SA News

18 September 2024

Local company sets sights on international markets

Location: News

Local company sets sights on international markets

A Mamelodi-based detergents company is determined to take full advantage of the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme and export their products to international markets.

This was said by the Founder and Managing Director of TOSH Detergents, Lufuno Rasoesoe.
She was speaking during the recent alumni event of the programme that was hosted by South Africa and Germany in Sandton.

According to Rasoesoe, participating in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme has been of significant benefit to her Gauteng company.

In April, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation to formalise a programme to train and mentor emerging exporters from South Africa to access the German market.

“Through the business-to-business meetings and visits to various manufacturing plants in Germany, I gained valuable insights into how we can improve our own manufacturing plant.

“The exposure to advanced processes and operational standards inspired the factory plans that we are currently developing, as well as the implementation of more efficient standard operating systems. This experience has given us a clearer vision of how to elevate our production capabilities and meet global standards,” Rasoesoe said.

She explained that after participating in the programme, her company was invited to participate in the Africa Start-up Connect Week in Berlin, Germany.

At that event, she met entrepreneurs from across the African continent and was exposed to a wealth of export opportunities within the continent.

“This has broadened my network and opened doors for potential collaborations and expansion into various African markets, bringing us closer to our goal of growing TOSH Detergents' presence internationally."

She added that her participation in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme and the Rand Show Exhibition, both with the assistance of the dtic has impacted positively on her business.

“Both experiences were incredibly valuable for my business. The Rand Show Exhibition provided us with great exposure to a wider audience, allowing us to showcase our products and build new connections.

“The Partnering in Business with Germany Programme offered insights into international markets, manufacturing best practices, and potential export opportunities.

“These experiences have been instrumental in growing our brand and expanding our market reach,” Rasoesoe said.

TOSH Detergents was formed in March 2021 as a business initiative aimed at addressing the need for affordable, high-quality cleaning products in South Africa.

The company was inspired by the desire to create a sustainable business that could provide essential household products while also empowering local communities.

“TOSH Detergents does not only fill a gap in the market, but also promotes job creation and economic development, particularly in the previously disadvantaged areas,” she said.

READ | SA-Germany to place trade and investment under the spotlight

The company currently employs 15 people, nine in the production area, and six as merchandisers and sales agents.

TOSH Detergents products can be found at Shoprite, Checkers, Makro Online, Takealot, Zulzi and distributors in various provinces. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:12

221 views

18 September 2024

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress

Location: News

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress

Since the gazetting of nine Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) by Infrastructure at a Capex value of R300 billion, the Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has attracted projects with the Capex value of over R800 billion with about 20% of the total investments at the bankable feasibility stage.

This is according to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, who was speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The gazetting of the SIPs was done by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2022.

According to Zikalala, most of these projects are at different stages of development ranging from prefeasibility to execution.

These projects include the Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) in Johannesburg which entails a fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng, the Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape, Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project driven by the Northern Cape provincial government.

Other projects include the Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape, Arcelor Mittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape and the Sasolburg 60MW H2 production in Gauteng.

Zikalala said South Africa only needed one percent of the country’s land area to support green hydrogen economy initiatives, creating jobs and improving the economy. He said this was unusable land for agriculture and human settlements.

The Deputy Minster said ISA acted as one of the government enablers for the South African green hydrogen opportunity.

He said that by gazetting the GHNP as a SIP, ISA enabled projects to be placed on an expedited path to development with prescribed and shortened timeframes for various project approvals and authorisations.
‘The seventh administration has identified three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state," said the Deputy Minister.

He called on green hydrogen players to work with government in the creation of jobs in the green hydrogen economy.

“We look up to you to take a lead in facilitating green hydrogen manufacturing capability in a manner that localises the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Working together, South Africa can realise its potential to produce six to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives per year by 2050.

“We reiterate that South Africa as a green hydrogen investment destination still offers substantial additional investment opportunities including green shipping, green fertiliser production, electrolyser manufacturing, pipeline development, green field port developments’, said Zikalala. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:26

27 views

18 September 2024

Call for urgent action on North West stalled projects

Location: News

Call for urgent action on North West stalled projects

The North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have called for urgent intervention that will lead to tangible results on stalled infrastructure projects in the province.

The delegation commenced with a week-long oversight visit to the province as part of the NCOP flagship Provincial Week Programme on Tuesday.

Provincial whip and leader of the delegation, Sylvia Sithole, underscored an urgent need for implementation of practical interventions for the benefit of the people, who are mostly poor and vulnerable.

“While we are concerned that some projects have taken a long time to complete, we accept the assurances you have given today, and we will be back in November to assess if those commitments have been honoured. We want to see positive change here in the province,” Sithole said.

The delegation raised concerns as highlighted by the Office of the Auditor General including inadequate planning and project management which have a direct impact on the overall implementation of projects.

The delegation also raised concern at the lack of effective coordination between the province and municipalities which indicated the need for the adoption of the District Development Model (DDM) to ensure efficiency.

The delegation visited the Mahikeng Airport which is not functioning despite its potential of being a strong economic driver in the area.

The delegation noted the plans by the North West Department of Transport, Roads and Community Safety to revitalise the airport, but highlighted that a comprehensive cost benefit analysis must be done to ensure that the plans create the needed economic benefit that is envisioned.

The delegates also urged the department to undertake an economic viability analysis as it relates to the plans to utilise the airport for cargo to be transported to neighbouring countries.

The delegation further engaged local business forums that highlighted the availability of investors willing to reinvent the airport. The department was urged to consider all available options on the table to ensure the most economic option is taken.

Delays in completing water projects

Meanwhile, during a visit at the Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Works, a concern was raised regarding the delayed completion of the project which was initially planned to be completed in 2018.

“It is unacceptable that the over 1000 households that would have benefited [from] the projects are still waiting to this day. While the delegation notes the plans by Magalies Water Board to complete the project in July 2025, it is concerning that the initial plans were inadequate thereby raising the hopes of the community for quality sanitation services,” Sithole said.

