SA News

13 September 2024

Eskom pays tribute to “pivotal figure” former Minister Gordhan

Location: News

Eskom pays tribute to “pivotal figure” former Minister Gordhan

Eskom has joined the rest of South Africa and the global community in mourning the passing of former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.

Gordhan was Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his planned retirement in March 2024.

The State-owned power utility described the former Minister as a “pivotal figure in Eskom’s transformation, driving critical reforms that set the foundation for the utility’s future”.

The organisation said he was instrumental in initiating the legal separation of Eskom into Generation, Transmission, and Distribution entities.

According to Eskom, his vision, outlined in the 2019 Department of Public Enterprises Roadmap for Eskom in a reformed Electricity Supply Industry, led to the creation of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), which began operations in July this year.

This marked a key milestone in South Africa’s efforts to reform the electricity sector, boost efficiency, and promote transparency.

Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, has offered heartfelt condolences to Gordhan’s family on behalf of the Eskom Board, executives, and all staff.

“His strategic guidance and unwavering support were essential to the current Board’s efforts to restore Eskom’s performance.”

According to Nyathi, he consistently stood by the Board, management, and employees during his time as Minister.

“His legacy will live on through us as we rebuild a high-performance and ethical Eskom,” Nyati added.
Eskom has also sent its deepest sympathies to his loved ones, knowing that his contributions will forever be remembered as a vital part of South Africa’s progress.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the power utility’s statement concluded.

In a statement released on Friday morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal, and sister Shanta Harilal.

President Ramaphosa commended him for his role as a leader in the country’s anti-corruption efforts during his later years of service to the nation.

“Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much-needed and deserved time together.

“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution.

“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said.

READ | President mourns the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan

Meanwhile, the South African Revenue Service(SARS) described the former Minister as “a true patriot, social activist and a steward leader.”

READ | Tributes continue for “patriot” former Minister Pravin Gordhan

– SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 12:32

158 views

13 September 2024

Manufacturers pleased with AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition

Location: News

Manufacturers pleased with AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition

Clothing, textile, footwear and leather manufacturers who showcased their proudly South African products at the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition in Cape Town this week have expressed satisfaction with the quality of meetings they held and leads they acquired during the show.

The group received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to showcase their products at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (ICC) from 10-12 September 2024.

The Sales Manager of Genuine Connection Promotions, Elaine Köhne, described the experience as amazing and beneficial as it offered an opportunity to showcase their clothing line, gather market insight, connect with industry professionals and attract new business.

“We managed to network, interact with visitors and other companies that were showcasing at the show,” Köhne said.

“We had good conversations and exchanged contacts which we will definitely follow up on. We will invite these new contacts to our premises for further engagements that could lead to new business opportunities and partnerships. Importantly, the show gave us an opportunity to also see what is on the international market,” she said.

According to the Project Manager of the South African Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan 2030 Master Plan Programme, Courtney Barnes, it was great to see local manufacturers showcasing their capabilities at the show.

She said what stood out from the master plan perspective was the variety of the local capabilities, although there is still a need to upscale and showcase more of the local capabilities with real capacity.

“If we want retailers to localise, we need to show them that we have the supplier capabilities and capacity. The show is the first step and I am excited to see its offerings next year and to bring more local manufacturers to the table and have more international buyers to come and appreciate what South African manufacturers can do,” Barnes said.

Sales Manager of Freudenberg Non-Wovens, a global manufacturer and innovative pioneer in the field of technical textiles, nonwovens and fibre, Heidi Smith, expressed her gratification with the outcomes of the show.

She said the participation was remarkable, as it provided a platform for engagements with retail partners and current partners. According to her, they have started sending emails for the expansion of the engagements.

“It was wonderful to engage with various partners and other designers coming to see what we do. It was more pleasing to engage with smaller designers and manufacturers who came to learn and understand how we are doing our business and what they can learn from us,” Smith said.

She said the panel discussions on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) focusing on boosting intra-African trade through regional value chains in the textile and clothing industry, the journey to sustainability focusing on green manufacturing, ethical sourcing, among others, were beneficial.

The Director of Leather and Footwear at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, congratulated the event organiser, Messe Frankfurt SA, for a world class event.

“The dtic and Industrial Development Corporation officials attended to the needs of the international and local exhibitors, and visitors with the aim of developing investment leads. The event offered an opportunity for scaling up, to showcase and promote manufacturing capabilities of South Africa and Africa.

“Parallel events at the show brought together international community of manufacturers, designers, retailers, buyers, educational institutions, associations, investors, financiers and service providers to the textile, apparel, footwear and fashion industry,” Irkhede said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:23

254 views

13 September 2024

Majodina to inspect Lesotho water project tunnel in Free State

Location: News

Majodina to inspect Lesotho water project tunnel in Free State

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina will on Saturday conduct an oversight visit to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel in Clarens in the Free State.

The visit to the project located in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality comes ahead of the project’s shutdown for maintenance.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel is preparing for a six-month closure, as it undergoes planned maintenance, jointly undertaken by the Lesotho Highlands Development Agency (LHDA) and the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), which is an entity under the Department of Water and Sanitation.

The closure of the tunnel, which is scheduled to start from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025, is prompted by a need for extensive maintenance and repair works to ensure optimal water supply.

The tunnel system includes a transfer tunnel, linking Katse Dam with Muela Power Station and Muela Dam, and a delivery tunnel linking Muela Dam with the Ash River Outfall Works between Clarens and Bethlehem.

The work required to be undertaken during the shutdown period includes grit-blasting the steel-lined section around the entire circumference and re-applying corrosion protection on the tunnel lining, and other maintenance and repair work identified during the 2019 maintenance shutdown.

The department said the tunnel shutdown will have implications for water supply to South Africa, particularly on the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) water users.

“The IVRS and the users along the Liebenbergsvlei River, Mafube, Nketoana and Dihlabeng Local Municipalities in the Free State will be affected as well. The department has engaged with all affected municipalities and stakeholders, including provincial government departments, informing them of the planned tunnel closure,” the department said.

