SA News

13 November 2024

SA to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Location: News

SA to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Cabinet has approved the conceptual approach to this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign.

The campaign will take place under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”, which emphasises the importance of a whole-of-society approach to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and the importance of a multi-sectoral accountability.

“This year’s campaign continues to address the root causes of GBVF while promoting positive masculinity and gender equity, along with creating economic opportunities for women and children.

“While more than 1 000 GBVF perpetrators were convicted between 1 April and 31 September 2024, we still have more to do as a nation to eradicate this scourge from society,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Wednesday in Cape Town.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which will be launched on 25 November 2024 in Rustenburg, in the North West.

This supports the global campaign which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 14:36

225 views

13 November 2024

Cabinet approves establishment of IMC for 2026 Municipal Elections

Location: News

Cabinet approves establishment of IMC for 2026 Municipal Elections

Cabinet has approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) that will oversee preparations for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.

“With the previous Local Government Elections having been held on 1 November 2021, the next Municipal Elections will be held between 2 November 2026 and 1 February 2027,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Wednesday in Cape Town.

Ntshavheni was briefing members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 6 November 2024.

The IMC will be convened by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. It consists of several government departments that are key to ensuring the delivery of successful elections.

At its recent meeting, Cabinet also considered and approved the formulae for the determination of the number of councillors in terms of Section 20 (1) (a) of the Municipal Structures Act.

“The 2026 Municipal Elections will be the sixth such elections since the advent of democracy in 1994. The IMC will work with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and other relevant bodies towards ensuring that the process leading to the local government is smooth and peaceful,” Ntshavheni said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 15:23

92 views

13 November 2024

National Treasury calls for comments on policy proposals

Location: News

National Treasury calls for comments on policy proposals

The National Treasury has called on stakeholders to submit detailed written comments and proposals on the policy review of the taxation of alcoholic beverages, carbon tax and the tax treatment of collective investment schemes.

The policy review of the taxation of alcoholic beverages builds on the previous excise tax policy review in 2014 and proposes adjustments to the current policy framework.

The discussion document covers developments in the alcoholic beverages industry, including changes in the regulatory landscape, the prevalence of alcohol consumption, illicit trade in alcoholic beverages, international observations on alcohol taxation.
It also covers the potential use of minimum unit pricing in the long term, and other administrative policy considerations in line with the concerns that have been raised by stakeholders.

“With this publication, the National Treasury requests stakeholders to submit detailed written comments and proposals to assist government to further develop an appropriate excise policy framework to reduce the harmful use of alcohol.

“After the public consultation process is concluded, the draft proposals will be revised to consider public comments and announcements will be made in the 2025 Budget,” National Treasury said on Wednesday.

Written comments can be forwarded to 2024Alcoholreview@treasury.gov.za by close of business on 13 December 2024.

Carbon tax

In addition, stakeholders are encouraged to submit detailed written comments on phase two of the carbon tax design.

In the 2024 Budget, government announced its intention to publish a carbon tax discussion paper for public comment.

This paper puts forward proposals on phase two of the carbon tax design from 2026 to 2035 for consultation, considering South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments.

“South Africa has made commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions in the range of 398 to 510 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) by 2025 and 350 to 420 million tCO2e by 2030, and to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

“The NDCs set out policies and measures to achieve these mitigation goals and adapt to climate change, and the finance requirements to support the transition to a lower carbon climate resilient economy.

“Carbon tax is an integral part of the package of policy measures aimed at addressing climate change as recommended in the 2011 National Climate Change Response Policy and the 2012 National Development Plan,” National Treasury explained.

The carbon tax discussion paper puts forward proposals on phase two of the carbon tax design from 2026 to 2035 for consultation, considering South Africa’s NDC commitments.

The discussion document includes proposed adjustments to the basic tax-free allowance, carbon offsets, the electricity levy, the renewable energy premium and the energy efficiency savings tax incentive.

Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments on the draft proposals contained in this paper to carbontax@treasury.gov.za.

“After the public consultation process is concluded, the draft proposals will be revised to consider public comments and announcements will be made in the 2025 Budget. The closing date for comments is close of business on 13 December 2024,” treasury said.

Tax treatment of collective investment schemes

In addition, National Treasury is also requesting the public to submit written comments on the draft proposals contained in the income tax treatment of amounts received by portfolios of collective investment schemes.

This discussion document stems from a statement in the 2020 Budget Review that indicated that National Treasury would undertake a review on the matter.

“In 2018, amendments were proposed in the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill to provide certainty on when these amounts should be treated as revenue instead of capital, which would impact the tax treatment of those amounts.

“After consultations, government opted to withdraw the proposed amendments to allow additional time to engage with industry to find solutions that will not negatively affect role-players.

“This document investigates the policy considerations of the taxation of collective investment schemes under section 25BA of the Income Tax Act, 1962- and puts forward various policy options,” National Treasury said.

Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments on the draft proposals contained in this paper to CIS-Tax@treasury.gov.za.

After the public consultation process is concluded, the draft proposals will be revised to consider public comments and announcements will be made in the 2025 Budget.

The closing date for comments is close of business on 13 December 2024. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:35

256 views

13 November 2024

Cabinet condemns killing of Eastern Cape traditional leader

Location: News

Cabinet condemns killing of Eastern Cape traditional leader

Cabinet has condemned the attack on the Mqhekezweni Great Place in the Eastern Cape, which culminated in the death of traditional leader, Nkosikazi Thenjiwe Eunice “Nogcinile” Mtirara.

This was conveyed by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday.

The 71-year-old matriarch was shot to death at her royal home in the province in October.

The incident was followed by a heinous attack on learners in the Mqhekezweni area barely a day after the murder of the matriarch.

“Cabinet condemns the senseless attack on the Mqhekezweni Great Place in the Eastern Cape, which resulted in the death of traditional leader Nkosikazi Thenjiwe Eunice “Nogcinile” Mtirara and conveys its condolences to the AmaDlomo royal clan and the people of the AbaThembu Kingdom. Law enforcement agencies will bring the perpetrators of this crime to book.

“Cabinet also condemns the attack on five learners, who were raped and robbed at gunpoint in the Mqhekezweni administrative area The NATJOINTS have been directed to speedily curb the escalation of levels of criminality including murders in the Eastern Cape and to ensure that all perpetrators and masterminds are brought to book,” the Minister said.

On other crime related matters, Ntshavheni said cabinet also commended police on work done to clamp down on illegal mining in the North West.

“Cabinet commended the intelligence driven operation led by NATJOINTS [the fight against illegal mining and operation vala-mgodi] that have led to the arrest of more than 1000 illegal miners at abandoned mine shafts in Orkney in North West since the weekend of 2 November 2024,” she said.

