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[SANDTON, SOUTH AFRICA] – Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common yet often overlooked issue affecting many individuals. While some may dismiss it as minor nail discoloration, untreated nail fungus can lead to more severe complications, making awareness and early intervention essential. What is Nail Fungus? Nail fungus is an infection that primarily targets the …
Govt to launch programme to clean cities across SA
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced that government will soon initiate a programme to clean cities and recognise those that exceed expectations in making their towns sustainable and safe.
The country’s second-in-command said that cleaner cities contribute towards attracting investors.
“In this regard, as leaders in our respective towns, we must launch a competition of the cleanest towns,” he said on Tuesday.
Deputy President Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, was delivering a keynote address during the first Three-Sphere Planning session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) of the seventh Parliament in Cape Town.
He said his Office will collaborate with the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister and South African Local Government Association (Salga) to form a committee that will conduct an annual assessment of the cleanliness of cities and present awards.
“This campaign has the potential of ensuring that the private sector and communities in partnership with the government ensure that our cities are clean and safe.
“Honourable Members, in realising the vision of building a developmental, capable, and ethical State, we will vigorously implement the plan to professionalise the public service, and we will do so by investing in the capacity of the National School of Government.”
Modernising the State
Equally, he said, government must continue to invest in the modernisation of the State and government by introducing innovative solutions across government particularly.
“The whole world is going digital in many respects and as South Africa, we must not be left behind.”
Over the last 30 years, government has adopted progressive policies that the seventh administration is going to pay special attention to the speed of execution.
The Deputy President announced plans to strengthen coordination by refocusing the Presidency as the centre of government, bringing together critical government departments such as CoGTA and the National Treasury.
“We intend to align planning and budgeting as part of implementing the District Development Model (DDM) premised on One Plan-One Vision and this we will do to achieve maximum results in building a better life for all.”
The planning session is being held under the theme ‘Establishing an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Defining Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament’.
Parliament‘s strategic innovation emphasises joint and integrated planning, encouraging collaborative work in program planning and implementation across government.
The session is aimed at ensuring that the NCOP institutionalises and implements a comprehensive Three-Sphere Planning oversight framework and mechanism, in line with the constitutional mandate of promoting the principles of cooperative governance coordination.
Government believes this will enhance the effective implementation of key transformation priorities, in line with National Development Plan Vision 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 15:04
Only 34 out of 257 municipalities receive clean audits for 2022/23
Procuring for a better SA
The recently signed Public Procurement Act is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and curb corruption while also ensuring that taxpayer money is used responsibly.
“It is a good move for many reasons,” says Kamogelo Mampane, the Executive Chairman of the Supply Chain Council (SCC).
President Cyril Ramaphosa assented the act that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, in July.
“It is a consolidation of all guidelines, practice notes and procurement guidelines that were found in other regulations into one legislative framework. The Procurement Act introduces standardised procedures that streamline the procurement process, making it more efficient and transparent. This will significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and curb corruption, ensuring that taxpayer money is used responsibly and effectively,” Mampane told SAnews.
The SCC is a non-profit association that was set-up in 2010 to provide quality and professional supply chain services to organisations across the globe. The association helps organisations to make improvements in supply chain processes.
The act also complies with the Constitution’s Section 217 that states that the contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective, among others.
According to the Presidency, the act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains the justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.
Mampane said the act also creates clarity on what is legal, possible and creates many possible options for state organs to drive economic transformation while also forming a basis for investments in technology and best sourcing practices.
Recently, National Treasury indicated that the provisions of the act are not in force yet and that the President will bring the provisions of the Act into operation through a new proclamation in the government gazette.
The Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024) was approved by the President and published as an Act in the Government Gazette on 23 July 2024.
According to Treasury, Section 69 of the Act enables the President to bring the provisions into operation on different dates (phased approach) and to determine different dates for different categories of procuring institutions such as national and provincial departments, national and provincial public entities and municipalities and municipal entities.
Public Procurement Tribunal
Chapter 6 of the Act makes provision for a dispute resolution mechanism and a Public Procurement Tribunal to review decisions taken by procurement institutions.
Asked about his thoughts on the tribunal, Mampane said that small businesses often lack the resources to engage in prolonged legal battles.
