have been recorded, affecting more than 22 million people and causing economic losses of about R113 billion.

“The 2017 Knysna wildfires, Cape Town (2015–2018) and Eastern Cape (2015–2020) droughts and KwaZulu-Natal floods in 2022 have heavily affected agriculture and tourism, with negative implications for government spending and revenue.

“These events exacerbate economic inequality, particularly in poor communities that are highly exposed to droughts, floods and wildfires and their consequences,” the document said.

Government incentivises electric vehicles producers

In an effort to encourage the production of electric vehicles in South Africa, government will introduce an investment allowance for new investments, beginning 1 March 2026.

This will allow producers to claim 150% of qualifying investment spending on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in the first year.

“The incentive will be implemented in addition to the existing support under the Automotive Production Development Programme. Government has also reprioritised R964 million over the medium term to support the transition to electric vehicles,” the Minister said.

The Electric Vehicles White Paper outlines government’s strategy to transition towards a broader new energy vehicle production and consumption in South Africa, starting with electric vehicles.

It aims to transition the automotive industry from primarily producing internal combustion engine vehicles to a dual platform that includes electric vehicles, by 2035. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:14

507 views

21 February 2024

Municipalities sign up for Eskom debt relief programme

Location: News

Municipalities sign up for Eskom debt relief programme

At least 70 municipalities have applied for and been approved for the Eskom debt relief programme introduced by National Treasury last year.

The debt relief programme is aimed at assisting ailing municipalities to pay off their bulk electricity supply debt to the power utility.

This was revealed in the 2024 Budget Review drafted by National Treasury.

“By December 2023, 72 applications had been submitted, totalling R56.7 billion or 96.9 % of total municipal debt owed to Eskom at end‐March 2023. [Some] 70 applications totalling R55.2 billion had been approved as of January 2024, said Treasury.

Once municipalities are admitted into the programme, strict conditions set by Treasury have to be followed in order for the debt to be written off over a three-year period.

“These conditions include enforcing strict credit controls, paying their monthly electricity accounts and enhancing revenue collection,” Treasury said on Wednesday.

Smart meter conditional grant

In the Budget Speech tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana, Treasury announced that a new conditional grant will be introduced to increase the rollout of prepaid smart meters.

“A new conditional grant will be created to fund the rollout of smart prepaid meters, initially in municipalities that have been approved for Eskom debt relief. The National Treasury will distribute this grant.

“A total of R2 billion has been allocated for the grant, made up of R500 million in 2024/25, R650 million in 2025/26 and R800 million in 2026/27,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:15

530 views

21 February 2024

Load shedding, logistics hamper growth

Location: News

Load shedding, logistics hamper growth

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says although structural reforms have made “good progress”, load shedding and freight rail challenges remain an obstacle.

He was speaking during the Budget Speech held at the Cape Town City Hall on Wednesday.

“We have embarked on a broad structural reform agenda that aims to address the challenges that have held back our growth.

“This agenda has included areas like electricity, logistics, water, telecommunications and visa reforms. The Budget Review details the good progress that has been made in these areas over the past few years. But, obstacles remain and let me focus on the two largest of these,” Godongwana said.

Godongwana said the rolling power cuts “disrupt production, operations and livelihoods”.

“Reforming the sector will result in long-term energy security. We took the necessary decisions in the past five years and these are bearing fruit.

“To promote further investments in renewable energy, this budget proposes an increase in the limit for renewable energy projects that can qualify for the carbon offsets regime, from 15 megawatts to 30 megawatts,” he said.

He revealed that in the coming week, the report on the independent review of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations will be released.

“The review was done to inform part of the conditions attached to the debt relief plan. The recommendations will feed into Eskom’s corporate plans to bolster accountability and oversight.

“It is through the combination of private investment in new energy projects, rooftop solar installations and improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet that load shedding will reduce, and reliability and security of supply improve,” he said.