The delegation also raised their concerns about the Environmental Impact Assessment, and the application for servitudes, which were not conducted when the project was commissioned, which delayed the projects.

“This points to poor planning by departments. Infrastructure projects are complex and effective planning will ensure that they are delivered on time and within budgets,” Sithole said.

Concern was also raised on the number of acting personnel responsible for project implementation and called for Magalies Water to urgently appoint permanent personnel that will be held accountable, in case the projects are not implemented within the stipulated time frames.

The delegation will on Wednesday visit the stalled RDP Project in Tshunyane Village, and proceed to Sanieshof Waste Water Treatment Plant and complete its second day programme by assessing the rehabilitation of sections of road P152/1 from N18 at Delareyville. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 11:42

207 views

18 September 2024

Deputy Minister Morolong calls on media to adapt to digital era to survive

Location: News

Deputy Minister Morolong calls on media to adapt to digital era to survive

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has emphasised the media’s necessity for long-term self-sustainability strategies as many traditional publications struggle with declining readership and closure.

According to Morolong, the media sector has a significant role in holding government and corporate leaders accountable to the citizens.

“Newspaper companies are also at the forefront of driving economic development in terms of their contributions to a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment creation, general literacy, and skills development.”

The Deputy Minister delivered a keynote address via a virtual platform at the second Meta for Government Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Meta, in partnership with the Ministry of the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), is hosting this year’s summit which is currently underway.

He bemoaned the impact of the digital industrial revolution on the media industry.

“We have seen newspaper closures, and the decline in advertising revenue, circulation and readership figures means that the sector needs long-term self-sustainability strategies.”

According to the Deputy Minister, profits and the emergence of digital content distribution platforms continue to impact on companies’ traditional profit, which is based on an advertising-based business model.

He announced that the ministerial-appointed Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalisation Steering Committee, which he hopes Meta will join, will assist government in addressing issues of mutual interest among all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, he said government has resolved to work with all stakeholders to develop legislative frameworks regarding freedom of the press.

“This approach acknowledges the role of all media in a democracy, and confirms that media and new media fulfil an extremely critical role in the realisation of the right to receive and impart information.”

According to the Deputy Minister, the partnership between government and Meta represents a significant opportunity to create lasting change in South Africa.

The discussion also focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and communication tools in government to enhance citizen engagement.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of digital platforms like Meta in connecting citizens and empowering them through educational content and job opportunities.

The conversation also addressed the challenges of misinformation and the need for media sustainability.

The government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and ethical digital tool usage was underscored, with a call for collaboration to ensure safe and effective digital engagement.

“Together, we can ensure that digital platforms are not just tools for communication but enablers of economic growth, empowerment, and social cohesion. Let us embrace this opportunity to build a digitally inclusive, safe and empowered South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:05

319 views

18 September 2024

Education key for African children

Location: News

Education key for African children

Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has told a gathering of the Speakers of African Parliaments that the education of African children in the 21st Century is dependent on the ending of wars and instability on the continent.

Didiza was speaking at the Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments held at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand.

Leaning on the session’s theme, “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century. Building resilient education system for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa”, Didiza acknowledged the importance of education.

“While the African continent is relatively peaceful, there are still pockets of instabilities, terrorism and threats to peace in various parts of the continent.

“Therefore, our success in educating the Africans fit for the 21st Century is also dependent on our success in silencing guns in order to ensure peace and stability, for there can be no proper education in volatile and war environments.

“The same obligation applies to development and economic prosperity, for there can be no development and prosperity without peace and education,” she said.

Furthermore, Didiza said the need for investment in education is “unquestionable”.

“The weaker economic and financial standing of our societies should not be the yardstick that determines whether their children should have access to quality education or not.

“This presents us with an opportunity and positive challenge to rethink our budgeting processes and to allocate more funds to departments of education in our respective nations,” she said.

Peace in Africa and the world

Didiza told her counterparts on the continent that South Africa’s recent democratically held general elections and the consequences of that process bear testimony to how the country has embraced democratic processes.

“We hope our sister countries will also learn and embrace democratic processes should they face similar situations in future. Democracy remains the viable system of governance that can help us valorise our natural resources and build the resilience we need for prosperous economies in the continent.

“Embracing democratic processes is a golden route to peace, stability and prosperity,” she said.

Turning to events in the Middle East, Didiza reiterated government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“[The] attainment of democracy in South Africa against the barbaric apartheid system is a living proof that no challenge can withstand the will and might of the united global community.

“As the product of international solidarity, we call upon the nations of the world, the African Union Member States in particular, to support the call and the birth right of the people of Palestine and all the oppressed people in the world for self-determination and freedom.

“Our founding father, President [Nelson] Mandela left us with a message that South Africa will never be free until the people of Palestine are free,” Didiza insisted. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:06

180 views

18 September 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay’s efforts to combat crime pay off

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay's efforts to combat crime pay off

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents in a series of coordinated operations.

This follows multiple joint compliance operations conducted over the weekend across various areas, which yielded significant results.

A comprehensive joint compliance operation including Metro Police, the South African Police Service (SAPS), various municipal departments, and Immigration Services, was executed.

This led to the issuing of fines for the shops operating illegally, resulting in their closure; the issuing of fines for illegal dumping; the confiscation of 203 male enhancement tablets and 203 skin lightening creams valued at R10 650 and the issuing of 24 traffic fines.

A liquor compliance operation was also conducted in the Humewood/Central area with the participation of Metro Police, SAPS, Immigration Services, and Traffic and Licensing departments. The operation resulted in the arrest of six undocumented foreign national and two arrests for drunken driving.

Operation Shanela was also conducted in the Humewood/Central area with the involvement of the SAPS, Metro Police, and Traffic and Licensing, leading to five arrests for drunken driving.

A liquor compliance operation was also conducted in Walmer, involving SAPS and Immigration Services. The operation resulted in the arrests of twelve undocumented foreign nationals, and one arrest for drunken driving.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said the operations underscored the municipality’s intensified efforts and steadfast commitment to maintaining law and order.

Van Niekerk said collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies and municipal departments have been pivotal in achieving these successes.