Ntshavheni said over the next few weeks, visible policing will be on the up and called on citizens to work with police to clamp down on crime.

“Cabinet welcomed continued efforts to strengthen the capacity of the police with the deployment of 2 800 newly trained police officers across various police stations. An additional 2000 police trainees will graduate in December 2024 and they will be ready for the festive season deployment.

“Cabinet calls on all South Africans to partner with the police in the fight against crime by reporting incidents of crime on 0800 10111and the dedicated National Extortion Hotline: 080 091 1011 has been established to deal with extortion-related crimes,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 12:50

187 views

13 November 2024

MTBPS welcomed by Cabinet

Location: News

MTBPS welcomed by Cabinet

The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) is a demonstration of South Africa’s openness and accountability on spending.

This according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed the media on the outcomes of Cabinet's recent meeting.

The MTBPS was tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in Parliament two weeks ago.

“The MTBPS is part of our nation’s open and accountable budget cycle, which allows for medium to long-term financial planning of our nation’s finance. It also allows South Africans to hold government departments and entities to account on spending and gives investors surety over the country’s economic direction.

“[The MTBPS] gives effect to the commitments of the Government of National Unity to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and create a more just and equitable society by tackling poverty, inequality and unemployment,” she said.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet had welcomed the MTBPS, which supports the Government of National Unity’s aims.

During the delivery of the MTBPS in October, Godongwana highlighted four pillars to spur on inclusive economic growth, namely:

Maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Implementing structural reforms.
Building State capability.
Supporting growth-enhancing public infrastructure investment.

Ntshavheni said Cabinet is backing the statement delivered by Godongwana.

“Cabinet supports the four pillars to uplift the economy through macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, building State capability and increasing public infrastructure investment.

“The country is also on track to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist, having already addressed 16 of the 22 action items identified ahead of FATF reassessment in 2025,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 13:01

91 views

13 November 2024

SA strengthens bilateral ties with Egypt

Location: News

SA strengthens bilateral ties with Egypt

International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Ronald Lamola, along with a business delegation, will today undertake a working visit to Cairo, in the Arab Republic of Egypt, to co-chair the South Africa-Egypt Political Consultations.

The Minister will co-chair the consultations with his counterpart, Dr Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriate Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, from 13 to 14 November.

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial political, economic and social relations following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on 29 March 1995. These relations are historical and based on friendship, solidarity and collaboration between the peoples of both countries.

The Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) that exists between the two countries is a structured bilateral mechanism that provides a platform for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between the two.

“We will be accompanied by a South African business delegation consisting of close to 50 companies. The delegation will explore further investment and trade opportunities across a range of economic sectors.

“The working visit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest, with an emphasis on the conflict in Sudan. Before the conflict, Sudan was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis,” Lamola said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Lamola said the long-term political instability and economic pressures left 15.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid, and that the conflict has only exacerbated these conditions, leaving 25.6 million people -- more than half of Sudan’s population -- in need.

“The brutal conflict has forced more than 11 million people from their homes. The vast majority (over 8.1 million people) remain within Sudan, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world.

“Furthermore, the session will also reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and in consolidation of Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Lamola said.

The working visit will further reinforce the commitment by both countries to expand and strengthen political and economic relations.

South Africa and Angola strengthen economic ties

On the 1st of November 2024, the Minister undertook a working visit to Luanda, Angola, for political and diplomatic consultations.

Discussions included preparations for the upcoming State Visit by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to South Africa.

“It was agreed that this visit should reaffirm the existing bilateral relations, underpinned by a strong economic partnership. We informed our counterpart that a business forum will also be organised during the visit, with the participation of companies from both countries, focusing on sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, mining, energy, transport, healthcare, tourism and education,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:44

278 views

13 November 2024

SA to play key role at upcoming G20 Summit

Location: News

SA to play key role at upcoming G20 Summit

South Africa is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming G20 Summit next week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as it prepares to assume the G20 presidency in December.

The G20 Leaders' Summit which will take place from 18-19 November 2024, will bring together leaders from the 19 member countries, along with representatives from the African Union and the European Union.

Representing nearly 60% of the global population, 80% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and 75% of global exports, the G20 stands as a vital platform for international economic cooperation and sustainable development.

Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Ronald Lamola, said the G20 is a preeminent forum on whose stage, global economic cooperation is facilitated.

“In terms of promoting the economic interests of the Global South, South Africa considers the G20 to be an important vehicle for advancing the aspirations of developing countries, and Africa’s development priorities in particular,” Lamola said.

The Summit will conclude the work of Brazil’s rotating G20 presidency, where world leaders will review and approve agreements addressing pressing global challenges.

The Minister emphasised that supporting emerging and developing economies to achieve sustainable development is vital for global stability and security, reducing resource pressures, population movements and the risk of conflict.

“This is especially important for the African continent. We will support the President at the G20 in Brazil. The G20 Summit represents the conclusion of the work carried out by the country holding the group's rotating presidency. It is the moment when heads of state and government approve the agreements negotiated throughout the year and point out ways of dealing with global challenges,” he said.

South Africa is already playing an enhanced role as a member of the G20 Troika, together with Brazil and India, in support of one of Brazil’s foremost priorities of the reform of the Global Governance Institutions.

This is where G20 Leaders are expected to advance efforts for a reinvigorated and strengthened multilateral system, rooted in the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, with renewed institutions and a reformed governance that is more representative, effective, transparent and accountable, reflecting the social, economic and political realities of the 21st century.

The summit also marks the lead-up to South Africa’s presidency of the G20, which it will assume on 01 December, 2024.

READ | SA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola

South Africa plans to announce its presidential agenda soon, outlining its priorities for further advancing the aspirations of developing countries and fostering sustainable growth across Africa and beyond. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 10:08

160 views

13 November 2024

Presidency welcomes Quarterly Labour Force Survey

Location: News

Presidency welcomes Quarterly Labour Force Survey

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has welcomed the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2024.

The results were released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.

The survey revealed a positive trend in the South African labour force, with a decline in the unemployment rate.

The official unemployment rate decreased to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024, down from 33.5% in the previous quarter.

The number of employed people increased by 294 000 to 16.9 million. The number of unemployed people decreased by 373 000 to 8.0 million.

The results also indicate that the largest increases in employment were observed in Eastern Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000), Northwest (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000).

Importantly, the total number of unemployed youth (age 15-34) decreased by 171 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded an increase of 66 000 to 5.8 million.

As a result, youth unemployment rate decreased from 46.6% in the second quarter of 2024 to 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024. Community and social services, construction, and trade sectors recorded significant job growth.