Majodina, who will be accompanied by Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitllolo will also hold a meeting with the affected municipalities to assess their state of readiness to continue water supply in their respective communities during the shutdown. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:58

233 views

13 September 2024

Gauteng launches campaign to ensure business compliance in townships

Location: News

Gauteng launches campaign to ensure business compliance in townships

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Finance, Lebogang Maile, has launched the "Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho - Fix Your Business" campaign in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni.

This is part of government’s efforts to ensure business compliance in townships, informal settlements, hostels and CBDs.

A joint effort between the department, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, the City of Ekurhuleni, SA Police Service, the Gauteng Liquor Board, the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs, Gauteng Gambling Board and relevant government agencies, "Qondis’ Ishishini Lakho - Fix Your Business" is primarily meant to assist business to comply with regulations that govern businesses in Gauteng, while simultaneously enforcing compliance with the same laws.

During MEC Maile’s monitoring and compliance blitz in Ivory Park, Winnie Mandela and Olifantsfontein townships, most of the businesses were closed in the neighbourhood’s high street.

This suggested that most of them were non-compliant and shut down to evade monitoring inspections.

However, for shopping centres in the neighbourhood, it was business as usual and that is where inspections focused.

Tembisa was chosen partly because between February and September 2024, 203 cases of foodborne illnesses were reported in Gauteng - Ekurhuleni accounted for 116 of those - including 10 deaths.

Four recent deaths were reported in Ekurhuleni and the victims were children between the ages of 03 and 13.

As part of ongoing community outreach and strengthening engagement with learners, government assigned environmental health officials to address food safety concerns in local schools and communities.

MEC Maile said government was committed to helping emerging businesses access funding and market opportunities and pledged to soon host a funding symposium with the banks to help compliant and qualifying businesses access funding.

He urged township businesses to consider other options, including cooperative banks and to pool resources together to fund expansion.

“The township economy is worth at least R100 billion but most of that money leaves the township. Businesses need the help of government to change that. We also need to solve the problem of the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. Otherwise, the economy will not change,” he said.

MEC Maile undertook to attend the problem of the lack of ease of doing business, saying this was stifling the growth potential of many emerging businesses.

Also on site at the Rabasotho community hall were various government entities whose function is to register businesses and ensure their compliance. They availed their online services.

Ekurhuleni Member of the Mayoral Committee, Nomadlozi Nkosi, explained that they were providing on-the-spot assistance to small and medium enterprises in the Ivory Park, Olifantsfontein and Winnie Mandela communities.

The initiative was a significant step towards fostering a more competitive and sustainable business environment by holding the hand and assisting with the much-needed interventions.

SAPS District Commissioner of Ekurhuleni, Major General Anna Sithole, said they had run scores of raids in line with the Operation Shanela weekly campaign on businesses in Gauteng and had confiscated 3089 of contraband and counterfeit products.

Around Tembisa, 191 liquor outlets were inspected and 112 of those outlets were closed due to non-compliance.

This also resulted in the confiscation of over 105 872 15 millilitres of alcohol.

A total of 114 spaza shop-focused inspections resulted in the confiscation of 5 265 counterfeit cigarettes and a total of 880 illegal body creams.

Sithole said this would benefit communities and respond to their concerns about sub-standard goods being sold at some of the shops in the townships.

She called for this to happen weekly in order to have the desired impact in Gauteng.

“We welcome this brilliant initiative. It is an initiative that will complement the Commissioner’s whole government approach to law enforcement.

“We as law enforcement agencies pledge 100% commitment to work with multi-sectoral agencies to ensure that communities feel safe when they purchase foods. We take this opportunity of correcting wrong with right to ensure that business owners fix their businesses. Those who don’t will not trade with peace. We urge them to do what is right,” Sithole said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 11:23

39 views

13 September 2024

Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

Location: News

Lamola embarks on a working visit to the United States

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in Washington DC, in the United States on Thursday for a weeklong working visit.

South Africa enjoys strategic relations with the United States and has strong political, economic, and social ties.
According to the department, bilateral cooperation with the United States covers various issues aligned with South Africa’s domestic priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP).

America is also the leading source of foreign direct investment, a market for value-added exports and agri-products, technology transfer, development assistance, investment finance, skills development, and tourism for South Africa.

These investments, according to the department, make a significant contribution to supporting government efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

During the visit, which will conclude on Thursday, 19 September 2024, the Minister will participate in meetings and attend various events.

These include the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Roundtable where delegates will also discuss critical issues facing Africa and the diaspora solutions, and the United States policy toward Africa.

He is also expected to meet with the business stakeholders, including the United States Chamber of Commerce.
George Washington University will host Lamola for a panel discussion on United States-South Africa relations.

“There will also be an engagement with the Quincy Institute Responsible for State Craft and a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“Minister Lamola believes that this working visit will deepen and strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:14

106 views

13 September 2024

President mourns the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan

Location: News

President mourns the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.

Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.

President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal, and sister Shanta Harilal.

He said his thoughts were also with Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations he established relationships with, as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and member of the National Executive.

Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his planned retirement in March 2024.

The late activist was also appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.

His involvement in the public sector stemmed from his participation in the anti-apartheid struggle.

This included his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and 80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress, and as a military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue. He was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

Last year marked 50 years since Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. This led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.
In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.

President Ramaphosa said: “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.

“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.”

President Ramaphosa commended him for his role as a leader in the country’s anti-corruption efforts during his later years of service to the nation.

“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much-needed and deserved time together.

“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution.

“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 09:40

336 views

12 September 2024

Nuclear build will follow the science – Ramokgopa

Location: News

Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa

The South African government will pursue a new nuclear build that is led by scientific evidence.

This is according to the Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who addressed the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the Ministry on Thursday.

“We are going to be evidence led in terms of our policy choices. The beauty about evidence and science is that it removes emotion. It’s important that those who can bring the political dimension, bring it to the fore [and] marry it with the science and we find solutions.