“The tribunal offers a more accessible and cost-effective platform for resolving disputes, ensuring that their grievances are heard and addressed promptly. By upholding transparent procurement practices, the tribunal also assists small businesses to understand the criteria and processes used in awarding contracts.”
He added that this clarity can help small business to better prepare and compete for future opportunities.
“We foresee a tribunal receiving a huge number of applications in the beginning as small businesses seek a hearing.”
“The tribunal will also hold procurement officials accountable for their actions, encouraging them to adhere to the Act and code of conduct. This can lead to more diligent and conscientious behaviour in the execution of their duties.
“It is our view public procurement officials did not have a place to go if they felt threatened by people in authority, politicians, or suppliers. The tribunal will be a place to go as an independent body that can listen to their challenges,” he explained.
Asked about what type of individuals must sit on the tribunal, Mampane said this institution must be chaired by a retired judge supported by individuals with many years of experience in public procurement. This also includes someone who has experience in contract management and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) to ensure the consistency of the application of the rules.
According to the Act, a member of the Tribunal holds office for a period of five years, or the shorter period that the Minister of finance determines.
Additionally, a member of the Tribunal may be re-appointed at the expiry of a term for a further term not exceeding three years.
Transformation
In the year that marks 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the act is cognisant of the need to continue to foster economic transformation.
The act contains set asides for designated groups like women and persons living with disabilities who have historically been disadvantaged.
According to the chairman, this inclusive approach is expected to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all businesses to compete and thrive.
“Our economy is not growing, unemployment remains a challenge, youth unemployment is an indication of a non-productive economy. In any developing country like South Africa, SMMEs [small, medium, and micro-enterprises] play a crucial role in developing the economy, creating jobs and reindustrialisation. The protection and advancement of designated groups is crucial in creating sustainable projects in our communities.”
He added that the setting aside of opportunities for the productive sector of the economy will encourage innovation and investment by local and international organisations.
“A key aim of the bill is to drive economic transformation by mandating that a substantial portion of procurement contracts be awarded to historically disadvantaged individuals and SMMEs, the bill promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity. This is a major win for economic empowerment and growth.”
In an earlier media release, the SCC said a highlight of the act is its strong support for local production and manufacturing.
“The law stipulates that government entities prioritise locally produced goods and services in their procurement decisions. This provision aims to boost local industries, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth within the country.
“Supply chain professionals will need to cultivate robust relationships with local suppliers, ensuring that the procurement of locally manufactured products meets quality and cost-efficiency standards,” it said.
Reducing bureaucracy
Asked about whether the act will reduce government bureaucracy, Mampane said the Act provides a clear framework for efficient, fair and sustainable development for the more than 700 state organs, government departments and municipalities.
“The implementation of electronic procurement platforms to facilitate online submission and processing of bids, reducing paperwork and speeding up the procurement cycle will reduce bureaucracy of public procurement.
“Some processes were completely unnecessary e.g. having to go to National Treasury to ask for permission for minor deviations. The need to submit manual reports to National Treasury even though some were hardly ever used or perused by National Treasury, was also onerous.”
Concerns
Chapter 6 of the Act which speaks to dispute resolution, also refers to the Stand Still Process which speaks to the “prohibition on concluding contract during reconsideration or review proceedings”.
According to the process, if a procurement process is subject to a reconsideration in accordance with section 37, a procuring institution may not conclude a contract with the successful bidder within 10 days after completion of the reconsideration or review process.
Section 37 (Reconsideration by procuring institution) of the Act states that a bidder may submit an application for reconsideration to the procuring institution if that bidder is not satisfied with a decision to award a bid by that institution.
Mampane expressed concern over the process saying that in its current form, the clause creates “an automatic stand still, as it requires an organ of state not to conclude a contract with the successful bidder prior to completion of the review process by a Tribunal.”
“Projects will be stopped even if the request is frivolous and has no basis. The prima facie rule is ignored by this clause. We are extremely concerned that this will create inefficiencies in the process,” he said.
Taking supply chain forward
Asked about what the act means for the supply chain sector as a whole, Mampane is of the view that the act elevates the profession.
“This is a boost to the supply chain professionalising agenda as it elevates the profession to its right full place, i.e. a strategic function to assist government in achieving their social and economic objectives.