"This marks a significant step forward for our economy. The decline in the unemployment rate is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our government working with all relevant stakeholders,” Mhlauli said.

“The Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan and Operation Vulindlela initiated by President Ramaphosa have been instrumental in driving economic growth and job creation. We are pleased to see these efforts yielding positive results,” she said.

Government says it will continue to monitor the labour market and provide the necessary support to Stats SA to continue releasing reliable statistical data for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 11:23

24 views

13 November 2024

South Africa calls for calm amid post-election tensions in Mozambique

Location: News

South Africa calls for calm amid post-election tensions in Mozambique

South Africa has reiterated its call for calm and restraint following post-election protests in Mozambique.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, told a media briefing on Tuesday, that on 6 November 2024, he had spoken with his Mozambican counterpart, Minister Verónica Macamo, and discussed the current security situation in Mozambique following the recent general elections.

“South Africa expresses concern at the outbreak of incidents of post-electoral violence and regrets the loss of lives and destruction of property. We once again reiterate the call made by various leaders in Mozambique to the law enforcement agencies to investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice speedily.

“We reiterate our calls for calm and restraint, to allow the electoral process to conclude successfully, and to give the Constitutional Court of Mozambique time and space to address the concerns raised by all parties and validate the election results in accordance with its mandate,” Lamola said.

As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa played a key role in the SADC Electoral Observer Mission (SEOM), which monitored Mozambique’s presidential, legislative, and provincial elections on 9 October 2024.

The SEOM, led by former President of Zanzibar, Dr Amani Abeid Karume, was composed of 53 observers from 10 SADC countries.

A total of 17 169 239 Mozambicans were registered to vote, including 333 839 in the diaspora, yet only 7464,822 turned out on election day, yielding a voter turnout of 43%.

In a preliminary statement, Dr Karume noted the late amendment to Mozambique's Electoral Law, which impacted voter education.

Despite this, the SEOM Preliminary Statement concluded that, “the SEOM observed that the pre-election and voting phases of the 2024 Presidential, Legislative, and Provincial Elections were professionally organized, conducted in an orderly, peaceful, and free atmosphere”.

The Preliminary Statement further identified areas for improvement following the Mozambican elections.

Following the announcement of the preliminary results, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the need for calm, urging respect for legal procedures in resolving election disputes.

“South Africa, therefore, believes that the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections remain the viable set of norms to support the delivery of regular, free, fair, and credible elections in the SADC Member States,” the Minister said.

Looking ahead, South Africa welcomes the upcoming SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit and SADC Extraordinary Summit on November 20, 2024, in Zimbabwe.

These meetings, preceded by sessions of senior officials and ministers starting on 15 November, will focus on recent political developments in the region, including elections in Mozambique, Botswana and Mauritius. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 10:33

49 views

12 November 2024

Former SAPS officer sentenced for accepting a bribe

Location: News

Former SAPS officer sentenced for accepting a bribe

A former SAPS officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for accepting a R5 000 bribe in exchange for facilitating an investigation in Alberton.

Former Colonel Gregory Beck was sentenced by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge for the crime committed while he was on active duty.

“The case against Beck stemmed from a complaint filed in December 2014 with the office of the Provincial Commissioner regarding the mishandling of a case by SAPS in Vereeniging. It was revealed that Beck, then an active officer, demanded a bribe of R5 000 to ensure the investigation was concluded properly.

“The complainant, who initially promised to provide the requested amount later, reported Beck’s corrupt demand to the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit. In response, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Johannesburg approved an entrapment operation to catch the accused in the act,” the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement.

The NPA said the operation was conducted in March 2015 in which the complainant and police officials met with Beck, where “during this meeting, the complainant handed over the R5 000, after which Beck was immediately arrested, and the money was recovered from him”.

“Although Beck pleaded not guilty, Senior State Advocate Terrence Zitha presented compelling evidence that established the accused’s participation in this white-collar crime. Advocate Zitha argued for a stringent sentence, stating that a strong example should be set to discourage similar conduct in the future.

“In delivering the sentence, the court acknowledged Beck’s previously exceptional service record within the SAPS but emphasised that his criminal actions were motivated by greed.

“The court concluded that he should be punished accordingly for his betrayal of the trust placed in him as a public servant. This conviction underlines the NPA's ongoing commitment to combating corruption at all levels of society and reinforcing the importance of accountability in public service,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:55

381 views

12 November 2024

Chikunga launches Disability Rights Awareness Month

Location: News

Chikunga launches Disability Rights Awareness Month

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called on all South Africans to remain actively engaged in fostering the inclusion of people with disabilities.

She emphasised the importance of collective support across every sector of society to make disability inclusion a lasting priority.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of the 2024 Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) in Lenasia, on Monday.

“As we move through this month and beyond, let us all stay engaged, support these efforts, and encourage every sector of our society to make disability inclusion a permanent priority. Together, we are paving the way for a truly inclusive and accessible South Africa, where every person with a disability can thrive,” the Minister said.

This year’s DRAM which runs from 3 November to 3 December, is held under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”.

Chikunga extended her gratitude to the host, the Johannesburg Council for the Disabled, for the incredible work they have been dedicated to since 1995.

She said their commitment to providing a holistic, essential, and value-added approach to transform and uplift the social, economic, and professional lives of persons with disabilities has been exemplary.

“I was truly inspired when I was briefed on the range of services you provide, from social work and skills development to learnerships and enterprise development.

“We draw direct inspiration from the incredible amount of concrete measures that your institution has undertaken to champion the social, economic, spatial, and technological advancement of persons with disabilities,” Chikunga said.

Over the past 30 years, numerous policies, legislative instruments, and government programs have earned country recognition as a respected champion of the global disability inclusion movement.

The Minister said this was evident during the recent G7 Forum on Disability and Inclusion held in Italy.

“Disability inclusion is not merely a matter of advocacy; it is a constitutional imperative enshrined in our Bill of Rights. Over the past 30 years, we have embedded disability inclusion into various laws that comprise the country's legislative framework,” she said.

These include the recently gazetted Framework on Self-Representation, which has implications for the composition of Boards of State-Owned Enterprises; the National Strategic Framework on Reasonable Accommodation; and the Universal Access and Design Framework, with norms and standards for universal accessibility in the built environment.

All persons with disabilities have access to free basic education and any young person coming from a home with an income bracket of R600 000 receives free higher education through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Further, persons with disabilities receive a monthly direct cash transfer to support their basic needs.

South African Sign Language is now recognised as the 12th official language in South Africa.

More recently, the President signed the Public Procurement Act, which mandates that a portion of government procurement be sourced from businesses owned and controlled by persons with disabilities.