READ | Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion

Turning to South Africa’s logistics challenges, the Minister revealed that third-party access to the freight rail network will be introduced by May 2024.

“In ports, a private partner has been secured to upgrade Pier 2 of the Durban Container Terminal. This should increase private investment in equipment, enhance technological capability and improve operational efficiency.

“Government has provided Transnet with a R47 billion guarantee facility to support the entity’s recovery plan and meet its immediate debt obligations.

“Like Eskom, the guarantee comes with conditions. These conditions require Transnet to focus on its core activities, and for the entity to introduce private sector partnerships. This will improve Transnet’s sustainability and support the implementation of the Freight Logistics Roadmap,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:17

425 views

21 February 2024

Treasury to tap into foreign exchange account to reduce debt service costs

Location: News

Treasury to tap into foreign exchange account to reduce debt service costs

A combination of high debt servicing costs and a higher budget deficit has led to the introduction of a new reform of the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA).

The reform is aimed at mitigating fiscal risks by reducing government borrowing in the medium-term and will allow government to draw down from its GFECRA held at the Reserve Bank.

This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the tabling of the 2024 Budget Speech held in Cape Town on Wednesday.

GFECRA is a Reserve Bank held account which captures gains and losses on South Africa’s foreign currency reserve transactions and the account has grown to more than R500 billion.

“We will draw down R150 billion of the GFECRA balance once we have ensured that sufficient buffers are available to absorb exchange rate swings and the solvency of the Reserve Bank is not compromised,” he said.

The draw down is expected to result in a decline of some R30.2 billion in government debt servicing costs over the 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Godongwana explained that national government debt is expected to peak at some 75.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025/26 with 2023/24’s budget deficit estimated to worsen to 4.9 % of GDP.

Debt-service costs in 2023/24 have been revised higher, by R15.7 billion to R356 billion.

The Minister said this will require that government stick to its fiscal goals with cuts in expenditure reaching more than R80 billion.

“Debt-service costs will absorb more than 20 % of revenue. To put this into perspective, spending on debt-service costs is greater than the respective budgets of social protection, health, or peace and security.

“A net reduction of R80.6 billion in non-interest expenditure is being implemented over the medium-term. At the same time, revenue has been revised up by R45.6 billion over the medium-term, relative to [the] 2023 MTBPS [Medium Term Budget Policy Statement]. [This is why] we have taken the decision to introduce a reform…GFECRA,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:19

420 views

21 February 2024

NHI receives R1 billion allocation

Location: News

NHI receives R1 billion allocation

The health sector is expected to receive an allocation of R848 billion over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework with at least R1 billion directed to the National Health Insurance (NHI).

This was announced by Minister Enoch Godongwana during the 2024 Budget Speech on Thursday.

“These allocations include R11.6 billion to address the 2023 wage agreement, R27.3 billion for infrastructure, and R1.4 billion for the NHI grant over the same period.

“The allocation for the NHI is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to this policy. There remain a range of system-strengthening activities, that are key enablers of an improved public health care system, that must be undertaken,” Godongwana said.

He said these activities include:

Building a national health information system and digital patient records;
Upgrading health facilities and improving quality of care to ensure that they meet the minimum criteria to be certified and accredited for contracting under NHI;
Strengthening facility and district management in preparation for contracting;
Granting semi-autonomous status for central (and potentially other) hospitals; and
Developing reference prices and provider payment methods for hospitals.

In the 2024 Budget Review, National Treasury noted that the budget for the sector is expected to grow slower than inflation over the MTEF “due to the R23.7 billion baseline reductions over the medium term”.

“The function will prioritise greater efficiency, better management of commuted overtime and intensified promotion of preventative care. Spending reviews in the sector have led to some savings in vaccine and antiretroviral tenders. The health sector continues to recover from service disruptions due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in antiretroviral treatment and tuberculosis screening and treatment.

