SA News

6 November 2023

Government activities for the week, 6 November – 10 November 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week, 6 November - 10 November 2023

On Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefs media in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 1 November.

From Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to embark on a series of follow-up visits to Eskom power stations. The follow-up visits will begin at Arnot and Hendrina power stations in Mpumalanga on Monday, 6 November. On Wednesday, 8 November, the Minister Ramokgopa will visit Kriel and Matla power stations in Mpumalanga. On Thursday, 9 November, he will visit Camden power station in Mpumalanga.

On Monday, 6 November, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosts the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ukraine, Dmytro Kubela, for political consultations.

On Monday, 6 November, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Lisa Mangcu will lead a clean-up and awareness campaign at the Rand West City Local Municipality in Randfontein.

From Monday, 6 November to Tuesday, 7 November, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal embark on a service delivery drive to address psychosocial challenges that women, youth and persons with disabilities are confronted with in Kwa-Nongoma.

On Tuesday, 7 November, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, will host a consultative stakeholder engagement meeting on South Africa’s negotiating position ahead of the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3), which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 13 – 19 November 2023.

From Tuesday, 7 November to Thursday, 9 November, the Department of Employment and Labour will host a three-day Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

On Thursday, 9 November, the Electoral Commission will present the Atlas of Results for National and Provincial Elections to Parliament.

Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 12:10

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6 November 2023

SA calls on Israel to protect civilians and fast-track repatriation as tension flares

Location: News

SA calls on Israel to protect civilians and fast-track repatriation as tension flares

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has once again called on Israel to adhere to its obligations under international law and protect civilians as required under the Geneva Conventions and under International Humanitarian Law.

This comes after reports from Al Jazeera suggested that Israel may delay the repatriation of nationals from countries such as South Africa, Brazil and Ireland due to these countries having called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“According to reports from the ground in Gaza, Israel is reportedly choosing countries that it considers ‘friendly’ to allow their nationals to leave first.

“Those countries such as South Africa, which Israel considers ‘unfriendly’ and which have taken a strong stance on the ongoing onslaught are being pushed to the bottom of the list. At the current slow pace at which the Israelis are approving foreign nationals, the turn for South Africans could be after 20 days," DIRCO said in a statement.

The department said it believes that it is not only foreign nationals who must be allowed to freely exit the Gaza Strip in a timely manner.

According to the latest data, the department said at least 9 227 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 7 October.

Meanwhile, more than 1 400 Israelis, including settlers and soldiers, have been killed in Israel.

“Over the past few days, a school, a hospital, an ambulance, and civilians on roads travelling South have been bombed.

“The bombing of the ambulance at the gate of Al-Shifa Hospital on Friday killed 15 people, injuring 16 others,” the department said.

It said the targeted air strikes on civilians fleeing South killed 14 Palestinian civilians, among them children.

“These are serious breaches of international humanitarian law and are war crimes. These actions again illustrate the need for an immediate ceasefire, as overwhelmingly voted for by members of the United Nations General Assembly.”

Meanwhile, the department said ongoing threats by Israel to bomb the Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals, where thousands of displaced civilians are sheltering, must be condemned by the international community.

“South Africa invested resources, together with its IBSA partners, India and Brazil, to build a state-of-the-art cardiothoracic unit at Al-Quds Hospital over six years ago, as Israel at the time was preventing Gazans from leaving to get medical treatment in the West Bank. Threats to bomb the hospital put this investment at risk, but more importantly, countless human lives,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 10:20

110 views

6 November 2023

Disability rights awareness: Making access a lived reality

Location: News

Disability rights awareness: Making access a lived reality

By Nomonde Mnukwa

Since the dawn of our democracy, one of our nation’s priorities have been increasing accessibility for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

Today, in a democratic South Africa, the rights of persons with disabilities are protected, promoted and advanced through legislation and the Constitution, which leaves no room for discrimination on any grounds.

While our laws and policies have been enacted to promote people with disabilities, they should not be viewed by the private and public sector simply as a compliance issue.

Equality for people with disabilities must become a lived reality to enable a societal shift that will ensure people with disabilities fully contribute to the country’s socio-economic growth and development.

As we mark National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December, it is a time for introspection on how we can advance the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated in every area of our society.

Government remains unwavering in its commitment to uplift and improve the lives of disabled people. To facilitate the full participation of people with disabilities, public spaces are being equipped according to the needs of those with disabilities, for example wheel chair-friendly environments.

These spaces improves the quality of life for people with disabilities by enabling their participation and improving accessibility. This supports social cohesion priorities of government and promotes the rights of disabled people.

The recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language is an important step towards the realisation of the rights of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Through the enactment of the SASL, the language needs of people with hearing impairments are met, helping increase their access to economic and learning opportunities. Moreover, it ensures they have equal protection and benefit under the law.

Learning for children with hearing difficulties is being facilitated through the use of sign language in teaching and learning by the Department of Basic Education. This initiative is helping empower and equip these children to develop their lives beyond their circumstances.

Government is working towards creating economic opportunities for people living with disabilities to enable them to actively participate in the economy and provide for themselves and families. These economic opportunities also give them a sense of fulfilment.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities together with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development have collaborated to accelerate inclusion for women, youth and persons with disability in the agricultural sector.

The SASSA disability grant enables over 1 million people with disabilities to live integrated lives in communities.

Whilst government strives to improve access for people with disabilities, we urge organisations, Non-Profit Organisations and civil society to work with us in creating an enabling environment for people with disabilities.

These include spaces with wheel chair ramps, assistive devices, incorporating sign language facilitators for deaf people and braille materials for the blind.

Everyone can lend a helping hand to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. It can be through helping a disabled person cross the road, volunteering at shelters or learning sign language.

Our actions are inspired by our former President Nelson Mandela who advocated for the rights of disabled persons. Madiba said: “The new South Africa we are building should be accessible and open to everyone... Only then will the rights of the disabled to equal opportunities become a reality”

While we have come a long way in breaking some barriers of access and entry for people with disabilities, more needs to be done to move disability issues into the mainstream. Together we can further advance our democracy by improving access for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)

Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 09:58

82 views

5 November 2023

Hawks recover copper worth R50 million

Location: News

Hawks recover copper worth R50 million

A 27-year-old man is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday after he was found in possession of copper worth more than R50 million.

This after members attached to the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) on Friday operationalised information received about a syndicate allegedly involved in various criminal activities including dealing and selling copper in Pretoria.

In a statement on Saturday, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said the team pounced on the given address in Attie Street in Booysens, where they found the owner of the property who indicated that he bought the copper at an auction in Bloemfontein.