“We have a duty to ensure that as many people as possible or those who have an interest must understand what the science [of nuclear] is so that we are able to dispel these myths [about nuclear], we are able to undermine and push back against those who have no clue about the conversation we are having today,” he said.

Ramokgopa insisted that the withdrawal of the ministerial determination for government’s planned procurement of at least 2 500MW was to protect the process from legal challenges.

“We made the point that we have nothing to hide. So if there are complexities or the process of the 2 500MW build programme is compromised…we have a duty to pull it back, to clean it so that you don’t conflate the science and the process.

“Then on the basis of the science we’ll be able to make a compelling story to the South African people. [We want to] clean the process, make it as democratic as possible. Those who have objections, raise those objections on the basis of the science because the process would have allowed you an opportunity to do exactly that,” he said.

The Minister noted that the global move towards the use of nuclear energy is a “return to realism”.

“We will converge on the science that this is the path that must be pursued for us to be able to achieve energy security to ensure that we are able to green the sources of energy generation.

“Nucelar is part of the energy mix…it’s part of the future. It’s indispensable to the resolution of an attainment of energy sovereignty in this country. We will answer the question of at what scale, what pace that will not undermine the issues of affordability and not compromise the fiscus. I am more than confident that nuclear has got a place, has a got a role,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:30

389 views

12 September 2024

Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector

Location: News

Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector

Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, says the province has adopted the Agriculture Investment Framework to revitalise the agriculture sector.

Commenting on the commercialisation of Eastern Cape’s agriculture, Kontsiwe noted that despite having the highest livestock population, the province only contributes 8% to the country's livestock Gross Domestic Product.

There are over 10 000 hectares of irrigable land with water rights in irrigation schemes that have the potential to produce dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, and fodder.

“However, this land is not fully utilised, and optimising its use could greatly enhance sector performance in terms of growth and employment,” Kontsiwe said.

She said commercial farmers constitute 9% of the farming population, generating 71% of the income and employing 60% of the agricultural labour force, significantly driving the agricultural sector's performance.

On the other hand, she said, smallholder producers, representing 91% of the farming population, generate 29% of the income and provide 40% of the jobs.

“The growth of smallholder farmers is impeded by high barriers to entry, including high fixed costs (land, equipment, and operations), inadequate on and off-farm infrastructure, limited funding options tailored to their needs, rising input costs, and poor logistics.

“The challenge is how to effectively commercialise land owned by Black farmers to enhance the economic performance of the agricultural sector to build industries for inclusive growth,” the MEC said.

Policy

Kontsiwe said government has approved a progressive State Land Lease and Disposal Policy, aimed at releasing land to land reform beneficiaries to attract investment, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness on their farms.

She reported that out of all the farms distributed in the Eastern Cape, 100 were classified as commercially viable in various agricultural sectors.

These include citrus in Amathole and Sarah Baartman; deciduous in Sarah Baartman; wool and beef across the province; and grain in OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, and Amathole.

The department’s strategy for commercialising 100 farms involves repurposing the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) to serve as a trade and business aggregator for various commodities.

“The ECRDA will be empowered to enter into 10-year commercial agreements with all 100 farms to provide holistic support to them and provide them with offtake contracts to supply their produce to ECRDA processors, which are planned to be located in RED Hubs and industrial parks such as Queens Industrial, Butterworth Industrial Park, Fort Jackson, and Dimbaza.

“These processors will process primary produce into food and feed products for domestic markets. For export-oriented products, the ECRDA, supported by the ECDC, will aggregate produce from these farms and explore trade opportunities in African, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets,” Kontsiwe explained.

The MEC added that the department will partner with other sector departments to facilitate private sector investment by securing water rights for irrigation, obtaining environmental authorisation, acquiring title deeds, or securing long-term land use rights.

The department will also work towards consolidating and coordinating government investments towards land reform farms.

The targeted departments include Agriculture; Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; Water and Sanitation and Economic Development, Environment Affairs and Tourism.

“The department will collaborate with the Regional Land Claims Commission to secure Land Development Grants for 38 properties in land claims settlements [and] this will benefit communities in areas like Ncora, Magwa, Dwesa-Cwebe, Mkhambathi, and more.

“The department will develop an infrastructure business plan to access funding and unlock R220 million from the Land Development Grant,” Kontsiwe said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:19

371 views

12 September 2024

Government to increase the scale of investment in infrastructure

Location: News

Government to increase the scale of investment in infrastructure

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that the seventh administration is committed to significantly expanding infrastructure investment, as it is crucial for driving economic growth and ensuring efficient service delivery.

The President was briefing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals, and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

“The development of public infrastructure is necessary for effective service delivery and economic development. That is why we are determined as this administration to massively increase the scale of investment in infrastructure. Through this investment, we will turn South Africa into a building site,” the President said.

However, the President acknowledged that public infrastructure projects that are delayed or abandoned have a negative impact on the ability of communities to access services.

To address this challenge, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure began the identification of delayed and abandoned projects within its portfolio during the sixth democratic administration.

Through a Presidential Proclamation in 2019, the Infrastructure Development Act was moved to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The President explained that this enabled the Minister to develop a more holistic approach to infrastructure development in all spheres of government and the private sector through Infrastructure South Africa.

He highlighted that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has identified a number of key pillars to drive the infrastructure investment process such as institutional arrangements for implementation of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050.

“One of the other pillars is to ensure that there is better preparation and prioritisation of infrastructure projects. Other proposed reforms include multi-year budgeting for infrastructure planning and delivery, and speeding up permitting and approval processes.

“The task of identifying incomplete and abandoned infrastructure projects is being implemented throughout all provinces. The completion of these projects requires dedicated capacity that may not be readily available,” he said.

To address this, President Ramaphosa said the department has issued calls for various professionals in the built environment to provide expertise to the department as required.

One of the mechanisms to monitor progress on identified projects at an executive level is the Siyahlola programme.

“In this programme, site visits are conducted to check the status and plans to complete outstanding work. Follow up visits are also conducted after a few months to ensure that the recovery plans are being implemented,” he said.