“The Department of Health and its provincial counterparts will prioritise building tertiary services like oncology through earmarked funds in the national tertiary services grant in provinces with inadequate services. This grant grows by 8.8% in 2024/25 as funding is shifted into it from the oncology portion of the national health insurance conditional grant,” Treasury said.

Education Sector

Turning to education, he said the sector will receive some R25.7 billion “carry-through costs of the wage increase over the medium term”.

“At the same time, we were able to protect the budgets of critical programmes such as the school nutrition programme. The programme provides food to pupils in almost 20 000 schools.

“The early childhood development grant is allocated R1.6 billion rising to R2 billion over the medium term,” he said.

Firm eye

Government is expected to keep a firm eye on value for money as consolidated government spending is expected to reach R2.37 trillion in 2024/25, R2.47 trillion in 2025/26 and R2.6 trillion in 2026/27.

This is according to the National Treasury’s 2024 Budget Review.

“Government’s priority is to enhance spending quality and minimise inefficiency while ensuring sustainable public finances – in other words, to increase the value for money from this spending,” the department said.

The bulk of the 2024/25 budget will go to basic and tertiary education, peace and security.

“While R69.4 billion is added to this function for the carry‐through costs of the 2023 public‐service wage agreement over the medium term, there are baseline reductions of R49.8 billion in other areas. Improved efficiency in the procurement of learner‐teacher support materials and in the management of the placement of educators will continue.

“Spending in the post‐school education and training sector grows by 2.5% over the medium term. Spending in the sector education and training authorities and the National Skills Fund grows by 3.9% over the medium term, allowing the institutions to improve the quality of their offerings,” Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:35

248 views

21 February 2024

Reforms to support public infrastructure investment

Location: News

Reforms to support public infrastructure investment

Government is introducing fundamental and far-reaching reforms to infrastructure financing and delivery in an effort to optimise the infrastructure value chain to be effective and efficient.

“In this way, we will strengthen the public investment management and the associated value chain. We will also attract private sector participation,” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday in Parliament.

According to the 2024 Budget Review, over the next three years government plans to invest R943.8 billion in infrastructure.

This includes investments of R486.1 billion by state-owned companies and public entities, R213.8 billion from municipalities and R224.8 billion from provincial and national government.

Consolidated spending on buildings and other fixed structures will increase by an average of 15.9 per cent over the next three years.

“We gazetted the amendments public-private partnership (PPP) regulatory framework for public comments earlier this week. The amendments seek to reduce the procedural complexity of undertaking PPPs, create capacity to support and manage PPPs, formulate clear rules for managing unsolicited bids, and strengthen the governance of fiscal risk.

“We are reviewing institutional arrangements and governance for catalytic infrastructure. The intention is to create clearer mechanisms for accountability, cooperation and coordination. We are also consolidating similar functions to reduce duplication and inefficiencies. The intention is to fast-track delivery, particularly of blended finance arrangements,” the Minister said.

Government is also introducing several new financing instruments, such as infrastructure bonds and concessional loans.

“As part of this, a flow-through tax vehicle for specific infrastructure projects, similar to trusts and other investment vehicles, is being considered. A new funding window for proposals under the new dispensation of financing instruments will be opened to public institutions shortly.

“Through these reforms, greater efficiency gains and infrastructure delivery will be fast-tracked. This will benefit network sectors, social infrastructure, PPPs and blended finance projects,” the Minister said.–SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:45

109 views

21 February 2024

Social grants to increase in 2024

Location: News

Social grants to increase in 2024

Social grants are expected to increase to keep in line with inflation and increase access for those who are eligible.

This does not include the Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD Grant) also known as the R350 grant.

This was announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana during the Budget Speech delivered in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“We are sensitive to the increase in the cost of living for the nearly 19 million South Africans who rely on these grants to make ends meet. In this regard, we have done as much as the fiscal envelope allows,” he said.

The increases to be implemented during this year are as follows:

An increase of R100 to the old age, war veterans, disability and care dependency grants. This amount will be divided into R90 effective from April, and R10 effective October;
A R50 increase to the foster care grant; and
A R20 increase to the child support grant.