The suspect produced a second-hand goods dealer permit claiming he is authorised to deal in copper.

“The suspect was informed that he needs to be in possession of a certificate allowing him to possess copper as per Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.The 27-year-old suspect was arrested and copper valued at over R50 million was confiscated.

“The suspect is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on 06 November 2023,” said the Hawks.-SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 15:44

347 views

5 November 2023

Committee concludes oversight visit to Mpumalanga

Location: News

Committee concludes oversight visit to Mpumalanga

Parliament’s Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery has expressed satisfaction with progress made by Mpumalanga municipalities that were hit by floods last year.

The committee met with the mayors, councillors and senior management of the Lekwa Local Municipality in Gert Sibande District Municipality and Mbombela Local Municipality in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The committee also received comprehensive progress reports from the provincial departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Social Development.

This as the committee concluded a two-day oversight visit to the province on Friday.

In a statement, the committee said the reports gave a provincial overview of interventions to address infrastructure damage in the municipalities and the humanitarian support offered to victims of the flooding.

“While the committee was generally satisfied with the progress, it also believes there is room for improvement. Some of the work done in the two municipalities included the rebuilding of a bridge, restoring water pump stations and repairing roads washed away during the floods.”

The provincial authorities told the committee that the flooding has raised the importance of adhering to the Spatial Land Use Management Act, as most of the affected houses were built on floodplains.

The committee also advised the provincial government and the municipalities to ensure that their disaster management plans incorporate the impact of climate change.

“We are satisfied with the progress of the intervention process. We now have a better appreciation and sense of what is happening. The reports that were presented in the meetings are a true reflection of the situation on the ground,” said Jomo Nyambi, the co-chairperson of the committee. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 16:48

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5 November 2023

Fire leaves 250 people homeless

Location: News

Fire leaves 250 people homeless

Over 200 people have been left homeless after a fire broke out at the Plastic View informal settlement, the City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department said.

The incident happened on Saturday morning.

“One patient was treated for smoke inhalation and moderate injuries, and three [others] were treated for minor injuries on the scene but refused transport to a medical facility. Two hundred and fifty people lost shelter and personal belongings because of the fire,” said the department.

A total of 45 shacks were gutted.

Emergency services arrived at the scene to find shacks on fire at the settlement located east of Pretoria. The fire was contained and subsequently extinguished.

“The Tshwane Emergency Services Department will intensify public awareness campaigns at this informal settlement as part of continuous education to the communities on fire safety and disaster risk reduction. The department calls on residents to use paraffin stoves with extreme caution, never leave open fires without adult supervision or unattended, or overload electrical plugs with appliances. Illegal electricity connections are a fire and life hazard, which residents should always be aware might lead to emergency incidents,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Tshwane Emergency Services Department, together with the city’s Community and Social Development Department, are coordinating relief efforts for those affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 18:17

292 views

4 November 2023

Electricity Minister to embark on Eskom power station visits

Location: News

Electricity Minister to embark on Eskom power station visits

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to embark on a series of follow-up visits to Eskom power stations.

The follow-up visits will begin at Arnot and Hendrina power stations in Mpumalanga on Monday.

“The visits are a follow-up to the initial round of visits that Minister Ramokgopa undertook upon his appointment as the Minister of Electricity in March 2023. During the visits, the Minister sought to acquire more insights into the challenges facing the power stations.

“[This is] in order to advance the necessary interventions required to fix Eskom in line with the objectives of the Energy Action Plan to improve the reliability of electricity supply and end load shedding,” the Ministry in the Presidency for Electricity said in a statement.

On Wednesday, 8 November, the Minister will visit Kriel and Matla power stations, which are also in Mpumalanga. On Thursday, he will visit Camdem power plant.

Ramokgopa is expected to visit Lethabo plant in Gauteng on Monday, 13 November. He will visit the Ankerling and Koeberg plants in the Western Cape on Tuesday, 14 November.

“Minister Ramakgopa will be engaging with management, unions and workers during his upcoming visits,” said the Ministry on Saturday. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 19:38

253 views

4 November 2023

Patel supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA

Location: News

Patel supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, has thrown his weight behind the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) as swiftly as possible and with refinements that do not require lengthy discussions.

Patel was delivering closing remarks at the three-day 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum held at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

“One idea that's come up from the discussions is whether we should consider, if needed, a two-stage programme. But the first stage firmly focused on reauthorisation as rapidly as possible, maybe with a modest package of refinements that does not require lengthy discussions.

“The second stage with further and perhaps deeper improvements that require more time and further study, and that can be done fairly shortly thereafter. We are particularly keen to get the reauthorisation in the earliest part of 2024, so this will be very helpful.

“These are ideas that we want our friends in the United States to think through and consider. We are also reflecting a little bit on these weighing up the pros and cons,” the Minister said.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with sub-Saharan Africa.

The Minister said that discussions at the forum also looked at a graduation system once countries reach a particular level of advancement, adding that they can be even considered a "constructive conversation about the matrix of that level of advancement".

Patel also emphasised that there are policy areas that need to be relooked, adding that polishing existing policies would make room for more African products to make it to the international market.

“Those colleagues who’ve been enjoying our fruits, SA citrus fruit from the region, which can be available in larger quantities, we can resolve those things. Matters we constructively engage in, for example relating to steel and aluminium, these are practical solutions we believe can unlock the value of trade. In different parts of the continent, in West Africa, there are constraints in accessing the American market. In East Africa, there are different products we need to refine.”

Patel highlighted that the discussions also looked at the idea of small businesses to small business partnership between the African continent and the United States.

“We looked at the product scope. Is there appetite to increase the number of products covered by AGOA? By way of illustration, we shared with Congressional representatives, an example of 10 products where Africa has capacity, and where Africa has fantastic products, some of which you've tasted in the last few days,” he told delegates.

“We recognise we need to balance the level of our ambition on extending the product list against the concerns about the time that may be required to reach consensus in Congress on these factors. While we would obviously prefer as much as possible, we want to avoid such a broad review that we delay reauthorisation,” he said.

Mineral beneficiation

Mineral beneficiation on the African continent was also under the spotlight.

“We said we don't want to be the exporter of rocks. We want to be the exporter of consumer and capital goods… and the producers of electric vehicles. And it raises the question of a moment of a grand bargain between Africa and its friends elsewhere in the world, where there's a partnership around critical minerals, but also with processing of critical minerals on the African continent,” he said.

The Minister believes that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a game changer.

He explained that AGOA on its own gave the continent significant access on a range of products to the world's single biggest national consumer market.