The Siyahlola programme is bringing stakeholders, such as local and district municipalities, together to unblock any issues related to bulk infrastructure and outstanding approvals.

The programme further demonstrates effective interventions that can be achieved through the District Development Model as all stakeholders are brought in to work on the same goal. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:05

284 views

12 September 2024

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

Location: News

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

The police will intensify compliance inspections at all police stations and service points in a bid to continuously improve service offering to communities, said the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

“Our responsibility as a police service is to keep all people living in South Africa safe and as the South African Police Service we will continue to act without fear, favour and prejudice to realise this vision,” said Masemola.

The Commissioner addressed the media in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“The SAPS remains at the coalface of the criminal justice system, and it is upon our members to ensure that the work that they do continues to inspire confidence in the system,” he said, adding that the police’s ongoing operations are yielding the desired results.

This as the police is continuously implementing an “all hands-on deck approach” that leaves no one behind.

“It is a joint effort working closely with other law enforcement agencies, other government departments, the business sector, our community police forum structures and private security.

“At the heart of it all, lies our communities. Through community participation and through the tip-offs that we continue to receive, criminals are feeling the heat. There is no longer much room and space for criminals in all provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape and [the] Eastern Cape to operate because that space has been squeezed,” Masemola said.

According to the Commissioner, ongoing takedowns and the arrests of wanted suspects is sending a firm and stern warning to all criminals that police are hitting the ground running and that the men and women in blue will continue to sniff out criminals.

“We do believe that we are registering progress in destabilising the work of organised crime syndicates as well as ruthless criminals in all forms and shape.

“Since our last briefing four weeks ago, 85 000 more suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder to rape, kidnapping and extortion. This brings the total number of suspects arrested since the launch of Operation Shanela to 850 375.

“During this period, 824 illegal and unlicensed firearms with more than 17 282 rounds of ammunition [were] seized,” the Commissioner said.

Extortions

Regarding extortions, the SAPS is working hard to bring an end to extortion related crimes.

He added that communities should report these crimes to police.

“We have developed an Extortion Action Plan and thus far, we are pleased with the manner in which this plan is being implemented throughout the country. As management, we are particularly encouraged with how our police officers are addressing the crime of extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots.

“We are following up on tip-offs and information shared through our hotlines and crime stop number. We are fetching each of these extortionists, one by one,” he said.

In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were shot and killed during confrontation with police in various provinces.

The most brazen of these alleged extortionists were in the Eastern Cape in Mthatha where three followed and tailed the National Intervention Unit (NIU) members to their base.

“Our members had been conducting stop and searches in Mthatha during tracing operations and had earlier confiscated firearms from these alleged extortionists. These extortionists indeed got what they were looking for. They shot at our police officers who were ready to defend and assert the authority of the state.”

READ | SAPS to 'deal decisively' with extortionists

Masemola said the crime of extortion requires a specialised investigative capacity and that is why police have deployed specialist teams led by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), crime intelligence and organised crime units to lead these investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:11

185 views

12 September 2024

Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build

Location: News

Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build

An expert panel is expected to be convened to advise Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on government’s planned procurement of some 2 500MW of nuclear energy to the grid.

The Minister revealed this during a media briefing on the sidelines of the Nuclear Seminar held in Gauteng on Thursday.

“We’re putting together an expert team that will advise me in relation to the pace and scale that we can afford. Once we answer that question then we will be able to articulate on the public consultation process, what the timelines are and then simultaneously we’ll begin to work out a procurement framework.

“It is the procurement framework that we will then take to Cabinet to seek an in principle approval of the framework. The actual execution of that procurement will be discharged through an avenue that we will announce,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that as it takes care of its people, government has a right to choose which sources of energy it taps into.

“As a country we reserve the right to determine what are those technologies and fuel sources that we are going to use. That is a sovereign right. We do accept that in the energy complex that are opposed to this or that technology.

“To the extent that we can justify and illustrate that it’s in the interest of the sovereign, we will pursue that,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the department is open to having frank conversations about the sources of energy powering the country.

“The conversations are democratic, they are open. We are going to discuss all technologies, all fuel sources because all of them are needed to help us…on the energy side. But also to ensure that we achieve conditions of energy sovereignty and also we pursue other peaceful uses outside of powering the South African economy.

“Nothing is off the table as far as this Ministry is concerned. We are going to discuss everything and pursue these opportunities that we have identified in the interest of the country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:19

94 views

12 September 2024

SA must keep pace with international nuclear players

Location: News

SA must keep pace with international nuclear players

Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane says South Africa should “move with pace” to keep up with the global move towards new nuclear build.

Marokane was addressing stakeholders at the Nuclear Seminar held by the Ministry of Energy and Electricity on Thursday.

“We are for nuclear. We understand that the energy mix is an important component of us achieving our strategic objectives as a country. This is not a discussion about either or. We’ve always argued that it is about the use of [energy] technologies to be complimentary.

“We are looking forward to participating in the process that will be led by the Minister [of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] to show that we can get to a point of making decisions very quickly. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have fallen behind and we have an opportunity to catch up and we need to move with pace,” he said.

READ | Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa

Marokane emphasised that it is very important that government has a clear stance on the use of nuclear energy in the country’s ambitions to lower carbon emissions.

“What I would like to appreciate is the very clear government perspective on the strategy of nuclear and where it sits on the energy mix and its importance for us marching towards net zero targets.

“We exist within the global community and clearly there’ve been movements within the world…the world around has reawakened to the reality that [nuclear] is essentially an important component of baseload power generation going forward and us reducing emissions going forward.

“We have heard about the ambitions for nuclear on the continent, Egypt being quite advanced in this area. It would be sad of us to be overtaken having had so many years of operation…both from a perspective of skills and technical contribution to the continent and opportunities,” he said.

The GCE highlighted that the economic spinoffs from using nuclear energy are “quite huge”.

“For us as a country that is emerging out of the history that it has, the social inequalities that it has, this is an element that is going to contribute meaningfully for us. Our presence in the Western Cape has contributed immensely to the economic activities in the value chain.