In the expanded Budget 2024 review, National Treasury explained that social grant expenditure – excluding the SRD grant – will increase from R217.1 billion in 2023/24 to R259.3 billion in 2026/27.

The COVID‐19 Social Relief of Distress Grant is allocated R33.6 billion in 2024/25 with provisional allocations for the 2025/26 and 2026/27.

“Work is currently underway to improve the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant by April this year. National Treasury will work with the Department of Social Development in ensuring that improvements in this grant are captured in the final regulations.

“These improvements will be within the current fiscal framework. For the extension of the grant beyond March 2025, the social security policy reforms, together with the funding source, will be finalised,” the Minister said.

National Treasury expects that grant beneficiaries, excluding those receiving the COVID‐19 SRD Grant, are projected to increase from 18.8 million in 2023/24 to 19.7 million in 2026/27. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:22

232 views

21 February 2024

Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school

Location: News

Teacher caught in possession of drugs at school

Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has condemned an incident at a school in Ekurhuleni where a teacher was allegedly found in possession of drugs on school premises.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Education said the incident took place on 14 February 2024 at the Thoko Thaba Secondary School.

According to the department’s reports, the educator was allegedly found with a bag and box of drugs inside school premises.

Police were called in and the teacher was arrested. He appeared in court on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

MEC Chiloane said it is also concerning that this matter was not reported to the Department by the School Management Team (SMT) in a timely manner, which led to a planned protest by the community on Wednesday.

The department has launched an investigation, and the educator has been removed from the school as a precaution.

“We are disappointed about this incident, and vehemently condemn such conduct and we will be acting against it accordingly. We also plead with the community to allow this matter to be handled by the department and relevant law enforcement authorities for appropriate resolution,” Chiloane said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 13:17

1 view

21 February 2024

IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

Location: News

IEC welcomes announcement of 2024 Election Date

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa setting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections date for 29 May.

The President has, in line with section 17(2) of the Electoral act 73 of 1998, consulted with the IEC on the election date.

“This pronouncement of the Election Date provides an unambiguous motivation for the Commission to pull out all the stops in the intensification of preparations for Election Day. The Electoral Commission reiterates its commitment and readiness to ensure a successful 2024 general elections,” the Commission said in a statement.

Furthermore, the President convened a meeting with all nine provincial Premiers and the IEC to discuss the state of readiness for the General Elections.

“It creates certainty for us. It creates certainty for those who want to participate as contestants, be they on party lists or as independent candidates,” said IEC Deputy CEO, Masego Shiburi.

Shiburi said the President announced the date in consultation with the Commission, as that is the statute requirement.

“With each election, the number of competing parties increase. For these elections, we will also have independent candidates and their numbers are still indeterminate because candidate nomination is yet to open.

“Once we finalise candidate nomination, we will be able to print ballots and make them available in our missions to those who will be voting abroad but mostly importantly, to those who will be voting in the country,” Shiburi said.

The announcement of the Election Date comes after the successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.

The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of the democratic calendar.

“Beyond the fulfilment of our constitutional obligation, these upcoming elections are also a celebration of our democratic journey and a determination of the future that we all desire.

“I call on all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to vote and for those who will be campaigning to do so peacefully, within the full observance of the law. We also urge unregistered voters to use the online registration platform to register,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.

The Electoral Commission has reminded South Africans that while the Election Date has been set and announced, eligible voters have until Friday, 23 February 2024 to register. The latter date is the anticipated day of the proclamation of the Election Date.

Unregistered voters and those who need to update their address details can visit their local municipality office, the Electoral Commission or go to the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za or reach the chat bot on 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line.

Election Timetable

Following the proclamation of the Election Date, the Electoral Commission will publish the Election Timetable in the Government Gazette after consultation with the National Party Liaison Committee.