“What the AFCFTA will add to that is that the combined weight of access to African markets and access to the US market will give us the scale to draw investment, and scale is what investors look at. They want to be able to see that the size of the market justifies the investment.

“We also said that AFCFTA is helping to foster value chains. It is a critical driver to help industrialise and so more and more countries will now begin to have these value chains, so those value chains will then enable better utilisation of AGOA,” he said.

Impact

The United States of America Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, also addressed the closing ceremony and emphasised that AGOA remains the cornerstone of the U.S. economic partnership with Africa.

“Let us not forget the real impact AGOA has had on real lives, real people: the woman entrepreneur seeking to expand her macadamia nut processing business; the small business owner making apparel and handicrafts, and the countless students and youth, waiting to make their mark on this ever-changing continent,” she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the opening of the forum on Friday. In his address, the President said an extension of AGOA for a longer period of time could act as an instrument to entice investors to pour more resources into the African continent.

“We would like you to look at the extension or renewal of AGOA for a sufficiently lengthy period for it to act as an incentive for investors to build new factories on the African continent,” said the President.

The purpose of the forum is to discuss ways to expand trade and investment relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, and the implementation of AGOA, including encouraging joint ventures between small and large businesses. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 19:43

247 views

4 November 2023

US reiterates commitment to strengthen relations with Africa

Location: News

US reiterates commitment to strengthen relations with Africa

United States of America Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, has reiterated her country’s commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Africa trade and investment relationship to deliver real opportunities across societies.

Tai was delivering remarks during the closing ceremony of the 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Johannesburg.

She told delegates that she would summarise the interactions that were held over the last three days with the word “commitment”.

“Commitment to strengthen the U.S.-African trade and investment relationship. Commitment to craft a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive tomorrow across the continent. Commitment to partner with one another to make AGOA stronger and more effective,” she said at the session held on Saturday.

The three-day forum explored the intersection of trade and competition policy and what that means for a fairer economy in Africa and elsewhere. It further discussed how small businesses and women-owned enterprises could be equipped and empowered to succeed and thrive.

Tai also highlighted the need to make the AGOA programme more effective and relevant to today’s challenges, and to explore additional areas of cooperation to complement the programme.

Impact

Tai emphasised that AGOA remains the cornerstone of the U.S. economic partnership with Africa.

“So, when we say that AGOA is the cornerstone of our economic partnership, we do not mean it in the abstract. It has been a bedrock to improve the livelihoods of so many people across Africa and it has the potential to do so much more. But we can make it even better,” she said.

Tai reflected on the discussions held over the last three days, saying most of the issues discussed were precisely on this topic.

She said this made the programme more effective and relevant to today’s challenges, such as growing inequality and the climate crisis.

Furthering cooperation

“As we discussed during the session on ‘What’s Next in our U.S.-Africa Trade Relations’, we must also explore additional areas of cooperation and other trade tools to complement our AGOA relationship.

“This includes collaborating on AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area] implementation and better using the multilateral trading system to benefit more people, particularly underserved communities,” she said.

The US Ambassador acknowledged that while there is a lot of work ahead, she leaves optimistic and hopeful.

Equitable future

Tai said each of the African perspectives was a powerful reminder to her that trade can and must help craft a fairer and more equitable future for Africa.

“Driving inclusive economic growth. Empowering workers. Delivering real opportunities across all segments of societies, including women, youth, the African Diaspora, and other underserved groups. You all believe that our work has a critical role to play in building this future, and that communal commitment will allow us to accomplish more than we can as individuals.

“It is an understatement to say that this is a partnership. I am honoured to have each of you as colleagues and teammates to use trade as a force for good and to spur a race to the top,” Tai said on the last day of the forum.

The Ambassador urged delegates to stay committed and devoted to the cause.

“Let us be devoted to our cause. Let us not be satisfied with the status quo. Let us continue to build from here, to write the next chapter of our story together -- to make AGOA a beacon that shines for years to come,” she said.

Tai used her speech to extend appreciation to South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel and the South African government for the warm and welcoming hospitality and immense effort taken to make the forum a success.

She further sent a big thank you to her fellow Trade Ministers and their delegations for the productive dialogue and engagement. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 18:20

233 views

3 November 2023

Patel outlines vision for prosperous Africa united in trade

Location: News

Patel outlines vision for prosperous Africa united in trade

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has used his address at the 2023 Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum to galvanise the message of a united Africa that is earnestly at work to reclaim its place in the world.

The 20th AGOA Forum is currently taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the heart of commerce and trade in South Africa. The forum brings together a large contingent of African Trade Ministers and their delegations, and over 300 delegates from the United States business sector, including the US Chamber of Commerce. Delegates from Business Unity South Africa (Busa), the Black Business Council, Business Leadership South Africa and labour representatives are also in attendance.

Patel told the gathering that Africa is embracing new ideas and ways of doing things, primarily introduced by the evolution of trade.

“For many years the continent was characterised by a network of trade routes that were used to facilitate the flow of goods among Africans trading in any products including gold, salt, beats and ivory.

“African traders crisscrossed the many lands searching for markets for their goods. Africa has strong leads with other regions, particularly the middle East. The AGOA Forum is an opportunity to renew, refresh and strengthen relationships,” Patel said.

With the advent of many innovations, including the establishment of AGOA, which promotes economic growth by fostering a stronger trade partnership between the United States and African nations, Patel said now is the time for Africa to cement its position in the world economy.

“Our trade investment project is aimed at forging economic unity of all Africans to addressing colonialism that has left Africa a small, divided nation.

“Trade is about reclaiming Africa’s place in the world. Trade has played a role in our history. It has connected and linked communities to new ideas and ways of doing things,” Patel said.

The theme for this year’s forum is, ‘Partnering to Build a Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive Agenda to Support Economic Development, Industrialisation and Quality Job Creation’.

Patel urged young people, some of whom are exhibiting their businesses and wares at the forum, to take up the opportunities brought on by AGOA. On the eve of the forum, Patel said about 520 firms were expected to exhibit their products at Nasrec.

He said more African countries could benefit from AGOA. Currently, 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have been designated as eligible for AGOA benefits.

“AGOA is a market access arrangement with the US Congress put in place for sub-Saharan countries, and we’ve seen trade with the US being a significant part of our trade with the world,” he said.

To qualify for AGOA, a country must first be eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programme. The GSP applies to 3 400 products from designated beneficiary countries, plus a further 1 450 products from least developed countries. AGOA supplements the GSP with an additional 1 835 products.

Only Sub-Saharan African countries are eligible for AGOA. The US determines whether countries have met these requirements of eligibility in Section 104 of the Act.