“We have experienced quite tremendous positive spin offs from a green stability point of view with the Koeberg [Nuclear Power Station] units that are contributing…into the system. We have just…[installed] new steam generators so that we can have a life extension for the next 20 years.

“We will continue to look at the opportunities for exploiting this for even longer,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:33

34 views

12 September 2024

Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs

Location: News

Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs

By Edwin Tshivhidzo

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has consistently emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of the sector master plans as one of the key priorities of the seventh administration.

Since his appointment two months ago, the Minister has reiterated the critical role of the master plans in increasing investment, boosting exports, creating jobs, promoting localisation and facilitating transformation.

One of the interventions initiated by partnerships in the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, where more than 20 000 jobs have been created as a result of its roll-out, is the redesigned Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Growth Programme (CTFLGP), which was launched in 2022.

Import substitution, creation of new jobs, transformation and competitiveness improvement are the main objectives of the programme.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme that is being implemented by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through the Industrial Development Corporation, is R and L Apparel. It is a woman-owned company based in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.

The company received financial support for the purchase of equipment and machinery, as well as for initial working capital, in order to grow their Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) manufacturing capacity.

Managing Director of R and L Apparel, Solis Benjie Dolores, said the support from government has enabled the company to increase its production, improve product quality, create jobs and extend its clientele, which now includes The Foschini Group, which they supply through Celtico, one of the CMT suppliers in the Newcastle clothing industry.

“The funding assisted us greatly in creating additional jobs. We had only 17 workers when we applied for the programme. As of August 2024, we were able to reach a staff complement of 103 employees, 98 of whom are women. As a matter of fact, we are looking forward to achieving the additional 150 jobs that we have committed to,” Dolores said.

“The CTFLGP is a great initiative. The programme opened new doors for our company's growth. Without the funding, we might have just stayed on 17 workers, because our machinery and working capital were very limited.

“Before we received the funding, we were running a hand-to-mouth operation that was kept going only by the dedication and endeavours of our team. Now the company is on a positive growth trajectory,” she said.

Dolores said the company is planning to acquire automated machinery to expand its production capacity based on the market demands, as local retailers are increasingly embracing Proudly South African products.

“We are happy to contribute in import substitution, growing the economy, and more importantly, creating jobs for the local people, both skilled and unskilled, assisting them to earn a decent living,” she said.

Managing Director of Argento, Joudalle Govender, also bears testimony to the positive impact of the CTFLGP on her company, which is based in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

The company manufactures apparel and corporate clothing for a major retailer and numerous corporate clients.

“We used the funding for operational expenses and to re-tool the factory with new machinery. The funding allowed us to create 45 new jobs. 100 people are currently employed in our company, 80 of whom are women.

"Our profit margins increased and we had a rapid growth in production due to the extra capacity,” Govender said.

She said the company is planning to expand its product lines, adopting sustainable practices, improving its manufacturing efficiency and exploring new markets.

“Our future plans include expanding our current building and creating 100 more jobs. We are also looking into exporting our local garments and creating more awareness on local manufacturing with South Africa,” Govender said.

She emphasises the importance of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan in promoting sustainability and innovation within the industry, which she said is crucial in adapting to the changing market demands and consumer preferences.

“I love the fact that the plan focuses on several key objectives, such as job creation and increasing local production. Argento is a local champion because we produce our own local fabric in the rural area of Isithebe.

“My favourite part is that the plan enhances competitiveness in the global market, by fostering collaboration between government, labour, and industry stakeholders. That is important for our economy,” said Govender.

The stories of two companies that operate in the clothing and textile sector undoubtedly illustrate the critical importance of the master plans, and the positive impact of the collaboration between government, business and labour on the South African economy.

According to the Director of Clothing and Leather at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, more than R1.87 billion had been approved for 154 businesses employing almost 24 000 people and R1.41 billion was disbursed by July this year. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:03

300 views

12 September 2024

Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole

Location: News

Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Najwa Petersen, who was said to have orchestrated the murder of her husband and music legend Taliep Petersen, has been granted parole.

According to the department, Petersen appeared before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on Wednesday where her parole placement date has been set for 27 November 2024.

“This decision was made in accordance with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which requires that the minimum sentence period be served before parole consideration.

“The victims were involved in the parole hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB’s decision,” the department explained.

According to reports, she was found guilty of hiring two hitmen to kill her husband. The judge described her actions as “callous” during her 2008 trial.

The now 63-year-old Petersen began serving a 28-year sentence in 2009 for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

“She has participated in various rehabilitation programmes and will now be enrolled in pre-release programmes to prepare her for reintegration into society.”

In a statement, the department explained that Petersen will serve the remainder of her sentence under the community corrections system, monitored according to parole conditions.

According to the department, normal parole conditions will apply.

“For example, she is not allowed to leave her magisterial district without informing her parole officer. She is also not allowed to conduct media interviews. Critical to highlight, there is going to be a continuity of restorative justice processes involving the victims of crime with the help of professionals,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:13

72 views

12 September 2024

Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change

Location: News

Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Mayor, Gary van Niekerk has emphasised the need to advance understanding of climate change to mitigate the challenges the country faces, including floods and drought.

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a stark reality that we face, with daily struggles such as floods and droughts that threatens the livelihoods of millions as agriculture is affected by this.

“We must advance our understanding of climate change in agriculture to ensure that we mitigate these challenges. Together we can build a resilient and prosperous future for South Africa,” Van Niekerk said.

The mayor made these remarks at the 61st Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference that was held at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha.

Held under the theme “Agricultural Economics Research for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Africa”, the three-day annual conference concluded on Wednesday.

The conference which got underway on Monday, was aimed at promoting training and research which will encourage advancements in agricultural economics research and education, among others.

The conference showcased cutting-edge research work on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on Southern Africa, as well as research on other topics of vital interest to agricultural economists, farmers, and relevant policymakers in the region.