The Mayor also encouraged the community to continue supporting such initiatives to create a safer environment for all.

"Our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our residents is unwavering. These operations highlight the dedication and hard work of our law enforcement agencies and municipal departments. Together, we are making Nelson Mandela Bay a safer place for everyone," Van Niekerk said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 12:19

101 views

18 September 2024

President Ramaphosa, Business Unity SA meet on NHI

Location: News

President Ramaphosa, Business Unity SA meet on NHI

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the leadership of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) to discuss matters related to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act.

According to the Presidency, the meeting on Tuesday included the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health and senior officials and was “constructive and forward looking”.

“Business and government expressed a shared commitment to the underlying objectives of the NHI, namely to achieve universal health coverage for all South Africans and address inequality in the health system,” the Presidency said.

Furthermore, the office said government will continue to engage on the matter “in good faith”.

“The President has requested BUSA to put forward specific proposals on the remaining issues of concern as a basis for further engagement. Government remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders in good faith on the process of healthcare reform, and to finding workable solutions that will advance quality and affordable healthcare for all,” the Presidency said.

In May this year, President Ramaphosa signed the then NHI Bill into law. During the signing ceremony, he said the signing was a “milestone in South Africa's ongoing quest for a more just society”.

“This transformational health care initiative gives further effect to our constitutional commitment to progressively realise access to health care services for all its citizens.

“At its essence, the NHI is a commitment to eradicate the stark inequalities that have long determined who receives adequate healthcare and who suffers from neglect.

“By putting in place a system that ensures equal access to health care regardless of a person’s social and economic circumstances, the NHI takes a bold stride towards a society where no individual must bear an untenable financial burden while seeking medical attention,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:01

457 views

18 September 2024

Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga

Location: News

Corrupt traffic officers arrested in Mpumalanga

Law enforcement agencies have arrested a further 13 traffic officers in different towns in Mpumalanga in a clean-up anti-corruption operation aimed at restoring discipline and ethical conduct in the traffic law enforcement sector.

This brings the total number of arrested officials to 39 following the arrest of 14 officials in the same province on Monday while 11 other officers were handcuffed in Polokwane, Limpopo last week and a weighbridge master was caught in Belfast, Mpumalanga.

The 13 officers arrested on Tuesday were caught in a joint operation conducted by the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Anti-Corruption Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Mpumalanga based Crime Intelligence.

The 13 suspects were nabbed in Nelspruit, Kabokweni, KwaNyamazane, Hazyview, Barberton, White River and Calcutta just outside of Mbombela.

Some of the suspects have appeared in different magistrate courts and were all granted bail ranging from R2 500 to R10.000.

They are expected to hand over their passports to the investigating officer, and not leave their hometowns without permission from the investigating officer.

RTMC Chief Executive Officer Advocate Makhosini Msibi has welcomed the arrests and said they will send a message that corruption within traffic law enforcement will not be tolerated.

“Corrupt officials have for a long time operated with impunity and turned the noble duty of enforcing the law into a self-enrichment scheme. This must come to an end. South Africa deserves ethical officers who conduct themselves with discipline and integrity,” he said.

He commended all the officers involved in the investigations that led to the arrests to a job well done. He called on them not to rest until all the “rotten apples have been removed”.

Corrupt officers erode public confidence in the traffic law enforcement and create condition where motorists can violate the rules of the road without consequence leading to avoidable road crashes and fatalities.

The RTMC urges the public to report traffic fraud and corruption on Ntacu@rtmc.co.za or Whatsapp on 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:16

274 views

18 September 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality pushes to spend funds before December

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality pushes to spend funds before December

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says the metro is working hard to spend 40 percent of the R361 million Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG) in an effort to accelerate essential service delivery and stop underspending.

Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements, Thembinkosi Mafana, said the metro is working closely with senior officials and project managers to make sure that spending and the quality of work tally with the timeframes stipulated in the process plan.

"We want to push all our efforts to spend at least 40 percent of the allocated funds by the December 2024 break so that by January when we reopen, we accelerate performance even more,” Mafana said.

The standing committee this week visited a number of active sites that are funded under the ISUPG, including the Arlington Landfill Site fencing that has been funded for R15 million. Other visits included sites for housing delivery funded for R50 million, roads and storm water infrastructure and electrification of shacks and temporary houses.

The grant covers a number of deliverables that form part of holistic human settlements, such as servicing sites, relocation of communities from vulnerable areas, provision of services like water, electricity, and sanitation to the development of parks and creation of a safe and sustainable environment.

Mafana noted that the municipality’s job must not end at approving budgets at standing committee and council.

“We must follow through in spending, quality of work and monitor adherence to timeframes,” Mafana said.

The MMC added that the ISUPG site visits, which form part of the MMC and the standing committee oversight responsibility for the current financial year, will from now be a standard item in the Human Settlements standing committee financial year plan.

"Our people are living in distress in flood plains and other unliveable conditions, we must then move with speed in relocating them and provide them a decent life,” the MMC said.

Mafana noted that in the last financial year, 2023/24 the metro was allocated R333 million and managed to spend within the stipulated timeframe R317 million.

During the second site visits on Tuesday, the standing committee visited projects in areas including Kariega, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:50

52 views

18 September 2024

South Africa commits support for South Sudan

Location: News

South Africa commits support for South Sudan

South Africa will continue to support the Republic of South Sudan in its efforts for peace, democracy and development.

This according to a statement by the Presidency on Wednesday.

The statement follows an announcement by the government of South Sudan regarding the extension of its transitional period for a further two years.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the statement by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan extending the country's transitional period by another two years. This effectively postpones the national elections initially due to take place on 22 December 2024.

“According to the announcement, the postponement is intended to provide time and space for the implementation of the remaining provisions of the 2018 Revitalised Agreement to the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan [R-ARCSS],” the Presidency said.

The statement said President Ramaphosa “commends the Parties to the R-ARCSS for arriving at the decision by consensus, which bodes well for the implementation of the remainder of the provisions of the R-ARCSS”.