During the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana revealed that “Public procurement accounts for about 19% of consolidated government spending, totalling R1.5 trillion over the next three years”.

“As a department that represents the interests and well-being of this community, we will ensure that as the Treasury develops the regulations, priority is given to the work of institutions like the Johannesburg Council for the Disabled and others who are engaged in facilitating income-earning and productive opportunities for the community of persons with disabilities,” the Minister said.

As government launches Disability Rights Awareness Month, the Minister called on individuals to reflect on the status of persons with disabilities globally, across the continent, and within our own borders.

“This reflection is essential to evaluate where we have been, where we are, where we still need to go, and how we should measure progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. The answers to these questions are crucial for the inclusive formulation of policies and legislative instruments, as well as for the co-design of our priorities and interventions,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 12:58

187 views

12 November 2024

Minister pleased with the rebounding construction sector

Location: News

Minister pleased with the rebounding construction sector

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dr Dean Macpherson, says he is pleased to see the construction sector rebounding.

The sector saw the largest job increases out of all sectors between Quarter 2 and Quarter 3, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, released on Tuesday.

The construction sector added 176 000 jobs, with the country’s unemployment rate decreasing by 1.4%.

Macpherson said this shows that there are many green shoots within the construction industry, with additional reforms underway to increase investment and jobs.

According to Statistics South Africa, who released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, South Africa’s unemployment figures have now decreased to 32.1% in the third quarter.

“While the unemployment figures remain stubbornly high, I am encouraged by the job growth seen in the construction sector which has shown that there are many green shoots within the industry. As we implement continued reforms to turn South Africa into a construction site, I look forward to the industry creating many more jobs which will improve the lives of our people,” Macpherson said.

“After many years where the construction industry has seen subdued investment, it is also very encouraging to see that the industry is starting to turn around as additional projects get off the ground.

“This is also a sign of confidence in proceeding with fixed investment projects. We are truly starting to build a better South Africa through building confidence in our construction industry,” the minister said.

Among the many interventions the Minister is implementing to attract additional infrastructure investment include:

Restructuring Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) to become a single port of entry for all major infrastructure projects in South Africa.
Reforming regulations around Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to make it easier for the private sector to invest in construction projects.
Expanding the role of the Infrastructure Fund (IF) to play a bigger role in attracting additional private sector funding and blended financing to construction projects.
Introducing the first-of-its-kind project preparation financing which will see more construction projects being executed faster.

“Collectively, the measures we are implementing will see a significant increase in the number of construction projects in the country as we work to achieve our goal of turning South Africa into a construction site.

“In the weeks and months ahead, South Africans can look forward to seeing more cranes in the sky, and shovels in the ground. We are building South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 14:40

72 views

12 November 2024

HPAI virus suspected to have reached Marion Island

Location: News

HPAI virus suspected to have reached Marion Island

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has announced that the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus is suspected to have reached Marion Island, one of South Africa’s two sub-Antarctic islands in the southern Indian Ocean.

According to the department, the virus is possibly responsible for causing mortalities in at least three breeding seabird species.

“The situation is being closely monitored by the 11-field personnel overwintering on the island, who have been trained to recognise possible HPAI signs in birds and seals, and in the necessary monitoring and mitigation methods.

“They will be taking all precautions to ensure they do not spread the virus, and they are collecting information to assist with decisions about the appropriate response,” the department said on Tuesday.

After an initial suspected case in a Brown Skua in mid-September 2024, another five suspected cases were found in early November 2024, involving three Wandering Albatross chicks and two Southern Giant Petrel adults.

“The virus can be transported long distances by migrating birds, and this is likely how the virus arrived on Marion Island. Having spread across the globe since 2021, HPAI (H5N1) was detected in seabirds and marine mammals in South Georgia, southeast of South America, in October 2023.

“It reached Antarctica in February 2024 and suspected cases were reported from Southern Elephant Seals at Possession Island in the Crozet Archipelago, east of Marion Island, on 21 October 2024,” the department said.

The Prince Edward Islands, comprising of Marion Island and Prince Edward Island, are breeding and moulting sites for millions of seabirds, including almost half of the world’s Wandering Albatrosses and hundreds of thousands of penguins, and are home to large numbers of Southern Elephant Seals and Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Fur Seals.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the management authority for the Prince Edward Islands, has developed a Protocol for the Management of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza in Seabirds together with the Western Cape Veterinary Services, marine ornithologists, marine mammal biologists, disease experts and colleagues overseas with similar experience.

These departments and entities will continue to work to monitor and hopefully limit the spread of the virus on the island. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 15:15

45 views

12 November 2024

Basic Education urges ECD operators to participate in the mass registration drive

Location: News

Basic Education urges ECD operators to participate in the mass registration drive

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has urged Early Childhood Development (ECD) operators to participate in its mass registration drive - as it commences the registration process of ECD programmes that are operating outside the regulated system.

Nationally, the department said at least half of all ECD programmes are currently unregistered and are attended by tens of thousands of children.

“This means that more than 20 000 ECD programmes operate outside the regulatory framework and are not part of any formal oversight process, which disproportionately affects ECDs in low-income areas - meaning the poorest children are most likely to miss out on oversight and funding,” the department said.

The DBE’s Bana Pele ECD Mass Registration Drive puts “children first” and is an important initiative to register ECD programmes at scale to ensure every child is receiving quality early learning, development opportunities and a safe and nurturing environment.

The department emphasised that ECD is a critical period in a child’s life that lays the foundation for future learning, behaviour and health.

The goals of the drive are as follows:

• To enable government to have oversight of out-of-home settings where children are cared for.
• To support ECD programmes to comply with legal requirements.
• To ensure that more ECDs can apply for the subsidy for children from low-income households.
• To make registration administration processes quicker and less resource intensive for officials, ECD practitioners and social service professionals.

The threshold for system-entry is more realistic and attainable to reflect and accommodate the complex, varying and real-life contexts in which ECDs operate in South Africa.

Practitioners receive live support from a contact center agent to complete their applications on the new and robust Early Childhood Administrative and Reporting System (eCares).

The department said that the team has been working closely with the provinces to align on the new Registration Framework, processes and goals.

“We are also partnering with other ecosystem stakeholders and NGOs who are supporting the registration drive. We are currently live in Gauteng and Free State, and will soon rollout into the rest of the provinces.

“Through joint effort, active engagement and co-creation across the sector, we have, as a result of the drive, received over 3 000 applications and registered 800 new ECDs in the five months since applications opened in June of this year in Gauteng, and we currently have 1 479 applications in review,” the department said.

This impacts 27 114 children and 3 116 staff members.

"To put this in context, since the ECD function shifted from the DSD [Department of Social Development] to the DBE, Gauteng has had a total of 2 380 registered centres, and through the campaign, we have added 30% more registered ECDs to this number," the DBE said.