“Supply chain professionals must be at the forefront of driving this change, leveraging their expertise to assist their organisations in delivering their strategic objectives. Supply Chain professionals must build on this foundation that is created by this Act and build strong cases for SMME development, increase spend on locally produced products and deliver tangible value to their organisations and communities,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 14:58
By Adamon Mukasa and Anthony Simpasa, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org).
Document 1: http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM
Document 2: http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm
Document 3: http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk
Document 4: http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q
Document 5: http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y
Document 6: http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0
Document 7: http://apo-opa.co/47361TE
Document 8: http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t
The calls for structural economic transformation in Africa date back to the 1960s when newly independent nations aimed to eliminate poverty through economic diversification, sustained growth, and job creation. This agenda persists today, as Africa continues to face significant developmental challenges.
Pursuing post-independence economic agendas was particularly important because, behind the euphoria (http://apo-opa.co/4dZMCVX) of independence, laid significant developmental challenges in several African countries: unskilled labor force, political and institutional fragilities, poor health conditions, rapid population growth, wide income disparities, and the legacy of colonialism and exclusion from the modern world. The establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM) in 1963 and the African Development Bank (http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm) a year later aimed to tackle these other challenges in a more coordinated and impactful manner. The African Union (http://apo-opa.co/475z3Sz), successor of the OAU, developed Agenda 2063 (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EQMu) in 2013 as a blueprint for turning Africa into the global growth pole and powerhouse of the future.
Africa's Economic Development Paradox
More than sixty years after independence (http://apo-opa.co/3AzLutK), Africa's structural transformation – the shift of workers from lower to higher productivity employment and intra-sectoral productivity growth (http://apo-opa.co/4dQj0KK) – has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Both policymakers and analysts within and outside the continent are genuinely concerned that achieving structural transformation could remain a mirage for many African countries in the absence of bold structural reforms and financing to support implementation of these policies. Why being so pessimistic? Because historical facts tend to support their pessimism. The African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4g2RATW) report, released in May by the African Development Bank, reveals that Africa's transformation has been slow and uneven. In countries showing signs of transformation, the process has been characterized by low industrialization and predominantly by employment in low-skill, low-productivity services. The agriculture sector, employing 42% of Africa's workforce, is 60% less productive than the economy-wide average. Consequently, many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, low-wage jobs, unable to escape poverty.
As a result, Africa was the only region of the world where the average real GDP per capita contracted in the 1980s and 1990s, the so-called lost decades (http://apo-opa.co/4fYqm0D).
Africa is off-track in achieving almost all SDG targets by 2030, consistently showing the lowest SDG performance globally since the 2000s (Figure 1). Without intervention, it is predicted that by 2030, nearly 9 out of 10 of the world's extremely poor will be in Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4e2weEn) and under current conditions[1], it could take African countries over a century on average to reach high-income status.
[1] This scenario assumes that real GDP per capita of each African country will grow according to its post-COVID-19 (2022–25) average growth rate as computed by the African Development Bank's Statistics Department.
But Africa is a very large, diverse, heterogeneous, region. Some countries have, over the past four decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced episodes of growth accelerations, growth spikes and failed take-offs (http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk). Cases of consistent good performance include Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, routinely ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally. African countries have indeed exhibited remarkable resilience amid confounding shocks, and in 2024, 10 countries[1] in Africa are projected to be among the world's top 20 fastest-growing economies, sustaining the trend observed during the past four decades pre-COVID-19.
Importantly, over the past quarter century, thanks to strong economic reforms and macroeconomic stability, enhanced governance, relative peace and improved political environment and, public investments in soft and hard infrastructure, some African countries[2] have managed to transform their economies and recorded economic growth rates above the global average.
The role of finance in fast-tracking Africa's structural transformation
Many factors, both internal and external, could explain the relatively slow progress in structurally transforming African economies. Among them: over-reliance on commodity-led growth (http://apo-opa.co/4fZJTxI), inadequate infrastructure (http://apo-opa.co/4dV5DZE); insufficient pool of skilled workers (http://apo-opa.co/4g49x4g) and low access to affordable finance (http://apo-opa.co/47361D8); weak institutional governance (http://apo-opa.co/4e0O5LG), recurrent conflicts (http://apo-opa.co/4g49rtq), effects of climate change (http://apo-opa.co/3ABuuTU), tightening of global financial conditions (http://apo-opa.co/4fZSFvC) and rising debt vulnerabilities (http://apo-opa.co/4724oWk).