“To this end, President Ramaphosa calls on South Sudanese Parties and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity [RTGoNU] to spare no effort in implementing the outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS and to maintain the peaceful atmosphere that has existed since September 2018,” the Presidency said.

“President Ramaphosa further calls on the RTGoNU to allocate the necessary resources for the effective functioning of statutory institutions mandated to deliver free and fair elections,” the statement read.

The President also called on the East African bloc, the East African Community (EAC) and the international community to “continue to support the Government and people of South Sudan in their search for lasting peace and democracy”.

“For its part, South Africa will continue to support South Sudan to realise the ideals for peace, democracy and development,” the Presidency concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:37

108 views

18 September 2024

Meet SA’s new petroleum company

Location: News

Meet SA’s new petroleum company

A policy statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa has today resulted in the formation of a new state-owned petroleum company, the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC).

The SANPC has been formed following the merger of the Central Energy Fund (CEF) subsidiaries, iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund.

The SANPC is poised to become a leading player in the country's energy sector ensuring energy security, driving new technologies, developing and enabling essential infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships and propelling social and economic development.

It is also expected to oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country's petroleum resources, contributing to the country's development and economic growth.

The company has been granted approval to start operating in terms of the s51(g) (h) of the Public Finance Management Act of 1999.

The formation of the state-owned company follows President Ramaphosa’s February 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) wherein he announced government’s intention to repurpose and “rationalize” state-owned enterprises to support growth and development in South Africa.

Under this national directive, on 10 June 2020, Cabinet approved the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) request to merge the three subsidiaries of the Central Energy Fund (CEF); namely the South African Gas Development Company SOC Limited (iGas), PetroSA and Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF).

“The rationalization of these subsidiaries into one single SA National Petroleum Company is on the basis that each company be efficiently structured so as not to transfer operational inefficiencies and going concern issues into the new entity.

“Out of the three merging entities, only iGas and SFF are financially viable to be merged into the new entity subject to key legal requirements. However, following a rigorous assessment of the PetroSA business, the only financially viable division to be merged into the new company is Trading and the Ghana asset,” the new petroleum company said in a statement on Wednesday.

It added that the remainder of the business that does not form part of the SANPC will form part of legacy assets requiring further work to be done before they could be transferred into the SANPC.

“In the interim, the SANPC will be incorporated as a subsidiary of [the] CEF Group of Companies until the National Petroleum Bill is promulgated into law. For the SANPC to kick start its operations, it would use the Lease and Assign model wherein certain assets of the merging entities will be leased to the new company, the SANPC.”

READ | Closing date for draft SA Petroleum Company Bill public comments extended

The proposed Lease and Assignment model provides the opportunity to strategically select what is leased and assigned to the SANPC by ring-fencing or isolating PetroSA’s legacy assets such as decommissioning liability and current operating challenges of the Gas to Liquid Refinery.

“This approach will improve the financial risk profile for SANPC to secure funding as well as provide a legally sound solution to deal with the constraints associated with the non-profit status of [the] SFF. At the same time, work has begun to attend to the legacy assets which include the re-instatement of the Gas -To- Liquids (GTL) Refinery and the decommissioning liability methodology and provisioning.

“Once all the matters relating to these legacy assets are resolved, they would be ready for transfer to the SANPC.”

The company said that the Lease and Assignment transaction is deemed necessary and the most effective approach for the merger.

“With the combined strengths of the three subsidiaries, a solid financial position, and robust stakeholder support, the SANPC is well-positioned to leverage these benefits and seize the R95 billion market opportunity.

"The SANPC would be poised to become a leading player in South Africa's energy sector, ensuring energy security, driving new technologies, developing, and enabling essential infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and propelling social and economic development,” said the company. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:28

33 views

17 September 2024

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

Location: News

SA launches R300 million facility for recycling plastic

A new PET (polyethylene terephthalate) processing facility, which can accommodate more plastic waste and is the first-of-its-kind technology for Africa, will come on stream in 2025.

This was announced on the sidelines of the International Solid Waste Association’s (ISWA) annual conference where South Africa’s efforts to build a circular economy for post-consumer packaging was thrust into the spotlight.

The ISWA’s annual conference saw the country’s most experienced producer responsibility organisation, Petco, and recycling partner, Extrupet, giving a site tour of the new PET processing facility.

The facility, which houses the new R300 million project, will bring PET bottle-to-bottle recycling capability to the Western Cape for the first time.

The facility will add an extra 15 000 tonnes per annum of food-grade recycled PET (rPET recycled polyethylene terephthalate) output capacity.

Extrupet Joint Managing Director Chandru Wadhwani said 64% of South Africa’s PET plastic bottles were currently collected for recycling.

“With this increased capacity, we will be able to accommodate more plastic waste and strengthen South Africa’s position as a circular economy leader in Africa and the world,” Wadhwani said on Monday in Cape Town.

Stimulating demand

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said the facility adds value to the country’s efforts to increase the collection and recycling rates for packaging materials, including PET.

“We view the facility as an opportunity to stimulate a demand for more PET materials and a supply of these by waste pickers and waste small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), thus creating stable markets for PET.

“The facility needs to be fed and the collection system needs to be improved in order to meet the demand of this facility.

“Waste pickers are an important contributor to the supply of the input material of plastic waste and we look forward to seeing the implementation of the waste picker service fee in order to continue to enable these waste pickers to do their work effectively and efficiently," Swarts said.

Petco CEO Cheri Scholtz said the additional capacity would assist in closing the loop for PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic polymer that can be turned into another food- grade product.

“So, this increase in capacity takes us another tangible step towards that circular economy, in which a bottle becomes a bottle over and over again and keeps that material in circulation at its highest possible value,” Scholtz said.

This year’s ISWA conference is taking place under the theme: “Waste to Wealth: Solutions for a Sustainable Future”.

As the host country, South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable development with a focus on building a circular economy and the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that require producers to take responsibility for their packaging waste throughout its life cycle.

