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MEDIA INVITE: Join the Productivity SA AGM 2024 with Keynote Address by the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Productivity SA, the government entity committed to advancing employment growth and productivity in South Africa, invites members of the media to attend its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year’s AGM will feature a keynote address …
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In that regard, the Ministerial determination for the procurement of the nuclear energy was withdrawn last month.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
In honor of Heritage Day, Matlosana Mall is excited to launch a heartwarming campaign that captures the essence of South Africa’s spirit—celebrating resilience, positivity, and the pursuit of happiness. This year, we’re asking a question that resonates with many: “Where do most people find the inspiration and motivation to rise above everyday challenges and discover …
In celebration of Heritage Day, Wonderboom Junction is excited to launch a fresh campaign that captures the essence of South Africa’s vibrant spirit in a unique and inspiring way. This year, we’ve focused on a question that truly resonates with everyone: “Where do most people find the inspiration and motivation to rise above everyday challenges …
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
When planning an event or running a business that requires large quantities of food, finding reliable catering wholesale suppliers is crucial. These suppliers form the backbone of the food industry, ensuring that high-quality ingredients are consistently available to meet demand. Whether you’re in Johannesburg or Gauteng, partnering with reputable food suppliers can make all the …
As South Africa steps into Heritage Month and embraces the vibrant energy of spring, Yassir, a globally recognized on-demand grocery delivery service, is thrilled to celebrate these occasions bhese occasions by highlighting its commitment to convenience, affordability, and long operating hours”. To mark these celebrations, Yassir is offering an exclusive deal: new customers can enjoy …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Hyde Park Corner is excited to announce the opening of Fringe’s fifth solo exhibition in Johannesburg, titled Stress Narcotika, running from 12 September to 13 October 2024 at Scapegoat Gallery. Hyde Park Corner, renowned as a premier destination for art lovers, continues to build on its reputation as the go-to location …
A joint meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Health, the Standing Committee on Appropriations and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) says law reforms are necessary to close gaps in legislation that expose government systems to fraudulent medico-legal claims.
The pre-audited financial statements for provinces reveal that the nine provincial health departments have paid R1.5 billion in the 2023/24 financial year for medico-legal claims, with contingent liabilities sitting at R63.5 billion. The committees were informed that doctors that are mostly targeted by fraudulent lawyers are obstetricians, gynaecologists, neurosurgeons as well as spinal and orthopedic surgeons. This leads to these specialists paying huge amounts in medical indemnity insurance to protect themselves.
The committees received a briefing from Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi on the interventions the Department of Health is undertaking to deal with the collusion between medical professionals and lawyers that defraud the system. The committees were also briefed by the Auditor-General (AG) on the three-year audit. The audit shows that poor record-keeping by hospitals and clinics contributes to the challenges associated with medico-legal claims.
Currently, valid and fraudulent medico-legal cases that end up on the court roll are kept in the system for a prolonged period, negatively impacting the victims. The Minister wants to set up a model that will allow a panel of experts comprising of retired judges, retired senior medical and nursing staff, lawyers, social workers and other relevant professionals to assess all the medico-legal claims to determine and arrive at a fair compensation for those who have experienced medical injuries. This assessment will prevent the backlog of medico-legal cases that end up in court.
This is a system that is currently implemented in other parts of the world including Scandinavian countries. Legislative reform is necessary for this model to be successful, and the joint committees supported the proposal for the introduction of such legislation.
The committees have noted the consequence management measures undertaken by the department by referring all the implicated medical professionals, legal practitioners and healthcare workers to the National Prosecuting Authority and Lawyers Practice Council for criminal prosecution and professional misconduct. In addition, the department has reported all the implicated healthcare workers to various statutory bodies. While acts of fraudulent claims are in practice, it is equally important that health standards are maintained to ensure safe measures for health practitioners.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Standing Committee on Finance has resolved to conduct a second round of public hearings on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill [B26-2018], in consultation with the office of the National Assembly Speaker.
The Bill was tabled in 2018 as private member's Bill in the name of a Member of Parliament, Mr Julius Malema. It then lapsed at the end of the 6th Parliament and has since been revived in the 7th Parliament. The first round of the public hearings was held on 18 November 2018.
The committee was briefed today by the Parliamentary Budget Office on its analysis and assessment of the Bill's socio-economic impact.
The SARB Amendment Bill seeks to, amongst other things, amend the South African Reserve Bank Act to make the state the sole shareholder of the shares in the bank and gives powers to the Minister to exercise the rights attached to the shares on behalf of the state. It further seeks to give the Minister of Finance power to appoint directors of the board, instead of board members being elected at an ordinary general meeting.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Portfolio Committee on Police has reiterated that regaining trust between the police and communities will encourage increased reporting of crimes. The committee received a detailed briefing on the Victims of Crime 2023/24 survey from Statistics South Africa and the overwhelming view was that the survey gives a different perspective, from the eyes of the victims of crime, and will enhance the response from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The committee highlighted aspects such as the police responsiveness rate, the availability of resources such as vehicles, and the adequacy of investigations as central to resolving the question of trust. “The deficiencies currently with regards to the 10111 call centre and lack of vehicles directly impacts on the ability of SAPS to respond to acts of crime quickly. If the SAPS address these deficiencies, it will be a step in the right direction to resolving the question of trust,” said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee.