In order to qualify, countries must already be GSP beneficiary countries – though GSP eligibility does not imply AGOA eligibility. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 12:30

882 views

3 November 2023

US Secretary reiterates President Biden’s commitment to extend AGOA

Location: News

US Secretary reiterates President Biden's commitment to extend AGOA

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated President Joe Biden’s commitment to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beyond 2025 when it expires.

“President Biden fully supports the reauthorisation of AGOA. But we don’t just want to extend AGOA – we want to work with the United States Congress to make it better. And that’s what this week’s dialogue is about,” he said on Friday.

Blinken was addressing delegates through a video speech at the three-day AGOA Forum at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.

“Last year, I travelled to South Africa to lay out the United States strategy to sub-Saharan Africa and to its core, it’s about partnerships -- what the United States can do with African nations and not for African nations.”

Blinken believes that AGOA is critical to realising this vision as thousands of people in sub-Saharan Africa have benefited in the past two decades.

“AGOA has meant new jobs, new skills, new connections and new investment. It has meant less corruption and greater human and labour rights.”

The piece of legislation, according to the United States Secretary of State, has translated into partnerships to advance new solutions to shared challenges from the climate crisis to food insecurity, to supply chain disruptions and vulnerabilities.

“More inclusive, sustainable growth is good for Africa and good for America and good for the world,” Blinken said.

In addition, he said America was dedicated to December’s African Leaders’ Summit commitments, which are essential to creating economies and societies where trade and investment can flourish.

Through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment, Blinken believes his country is lending a helping hand to finance projects like the Lobito Corridor between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Angola, which will enhance connectivity and make it easier to do business in and with Africa.

In addition, the United States, Blinken said, is mobilising US$8 billion in private and public investments to bolster climate resistance and advance women’s economic empowerment.

“We remain the single biggest country investor by far in food security and public health in the region and we’re working on new efforts like our VACS initiative to strengthen African seeds and soils,” he said, adding that they will support elevating African voices in global diplomacy.

Blinken welcomed the African Union joining the G20 and International Monetary Fund, which is working to expand sub-Saharan representation on its Executive Board.

On the other hand, he said the United States remain committed to reforming the United Nations Security Council to include permanent representation for Africa.

“This flourishing partnership between the United States and Africa gives me tremendous hope. And through gatherings like this, we continue to shape a future where workers and businesses are equipped and empowered, where governments are transparent and accountable, where all our people can thrive, and where our nations can come together for the good of our people and the world.”

AGOA is a United States Trade Act enacted on 18 May 2000 as Public Law 106 of the 200th Congress.

The AGOA legislation has been renewed on different occasions, most recently in 2015, when its period of validity was extended to September 2025.

The legislation significantly enhances market access to the United States for qualifying sub-Saharan African countries by allocating special programme indicators to about 6 800 tariff lines in the American tariff schedule.

This allows United States importers to clear goods sourced from eligible African countries duty-free under AGOA. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:06

512 views

3 November 2023

KZN entrepreneurs to showcase wares at Intra–African Trade Objective

Location: News

KZN entrepreneurs to showcase wares at Intra–African Trade Fair

KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, has commended entrepreneurs based in the province that have been selected to showcase their products and services at the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, Egypt.

IATF is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

The Intra-African Trade Fair is a trade show that provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.

The IATF will take place from 09 to 15 November 2023 will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the AfCFTA.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony held at Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN) in Durban, Duma said the 21 entrepreneurs from the province were subjected to a gruelling selection process.

“By and large, the selection process was designed to ensure that we market our products and services from all corners of our province – especially the townships and rural areas. This is in line with our “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. We are happy that today our entrepreneurs gathered at Investment House for a well deserving send-off.”

He noted that through TIKZN which is an agency of government , the department has for a long-time, hosted International Expo Week, as part of creating a demand for local products produced by the province’s entrepreneurs.

“As the previous host of the 2021 IATF Trade Show 2021, we believe that this year’s event will put our entrepreneurs on the pedestal and augment the “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. Critically, we are encouraged by an integrated approach involving the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

“Collectively, we have made it possible to deploy resources to cover logistics and other necessary expenses for our entrepreneurs. This is in addition to the enduring partnership between TIKZN and Transnet Port Terminal. This partnership has helped many entrepreneurs under the export capacity-building programme,” Duma said.

The MEC added that the department is confident that as more entrepreneurs export their products, “we will see a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings.”

“We are saying to our entrepreneurs – the “Sky is not the Limit”. Go there - establish contact with prospective distributors and buyers - ascertain the market demand and trends and promote the Zulu Kingdom,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:06

534 views

3 November 2023

AGOA, AfCFTA can be complementary

Location: News

AGOA, AfCFTA can be complementary

Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, says the United States of America's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative and the AfCFTA can be complementary and supportive trade initiatives.

He was speaking at a media briefing on the side lines of the ongoing AGOA forum held in Johannesburg.

At its core, the American driven AGOA is aimed at enhancing market access for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa while the African Union’s AfCFTA is aimed at significantly boosting and enhancing intra-trade across all African states.

“An example of how that alignment can take place is if you look at the protocol on investment which establishes enhanced legal rights for investors but also enables countries to regulate investment inflows in the public interest.

“Similarly in the area of intellectual property rights. The US TR [United States Trade Representative] under Ambassador [Katherine Chi Tai] has been very clear that they support reforms of the global patent system so that it is at the service of public health and at the service, in our case as the continent, at the service of industrial development and job creation.

“These are some of the principles, we believe, should be considered where we are to have a discussion about trade and investment between AGOA eligible countries and the United States. These are some of the complementarities [between AGOA and the AfCFTA] that can be explored,” he said.

Mene said the continent must be “cautious not to create fragmentation within the AfCFTA as we implement AGOA”.

“In the AfCFTA there are countries in North Africa who are state parties to the agreement establishing the AfCFTA. There are also countries that are within AGOA eligibility. So that fragmentation, we have got to address it so that we don’t reverse the gains that we are making in integrating the economy of the African continent.

“I’m very encouraged that the US is willing to listen and is sensitive to this need to progress on integration,” he said at the session.

The Secretary General was emphatic when asked about the possibility of AGOA becoming an obstacle for the implementation of the AfCFTA.

“It’s a technical issue. I don’t think it’s really a political issue, it’s a technical issue about how we make that legal technical alignment between the rules of the AfCFTA and AGOA.

“We are taking measures to ensure that the implementation of AGOA supports industrial development, supports regional integration [and] supports the objectives of the AfCFTA,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:27

514 views

3 November 2023

US forges ahead to build stronger relations with Africa under AGOA

Location: News

US forges ahead to build stronger relations with Africa under AGOA

Amid challenging global economic circumstances, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai believes there is an opportunity to shape a stronger, new and forward-looking vision for United States-Africa trade, where more segments of society are brought in.