The Election Timetable will outline the various cut-off dates for the performance of certain electoral activities. The timetable will include the following:

- Certification of the voters’ roll.

- Publication of details of voting stations.

- Submission of candidates nomination.

- Submission of notice to vote outside of the country.

- Applications for special votes .

Meanwhile, the Commission has reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person must register where they live and vote at the voting station where they are registered.

“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notifying the Electoral Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 11:14

219 views

21 February 2024

Accessing accurate public information

Location: News

Accessing accurate public information

By Zanele Mngadi

Through social media apps, websites, and other digital tools, the internet gives us a lot of ways to connect with each other. This makes information easy to find.

However, the ease with which we get information online makes it hard to determine how true it is. The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of this challenge because knowledge spread very quickly through our phones and social media sites.

During this dark time, scary fake news spread very quickly, making it harder for people to get the right information and stay safe, which was bad for their health and made them less likely to trust others.

In order to fight fake news, the South African government set up many ways for people to easily get true and accurate information. This included the SA Coronavirus website, social media accounts, and regular updates for the whole country.

Lessons from the pandemic

Because of the pandemic, government learned that giving people easy access to reliable information gave them the tools they needed to make smart choices about how to protect their health.

Building on the success of spreading information widely during COVID-19, government has adopted a multi-media approach that uses all forms of media to give South Africans more power by giving them accurate information about problems facing the country, the government's solutions, and programmes meant to bring about change.

Government just recently set up two WhatsApp channels, governmentza and the PresidencyZA, that people can follow to get regular updates on things that affect everyone, like chances for legal education and work.

This adds to government’s social media platform GovernmentZA, which lets people get true information right away and talk to the government directly. People should follow these social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, as well as government websites like https://www.gov.za, https://www.gcis.gov.za/, and https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/, to get accurate news about issues that affect the whole country.

The GCIS also has its own in-house news agency, SAnews (https://www.sanews.gov.za/) which provides regular news updates on matters of public concern, at no cost. In addition the GCIS launched a podcast, Vuk Talks to give people more access to information about government programmes. It’s on YouTube and Spotify.

Our online presence adapts to the changing needs of our citizens, but we also make sure that people who don’t have access to the internet can still get information.

The government tries to get accurate and reliable news to millions of people in rural areas and townships. Over the years Vuk’uzenzele newspaper has touched the lives of many people. It also brought the government to closer to the people through Izimbizo and partnerships with local community radio stations. From April 2024 on, the newspaper will only be available online, but its articles will still be useful to everyone in South Africa. We have also partnered with SABC 2 on the 13-part series Citizens Connect in an attempt to educate more citizens.

The value of accurate information

All of these online platforms let people to easily get reliable information directly from the government about their lives, our country, and the world we live in. Reliable information is essential to make democracy work. The opposite is equally true: inaccurate information, often a result of fake news, can be dangerous to democracy, especially during big national events such as elections.

As the seventh national and provincial elections get closer, people are being warned to be careful of fake news online, especially since new technologies make it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

With the rise of deep fake content, fake content can seem credible. Dishonest people use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make fake videos, pictures, and audio recordings of other people. Public figures, such as our political leaders, are often the targets of these attacks.

Be vigilant at all times

Government urges every citizen to be wary of falling victim to fake news. Pay close attention to face features and lip movements that don’t match up on videos because that can be a sign of deep fake content. If in doubt, verify the information you receive via trustworthy information sources (such as government platforms). That’s how you can learn the truth and make smart decisions about your future.

If you use social media and websites as sources of information, make sure that they are real. It’s easy to miss fake accounts or profiles because their names sound a lot like real ones. So, double-check the writing of the profiles and websites you follow.

Every South African needs to make sure that the news they spread comes from reliable sources. Let’s all stay alert all times to avoid being duped by fake news. Let’s all play our part to make our democracy strong. Let’s fight disinformation.