Nationally, the department said it currently has approximately 18 000 centres registered, as the drive rolls out across the country, and its target is to have registered 10 000 more ECDs by the end of 2025.

“We will continue to work hard and collaborate with all government, private and NGO stakeholders to ensure we do it right, so our children shine bright,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:35

69 views

12 November 2024

KZN commits to economic development, investment growth toward 2030

Location: News

KZN commits to economic development, investment growth toward 2030

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has underscored the commitment to economic development, trade, and investment growth toward 2030, aligned with the province's broader strategic priorities.

Ntuli reiterated the province’s commitment during the KwaZulu-Natal Trade and Investment Conference currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.

The two-day conference, which started on Monday, aims to promote, brand, and market KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination, identify and develop investment opportunities, among others.

The conference brings together investors, government leaders, and industry captains to explore and amplify the province’s status as a top investment destination.

Delivering his keynote address on Monday, Ntuli highlighted that over the past decade, KwaZulu-Natal has attracted significant investments in key sectors, especially through developments at the Durban and Richards Bay Ports, two of Africa’s largest and busiest maritime hubs.

“Enhanced container capacity, automation, and infrastructure upgrades have strengthened KZN’s position as a regional logistics powerhouse. Similarly, the Dube Trade Port, adjacent to King Shaka International Airport, has drawn over R2 billion in investments, cementing its role in warehousing, logistics, and agriculture, including the Dube AgriZone, a major hub for export-focused agri-business,” Ntuli said.

Reflecting on the 2019 Provincial Trade and Investment Strategy’s achievements and areas for intensified effort, Ntuli said the strategy targeted R76 billion in new and expansionary investments by 2024. This is alongside the creation of approximately 68 000 jobs and an increase in the province’s national export value to R1.28 trillion.

While projections indicate that the targets may not be fully met by the year’s end, the Premier emphasised the need to redouble efforts in investment initiatives.

“The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has fuelled growth in heavy industry and energy, particularly in metals like aluminium and steel, generating jobs and boosting export potential.

“Renewable energy investments, particularly in biomass and solar, have diversified KZN’s energy landscape, with biofuel production from the sugarcane industry enhancing the province’s green economy credentials.”

Growth in the agricultural sector

The Premier also highlighted the province’s strong agricultural sector, which has attracted investments in agro-processing, and supporting industries including sugar refining, dairy processing, and timber.

The Premier said this growth is further supported by a thriving food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical, and packaging sectors, benefiting from proximity to key ports and an expanding consumer base.

Tourism

He said tourism also remains central to KZN’s economy, supported by new hospitality investments, including the reopening of the international Hilton Hotel and the Durban Beach promenade renewal.

READ | Mayor welcomes re-opening of the Hilton Hotel in Durban

Noting KZN’s absence from many long-haul tourist packages, Premier Ntuli stressed the importance of positioning the province as a key destination for international tourism.

Ntuli highlighted several strategic assets crucial to the province’s competitive advantage, and these include expanded port capacities, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) like Richards Bay and Dube TradePort, and streamlined regulatory and tax incentives to attract foreign and local investments.

The Premier urged stakeholders to seize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers KZN unprecedented access to a $3.4 trillion market.

Partnerships

The Premier also addressed issues in freight rail services and port bottlenecks, emphasising that public-private partnerships could unlock efficiencies.

He further called attention to KZN’s role in automotive manufacturing, underscoring opportunities in electric vehicle (EV) component production to tap into Africa’s growing EV market.

“Sustainable growth initiatives, including green hydrogen, biomass, and digital innovation, are essential for positioning KZN as a leader in the renewable and digital economies. Collaboration with local universities and technology firms is building a skilled workforce to support industries like IT, finance, and business outsourcing, further enhancing KZN’s role as a technology and logistics hub,” Ntuli said.

The Premier emphasised the importance of resilient infrastructure, including sustainable energy investments, and inclusive growth that extends to all municipalities, cities, and rural areas.

He issued a call to action for deeper engagement with rural and municipal stakeholders, ensuring these areas are active participants and beneficiaries in KZN’s economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:35

16 views

12 November 2024

City of Johannesburg to implement water restrictions

Location: News

City of Johannesburg to implement water restrictions

The City of Johannesburg is set to implement the throttling of water supply between 9pm and 4 am.

Set to come into effect on Thursday, the move aims to enable reservoir levels to recover overnight.

The announcement was made by Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, during a media briefing held in Johannesburg on Monday. This followed an urgent meeting held on Sunday to address the challenges of water in the City of Johannesburg.

Majodina reported that the Sunday meeting reached a unanimous agreement on the causes of the water supply interruptions and what needs to be done to restore a stable water supply to residents of Johannesburg.

The Minister noted that the 2023 No Drop report found that the average consumption of water in Gauteng to be 279 litres per person per day.

“This is 60% above the world average of 173 litres per person per day, which is an anomaly given that South Africa is a water-scarce country with limited sustainable water resources and amongst the top 30 driest countries globally.”

The 2023 No Drop report also found that water losses in Johannesburg were sitting at 35%, compared to the international norm of 15%.

The No Drop programme focuses on water conservation and demand management, aimed at ensuring that water distribution systems function effectively.

Majodina said reducing water losses requires a multi-pronged approach by the city.

This includes amongst others, improving billing and revenue collection to increase the funds available for maintenance and to provide better incentives for water to be used efficiently, improving pressure management and replacing ageing pipes which burst frequently.

The department, Rand Water, provincial government, and all Gauteng municipalities, are working together with civil society leaders, business leaders and experts to implement a large-scale communications and awareness campaign regarding the need to use water more sparingly.

“The meeting noted that an independent body called the Platform for a Water Secure Gauteng has been established to manage this campaign and that, as a first step, a dashboard has been created on the Department of Water and Sanitation website to provide the public with detailed information on the status of water supply in Gauteng,” Majodina said.

Meanwhile, measures currently being implemented by Johannesburg Water, in a bid to save water include:

• Throttling of water supply between 9pm and 4am, to enable reservoir levels to recover overnight. The city intends to implement this continuously from 14 November until the system has fully recovered.

• Procurement of a panel of contractors for emergency repairs of large diameter pipe water leaks as well as increasing the number of teams on standby during the week to address leaks and burst pipes.

• Increasing the number of repair and maintenance teams on duty during the weekend with the aim of improving leak repair response times from 48 hours to 24 hours.

• Increasing the number of trucks available to its leak repair and maintenance teams.

• Implementing cut-offs of illegal connections in key informal settlements.