"[A vision] where, as President [Joe] Biden would say, ‘the benefits are realised from the bottom up and the middle out,” Tai told delegates on Friday.

In the words of Tai, the United States remains a committed partner as Africa continues this journey.

Tai was speaking at the three-day African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

“As President Biden said at the US-Africa Leaders' Summit last December, ‘the United States is all in on Africa’.”

African Continental Free Trade Area

Tai, who is the principal trade advisor and spokesperson on United States trade policy, announced that her country backs the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) under the US-AfCFTA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation for Trade and Investment.

This comes after the AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, and Tai signed the MoU during the summit.

“We created four Technical Working Groups, and the US government is providing approximately $160 million to support the negotiation and implementation of the AfCFTA,” Tai said.

This includes support from the United States Agency for International Development, the US Department of Agriculture, and Prosper Africa.

“The United States is here to build and enhance our relationships so that more Africans can enjoy the benefits of economic growth, to empower workers and their communities, and to build fair and equitable societies, not just for today, but for years to come,” Tai said.

She has since called on all stakeholders to work together to further unlock the potential of the partnership to pursue sustainable and equitable growth, especially for women, youth and the African diaspora.

The representative said she was looking to talk about improving utilisation rates, exploring additional trade tools to complement the AGOA relationship, implementing the AfCFTA, and better use of the multilateral trading system for the benefit of underserved groups.

“All of you in this room play such an important part in fully realising this vision. No one government can get there alone, and that is the power of this forum. A committed and thoughtful community with a common goal of strengthening our US-African trade and investment relationship.”

Tai described AGOA as a vehicle for workers and businesses across Africa.

“This is important, as all of us continue our economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”

She also shifted her focus to challenges following the pandemic that battered economies, climate crisis, growing inequality and economic insecurity.

“But there have also been positive developments,” Tai said.

The green shoots, she said include trading under the AfCFTA since January 2021 and African Union joining G20 in September this year.

Tai cited the African Development Bank’s report that stated that five of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies are projected to be in Africa.

She singled out South Africa, which is ranked one of the largest AGOA users, with the country being the top exporter in 2022, with $3.6 billion in exports.

“South Africa is leading the continent on other aspects as well, including through its clear commitment to human rights.”

She noted that the total goods imported into the United States under AGOA was about $10 billion in 2022, a significant increase compared to $6.8 billion in 2021.

Meanwhile, the non-petroleum imports – major sources of new investment and jobs in Africa, went up to $5.7 billion in 2022, from $5 billion in 2021.

“The programme has fostered economic growth and development on the continent to increase investment and to create new jobs and opportunities,” Tai said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:27

343 views

3 November 2023

Africa has products for the global market

Location: News

Africa has products for the global market

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says what African producers seek is increased access to markets.

She was speaking on the sidelines of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Johannesburg on Friday.

The Minister explained that producers on the African continent seek even greater access to markets in order to thrive.

“We’ve got a lot of production that is coming from Africa and what we are seeking is more access to markets. There’s been a tendency – and business and organised labour, and also civil society, raised this concern – that the largest trade in AGOA is taking place in minerals and raw products instead of getting the beneficiation.

“We need to get the beneficiation. We need investors to invest here. But there are products from SMMEs, who are now given certification in terms of rules of origin, that they are done on the African continent and therefore they must have access to market there.

“Our agricultural products, for example, were part of the issues that were raised… We’ve got a lot of products not only for the US market but for the global market from the African continent,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for an extended period of extension for the AGOA initiative.

“[During the forum] there were readouts from the various sectors… the private sector, organised labour, civil society, women representatives and the trade ministry and all of them collectively have reiterated the need to make the AGOA extension not a short extension but a longer extension, with a proposal of a 20-year extension so that it can be what the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] deemed the long haul.

“That gives certainty to investors and you can then look in the longer term and a bigger investment. That’s the gist of us being here and we are happy that despite the challenges, the 20th edition of the AGOA Forum is taking place in South Africa,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that Africa is on a growth path that will lead to a strong future.

“We are determined as the African continent that we are going to work together to make sure that Africa is the hub of development. Africa, by 2030, will be the continent with the largest population, therefore it will be the largest market for any global goods and services and therefore, we are going to rely on ourselves,” Ntshavheni said.

The Minister responded to questions related to perceptions of “shaky” relations between South Africa and the US.

“South Africa-US relationships are not shaky. We have South Africans who speak very loudly and express their views, and the Americans also do the same. But the relationship between South Africa and the US has always been solid because they are one of our largest trading partners and we are one of their largest trading partners on the African continent,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:32

309 views

3 November 2023

Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership

Location: News

Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership

Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) President Zingiswa Losi says the federation has thrown its weight behind the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and for its renewal as the country continues to fight joblessness.

“As a trade federation movement, our responsibility is towards ensuring we protect jobs and that is why we have always had support for our government.

“But beyond that, we continue to advocate and request our sister federation in the US to be our voice on that side that the United States of America and the Biden administration will be able to renew AGOA for the next 10 years before they go for their elections next year,” she said on Friday.

Losi was speaking during a media briefing on the sidelines of the AGOA Forum, which is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.

She reflected on the impact of the piece of legislation, which has created 450 000 jobs linked to the United States-Africa trade in different sectors. Losi said the mining, manufacturing, auto manufacturing, clothing, agriculture and jewellery industries have benefited from the legislation through exports.

The Cosatu President said the federation supports South Africa’s continued AGOA membership.

“It is also important that that unaligned role is strengthened when we deal with the geopolitics and it’s critical for government and business to simultaneously expand the trade and investment with other large trading partners such as the European Union, China and Japan and as you know we’re also part of the BRICS Trade Union Forum.”

Diversification, Losi believes, will ensure South Africa is able to trade with all countries to address the 42% unemployment rate, of which 60% of those are youngsters.

“Importantly, for us to do that we need to address issues of energy in the country, crime and corruption and also the issues of rail and infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s main address, he said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.

President Ramaphosa said he hopes the forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future and that more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help unlock AGOA’s opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:36

143 views

3 November 2023

Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings wish to West Coast

Location: News

Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings hope to West Coast

The resuscitation of Clanwilliam Dam engineering work has sparked optimism among the West Coast corridor communities.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction work underway at the dam site on Thursday.

The R4 billion project, situated on the Olifants River near the town of Clanwilliam in Cederberg Local Municipality, is one of the biggest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape.