While all these factors are equally important and call for urgent actions from policymakers, financing Africa's transformation (http://apo-opa.co/4fTo1Uy) is a multi-layered overarching challenge that demands special attention and a pragmatic approach to move from billions to trillions. The cost of achieving the SDGs by 2030 in Africa is estimated at about $1.3 trillion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q) annually, equivalent to 42% of Africa's 2023 GDP. Infrastructure needs alone are estimated by the African Development Bank at $181-$221 billion per year over 2023-2030. The climate finance gap is approximately $213.4 billion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsiTo) annually through 2030.
Insufficient domestic resources (http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y), compounded by the failure of the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/471zU6K) to mobilize and at scale, affordable finance for sustainable development (http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0), have led many African countries to resort to commercial borrowing on unfavorable terms. This has resulted in increased debt vulnerabilities. Africa's Public and Publicly Guaranteed external debt has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching $656 billion in 2022, accounting for 22.4% of the continent's GDP and exceeding Africa's public revenue-to-GDP ratio of 20.4%. In 2024, African countries are expected to spend around $74 billion on debt service, up from $17 billion in 2010. Out of the projected debt service, $40 billion is owed to private creditors.
Even more concerning, debt service payments now account for about 11% of the continent's total revenues. High debt service is diverting resources from crucial investments in infrastructure, education, and health – all critical for economic transformation and long-term growth. As of April 2024, 20 African countries[3] (http://apo-opa.co/47361TE) were either in external debt distress or at high risk of external debt distress.
The AEO 2024 report estimates that to accelerate Africa's structural transformation, the continent needs to close an annual financing gap of $402.2 billion (about 13.7% of its projected 2024 GDP) by 2030. Figure 2 shows that transport[4] infrastructure accounts for the largest share of the gap (72.9%), followed by education (10.4%), energy (9.9%), and productivity-enhancing technologies (6.8%). These figures reflect decades of underinvestment in critical areas for development.
The level of financing gap in transport infrastructure reflects the continent's shortfall explained by decades of public underinvestment to upgrade existing road infrastructure or open new roadways, to match the growing population and economic dynamism across the continent. For instance, Africa's median road density is about 12 km per 100 km2, compared with 42.5 km in high-performing developing countries and 136 km in high-income countries. Only about 27% of African roads are paved, far behind the rest of the world (about 49%) and other developing countries (35.4%).
[1] Niger, Senegal, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Benin, Djibouti, Gambia, and Uganda
[2] Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, eSwatini, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, and Tunisia
[3] Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
[4] Proxied by roads as road transport is the most frequently used means of transporting goods and people across the continent, carrying at least 80 percent of goods and 90 percent of passengers.
On education, vital for equipping the current and future workforce with the required skillset for structural transformation, African countries' median SDG index score was only 51.5 (out of a maximum of 100) in 2022, while other low-income developing countries reached a median score of 87. In addition, according to World Bank's World Development Indicators (http://apo-opa.co/3AGXw4N), African governments currently spend on average $312 annually per student in primary education, $473 on secondary education, and $2,227 on tertiary education, or about, respectively, 3, 2.3, and 1.1 times lower than high-performing developing countries on SDG 4. On energy, Africa's median SDG 7 index score was 38.8 in 2022, suggesting that a typical African country was 61.2% further away from achieving the best possible outcome on SDG 7 targets. Despite its vast energy potential, electric power consumption per capita in Africa is still the lowest in the world, estimated at 638.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2021, versus 2,056 kWh in other developing countries. Due to poor energy infrastructure, over 600 million Africans have no access to electricity http://apo-opa.co/46YZuJT and this is despite progress in recent years[1]. On productivity-enhancing technology and innovation, the continent lags other regions too. This impedes its ability to either innovate and introduce new products, technologies, and/or services that could support its structural transformation. African countries' average Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) represents about 0.4% of their GDP (against about 1% in the rest of the world) and they spend on average $10.7 per capita on GERD (compared to $403.2 per capita in other regions of the world). Furthermore, the continent displays the lowest concentration of researchers in R&D, with an average of 221 researchers per million people, against 742 researchers in other developing countries.