Partnership

Scholtz said, as a Producer Responsibility Organisation, Petco worked with government to contribute to policy development and the implementation of EPR legislation and helped its members to meet their legislated targets for collection, recycling and the inclusion of recycled content in their packaging, which increased year on year.

She said the key to success lay in building a sustainable value chain that could survive the economic peaks and troughs, by balancing collection with recycling capacity and stimulating.

“It doesn’t just happen overnight; it has been a journey. Petco and Extrupet have been working together for more than 20 years to build a solid foundation.

“Petco’s commitment of ongoing support to our 10 contracted recycling partners, like Extrupet, gives them the confidence to invest in the new equipment and infrastructure that is needed to recycle increasing tonnages of recyclable packaging.

“The support also enables recyclers to increase the gate price at which they purchase recyclable packaging, which stimulates collection on the ground by increasing the street value of this packaging and growing the local market for it, thereby making it easier for waste pickers to sell their collected packaging and earn an income from it,” Scholtz said.

She said a strong relationship with government, especially the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, was equally important for the country to benefit as a whole.

“Having implementable regulations, strong compliance, and effective enforcement is vital. We partner with all tiers of government to support sustainable waste management and diversion initiatives, and work towards meeting sustainable development and circular economy goals.”

Climate Change Bill

She said that the opening of the new plant also aligned with government’s climate change goals, as outlined in the newly signed Climate Change Bill.

The bill sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.

Wadhwani said Extrupet had established its first bottle-to-food-grade line in Johannesburg in 2009, with the second following in 2014.

“The third arrived during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. And the fact that this is now the fourth line in what's, in essence, a 15-year horizon is just so gratifying for us,” Wadhwani said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:49

594 views

17 September 2024

Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred

Location: News

Former NHLS CEO ordered to pay R22 million for loss incurred

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) says it welcomes the judgment against its former CEO, Joyce Mogale, and her co-applicant, the estate of the late former Chief Financial Officer, Sikhumbuzo Zulu, who died before the court proceedings started.

This is after the Labour Court dismissed an unfair dismissal claim against the former officials and ordered Mogale to pay R22 million to the NHLS for losses it incurred because of her conduct.

“The judgment is a victory for governance and recoups losses which the NHLS has suffered as a result of the conduct of its most senior employees,” the NHLS said in a statement.

According to the entity, Judge Connie Prinsloo of the Labour Court found the pair’s dismissal to be fair.

“She used these words to describe their conduct, ‘displayed severe negligence and incompetence … dismally failed to carry out explicit Board resolutions and … blatantly disregarded the limitations contained in the delegation of authority’.”

In her ruling delivered on Friday, 13 September 2024, the Judge stated that the pair had breached the lawful, reasonable, and fair instructions of their employer.

She also mentioned that they failed to exercise due diligence and care, and referred to Mogale’s conduct as “astonishing”.

“Judge Prinsloo further stated that Mogale was unable to acknowledge her role in creating her misery – she was constantly shifting the blame, even onto the media.”

According to the NHLS, the Board became aware of irregularities in 2017, and Mogale and Zulu were subsequently suspended and dismissed in 2019 after a disciplinary hearing.

The dismissal of Mogale and Zulu, affirmed by Judge Prinsloo, were based on three separate irregular commercial contracts at the NHLS.

These include the Afrirent vehicle leasing irregularity, in which the former CEO approved a contract for R72 million without a Board and way above the limit of her authority.

She increased the contract even further to R79 million without any due process.

“She signed a Service Level Agreement with an unwarranted penalty clause which ballooned the cost even further. The Afrirent irregularities led to a judgement that Mogale must pay back R22 million to the NHLS,” the entity explained.

In the Blue Future contract information technology (IT) equipment irregularity, the NHLS Board authorised a procurement of R25 million.

However, Mogale, without a competitive tender, summarily procured R83 million and mostly for goods that had nothing to do with the tender.

In the DV8 wide area network irregularity, the NHLS stated that a R63.5 million addendum was signed to the contract without going through the tendering process and without specifying the goods to be purchased, leaving room for potential malfeasance.

“In sum, Judge Prinsloo found that Mogale’s conduct violated the Public Finance Management Act, the NHLS Supply Chain Management Policy and her contract of employment,” the entity explained.

The Chairperson of the Board, Prof Eric Buch, said that at the time of their suspension, the NHLS debt to its suppliers exceeded R800 million, which surpassed its cash balance.

Since then, Buch said, a diligent effort has steadily turned the NHLS around.

The organisation stated that it now has significant reserves, and its staff have received reasonable annual increases, while annual tariff increases have remained below 5%.

“This judgement is salient as it provides further evidence of the probity and diligence of the Board and its efforts to hold those responsible to account, however long it takes,” Buch added.

Meanwhile, Mogale, former Head of Supply Chain Management Graham Motsepe, Manager of Contracts and Tender Compliance Mthunzi Mthimkulu, Legal Manager Sibusiso Mthenjane and the owner of Blue Future Kapai Pierre Petersen are all on trial in the specialised commercial crimes court in Palm Ridge.

Petersen has already been found guilty of fraud in his tender submission to the NHLS and is awaiting sentencing.

Buch said he was still optimistic that those responsible will also be charged on the Afrirent and DV8 matters. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 12:27

389 views

17 September 2024

Cato Ridge Agripark revamp unlocks potential

Location: News

Cato Ridge Agripark revamp unlocks potential

The eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee has given the green light to reprioritise over R2 million to fund the refurbishment of chicken houses at the Cato Ridge AgriPark, near Hammarsdale.

The KwaZulu-Natal municipality bought the Cato Ridge Chicken Farm, as part of government’s efforts to fight the scourge of job losses and unemployment.

This forms part of the City’s Agribusiness Masterplan implementation, adopted by the Council in 2020.
The 10-year strategic plan seeks to unlock new investment in the agribusiness value-chain of no less than R1 billion.

In her presentation to the committee, Agri-Business Senior Manager for Business Development and Production, Nkululeko Hlongwane said an assessment indicated the need to improve the production capacity and efficiency of the existing chicken production houses.