The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 metres. A total of R400 million has been allocated for the current financial year to implement the project.

The project includes extension of the dam wall on the downstream side, and raising it to a higher level by 13 metres.

The additional yield of water will provide an opportunity to develop resource poor farmers to promote food security and decent employment through inclusive economic growth.

During the visit, Mchunu said, unlocking the bottlenecks that caused the collapse of the project and seeing it to its completion is the biggest priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Mchunu said the yield from the extended infrastructure will bring a lifeline to many livelihoods in this region.

“What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish. The dam currently yields about 123 million cubic meters of water and when the project is completed, it is expected to yield 343 million cubic meters of water, thus bringing into the system almost double the current yield,” Mchunu said.

Addressing stakeholders and residents that converged at the town’s local church hall, Mchunu said government is committing many resources to building projects across the country, and that through projects like Clanwilliam, the department strives for quality water to flow to South African households.

“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end. The revival of the project is a hit for the Western Cape province.”

Mchunu said government is aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years, and assured that with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets and specifications.

Among the direct benefits associated with the project, include more than 500 job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and the development of skills and learning opportunities; and new business opportunities for the locals.

Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who joined Mchunu during the visit, said the province welcomed the resuscitation of the dam project, noting there is a long history associated with the project.

“We welcome that work has commenced and interventions by stakeholders to unbundle the hindrances. This will now further accelerate the hydro-energy projects planned for the West Coast corridor and bolster the agricultural sector.

“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” Simmers said.

Francois Swaartbooi, a local businessperson, said the project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast, and they are happy it is being revived.

Swartbooi said they have established a business forum to ensure that local small medium enterprises benefit from the project.

The current work at the construction site includes excavations to prepare platforms for the drilling and blasting operations; blast proposal and design by the Drill and Blasting sub-contractor, and geologists to inspect the vertical faces of the excavation to determine the rock anchor details. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:03

89 views

3 November 2023

President Ramaphosa calls for substantial lengthening of AGOA

Location: News

President Ramaphosa calls for substantial lengthening of AGOA

An extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a longer period of time can act as an instrument to entice investors to pour more resources into the African continent.

“We would like you to look at the extension or renewal of AGOA for a sufficiently lengthy period for it to act as an incentive for investors to build new factories on the African continent.

“As we were going around talking to a number of product producers, the recurring message and word I heard is ‘we can do more…if this opportunity is extended and we can build more capacity if we have certainty that yes, the period of extension will be longer’.

“Shorter periods of extension impede investment ambitions and we therefore want to see a much lengthier period of extension. The United States and Africa… are going to be here for a long time. We are here for the long haul so let us make AGOA a long haul opportunity for all of us,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the AGOA Forum, currently underway at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

The President reflected on the successes that have been made under AGOA for African countries.

“When excluding exports of crude oil under AGOA, the data show that the programme has substantially improved the export competitiveness of certain African products, especially textiles and apparel.

“Apparel exports from Lesotho, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Madagascar and Kenya have not only led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs but these countries have become reliable producers for American consumers.

“Other parts of manufacturing have also seen success under AGOA. South Africa’s auto exports to the United States under AGOA have contributed to job creation in South Africa and in the auto supply chain within neighbouring countries.

“We value the relationship with the United States, the world’s largest national market, and a country with which we have relationships that go well beyond trade. The African Growth and Opportunity Act – or AGOA – has served as the cornerstone of the US-Africa commercial relationship for more than two decades,” President Ramaphosa said.

Africa on the rise

President Ramaphosa told the forum that trading has been in the DNA of Africans for thousands of years – predating colonial oppression.

“From earlier times, our forebears were already trading not only within Africa but with the rest of the world. They traded right across the continent… but they also traded with the world. Trading is part of our DNA; it is in our blood and it is this trading that we want to modernise and we look for partners to support us in this development as we modernise our trading practices and relations,” he said.

As the continent continues to modernise its trading, it is moving away from being a supplier of raw materials to a producer of ready-made consumer products.

“Africa is an important source of critical raw materials but we do not want to be defined by simply being the producers of commodities. The great industrial opportunity lies instead in the transformation of the rocks that we mine and the metal that we produce into the sophisticated industrial and consumer goods that societies across the world need.

“Gone should be the days when Africa is just seen as a source of rock, soil and dust being exported out of our continent. We now want to produce the products that are finished or near finished, which are utilised in other parts of the world. We want to earn full value for our products,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.

“We hope that the discussions at this forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future.”

The President said more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help to unlock AGOA’s opportunities.

NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:07

125 views

3 November 2023

Boks to receive warm KZN welcome during victory tour

Location: News

Boks to receive warm KZN welcome during victory tour

The people of KwaZulu-Natal are brimming with pride and anticipation as they prepare to welcome the Springboks for their victory tour on Saturday.

The Bokke, as they are affectionately known, made history by becoming the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times and only the second to defend the title.

The victory tour is a gesture of appreciation for the millions of South Africans, who unwaveringly supported the team throughout the Rugby World Cup tournament.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality have invited rugby enthusiasts and residents to join them in celebrating the momentous occasion, and to paint the streets of Durban green and gold during the Durban leg of the Webb Ellis Trophy tour.

“The Springboks will be received by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, in true Durban style.

“The celebratory procession will commence at approximately 9am in uMhlanga, proceed through KwaMashu before winding its way towards the picturesque Durban beachfront before culminating at the City Hall balcony, where the coveted Webb Ellis Cup will be proudly displayed,” the provincial government said.

In light of the festivities, the residents and motorists have been urged to exercise patience, as temporary road closures will be in effect from 8:30am to 2pm along the parade route. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:42

80 views

3 November 2023

Young farmer gets a shot in the arm from government

Location: News

Young farmer gets a shot in the arm from government

When he started farming vegetables in 2021, Sihle Maseko only had one hectare of land to grow his produce, but his hard work and determination to be successful has resulted in the creation of jobs for others.

Armed with a Diploma in Agricultural Science, the 29-year-old farmer from Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape produces a variety of vegetables, including cabbages, butternut and green mealies on 15 hectares of land.

The 15 hectares of land include five hectares, which is owed by his family and a 10-year lease from the community.

With 10 people employed on the farm, Maseko’s market has extended to other District Municipalities, including Chris Hani and OR Tambo.

Maseko has also managed to establish regular buyers in Middledrift, Alice, Keiskammahoek, East London, Peddie and other areas in the Amathole District.

Thanks to the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) support, Maseko will now be able to produce more and expand his business.

On Thursday, DRDAR MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over a tractor and its implements to Maseko which will help him to grow and become a commercial farmer.