• Implementing advanced pressure management systems, including the installation of 45 Smart Pressure Controllers (pressure reducing valves), in addition to the 15 which have been refurbished and retrofitted to date. This is aimed at reducing water losses at night when demand is low, which will substantially reduce water losses.

• Accelerating leak detection (to date, 12 100km water pipelines have been surveyed and 2 396 burst pipes, 6 727 leaking meters, 442 leaking valves and 259 leaking hydrants were identified and repaired.) This intervention has provided an estimated water demand reduction of 9 457 million litres per annum.

• Working with National Treasury to put in place a Public Private Partnership for the reduction of non-revenue water, to mobilize private sector funding and expertise for reducing non-revenue water.

“The political leadership in the three spheres of government are confident that these measures will be implemented with the necessary urgency. It was agreed that similar meetings will be held every Sunday to monitor progress,” Majodina said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 12:11

119 views

12 November 2024

Official unemployment rate decreases

Location: News

Official unemployment rate decreases

The official unemployment rate has decreased by 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024 to 32.1% in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

This is according to the Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2024.

“There was an increase of 294 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.9 million in Q3: 2024, while there was a decrease of 373 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.0 million. This resulted in a decrease of 79 000 (down by 0.3%) in the labour force during the same period.

“Discouraged work-seekers increased by 160 000 (up by 5.0%), and the number of persons who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement increased by 54 000 (up by 0.4%) between the second quarter and third quarter of 2024. This led to an increase of 214 000 in the number of the not economically active population to 16.5 million,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 1.4 percentage points from 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024 to 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024.

“The expanded unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2024 decreased by 0.7 of a percentage point to 41.9% when compared with the second quarter of 2024.

“The number of persons employed in the formal sector increased by 122 000 in Q3: 2024, and the informal sector employment increased by 165 000 over the same period,” Stats SA said.

The largest increases in employment were recorded in community and social services (194 000), construction (176 000) and trade (109 000).

Decreases in employment were recorded in finance (189 000), private households (32 000), manufacturing (20 000) and transport (18 000).

“The results also indicate that the largest increases in employment were observed in the Eastern Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000), North West (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000), while decreases were only observed in Gauteng (66 000) and KwaZulu-Natal (2 000).

“The youth (15 to 34 years) remain vulnerable in the labour market. The third quarter of 2024 results show that the total number of unemployed youth decreased by 171 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded an increase of 66 000 to 5.8 million.

“As a result, youth unemployment rate decreased from 46.6% in the second quarter of 2024 to 45.5% in the third quarter of 2024,” Stats SA said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 12:40

56 views

12 November 2024

SIU to probe at least three municipalities

Location: News

SIU to probe at least three municipalities

At least three municipalities are to be placed under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations authorising the corruption busting unit to probe allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Tshwane Metro Municipality, Mahikeng Local Municipality and Alfred Nzo Municipality.

The President also signed an amendment of the Chris Hani District Municipality proclamation.

SIU Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that at the investigation into the Tshwane Metro will focus on the procurement of services for the upgrading and extension of a macro surveillance closed circuit television system in Tshwane.

It will also probe whether there was “unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure by the municipality and losses incurred by the municipality or the state”.

“The investigation’s focus will zoom into the payments and establish whether the contracting and procurement were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective.

“Additionally, these activities were contrary to applicable legislation; manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or relevant Provincial Treasury; and policies, procedures, or practices of or applicable to the municipality.

“Furthermore, there was unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, contractors, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties related to these allegations,” he said.

Mahikeng Local Municipality

The investigation into the Mahikeng Local Municipality will focus on two tenders, namely:

Lease agreement SCM/MLM17(A)/12/2015 dated 15 December 2015, and
Full Maintenance Lease Agreement SCM/MLM17(B)/12/2015 dated 23 February 2016.

“The SIU’s probe will assess whether the payments made were conducted in a manner that was neither fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, nor cost-effective. These actions were contrary to applicable legislation; manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or relevant Provincial Treasury; and policies, procedures, or practices applicable to the Mahikeng Municipality.

“The SIU will seek to ascertain whether the process involved was unlawful, irregular, or improper intervention by employees or officials of the Mahikeng Municipality and, in some cases, was fraudulent and led to unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure by the Mahikeng Municipality or the State,” he said.

He added that the SIU will seek to ascertain whether there was “unlawful or improper conduct by employees or officials of the Mahikeng Municipality, the service provider, or any other individuals or entities involved”.

Alfred Nzo District Municipality

At least seven contracts are expected to be placed under scrutiny at the Alfred Nzo District Municipality. These are:

Implementation of Water Services Infrastructure Grant projects in Ntabankulu (Appointment of a panel of service providers, Consulting Engineers and Contractors, for the Planning, Design and Construction of Water Services Infrastructure Grant funded projects in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality - Ntabankulu Local Municipality)
Mount Ayliff Bulk Peri-Urban Water Supply (Implementation of Pump station and a reservoir)
Servicing Mbizana Town Area with 2ML Waste Water Treatment Works and Outfall Sewer (Construction of 2ML Waste Water Treatment Works and Outfall Sewer Pipeline) Mbizana Sewer
Kwabhaca Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme at Mount Frere (Construction of Water Treatment Works and other water schemes at Mount Frere Peri-Urban)
Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/131/13/06/18: Greater Mbizana Water Supply Project
Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/41/23/09/19: Greater Mbizana Water Supply Project Phase 33: Implementation of Ward 4 & 27: Zone 0 Main Pipeline Contract 3B; and
Tender No: ANDM/IDMS-PMU/133/31/01/20: Matatiele Ward 5 Water Supply Project Phase 3 Contract 3 Matolweni Secondary Mains and Reticulation

“The SIU probe will look at unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the municipality. Additionally, if there was irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, contractors, suppliers, or service providers associated with the municipality, or any other involved person or entity,” Kganyago said.

Chris Hani District Municipality

A proclamation on the probe into the Chris Hani District Municipality on the appointment of the Chris Hani Co-operative Development Centre NPC for the conversion of the community service providers and operators into functional co-operatives has been amended.

The investigation period has been extended to start from 01 December 2011 to 08 November 2024 and the amendment authorises the SIU to add the procurement of goods, works or services in terms of Tender No. 33/2015/MD (TN) – Cluster 9 Backlog Eradication: Tsomo Water Treatment and River Abstraction Works.

“The amendment results from the SIU’s investigations which revealed that the SIU needs to investigate further areas that the existing proclamations did not cover. The SIU requested a proclamation amendment in terms of time and focus areas,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 11:25

79 views

12 November 2024

SASRIA, Venda University of Technology and Gauteng Health face SIU probes

Location: News

SASRIA, Venda University of Technology and Gauteng Health face SIU probes

The Special Investigating Unit is expected to launch separate investigations into several government institutions.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamations authorising the corruption-busting unit to probe allegations of maladministration in the affairs of:

South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA) payments relating to the July 2021 unrest.
Two contracts at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
Two contracts in the Gauteng Department of Health.