She said this will ensure that each production unit can accommodate 25 000 broiler flock per cycle.

“This improvement will facilitate the Cato Ridge AgriPark Incubator Farm to realise its commercial potential by yielding a minimum of 250 000 broiler chickens per cycle being produced in the farm. This translates to an estimated income of R102 million per annum that could be generated by the farm,” Hlongwane said.

The Cato Ridge AgriPark Incubator broiler chicken production has unlocked commercial economic opportunities for local Agricultural Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises (agriSMMEs) to participate in the commercial production of broiler chicken and the meat value chain.

There are seven businesses occupying Cato Ridge chicken houses which have created about 17 long-term jobs.
Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Thembo Ntuli, noted that the committee’s key objective is to facilitate inclusive economic development and job creation.

Refurbishment of Chatsworth ablution facilities

Meanwhile, the ablution refurbishment project has created 23 job opportunities for the community residing in the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement, Chatsworth.

As part of expediting service delivery in the city, the municipality’s Area Based Management Unit, working with the Water and Sanitation Unit, have recently refurbished the ablutions which were experiencing blockages, resulting in overflowing in informal settlements.

The project included the rehabilitation of 500 collapsed and dilapidated toilets.

Proportional Representative Councillor, Buyisiwe Gumede commended the eThekwini Municipality officials for the project which she said will have a positive impact on residents’ lives.

“We are pleased that the project has started. There are other pressing needs in the community, including the shortage of housing and water and electricity supply,” Gumede said.

Ward 71 resident, Sphamandla Msomi, also commended the city for addressing the issue of ablution facilities in the area. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:03

256 views

17 September 2024

Mpumalanga records highest HIV prevalence rate

Location: News

Mpumalanga records highest HIV prevalence rate

Compared to other provinces, Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 people, living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province.

The key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for Mpumalanga were released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Tuesday.

According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that, in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was 7.8% among youth aged 15 to 24 overall, and 1.5-fold higher among males (9.8%) than females (6.3%) in this age group.

Among adults aged 25 to 49, HIV prevalence was 26.4% overall, and 1.6-fold higher among females (31.9%) than males (19.9%).

By locality, HIV prevalence was higher among those residing in rural formal or farms (21.1%) and rural informal areas (18.4%) and lower in urban areas (15.5%).

“A concerning state is that HIV prevalence peaked at 40.8% among those 45 to 49 years in 2022 compared to 39% in 2017 among those 35 to 39 years, suggesting a possibility of continued new infections.

“There was a notable downward shift in the epidemic curve in 2022 among respondents 15 to 44 years,” Zuma noted.

The data presented are for three priority districts in Mpumalanga, namely Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts.

In 2022, HIV prevalence among all ages was highest in Gert Sibande (20.5%) and Ehlanzeni (16%) and lowest in Nkangala (13.1%).

Antiretroviral treatment

Meanwhile, according to the data, antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in Mpumalanga increased to 81.8% in 2022, from 65.4% in 2017.

This translates to an estimated 630 000 people living with HIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.

In 2022, ART use among all people living with HIV in the province was 56.4% among adolescents and youth 15 to 24 years and 83.9% among those 25 to 49 years.

Among females, ART coverage was substantially lower among those aged 15 to 24 (58.6%) than those aged 25 to 49 (85.2%).

ART coverage among males from 25 to 49 years was 81.6%, while it was 54.8% for male youth aged 15 to 24.

The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.

Knowledge of HIV status

Zuma expressed concern that people living with HIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for most people living with HIV in Mpumalanga who were unaware of their HIV status (62.3%), aware but not on ART (63.5%), and on ART but not virally suppressed (63.4%).

However, adolescents and youth aged between 15 to 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.4% of all people living with HIV.

In this age group, 16.9% knew their HIV status, 16.7% knew their HIV status but were not on ART, and 13.7% of those on ART were not on viral load suppression (VLS).

People residing in urban areas accounted for the most people living with HIV overall.

Key drivers

Regarding the key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that Mpumalanga had the lowest prevalence of sexual debut among provinces.

The proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 who reported having sex before the age of 15 years decreased from 13.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022.

However, sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 in 2022 was higher among males (6.1%) than females (4.8%).

The survey revealed that in the province, 5.1% of people aged 15 and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.9% in 2017.

The proportion of people aged 15 years and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was almost three-fold (7.4%) higher in males than among females (2.7%) and was higher among those aged between 15 and 24 (6.2%) compared to other age groups.

Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that 46.1% reported using a condom with the most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 46.3% in 2017.

Condom use was substantially lower among those residing in rural formal or farm dwellings (26.0%) compared to those living in urban areas (50.1%).

Meanwhile, a higher proportion (32.4%) also reported that they never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner.

“Only 11% reported that they used condoms almost every time … Nearly 50% of youth reported using a condom sometimes or never using a condom.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:31

155 views

17 September 2024

Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week

Location: News

Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week

Members of the public are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills Week.

Civilians will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week, which started on 16 September and will continue until 20 September 2024.

The week is organised annually by the Law Society of South Africa, and it provides an opportunity for all participating law firms to offer free basic will drafting services.

The attorneys participating in the initiative will not amend or redraft existing wills but will focus on drafting new basic wills for the public.

“Among other things, making a will assists in ensuring that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. If a person dies without leaving a valid will, their assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act.

“The provisions of the Intestate Succession Act are fair, however, if you die without leaving a will, your assets may not be left to the person of your choice. It can take a long time to have an executor appointed and there can be extra and unnecessary costs,” government said.

For more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/
- SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:30

82 views

17 September 2024

Rising deaths due to non-communicable diseases a concern

Location: News

Rising deaths due to non-communicable diseases a concern

The rapid increase in diabetes, particularly affecting women, is a cause for concern, says Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla.

“When looking at gender-specific causes of death, diabetes mellitus is the leading underlying cause of female deaths at 8.2% which increased from 7.7% in 2018. The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning,” he said on Monday.

Phaahla was speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), a collaboration between national research funding agencies in Canada, China, India, South Africa and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

He took the time to outline government’s plans to address the burden of the emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pandemic, otherwise known as lifestyle diseases.