Van Niekerk added that hosting the AEASA conference lines up with Eastern Cape metro’s broader goals to promote sustainable economic development as well as showcasing the metro’s business tourism infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, as well as NMBM Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe and Council Speaker, Eugene Johnson attended the third and final day of the conference. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:18

135 views

12 September 2024

KZN Premier condemns Highflats killings

Location: News

KZN Premier condemns Highflats killings

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation into the mass killings at Highflats on Wednesday night.

According to reports, seven people, including three children, were allegedly killed execution-style while sitting in the lounge.

Ntuli expressed deep concern over these brutal acts of violence and called for an end to such acts in the province.
The Premier has since instructed KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to deploy every available resource to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the atrocities are dealt with promptly and effectively.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in KwaZulu-Natal. We wish to pass our message of condolences to the people affected by this tragic incident,” the Premier said.

Ntuli is set to visit Highflats today (Thursday), to assess the area and to extend his condolences to impacted residents. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:53

30 views

12 September 2024

Nuclear energy still a ‘critical component’ of SA energy mix

Location: News

Nuclear energy still a 'critical component' of SA energy mix

There is global affirmation that nuclear energy has a part to play in responding to the question of climate change.

This is according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity Samantha Graham-Maré who was speaking during the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the department in Tshwane on Thursday.

“There is global acceptance of nuclear energy as an integral part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. We therefore need to work together to ensure that nuclear energy becomes an important part of the Just Energy Transition.

“It is clear that nuclear is a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix – offering a low carbon, reliable source of energy that can contribute significantly to the country’s energy security and climate goals, she said.

Graham-Maré said South Africa remains committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, while refining the IRP 2023.

“[The IRP] sets out a requirement of 2 500MW of nuclear power to ensure the stability of South Africa’s power grid. In turn, driving the reindustrialisation of our economy and the promise of economic growth that leads to job creation,” she said.

The Deputy Minister added that although new nuclear build is urgent for ensuring energy stability, the Ministry will not compromise on “public participation, adherence of statutory regulatory requirements and openness and transparency in decision making, procurement and the implementation of our new nuclear build”.

In that regard, the Ministerial determination for the procurement of the nuclear energy was withdrawn last month.

She said the negative perceptions around nuclear energy must be changed.

“Nuclear still carries somewhat of a stigma. Much of this is ignorance perpetuated by [a view of] government shrouded in secrecy manned by scientists in hazmat suits and the fear generated through the cold war era of the total destruction of the planet as a result of a nuclear war. It is up to all of us to change these perceptions.

“This summit is the first leg of that process. Given South Africa’s expertise and commitment to nuclear energy over the years, this summit is a key engagement with the nuclear industry in SA that we hope will become a regular feature of our agenda,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 10:37

106 views

12 September 2024

SARS receives R4.1bn tax directives applied for in two pot system

Location: News

SARS receives R4.1bn tax directives applied for in two pot system

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received tax directives worth R4.1 billion in applications for the savings withdrawals in the two pot system.

SARS said it has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications. This includes the directives which have been cancelled.

A total of 159 853 relates to Savings Withdrawal Benefits, which is 98.9% of the total number of applications received from 1 -10 September 2024, which means SARS received an average of 17,964 tax directive applications a day.

SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said contributions made to a pension or retirement fund were not taxed at the time of payment to the fund but deferred to the time the person retires and then taxed at a reduced rate.

However, when an individual withdraws now, they will be taxed at their marginal tax rate.

“Applications for tax directives are submitted to SARS by the fund administrator via eFiling. The directive indicates to the fund how much tax should be withheld by the fund on behalf of SARS before payout.

“Taxpayers who owe SARS money must realise that this tax debt will be added to the tax on withdrawal from the savings benefit. But if there are payment arrangements in place to settle the debt with SARS, this debt will be deducted as per agreement between SARS and the Taxpayer. A tax debt that has been deferred will also not be deducted,” the Commissioner said on Wednesday.

He indicated that the turn-around time for SARS to complete directive applications, without any human intervention, is no more than 24 hours.

The channels used by taxpayers to get more information from SARS about the new system include the SARS Online Query System on the SARS website and the SARS WhatsApp channel – 0800 11 7277 where taxpayers can do simulated tax calculations on their two pot withdrawals.

“Applicants give three reasons why they want to make a withdrawal from the new system: a transfer due to divorce, a transfer to a retirement fund and a withdrawal by the taxpayer. As the situation is changing daily, SARS will provide periodic updates on the numbers of withdrawals,” SARS said.

READ | Pension fund members required to be registered for tax to withdraw savings

-SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:28

72 views

12 September 2024

Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges

Location: News

Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges

At a juncture when public trust in government institutions is tattered and pessimism is perverse, Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has the unenviable task of reversing the tide.

It is one that he does not consider insurmountable, mammoth as it is.

This much was apparent during an interview with Public Sector Manager (PSM) magazine at his Batho Pele House office in Pretoria.

September, celebrated as Public Service Month in South Africa, was a focal point of the discussion.

During the interview the Minister outlined his vision for the revitalisation of the Public Service, emphasising the need for the restoration of professionalism and ethical standards that have deteriorated in recent years.

With that said, he is adamant that the 30 days of September should not be used to admonish public servants, but rather to celebrate their efforts.

“We are not going to use Public Service Month to highlight the wrongs that are happening within departments, it is not about that... We must not create a perception ourselves that suggests that everything is rotten in the Public Service,” said the Minister.

He stated that the annual event will instead be dedicated to honour those who have taken a conscious decision to serve in the public sector even when more lucrative opportunities were in the offering in the private sector.

“They chose not to go that route... they chose a route that is serving their people. That is what we are going to do,” he said, adding that the period will also be used to ignite enthusiasm among public servants and revive commitment to service.

“Most of us when we take office, [whether] as a police [officer] or a nurse, there is an oath that you take which commits you to whatever work you are going to do. So, as we go, all those seem to fade into the background because of a number of challenges,” he reiterated.

He said that Public Service Month should serve as a reminder of the valuable contributions public servants make to the country and encourage them to persist in their efforts, even when faced with challenging circumstances.