At SASRIA, the SIU explained that it will investigate allegations related to the “receipt, capturing, processing, verification, assessment, authorisation and payment of claims related to the July 2021 civil unrest”.

“The SIU’s probe will seek to establish whether the claims made were in line with applicable legislation manuals, guidelines, policies, procedures, practice notes, instructions, prescripts or practices of the National Treasury. Furthermore, the probe will ascertain if there is unlawful or improper conduct of SASRIA employees, officials and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others.

“The investigation will probe to see if there was fraudulent conduct, including the causes of such maladministration and any losses, damages or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by SASRIA or the State and any irregular, improper or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of SASRIA or any other person or entity,” SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement.

The probe into two contracts at the VUT follows allegations of maladministration in the procurement of services for the refurbishment of student residences during 2018 and campus security and protection-related services in the same year.

“The SIU investigation will examine whether the contracting of these goods and services was done in a manner that was fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective; [compliant with] applicable legislation manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury, and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the University or State or losses suffered,” Kganyago explained.

In relation to the Gauteng Department of Health, the investigation will hone in on the contract for the supply and delivery of three-division plastic containers with lids, small tubs with lids and dual-surface polyester film, and the contract for the supply and delivery of orthopaedic implants, fracture treatment and arthroscopy items.

“The SIU seeks to examine whether there was any conduct that is contrary to the applicable legislation, manuals, guidelines, practice notes, circulars, or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, as well as policies, procedures, and instructions applicable to the department and its controlled entities.

“Such conduct may include manipulation of the department’s supply chain management processes by service providers, suppliers, officials, or other third parties, often in collusion with departmental employees or those in entities under its control, to secure undue benefits for themselves or others. This can result in unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the department, its entities or the State,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 11:27

24 views

12 November 2024

Electricity and Energy Minister steps in to resolve Eskom, City Power impasse

Location: News

Electricity and Energy Minister steps in to resolve Eskom, City Power impasse

A high-level engagement convened by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Mayor Dada Morero with Eskom executives and City Power has resulted in an agreement aimed at averting a potential electricity crisis in the city.

This follows an Eskom statement last week announcing that it had served the city and City Power with a notice of intention to interrupt power supply at certain pre-determined times of the day due to non-payment of debt.

According to Eskom, the CoJ and City Power owe nearly R5 billion in unpaid bulk electricity supply, plus a further R1.4 billion, which Eskom said will become due and payable at the end of this month.

In response, the City of Johannesburg subsequently called the move by Eskom “unjust, counterproductive, and potentially harmful to… residents and businesses”.

In a statement following the meeting between the Minister and the parties, the Department of Energy and Electricity said the following principles of engagement had been agreed upon by all:

The respect for inter-governmental framework characterised by an honest and concerted effort to exhaust all internal process.
The User Pay Principle, where in an event of a dispute, the user is still obligated to pay whilst a resolution process is underway, decoupling the obligation to pay from and a billing query.
The service provider has an obligation to ensure accurate billing.
An appreciation that there can be no unilateral implementation of an action or more than one version of what the facts are.

Furthermore, resolutions were reached by the parties in order to resolve the impasse between the two.

“The first resolution is on the appointment of independent technical capacity to evaluate and validate the credibility of the bill levied by Eskom to City Power. In this regard, both parties have agreed that The South African Energy Development Institute will undertake this process.

“The second resolution is on a 14 days turnaround timeframe for the assessment report to be presented to all parties, the set date being 25 November 2024.

"The third resolution is that City Power will pay the current account in order for the notice of intention to interrupt power supply to the City of Johannesburg, issued by Eskom, to be withdrawn.

“Lastly, is the agreement on the importance of the Minister and the Executive Mayor to assure business and households that there is no crisis. The Minister and the Executive Mayor further expressed their appreciation of the willingness of the two parties to work together to ensure the uninterrupted provision of services to the country's economic nerve centre and its residents,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/12/2024 - 10:48

19 views

11 November 2024

Government activities for the week 11 – 15 November 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 11 - 15 November 2024

On Monday, 11 November, the Department of Basic Education has invited members of the media to the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast, hosted by the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube at Wanderers Club, 21 North Street, Illovo, Johannesburg.

Also on Monday, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe will deliver a keynote address at the Mintek 90 Conference to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 11 and 12 November 2024.

On Tuesday, 12 November, Statistics South Africa will release the Quarterly Labour Force Survey results for the third quarter of 2024 at a media briefing in Tshwane.

On Wednesday, 13 November, the 2024 Border Management Conference and Expo takes place and the CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria.

On Thursday, 14 November and on Friday, 15 November, there are no confirmed events.

Janine
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 10:40

295 views

11 November 2024

Youth could be Africa’s most valuable resource, says Minister

Location: News

Youth could be Africa’s most valuable resource, says Minister

Africa’s vast youth population could be the continent’s most valuable asset, potentially transforming it into a global leader in innovation, industry and economic development.

With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said the continent stood on the cusp of a youth-driven growth wave that could fuel its economies and contribute to global prosperity.

The realisation of this immense potential depends on one fundamental factor - which is education.

“If we are to transform our continent’s demographic advantage into a true growth engine, we must ensure that Africa’s young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and abilities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

“This is both our challenge and our opportunity. Africa’s youth have the potential to form the largest working-age population in the world by the year 2063, but that will benefit the continent only if they are adequately educated and skilled to meet the demands of tomorrow’s industries,” Gwarube said.

The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled in Lenasia on Monday.

The Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector.

The event convened 100 business leaders from the private sector to discuss collaborative strategies to crowd in private sector resources to improve educational outcomes in South Africa.

The breakfast included presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for leaders committed to investing in education as a foundation for economic growth and social progress.

Gwarube praised the potential of Africa’s youth to be the productivity drivers and innovators of tomorrow.

The Minister added that the youth represent Africa's future, as a driver of global progress and they are already demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.

She said the young Africans are technologically savvy, innovative, and highly motivated, and they bring energy, optimism, and creative problem-solving to every sector they touch.

“Even when stats show that ours is a continent with the lowest levels of connectivity, young people are leveraging digital technology, they are leading the thinking on renewable energy out of sheer necessity of energy poverty, and are leading social entrepreneurship to bridge the gap in what economists refer to as the bottom of the pyramid consumer market. Young Africans are pushing boundaries and setting trends,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:36

163 views

11 November 2024

Private sector an important player in education sector

Location: News

Private sector an important player in education sector

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the private sector to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level.