The financing gap varies significantly across countries. The cross-country heterogeneity is mainly explained by differences in current SDG performance related to structural transformation as well as differences in demographics (current and projected population size and composition, land size, and the like) and socioeconomic characteristics (current and projected GDP per capita, and spending on education, infrastructure, and so on). As shown in Figure 3, the estimated annual financing gap represents at least 10 % of 2024's projected GDP in 36 African countries, and in nine of these, at least 50 % of GDP. For such countries, closing the financing gap by 2030 is, therefore, realistically impossible.
[1] For instance, the average share of people with access to electricity increased from about 38 percent in 2000 to about 59 percent in 2022. In 28 African countries, the percent of people with access to electricity has more than doubled between 2000 and 2022, out of which it has increased at least fivefold in 8 countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda).
Note: COG: Congo; CPV: Cabo Verde; GHA: Ghana; CIV: Cote d'Ivoire; GAB: Gabon; GNQ: Equatorial Guinea; MUS: Mauritius; SYC: Seychelles; ZAF: South Africa. Source: Authors' computation based on the African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 database
A more realistic approach would be to allow for a gradual but steady transformation process over a longer period, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063. This would enable countries to mobilize more resources domestically and externally, without jeopardizing debt sustainability.
What next?
Scaling up finance to accelerate Africa's structural transformation should be a key priority for policymakers. While implementing structural reforms is crucial for sustainable growth, success depends on the availability, timeliness, and scale of long-term development financing and enhancing spending efficiency. African countries should therefore, inter alia, focus on: i) scaling up investment to build requisite human capital suited to local realities, circumstances, and development priorities; ii) boosting domestic resource mobilization and improving efficiency of public finance management; iii) creating targeted and streamlined incentives to attract private capital for key transformation sectors; and iv) launching ambitious national infrastructure programs with assured positive returns to attract affordable financing.
The international community should reform the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t) to facilitate African countries' access to long-term, concessional development financing at scale, complementing domestic resources.
By addressing these financing challenges and implementing targeted reforms, Africa can accelerate its structural transformation and move closer to achieving its development goals as espouses in Agenda 2063.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
SA affected by crime levels
An estimated 1.5 million incidents of housebreakings occurred in 2023/24, affecting around 1.1 million households in South Africa, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The number of affected households represent 5.9% of all households in the country. About 44% (44.1%) of households that experienced housebreaking reported some or all incidents to the police.
According to Stats SA, an estimated 263 000 incidents of home robberies occurred, affecting 209 000 households in 2023/24.
“The number of affected households represents 1.1% of all households in the country. About 58% (57.6%) of households that experienced home robbery reported some or all incidents to the police,” Stats SA said in a statement.
Individual crime levels in South Africa
Theft of personal property is the most common crime experienced by individuals aged 16 years and older in South Africa. An estimated 1.4 million incidents of theft of personal property occurred in 2023/24, affecting 1.3 million individuals aged 16 years and older.
The number of affected individuals represents 3% of those 16 years and older. About 29% (28.5%) of individuals, who experienced theft of personal property reported some or all incidents to the police.
The second most experienced crime by individuals was street robbery. A total of 443 000 individuals experienced street robbery, with an estimated 497 000 incidents. About 44% (44.2%) of the individuals reported some or all incidents to the police.
About 24% (23.9%) of victims were injured during incidents of street robbery and 66% required medical attention. Only 3.6% of the individuals that experienced street robbery received counselling.
In 2023/24, 295 000 individuals experienced assault in a total of 506 000 incidents. Less than 1% (0.7%) of all individuals aged 16 years and older in the country experienced assault. Out of the individuals that experienced assault, 55% reported that weapons were used.
They indicated that the weapon that was mainly used during incidents of assault was a knife. About 23% (22.5%) the individuals reported that the incidents of assault occurred at home.
Only 1.9% of the individuals that experienced assault received counselling after the incident. About 54% (53.6%) of individuals that experienced assault reported some or all incidences to the police.