Diabetes was the second leading underlying cause of death in 2020, accounting for 6.6% of all deaths. COVID-19, first detected that year, became the leading cause of death.

“Non-communicable diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also have a profound economic impact, straining both individuals and our healthcare system.

“We must recognise the gravity of this burden which is deeply interconnected with factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking and social and commercial determinants of health,” he told delegates.

The Deputy Minister told the attendees that the department’s primary focus is prevention and it has implemented campaigns aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

In addition, he said early detection of NCDs is key to effective management.

The department has rolled out community-based screening campaigns through community health workers (CHWs) and traditional health practitioners (THPs) targeting the early detection of hypertension and diabetes.

“Our focus is not limited to the detection of diseases but also includes education on risk factors and lifestyle modifications that can prevent the progression of these conditions.”

According to the Deputy Minister, the department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with parkrun South Africa to encourage communities to walk, jog or run on weekends.

However, at the heart of the NCDs response is strengthening the country’s primary healthcare (PHC) services.
“PHC facilities across the country are being equipped to manage and monitor patients with chronic conditions effectively. The department is working to ensure that treatment for NCDs is both accessible and affordable.”

He mentioned regulatory interventions such as the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, implemented to reduce premature death from NCDs.

There are also regulations relating to trans-fats in foodstuffs which prohibit the sale, manufacture and importation of oils and fats, including continuous phase emulsions, either alone or as part of processed foods.

There are regulations concerning food for infants and young children, as well as the reduction of sodium in certain food items to help lower salt intake to less than 5g per day.

“Excessive salt intake is associated with hypertension which is the second leading cause of death in South Africa and hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.”

Phaahla believes the battle against lifestyle diseases is far from over. However, with the right interventions and a collective effort from all sectors of society, he is of the view that it can reduce the burden in the country.

“The findings of Statistics South Africa survey that deaths due to major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa increased over 20 years, should be a concern for all of us.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:52

325 views

17 September 2024

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Location: News

Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses

Fourteen traffic officials, including traffic officers and a driving school operator, have been arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses and solicitation gratification.

“The investigations started in 2021 where it is alleged that driving school owners in Sabie colluded with departmental officials in issuing learners’ licenses and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following normal processes of conducting routine tests and assisting applicants to write learners licenses,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.

Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued to applicants without being tested after paying exorbitant amount of cash.

The suspects aged between 34 and 59 years were arrested in a joint operation by the Road Traffic Management’s Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Police Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga.

“A male and female examiner of licences, together with a driving school operator, were arrested at [the] Sabie driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while four examiners of driving licences were nabbed at Lydenberg DLTC, including two examiners in Graskop DLTC.

“The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the RTMC Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act,” the RTMC said.

Meanwhile, four traffic officers in Verena were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists who broke the rules of the road, in excessive speed and other related road traffic offences.

They were arrested as part of Operation “Kwanele” in Mpumalanga to clean up fraud and corruption at the DLTCs.

“Members of the public who obtain licences through corrupt means pose a danger to other motorists. Members of the public are encouraged to desist from these corrupt activities. Law enforcement officials will not rest until corrupt elements are eroded from the system,” said the RTMC. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:00

223 views

17 September 2024

Transnet works to curb shipping delays

Location: News

Transnet works to curb shipping delays

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has enhanced its ability to curb shipping and cargo-handling delays caused by long waves that impact vessels berthed at its ports, thanks to the delivery of six more hydraulic shore tension units destined for the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura.

From the 52 units procured by TNPA in September 2023, this batch brings the total number of mooring units delivered to 12 and adds to the eight that were installed in the Cape Town and Ngqura ports prior to this acquisition.

In a statement on Tuesday, Transnet said the timely delivery solidifies the execution of the Transnet Recovery Plan, which aims to improve operational efficiencies and increase the value of service to customers.

Shipping and cargo handling operations at the Cape Town and Ngqura ports are often impacted by strong winds reaching 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 meters.

Such inclement weather conditions cause operational and safety disruptions leading to delays in vessel movements.

A hydraulic tension mooring unit is a system placed on the quayside to ensure the safety of docked vessels by mitigating the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The benefits include minimised downtime and safety incidents during operations.

“The introduction of the shore tension units at the Port of Cape Town has significantly improved our vessel operations,” said National Operations Manager at CMA CGM South Africa, Leon Reddy, commenting on the delivery as one of the shipping lines that are benefiting from the installed shore tensions.

“With the ability to keep our vessels stable and secure alongside the berth, we have seen a notable reduction in vessel movement and ranging.

“This has resulted in increased container productivity and reduced port stay times, leading to improved overall efficiency and reduced costs. We support TNPA's initiative to invest in additional shore tension units and look forward to continued cooperation to enhance port operations," he said.

TNPA has procured 52 shore tension units with an allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town with six delivered, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura with all six delivered, four for the Port of Saldanha and four for the Port of Richards Bay.

The phased delivery of the rest of the units will be completed by early 2025.

TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.

It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:53

105 views

17 September 2024

Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation

Location: News

Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says automation and digital transformation is necessary to turn Home Affairs into a department that supercharges economic growth, delivers dignified civic services and secures national security.

“The inefficiency and corruption that has maligned this department can all be traced back to the fact that it still has manual and paper-based processes,” Schreiber said.

Speaking at the RMB Morgan Stanley Investor Conference, Schreiber said Home Affairs sits at the heart of national security apparatus and has much work to do to restore internal security after decades of neglect and institutional vandalism.

He said securing immigration and civics systems through automation and digital transformation will deliver an immediate boost to confidence in South Africa’s ability to re-establish law and order.

“But the role of Home Affairs as an economic enabler goes well beyond the realm of national security. In total, it is in the domain of Home Affairs that we have the potential to triple or even quadruple this country’s annual economic output.

“We can do all of this with very little additional demands on the fiscus, which is already overstretched. To achieve this economic impact, we must address both regulation and administration as a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.

Schreiber said South Africa’s new remote working visa was a game changer.