Not shying away from endemic challenges that continue to plague the sector, the Minister said it was important to address these issues if meaningful progress was to be made.

Professionalising the Public Service

In February 2024, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) released Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. The initiative is designed to enhance the efficacy, integrity and accountability of the Public Service.

This is in line with the government's efforts to combat corruption in the country, including within the Public Service.

For Minister Buthelezi, the conversation starts with a question that has weighed heavily on many South Africans: “How did the country’s public service, once lauded for its professionalism and integrity, lose its way?”

For him, the answer is rooted in a gradual yet troubling shift in the relationship between politicians and public servants.

“The Public Service was professional,” the Minister recalls, with a mixture of pride and concern. “But somewhere along the way, we, as politicians, started to politicise public servants. Now, there is this call for professionalisation, as if the Public Service was never professional. I dispute that notion.”

For him, the decline in standards is not a reflection of a systemic failure, but rather the result of external pressures that have distracted public servants.

“Public servants were professional, they were ethical and had a keen interest to serve. That is why most of us when we were growing up, we aspired to be public servants,” he asserted.

His responsibility and that of the DPSA, he added, is to try and depoliticise the Public Service.

“That means we are not introducing something new but we are removing something that I consider alien, we are asking public servants to go back to their core values,” he said.

Rebuilding public trust

The Minister believes that the effective utilisation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the National School of Government (NSG) will go a long way in restoring the diminished trust in the Public Service.

While the PSC coordinates government’s efforts to eradicate corruption and maladministration in the State and develops and improves policy on ethics for the Public Service, the latter is tasked with ensuring that all public servants participate and complete education, training and development initiatives.

“The NSG comes to play a particular role when it comes to training public servants in a number of things, which includes ethics, among others. That is one initiative that the department has undertaken to make make sure that we professionalise the Public Service and bring back the public trust. If people are led by leaders who are unethical, who are not committed to the cause and leaders who neglect their duty and do not take serving people as a calling, that is a problem,” he said.

Lifestyle audits

Turning his attention to accomplishing an ethical public service, he is adamant that lifestyle audits are not the holy grail.

“All that I want to see happening is that, as we try to deal with corruption through lifestyle audits, people should be encouraged to do the right thing without there being someone following them. We must also try to develop a culture within the public service that repels such elements and only attract people who are interested in serving.”

Innovation

The Minister said in his first two months in the role, he has been impressed by the innovation demonstrated by public servants.

“Public servants are coming up with new ways of how government can do things better and become efficient.”

However, he stressed that innovation should not leave behind the majority of the population.

Wage bill

In recent years, the general public has raised concerns on the country’s perceived “ballooning” public service wage bill. The Minister is , however, not convinced that this perception is accurate.

“I do not believe that the wage bill is ‘ballooning’. We must be very honest in analysing the status quo. You have almost 1.3 million public servants serving a population of over 60 million. You go to the police, and they will tell you [that] they should have one police officer serving a certain number of people, but that is not happening,” explained the Minister.

The genesis of the problem, for him, is the country’s stunted economic growth of recent years. However, he acknowledged that there are challenges within the system that need to be addressed.

“That (slow economic growth) should not be equated to the problem of the wage bill, because it is not. If the economy was growing as much as it should have, and if our population increase was not increasing in a manner that is not aligned with our economic growth, we would not be where we are,” he explained.

He noted that the public sector is not bursting at the seams with excess staff, instead the limited human resources are mostly being overstretched.

Suspensions

Another challenge within the Public Service is the issue of long-standing unresolved suspensions. This problem is widespread, yet there are no specific statistics available on the exact number of cases.

These include the number of staff members spending excessive time on suspension as well as deadwood in some departments.

“We are told that some of them are not even in the country; some have been on suspension for over a thousand days; some have gone on to study and obtain degrees; some are owning businesses elsewhere. There is a serious problem in relation to that.”

He mentioned that the DPSA is working on a report to determine the exact number of suspended staff members in an effort to finalise the investigations.

The Minister stated that he aimed to leave a legacy of public servants returning to basics, where the principles of Batho Pele are not merely displayed on the walls of government departments but are actively practiced.

“You will know that there is Batho Pele because of your personal experience with every public servant. I would like to leave behind public servants that keep keeping on, no matter what.”

This article first appeared in Public Sector Manager (PSM) Magazine

Janine
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:23

106 views

11 September 2024

MEC takes heed of Umbilo’s Sydney Road concerns

Location: News

MEC takes heed of Umbilo’s Sydney Road concerns

KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has undertaken to escalate calls for relief on Umbilo’s Sydney Road in eThekwini amid worsening truck congestion near the port precinct.

The congestion threatens local business operations and disincentivises investment in the area.

The MEC recently held a meeting with the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) to discuss the revitalisation of the Umbilo business precinct for a thriving entrepreneurial and residential community, amongst others.

The UBA is a voluntary business association formed in 2010 with its membership comprising business owners operating in Umbilo, Glenwood and the Berea areas of eThekwini.

The organisation has over the years established various community and outreach projects aimed at empowering destitute residents from nearby hostels and informal settlements.

During the meeting, the UBA pointed out that the number of trucks, many of them superlinks or tri-axles, which enter the area daily cannot be unloaded or loaded quickly enough at the receiving sites to prevent illegal parking along Sydney Road or in some streets.

Rodgers commended the UBA for various community projects which include the revitalisation of Congella Park, the establishment of community gardens for the benefit of previously unemployed residents, and the establishment of some parking facilities for trucks.

“From a government perspective, it appears that the proposed public-private partnership will be a unique opportunity to revitalise the Umbilo area. This will ultimately create jobs and stimulate investment as well as ensure that the area is thriving,” Rodgers said.

The MEC also undertook to discuss the proposal within government structures in a bid to secure the UBA the assistance that it requires.