It was also emphasised that the lack of trust in the police has led to an increase in vigilantism. The committee highlighted that vigilantes are inherently problematic as communities operate outside the boundary of the law and in many cases has led to innocent people being victimised.
In line with this, the SAPS must incrementally investigate and remove corrupt members of the SAPS among its ranks. “We commend the arrest of seven members of SAPS in Durban in connection with allegations they attempted to extort R100 000 from a Phoenix businessman. The commitment we have witnessed by the Minister of Police and SAPS management to arrest corrupt and criminal elements within its ranks will greatly assist in rebuilding trust,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
The committee highlighted, though, that an element that undermines trust in the crime fighting effort is the efficacy of the entire justice system value chain. The committee's view is that currently the SAPS arrest many criminals, but the disjuncture is the inability to effectively prosecute those cases. “Operation Shanela is a case in point, where the police have arrested in excess of 800 000 suspects, but the prosecution rate cannot be measured. The entire justice crime prevention and security cluster must work in tandem to ensure effectiveness that will build confidence and might lead to an increase in reporting of crime,” Mr Cameron said.
Meanwhile, the committee highlighted concern with the increase with violent crime against women and children and underscored the inadequacy with the response to protecting vulnerable groups within our communities. “It is unsurprising to learn that 45% of women felt unsafe walking alone in their neighbourhood. The recent murder of Nomsa Jass highlights the vulnerabilities that women in our country continue to face and requires concerted efforts to remedy. Police visibility has largely been inadequate, and criminals are able to terrorise communities at a whim,” Mr Cameron said.
The committee emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration with other government departments such as the Department of Social Development to enhance counselling for victims of crime. According to the committee, it is unacceptable that 92.6% of victims of crime did not receive counselling after an incident, which perpetuates trauma. “We are however hopeful that the discussions between the SAPS and the DSD will yield the necessary intervention required, such as availing social workers at police stations to help victims of crime and alleviate the burden from police officials,” Mr Cameron said.
Regarding gang violence, the committee reiterated its concern that there remains a need to find workable solution to the escalating gang violence. “In Atlantis alone this past weekend there were reported six deaths as a result of gang violence, which continue to escalate at an alarming rate. Despite this, we welcome the intention by the Minister of Correctional Services to stop the movement of crime-related communication from prisons that lead to murders on our streets,” Mr Cameron said.
The committee acknowledged that the statistics give a framework on what trends of crime must be focused on. But most importantly, the committee highlighted the effective functioning of the justice crime prevention and security cluster in the effort to fight crime.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.
“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”
Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.
The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.
Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube
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
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
Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday, 13 September 2024.
The lecture will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.
The Presidency described the late Mamoepa as one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communications, and a dedicated public servant.
Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture will honour the struggle hero, whose work in government communications helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.
The Deputy President’s address will centre around the “30 Years of Democracy: Reflection and Citizen-Centered Government Communications”.
“The theme underscores the importance of accountable communication between government and its citizens, in line with Mamoepa’s legacy,” the statement read.
The lecture aims to reflect on the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994, emphasising the ongoing need for citizen-focused communication and engagement between government and the people.
Mamoepa passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.
His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:36
Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival
The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Department hosted a successful Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival on Tuesday at the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, was joined by Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, at the festival.
The event was part of a series of mini festivals hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education to showcase the diverse range of certified skills learners acquire through the Multi-Certification Skills Programme.
The department said the festival highlighted one of the most significant achievements of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme - the introduction of Basic South African Sign Language (SASL) to hearing learners from Grade 5.
“While SASL is typically taught at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 4 and 5, the department has adapted the curriculum for Grade 5 learners, ensuring that inclusivity begins early in the education system.
“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities by providing foundational skills in Sign Language, thereby fostering empathy and understanding from a young age,” the department said.
Miss South Africa supported the event as an honoured guest, celebrating the remarkable efforts of both deaf and hearing learners.
The learners showcased their newly acquired skills in SASL and music, emphasising the importance of communication and the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
"The festival exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, breaking barriers, and building a society where no learner is left behind. Through SASL, we are fostering empathy and understanding between hearing and deaf learners, providing them with opportunities to become advocates for the Deaf community," Chiloane said.
The festival featured a music enhancement segment that incorporated innovative techniques allowing deaf participants to experience music through vibrations.
The department said this effort ensures that the power and joy of music are accessible to everyone, further uniting learners through the universal language of rhythm and sound.
September has been a significant month for the department, as it continues to nurture the talents, creativity, and academic excellence of learners across the province.