“I want to be able to create more jobs for my community and inspire more youth to join this sector. The youth should realise that they can make a good living out of this sector,” Maseko said.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Pieters said, government aims to ensure there are black commercial farmers, who through the support provided, are able to improve their businesses to make more profit, and be able to create jobs.

“We don’t want farmers that are always emerging and waiting for handouts from government. Agriculture is a business and it should not be practiced leisurely, especially with the investment from government - we want to see returns. Government cannot afford to be always pumping money to farmers that are not growing, you need to graduate," Pieters said.

The MEC also urged the youth to follow in Maseko’s footsteps.

“We are here today to assist a young farmer to produce more and excel in farming. If Sihle can do it what prevents other young people to get up and do something for themselves?” she said.

At the event, the MEC also handed over cropping inputs that included maize seeds and fertiliser to Keiskammahek community projects. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:17

98 views

3 November 2023

Government on course to manage expenditure

Location: News

Government on course to manage expenditure

The sixth administration is on course to prudently manage government expenditure while retaining the focus on infrastructure, health, education and policing as critical areas of growth and development.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on Thursday.

Leader of the opposition party (Democratic Alliance), John Steenhuisen asked the President the reasons for the drastic budget cuts to government departments, which will have an impact on government’s delivery of frontline services at a time when citizens are being battered by the cost-of-living crisis.

The President highlighted that the Minister of Finance tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, which outlined the country’s fiscal position and provided information on government’s spending priorities over the next three years.

“Among other things, the Minister of Finance indicated in the MTBPS that we are resolved to stabilise public finances while maintaining support for the most vulnerable and protecting frontline services.

“At the same time, we are fast tracking growth-enhancing reforms, which includes a new financing mechanism for large infrastructure projects. Work is underway to reconfigure the structure and size of the state, while strengthening its capacity to deliver quality public services,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa told Members of Parliament that the cost containment guidelines issued by the National Treasury give advice and guidance to government departments to ensure a sound and prudent management of public finances in the context of significant constraints.

“The increase in fiscal constraints is mainly due to reduced revenues. The cost containment guidelines target non-critical spending items such as travel, catering, accommodation and capital items that have not yet commenced,” he said.

Turning to the discussions that the President and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have had with Ministers on an ongoing basis, President Ramaphosa said the meetings are focused on how programmes and activities undertaken by departments advance economic growth, social development and service delivery.

“Ministers and their departments engage with National Treasury on how best to implement any budget restructuring and delay projects where necessary without compromising the needs of communities,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 09:10

275 views

3 November 2023

AGOA an opportunity to elevate labour standards and social justice issues

Location: News

AGOA an opportunity to elevate labour standards and social justice issues

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum creates a significant opportunity to elevate issues associated with labour standards and social justice.

This is according to Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi who delivered opening remarks at the Organised Labour and Civil Society AGOA Forum on Thursday.

“We exist within complex social and economic environments that are ever changing. But our goals should be to achieve social justice and decent work for all people through a focus on decreasing unpaid labour, increasing social protection, doing away with employment discrimination, increasing wages, and improving job security.

“Through these efforts we could contribute significantly to raising the standard of living within our communities,” he said.

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Minister highlighted that an important component of the AGOA built into the AGOA Act are issues of labour, employment and human rights.

He said that each AGOA Forum has had a Civil Society Forum on the fringes which has included organised labour and civil society organisations from AGOA eligible countries.

However, the Organised Labour and Civil Society Forum being hosted in South Africa marks the first time that organised labour is elevated as a separate sector.

“From a South African perspective we see this as a significant step to elevate some key issues in relation to employment, labour rights and trade matters,” the Minister said.

Nxesi said Africa has a youthful workforce and this creates a significant opportunity for the development of the continent.

“To be able to leverage this immense potential it is becoming increasingly important to consider the forces at play in shaping the future of work globally and on the continent.

“The digital transformation and technological advancements in and across sectors create immense opportunities for greater diversification within sectors of the economy however, they also pose challenges to our labour and social fabric.

“Therefore, as we grapple with the integration and mainstreaming of these forces into our communities we should not lose sight of the importance of respecting, promoting and realising fundamental principles and rights at work,” he said.

Guided by international labour standards, the Minister said stakeholders should seek to create resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities with greater levels of equity that lead to the improvement of living standards.

Nxesi said the question that needs to be asked is: “How do we best utilise the opportunities which come with AGOA to expand trade and investment – but in such a way that we create employment, thus improving the conditions of our people – whilst also strengthening human and labour rights?” – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 09:13

148 views

2 November 2023

My leadership lessons from the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals

Location: News

My leadership lessons from the 2023 Rugby World Cup finals

By Busani Ngcaweni

First, I must declare that I am not much into the sport of rugby. In fact, I don’t understand half the rules of the game. Having watched it since the last success by the team, I have come to realise that what I always regarded to be a hooligans sport is in fact a game of strategy and tactics. There is elegance in the wrestling madness. From this world cup installment, I have been enriched by these notables:

Lesson Number One: Always lead from the front. Be prepared to do or get into messy situations and get things done. Roll up your sleeves and lead by example in doing what needs to be done for the mission to be accomplished. When you do that, people will know that their leader is not only there to bask in the glory of success, but is willing to get hands dirty and break bones along with all of them, thus inspiring confidence and getting team members mobilized. Siya Kolisi did that.

Lesson Number Two: Although it may sound like a tired cliché, this rugby world cup winning team has once again reminded us that in any organization, teamwork matters, and that the leadership is part of (not above) the team. Therefore, the leader should not stand on the podium or high office shouting instructions. Teamwork means recognizing energies and talents of different people, allowing different ideas and talents to thrive. That way the diversity and energies of different people, from the most junior to the most senior, will be brought to bear and help the organization/team to succeed.

Lesson Number Three: For leaders to succeed they must be comfortable with the idea of working alongside the most talented people. As we saw in our rugby team, there are players, young and older, who are more talented than the captain, yet he remains their captain. By him embracing these most talented players and actively cheering them, he himself becomes a superstar. With your guidance as team leader or captain, talented people will find creative ways of getting the job done successfully, and such success, in the final analysis, is to be cherished by all. As captain, you will lift the trophy. Talented people get the job done. Untalented people have a problem for every solution. They are exhausting and dangerous like re-thread tires - when the road gets hot and the load heavier, they buckle and cause a mess for everyone on the road. That is why the captain of this team, from the first to the last match, was always happy to be substituted and go sit on the bench without him sulking each time the coach made that call. He always understood that even as he sits on the bench, the victory of the talented people inside the rugby pitch will be his victory. He led them from the back and neither lost his confidence nor his shine. In fact he became more effective as he could guide and motivate without the pressure of being next to the ball. At the end of the day victory is his. He lifted the trophy. He leads the headline. He made history by accepting that there are other more talented and agile players, who are there as part of the team to make a sterling contribution. And sure they did, in every game. That is a remarkable leadership trait that many of us need to embrace for our organizations to succeed.