UBA Chairperson, Doran Subiah, said the meeting was most encouraging and positive for their precinct.
“There was a distinct synergy in our approaches to the solutions that will alleviate the challenges we face and ensure sustainable economic growth,” Subiah said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:47

237 views

11 September 2024

President Ramaphosa hosts dinner with leaders of GNU

Location: News

President Ramaphosa hosts dinner with leaders of GNU

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening host an engagement over dinner with all the political leaders of parties that are signatory to the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the purpose of the dinner is to provide an opportunity for a review on the functioning of the GNU thus far and to discuss in detail the formulation of a dispute resolution mechanism.

Magwenya was addressing a media briefing on Wednesday as well as updating the public on President Ramaphosa’s programme, and addressing topical issues of interest.

The dinner is taking place as the President is set to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.

In light of recent public statements relating to President Ramaphosa’s decision to sign into law the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, Magwenya said it was necessary to restate the President’s constitutional responsibilities in this regard.

Quoting Section 79(1) of the Constitution he said: “The President must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this Chapter or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.”

“The President is not entirely surprised that there's a dispute. The President anticipates there will be many other disputes in the course of the term. However, he expects that there is maturity, that there is ongoing commitment to the country such that we find ways of resolving these disputes without having to threaten the stability and the sustainability of this GNU.

“So that is important to underscore and as I've mentioned. Tonight, there will be an engagement over dinner with all leaders of parties who are signatory to the GNU, and they'll all have an opportunity to express their concerns, but more constructively, to look at the way forward, to look at how these issues of disputes are resolved,” Magwenya said.

According to the Constitutional Court case in Doctors for Life International v Speaker, Magwenya highlighted that the President cannot refuse to sign the Bill for political reasons.

The only ground upon which the President can refuse to sign the Bill is constitutional reservations.

The Presidential spokesperson said President Ramaphosa remains satisfied with the work of the GNU and this evening is an opportunity for all party leaders to provide their own assessments and give feedback to the President.

Leaders will also be able to raise any issues of concern.

“The President is also enthused with the level of dedication and commitment that has been demonstrated by members of his national executive, as well as the level of collaboration that Ministers from different parties have applied in resolving challenges facing the government and the country,” he said.

Magwenya highlighted one example of such collaboration, which is the partnership between Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Ronald Lamola in securing the new trade dispensation with China on South African beef.

He said the President believes this dispensation will transform the South African beef industry and will create more participation opportunities for small scale black farmers.

Threats made to the stability of GNU

Magwenya said it was disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, one will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU.

“It is disturbing because such threats are not only directed to the president, they are directed to the stability of the country. There are threats directed to South Africans.

“The GNU must remain stable, must remain united, as it is called the GNU for the benefit of the country. It is not there for the benefit of any individual political leader. It has been formulated for the benefit of all South Africans,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:37

68 views

11 September 2024

President receives report on Justice Minister’s VBS allegations

Location: News

President receives report on Justice Minister's VBS allegations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.

This according to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who briefed the media on the President’s public programme on Wednesday.

In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.

She has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the matter, where she denied having any improper relation with the company.

“As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with Ministers – including Minister Simelane – in the public domain,” Magwenya said.

He added that President Ramaphosa appreciated the “importance of the Justice Ministry in the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster”.

“The President is committed to ensure the highest level of integrity within the national executive. He will consider all the facts on the matter before making a determination,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.

“The President will brief the [NCOP] in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

“In his response to NCOP’s questions for oral reply, the President will also answer questions on progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya said.

The President is expected to “outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity” during his NCOP appearance. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 14:52

228 views

11 September 2024

President Ramaphosa to attend BMW ‘start of production’ event

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend BMW 'start of production' event

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the start of production event for BMW’s new generation X3 plug in hybrid model vehicle.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

During the South Africa Investment Conference last year, the company announced that it will pour in some R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane, Gauteng to build the next generation vehicle.

“The President is pleased that this vehicle will be exclusively built here in South Africa at the BMW Plant here in Rosslyn for the rest of the world.

“The President noted with appreciation BMW’s long history in South Africa and its footprint that has grown significantly over time. BMW’s investment in its Plant in Rosslyn dates back five decades,” Magwenya said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

The event is set to be held on 11 October.

READ | BMW to invest R4.2 billion into its Tshwane plant

The spokesperson highlighted that some 95 000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by the company’s activities in the country.

READ | President sets R2 trillion investment target

“BMW’s investment supports the South African government’s industrial and economic policy objectives of ensuring job creation, increased industrial output and export income, transformation, and the future sustainability.

“BMW Group announced a R4.2 billion investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023 as a demonstration of that commitment to South Africa and its people. This investment is now complete, and the President will be pleased to see the BMW state-of-the-art plant during this Start of Production Event,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:10

72 views

11 September 2024

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People's Republic of China have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government, Yang Chuan, signed a letter of intent which establishes a relationship between the two municipalities, which will bring mutual beneficial business investment opportunities.

Through constructive discussions, both cities have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Both cities, under the principles of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and benefit, will proactively engage in various forms of exchanges and cooperation.

According to the agreement, the cities will prioritise exchanges and cooperation in various areas to facilitate tangible results.

These include strengthening economic ties and industrial collaboration to create job opportunities and boost economic growth, enhancing port operations and promoting tourism to benefit both cities, and fostering educational exchanges to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.

The cities will also exchange and cooperate in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the manufacturing sector to drive innovation and development, emphasising technology exchange to advance innovation and technological progress, and focusing on sustainable development to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

City leaders and relevant government departments of both cities will maintain frequent contacts to discuss and address issues of mutual concern, ensuring continuous and effective cooperation.

To facilitate communication and information exchange, both sides agree to explore appointing the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office.

Speaking at a signing ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall, Van Niekerk said the partnership represented a significant step towards enhancing the city’s international relations and creating opportunities for the communities.

"I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai. By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding.

“I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities," Van Niekerk said.

He added that the intention to collaborate and cooperate marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai, emphasising the critical importance of international relations and cooperation.

“By working together, both cities aim to create job opportunities, strengthen economic ties, promote cultural exchange, enhance trade and investment, education, drive innovation in manufacturing, advance technological progress, and ensure sustainable development,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 13:11

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