“My message to remote workers all around the world is simple: there is just no place like South Africa. And with our new user-friendly remote working visa, there has never been a better time to come and spend your hard-earned salary in a beautiful country whose best days are yet to come.

“Even more exciting than the remote working visa, is the new points-based work visa. The points-based work visa is going to revolutionise the South African economy.

“Gone will be the days when highly skilled workers had no pathway to help build this country if their skills happened to not be included in an arbitrary critical skills list,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:32

99 views

17 September 2024

Minister congratulates 33 field ranger graduates

Location: News

Minister congratulates 33 field ranger graduates

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the 33 newly-graduated field rangers of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

The graduates completed a rigorous training regimen and were inaugurated as field rangers at a ceremony in Skukuza, earlier this month.

The Minister commended the dedication and resilience of the new recruits.

"I am proud of the commitment and determination each of these individuals has shown throughout their intense six-week training programme. These new field rangers will provide critical support to our conservation efforts, safeguarding one of South Africa's most treasured natural heritages and playing a vital role in preserving our biodiversity for future generations," the Minister said on Tuesday.

The rigorous pre-selection and selection process, which took place in July 2024, demanded both physical endurance and mental fortitude from the trainees.

The graduates will now join the ranger corps across various sections of the KNP, contributing to law enforcement and biodiversity conservation efforts in the park.

"Our field rangers are at the frontline of the fight against poaching and environmental crime. Their work ensures the integrity of our protected areas, and I trust that their contributions will strengthen our collective efforts to protect South Africa’s wildlife," George said.

The Minister also extended his gratitude to South African National Parks (SANParks) for their continued leadership in conservation and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards in ranger training. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:08

42 views

16 September 2024

Murder, attempted murder suspect to appear in court

Location: News

Murder, attempted murder suspect to appear in court

A 30-year-old suspect is expected to appear in court soon for the attempted murder of two police officers as well as the murder of a neighbour, said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

The suspect who also faces charges of the possession of unlicensed firearms among others, was sought in KwaZulu-Natal and in Gauteng. The suspect was arrested and detained in Johannesburg in an intelligence driven operation on Saturday.

The arrest was made by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation's Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) assisted by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial tracing team, SAPS National Modus Operandi Centre and Johannesburg District Aggravated Robberies team.

“The Pretoria based Hawks’ TOMS team in collaboration with the Pietermaritzburg Serious Organised Crime Investigation operationalised information that was received and the team was granted a warrant of arrest to detain one suspect at the Jeppe area …. in connection with murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition [and] also attempted murder of two police officials as well as a murder of his neighbour in KwaZulu-Natal,” said the Hawks in a statement on Sunday.

According to the Hawks, several attempts to secure his appearance in court were in vain.

“The suspect was also expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates court on 28 July 2024, possession of unlicensed firearm but failed to do so because at the time he was also being sought for murder in KwaZulu-Natal.

The suspect will [be] be appearing in court soon on [the] Jeppe case facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm then transferred to KwaZulu-Natal where he will answer to [the] murder and attempted murder as per [the] Estcourt case as well as murder as per [the] Loskop case. All the crimes were committed this year,” said the Hawks. SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 11:40

487 views

16 September 2024

EC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers

Location: News

EC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has introduced innovative funding mechanisms to support the commercialisation of Black farmers.

Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department established the Eastern Cape Agriculture Blended Funding Scheme to provide access to finance for Black farmers to become commercial and participate in the value chains.

This was made possible through collaboration with the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and Land Bank.

In 2023/24, DRDAR and ECDC distributed R32 million to 18 agricultural enterprises, creating 455 jobs.

The funding has enabled businesses to invest in equipment, infrastructure, and production inputs, enhancing their revenue.

“We are committed to this initiative with a budget of R75 million allocated to attract equal or more funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) and the private sector over the Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The budget for 2024/25 is R25 million,” Kontsiwe said.

The department recently entered into an agreement with the Land Bank to collaborate on funding and developing clustered and aggregated commodities value chains in the province.

“This collaboration aims to facilitate access to affordable funding for farmers without stringent terms to support primary and agro-processing activities, to enable Eastern Cape farmers to access the R300 million allocation from the Land Bank.

“The finalised aggregation model and financing tools will be tested in pilot projects for grains, wool, mohair, citrus farming, dairy, vegetables, and livestock in the province,” Kontsiwe said.

Kontsiwe added that the department, in partnership with the ECRDA, aims to support Black commercial farmers in exporting their produce to international markets, thereby boosting their competitiveness.

“The revolving credit facility is designed to offer operational funding to address the financial needs of high-value and export-oriented commodities during production cycles. A budget of R4 million has been earmarked for the ECRDA to implement this program in the 2024/25 financial year, serving as an incentive to attract more Black commercial farmers to participate in export markets,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 11:43

853 views

16 September 2024

BRICS Ministers of Justice to meet in Moscow

Location: News

BRICS Ministers of Justice to meet in Moscow

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane is expected to attend the meeting of the BRICS Ministers of Justice in Moscow, Russia, this week.

This ahead of the BRICS 2024 Summit expected to be held in that country from 22 to 24 October.

“The meeting seeks to strengthen relations between Ministries of Justice from BRICS countries and will see the Ministries of Justice from BRICS countries working together to ensure the protection of civil rights and freedoms, introduction of technological solutions in the area of digitalisation of justice services and benchmarking on experience in providing legal services and legal aid to the members of the public.

“It is envisaged that the BRICS Ministries of Justice meeting will culminate in improved relations between the BRICS Ministries of Justice, resolution to current issues related to the areas of cooperation and organization of advanced training programs in the legal fraternity,” the department said in a statement.

The meeting of the BRICS Minister of Justice is set for 18 to 20 September.

The department said the Minister will also have the opportunity to hold bilateral discussions with Ministers from the BRICS countries.

“The interaction of different countries in [the meeting] is based on respect for the universally recognised principles, norms of international laws and the desire for equal international cooperation in order to solve mutual problems and promote common interests,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 12:02

341 views