The Minister highlighted that the private sector has the resources, expertise, and capacity to make an enormous impact on the education landscape.

In addition, the country has seen more private sector entities involved in education initiatives investing in infrastructure, providing technology, supporting teacher training, and even partnering with educational institutions to design relevant, future-oriented curricula.

The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled (JOCOD) in Lenasia on Monday.

The business breakfast was designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector.

Minister Gwarube used the event to outline her strategic priorities for the seventh administration and to discuss how the public-private sector collaboration can drive sustainable improvements in the education system.

“Today, I want to call on our private sector partners to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level.

“As South Africa’s seventh administration in the Government of National Unity [GNU], we are fully committed to improving education outcomes across the country.

“We recognise that this cannot be achieved by government alone. The private sector has a significant role to play, and we are here to facilitate, support, and collaborate with you in ways that make the greatest impact,” she said, adding that a step-change investment in education means more than just financial support, it means active participation.

The Minister invited the private sector partners to work closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to co-create programs that build the skills needed for a competitive and productive economy.

“We need your input, your insights, and your innovation to help shape our education system in a way that prepares learners for real-world challenges and opportunities.”

Investing in quality education

With the country having ushered in a GNU in May, the Minister emphasised that education was an important issue that everyone can agree on, regardlessof their political inclinations.

She said every single South African has a vested interest in the quality of the nation’s education sector while adding that since the dawn of democracy, much has been done to provide access to basic education.

However, 30 years later, she said the nation now needed to shift its focus to quality education.

The Minister referred to an international study that revealed that about the 80% of learners who were tested (as a sample) could not read for meaning in any language.

While this was a small sample, she said that this was gravely concerning.

“If we do not fix literacy – which is reading, writing and counting – the DBE had failed on its core function. This is why every single priority in the seventh administration speaks to this goal.

“We must make sure through early child learning; we can achieve the goal of reading for meaning by Grade 4. Government has a tendency to focus only on the quality of outcomes like the matric pass rate – but not on the foundations of learning.

“I endeavour to reorientate this planning and thinking. Let us get the basics right and we will achieve a great deal in the education sector,” the Minister said.

Minister Gwarube emphasised that quality education is the foundation upon which the country can build a prosperous future.

“It is the tool that will empower our young people to innovate, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies.

“However, to achieve this, our education systems must be strong, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a modern workforce.”

She further emphasised the need to provide not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also the skills necessary for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century which are digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity.

Priorities

Touching on the priorities, the Minister said the 7th Administration has identified several key priorities which include improved access to and strengthen the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD).

“A strong foundation is important for literacy and numeracy. Early Childhood Development sets the stage for lifelong learning and personal development. We want every child in South Africa to leave our ECDs with a solid foundation in reading and counting,” the Minister said.

Other priorities are improving literacy and numeracy across all phases of schooling, special education, accelerated teacher development and safety in schools.

“Learners need safe, conducive environments where they can focus on their studies without interruption. This includes basic facilities such as dignified flushing toilets, but also learning environments free from crime, extortion rackets, contaminated food products and other dangerous chemical,” she said.

The Minister noted the high number of learners who have fallen ill and children from Naledi in Gauteng who tragically lost their lives due to food bought from local spaza shops and consumed on school premises.

“Last week Wednesday I began a process to ban the dangerous chemical known as organophosphate from all schools in South Africa. This is a proactive measure to prevent the risk of this chemical ever being used as a pesticide in any of our schools,” she said.

READ | Food poisoning incidents managed at highest level, says President Ramaphosa
– SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:39

71 views

11 November 2024

Food borne poisoning claims 23 lives

Location: News

Food borne poisoning claims 23 lives

Twenty-three people in Gauteng have died as a result of food borne-related poisoning after consuming food from spaza shops.

The majority of the deaths have been children between the ages of six and nine.

This is according to Premier Panyaza Lesufi who on Sunday updated residents on the implementation of by-laws to govern spaza shops.

“The first uniform approach across the province was to adopt a mechanism of reporting because we have so many deaths that are taking place that we want to isolate those that are food borne and those that need our immediate attention.

“The Department of Health has been given that task. They’ve given us their preliminary report, and in that report, they’ve indicated that the deaths that have been registered thus far. Today, we can confirm that we are at 23 [deaths] which is a sad thing,” he said.

He added that a large number of the incidents occurred within schools with the rest being within the community.

Furthermore, at least 441 cases of food poisoning have been reported throughout the province.

“Some of the people were either discharged or they just showed the symptoms of vomiting, stomach aches and related,” Lesufi said.

The Premier said from now on, the provincial government will “develop a template” that will be used by medical facilities, schools and community centres so that the province “can be in a position to track the areas that need immediate attention”.

“The Department of Health…will then develop a common template that will be utilised as a mechanism and then we’ll utilise the law enforcement agencies in terms of the cases that they have to ensure that we have the right figures.

“To us this is important because that becomes the base level of understanding the problem and it becomes the area in which we can record, trace and where intervention is needed, we can be in a position to make that intervention.”

Cracking down

Lesufi told the media that the provincial government has taken the decision to ban an agricultural pesticide that has been found to be at the root of some of the deaths.

“The MEC for Agriculture [Vuyiswa Ramokgopa] will formulate the approach on how to deal with that substance. We have agreed…that that substance is banned in our province and that it must not be found in any shops, it must not be found in any informal traders and that the law enforcement agencies will assist us to eliminate it where possible.

“But those that are authorised…the Department of Agriculture will be the institution that will give the licensing and the permission to utilise that,” he said.

The Premier added that because by-laws across municipalities are different in managing businesses – including spaza shops – a new uniform approach will be used.

“We have now formally adopted a draft gazette that was signed by the Minister of CoGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa]. All municipalities in our province, without exception, will now adopt this gazette. These are new by-laws that have been developed nationally.

“These by-laws explain how to register a business, how business should conduct themselves and all those related matters. [This] makes it easier for law enforcement agencies to monitor.

“The next resolution we have taken is the registration of businesses. All businesses – especially that are affecting the issue of our children – have to re-register. That’s the process that will also empower those that want to open or operate businesses, but they don’t have the financial muscle or the facilities,” he said.

Lesufi announced that stakeholder meetings are expected to be held to discuss the challenges.

Speaking at the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo on Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the public that the issue is being addressed at the highest levels of government.

READ | Food poisoning incidents managed at highest level, says President Ramaphosa

In his address, President Ramaphosa highlighted government's serious approach to the matter.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) said it was working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools to effectively mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticide exposure in school environments.

READ | Basic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

- SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 10:51

265 views