The festival concluded with a call to continue creating inclusive learning spaces where all learners can thrive and contribute to building a more connected society. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 12:09
Nando’s brings a fresh dose of humour and deliciousness to screens across South Africa with its latest television ad, showcasing the country’s unique ability to embrace life’s challenges with a smile. Known for its cheeky advertising and mouth-watering flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, Nando’s continues to capture the essence of South African culture with its new campaign. …
President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.
The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.
“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16
PIETERMARITZBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Mfaniseni Hadebe, named the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach...
Ketamine can be life-saving or lethal The anaesthetic drug ketamine can bring life-saving hope for people suffering treatment-resistant major depression or at severe risk of suicide, but unsupervised use or excessive dosages hold addictive and even lethal risks. This is the warning sounded by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) against the “recreational” or …
KIMBERLEY: Beyers Swanepoel starred with bat and ball but South Africa A (SA ‘A’) still found themselves in a difficult position...
The tournament, which started later than scheduled, is underway in Pretoria and ends on Saturday
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism today met with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) to discuss the different tourism development programmes the two entities are implementing on behalf of the Department of Tourism.
The NEF gave an update on the Transformation Fund, a funding initiative targeting tourism businesses in previously disadvantaged communities. The entity's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mzwamadoda Dayimani, explained that the partnership and co-funding arrangement between NEF and the department applies to all transactions supported under the programme.
“The department funds through a grant, limited to R5 million per transaction and if a transaction value is more than R10 million, the NEF funds the excess. The NEF portion is funded through a repayable loan,” Mr Dayimani said.
A number of the projects supported through this Fund are still in the development stage and servicing their loans. After paying off the loans, the projects are expected to be self-sustainable and create more jobs. The funding also comes with post-investment support to ensure they meet their financial targets and repay the loans.
SEFA Acting CEO, Mr Nkosikhona Mbatha, presented a progress report on the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) to the committee. This Fund seeks to increase growth and transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the Tourism BBBEE Sector Codes. It also addresses funding challenges faced by enterprises in the tourism sector.
TEF's core funding activities focus on accommodation, hospitality and related services, travel and related services, and tourism-related products that support the development of the tourism sector in South Africa.
The committee Chairperson, Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, said the department should provide additional funding for the programme to accommodate increasing demand, implement awareness programmes, and strengthen post-funding support to ensure the funded projects are sustainable.
“NEF must also increase its own funding because it is clear that there is a demand for this support and should consider stretching the repayment period because tourism projects take long to break even,” said the Chairperson.
Commenting on the SEFA presentation, Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe, said the entity should expedite processing applications for funding as there seems to be slow progress.
She also advised the two agencies and the department to consider the quality of jobs created through these programmes versus the quantity of menial jobs.
“We also need to ensure equitable geographical share of the programmes. Instead of approving projects in more developed areas, we must spread to previously disadvantaged communities,” she said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has unanimously resolved that a proposed draft motion in respect to regulations governing the maximum amount of a donation that can be accepted and the threshold amount of donations that must be disclosed must undergo a public participation process to ensure that it is reflective of the will and views of the people.
The draft motion tried to remedy a lacuna in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act of 2014 as confirmed by the Western Cape High Court judgement in the matter of My Vote Counts NPC v The President and others. In making the decision, the committee highlighted the importance of public participation in line with Section 59 (1) of the constitution that compels the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in its processes.
The draft motion proposes that, in terms of section 24 of the Act, the President as soon as reasonably possible, makes regulations regarding the amounts contemplated in section 8(2) and 9(1)(a) of the Act in accordance with the process set out in that Act, and that the President in that regard considers amounts set by items 7 and 9 of Schedule 2 to the Act prior to its amendment by the Electoral Matters Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 14 of 2024), namely:
(i) the amount referred to in section 8(2) (upper limit of donations) being fifteen million rand in a financial year; and
(ii) the amount referred to in section 9(1)(a) (disclosure limit) of the Act being one hundred thousand rand in a financial year.
The committee will in due course communicate avenues that the public can contribute comments to the draft motion.
Meanwhile, the committee adopted a report on the draft notice determining the remuneration of Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years in line with the Determination of Remuneration of Office-Bearers of Independent Constitutional Institutions Laws Amendment Act of 2014.
The committee concurred with the President's determination on the remuneration adjustment of IEC Commissioners, that a retrospective salary increases of 3% be implemented for the 2023/24 financial year and 2.5% for the 2024/25 financial year for the Chairperson and other full-time Commissioners.
The committee will recommend to the National Assembly to approve the notice determining the remuneration of the Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
Furthermore, the committee received a presentation from Parliament's Public Education Office on their plans to ensure a rigorous public participation process on the Marriage Bill [B43 – 2023]. The committee intends on undertaking a comprehensive public participation process and the presentation laid a framework that will be followed to ensure that the public participation process that will be undertaken will be inclusive and meaningful.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.