Lesson Number Four: Have reliable and visible core-pilots. These are people who will lead with you and take the organisation to success. They must be willing to take tough decisions; they must be ready to enter the scrum and gets their hands dirty; they must not be afraid to be unpopular with other members of the team. Co-pilots must be as much willing to take the blame as they are to share the glory. After all, they are part of the leadership collective of the organization. They must take equal responsibility in as much as they take the credit. Co-pilots must inspire confidence amongst the people/team members in the aircraft or the ship. Team members must know that the co-pilot will not sink the ship if the captain dropped dead. They must know that with the captain not in the cockpit, the destination (success) and the path (game plan) towards that destination is the same. Co-pilots must be solid, talented, brave and willing to take risks as much we saw in this game. The deputy captain (as part of the leadership collective) was remarkable of Mbonambi.

Lesson Number Five: Never underestimate any challenge. We saw in this world cup that the team played every game as if it was the final match. From this they tested their fortitude and agility. It is hard but essential to keep the team motivated especially during difficult times when it seems like the dream is fading away. Staying focused on the vision, whilst making technical adjustments in response to situations, builds cohesion and lift spirits. Rigidity must make way flexibility. The coaching staff was at their best in this regard. They made difficult, but effective, calls. Their calculated risks paid off.

Lesson Number Six: Never create doubt among your team members. Be transparent. Be consistent. Be predictable. Do not create factions. Treat everyone equally. Embrace diversity. Be prepared to do what you expect from others. Be the shield - your team members must know you have them covered.

Lesson Number Seven: Be humble. Arrogance and rank consciousness breaks spirits and discourage people. You become a monster who is feared and people find ways to undermine you. They give you nicknames and mock you. In the end you loose more than they do. You become a captain (and or coach) who achieved nothing. You are remembered for failure rather success. With all his achievements, Siya Kolisi remains humble. He acknowledges the roles and contributions of others, thus endearing himself with his teammates, coaches and supporters. His modesty in the era of the big ego humbling. Kolisi is a superhero, a marvel that we are learning from. Thank you for being such a role model. Every boardroom deserves your portrait.

* Busani Ngcaweni is the Principal of the National School of Government

Janine
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 08:46

734 views

2 November 2023

SARS welcomes MTBPS revenue revision

Location: News

SARS welcomes MTBPS revenue revision

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has welcomed the tabling of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), despite the statement’s downward revision of revenue collection by some R56.8 billion.

The MTBPS was tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament on Wednesday.

“SARS has continued with its core functions of collecting all that is due to the fiscus. During the first half of the current fiscal year, we have collected gross revenue totalling R1 016.3 billion, growing by 4.5% and recording a surplus of R1.0 billion against the Budget 2023 estimate.

“This performance is on the back of strong gross collections from VAT, Fuel Levy and PIT [Personal Income Tax], partially offset by lower gross collections from CIT [Corporate Income Tax], as company profits remain under pressure. Without our assistance, the fiscal framework would have been under greater pressure.

“This is a good news story and offers hope in a currently challenging environment. Through focused commitment, SARS has paid back to the economy through refunds for the first six months of the current fiscal year an amount totalling R212.2 billion, higher by R24.6 billion over the prior year and higher than the Budget 2023 estimate by R30.1 billion,” the revenue service said in a statement.

The 2023 main budget had projected collections would reach some R1.78 trillion but that has now been revised down to R1.73 trillion.

“Income and profits in the broader economy have been adversely affected from what was anticipated at the 2023 February Budget. Provisional corporate income tax collections, from especially the mining sector, have reduced at the end of the June 2023 and led to a larger than expected deficit against the 2023 Budget estimate.

“Nevertheless, higher-than-estimated profitability in the finance sector (amongst others) supported provisional corporate income tax and dividends tax collections. Main sector performance that showed growth includes – Finance 7.8% from employment and vesting of shares, Community 6.8% from annual salary increases (mainly Government) and Wholesale 6.2%, mainly from retail and vehicles,” SARS said.

The revenue service highlighted that net tax revenue performance is “impacted adversely” by local and global challenges.

“A slowdown in mining production is down 55% due to lower demand of coal. This is compounded by disruptions to and underinvestment in freight and logistics networks, which erode the competitiveness of the South African economy. The intermittent and inadequate electricity supply remains the most immediate and significant constraint to production, investment, and employment.

“Rising inflation rates constrained household spending by raising the cost of living. Global growth slowed further in recent months. Central banks are countering the effects of high inflation by implementing restrictive monetary policies for longer than anticipated which negatively impact on all developing countries. Several global risks remain, including the increase in geo-political tensions, resulting in the need for stronger domestic demand to support economic growth,” SARS said.

The revenue service added that Gross Compliance Revenue yielded some R118.4 billion.

Key focus areas in this regard include:

R11.9 billion from revised assessments flowing from the verification of 1.12 million returns, up Y/Y up by R5 billion (70%).
Almost R40 billion that was secured from resolving more than 440k debt collection cases, up Y/Y R4 billion (±12%).
R2.3 billion secured from 121 illicit investigations and 181 state capture cases in progress, 27 cases handed to the NPA.

Fraudulent claims

SARS highlighted that fraudulent refund claims remain a concern for the tax collector.

“At R172.1 billion, VAT refund payments contribute 81% to the overall outflows, growing against last year by R21.5 billion. 84% of all VAT Refunds are paid within 21 days, up from 77% last year. However, like all other revenue agencies, impermissible and fraudulent refunds remain a concern in this year, SARS prevented R45 billion from being paid out.

“Equally important is that we have prevented R45 billion from being paid out following verification activities that were enabled by Artificial Intelligence. Impermissible and fraudulent refunds remain a concern, and we must deal with this phenomenon,” the tax collector said.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter encouraged South Africans to do the right thing and pay what is due to the tax authority.

“The historic win by the Springboks on Saturday communicates an important yet simple message – that every single point makes a massive difference between winning and losing. While the odds were stacked heavily against the Springboks, it took superhuman efforts individually and collectively to contribute to what at times look like an impossible victory.

“It is therefore incumbent upon all of us as South Africans to play by the rules like the Springboks and never give up until the final whistle blows,” Kieswetter said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 09:07

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