*Zanele Mngadi is Chief Director: Products and Platforms at the GCIS

Janine
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:38

109 views

21 February 2024

Bodies of soldiers who died in the DRC return home

Location: News

Bodies of soldiers who died in the DRC return home

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will on Wednesday repatriate and officially hand over the mortal remains of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono to their families.

Bobe and Semono were killed and three of their colleagues injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday last week after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.

The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability.

According to the SANDF, the remains will be officially handed over during a military procession ceremony at Waterkloof Air Force Base today.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, is expected to form part of the officials attending the handing over ceremony.

Modise, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have since expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:39

44 views

21 February 2024

Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province

Location: News

Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province

Economic growth in the North West remains slow despite the province’s abundant mineral resources, according to Acting Premier Nono Maloyi.

“While our province is endowed with vast mineral deposits, we continue to be inundated by high levels of poverty and unemployment.

“Economic growth remains sluggish, and this has had an adverse impact on our efforts to
create jobs for our people,” Maloyi said on Tuesday, delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA).

However, the Acting Premier, announced that there are encouraging signs of recovery.

During his speech to the provincial legislature, he highlighted that the North West was one of only three provinces that experienced significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in the creation of over 61 000 jobs.

“The unemployment rate in the North West gives us sleepless nights, particularly because it affects mainly women and the youth.”

According to Maloyi, two investment promotion events were held with major investors.

These include the North West BRICS Investment Conference held during the BRICS Summit last year and the Premier’s Dinner with investors in September 2023 at Sun City, of which both events have yielded positive outcomes.

Both initiatives yielded 34 investment pledges with a total value of over R104.1 billion.

To date, Maloyi told the members, 14 have confirmed investment projects to the tune of R13.5 billion, which are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone.

These investments will create an additional 10 000 jobs.

Tourism

Meanwhile, he said the province’s Tourism Recovery Plan has begun to realise growth in the number of both domestic and international visitors.

“Between 2022 and 2023 our industry has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has generated R6.9 billion in revenue for the province thereby creating and preserving 24 000 jobs.”

He said this government has already started the process of revitalising the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports.

“Both these airports will add capacity to the province to grow tourism and open new economic frontiers in cargo hauling, hanger, and airline services. We have sent Request for Proposals for running these two airports and lure investments,” he explained, adding that the preferred bidders will commence work by May this year.

In addition, the Acting Premier announced that the agricultural sector is yet to reach its full potential through the meaningful participation of emerging farmers in this growing sector.

Economic policy

“Honourable Speaker, economic development challenges require coherent policy responses backed-up by long-term planning.”

In addition, the province has now finalised the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) with a primary aim to provide a broad economic policy-planning guide and anchor interventions to meet the goals as set out in the National Development Plan 2030.

This, he said, has now enabled the provincial government to complete the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.

The council will provide strategic support and coordination in the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, and promote integrated economic planning and sector contributions.

Internships

During this financial year, close to 900 internships and learnerships benefitted young people in various departments, municipalities, State-owned entities (SOEs) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs).

He announced that the North West would prioritise young people in various infrastructure projects that will be rolled out in the 2024/25 financial year.

“Women are the backbone of our provincial economy. Eight women-led cooperatives and individuals will benefit from R1.4 million, which has been set aside for their upskilling and business growth.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:23

406 views

21 February 2024

WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever

Location: News

WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has urged pig farmers to heighten biosecurity measures following laboratory results confirming African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease.

The department said the new outbreak confirmed recently is the fourth outbreak of disease in the Garden Route area since 2022.

“Previously, there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022, which remains a concern. It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far, with about 250 pigs remaining in the area,” department spokesperson Daniel Johnson said.

Johnson said the area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Johnson has also emphasised that ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals.

“The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption,” Johnson said.

Critical measures to minimise the spread of ASF

•   All carcasses should be disposed of safely.
•   Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease.
•   Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig.
•   Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs.
•   Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs, and in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite.

“Occasionally, the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease,” Johnson said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:21

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