Feelings of safety
About 80% (80.4%) of those aged 16 years and older felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhood during the day, while 34.9% felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhood during the night.
Females felt very unsafe walking alone when it is dark compared to males. The proportion of individuals who have done something to protect themselves against crime increased from 29.7% in 2022/23 to 39.9% in 2023/24. Only 33% (33.4%) of the population indicated that they only walk during safer hours as the main thing they have done to protect themselves against crime.
Of those aged 16 years and older, 80% felt safer after taking measures to protect themselves against crime. The majority of individuals (43.8%) indicated they will call the police when they see a crime being committed. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 12:44
SevenC, a top managed service provider in South Africa, delves into the critical responsibilities and roles of MSPs in the region, highlighting their importance in optimising IT solutions for diverse businesses. Imagine a world where your business operations run smoothly, your IT systems are always up-to-date, and technical hiccups are a thing of the past. …
Pretoria, South Africa – Aiming to equip job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive market, a highly anticipated workshop is set to take place on the 18th and 19th of October 2024 at 24 Skipper Avenue, Akasia, Pretoria North. Organized by Noble Wealth Creation Group, this event …
Majodina receives preliminary report into Riverlands dam failure
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has received a preliminary report into what led to the failure of three dams located in Riverlands farm in the Swartland Local Municipality.
Majodina granted departmental engineers time to conduct diligent and adequate investigation into what led to the failure of three farm dams located in Riverlands in the Western Cape.
This follows the failure of three farm dams that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
The department said the preliminary report into what led to the failure of the dams has been finalised and handed over to the Minister on Monday, following a two-week investigation.
“Upon studying the report, Minister Majodina will make public the findings thereof in due course,” the department said.
Majodina has commended the team of engineers, led by the Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, for swift action to avert further disaster in the area, and investigating the cause of the failure of the dams.
READ | Support for Riverlands displaced families continues
While the Department of Water and Sanitation does not own the failed dams, it exercises a regulatory function over all the dams in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 10:59
In the post-pandemic world, South Africa’s business landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, particularly in the realm of international exports. Reshaped consumer behaviour opened new avenues for South African businesses to reach global markets, and many South African brands are embracing international shipping as a critical component of their growth strategy. Central to this success …
The sky's not the limit for SAPS pilot
Meet Lieutenant Colonel Kgothatso Khunou, the first African female chief helicopter pilot attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Airwing in the Free State, and one of 17 female pilots nationwide.
Khunou is certainly living up to her first name, Kgothatso, which means ‘courage,’ loosely translated from Setswana.
During the month of August, SAPS continues to celebrate its women in blue by celebrating those who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also break barriers in male dominated environments.
Khunou hails from Rustenburg and she fondly describes her humble upbringing as a "village girl". Her career in aviation found her and not the other way around, she insists. As a teenager, Khunou kindled a dream of following a career in science.
In 2010, the Royal Bafokeng Administration offered Khunou a scholarship to obtain a commercial pilot licence, just shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Biotechnology. Having a fear of flying, Khunou courageously jumped at the opportunity to overcome this fear.
This ultimately led her to join the SAPS in 2014 as a junior pilot at the rank of warrant officer.
As a helicopter pilot, Khunou’s duties include operational flights by providing aerial support as requested from ground units, stock theft and stolen vehicle searches as well as assisting with search and rescue operations.
Khunou is currently deployed to Operation Vala Umgodi which continues to register commendable progress in dealing decisively with those involved in illicit mining activities across the country.
She played a pivotal role in a recent women-led Vala Umgodi operation in celebration of Women’s Month.
On 1 August 2024, the team arrested 178 illicit miners and recovered over 400 pendukas and various other illicit mining equipment during that particular operation in Benoni.
"When you set goals, always tell yourself that the sky is not even the limit. I was once afraid of flying, but now I serve my country fearlessly as an SAPS helicopter pilot," said Khunou.
With a bird’s eye view, Lieutenant Colonel Khunou continues to serve the people of South Africa with dignity, honour and pride. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:20
Tributes for former Vice-Chancellor of UWC Prof Brian O’Connell
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has expressed great shock and sadness at the passing of the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Professor Brian O’Connell.
O’Connell passed away on Sunday at the age of 77.
The Minister has remembered O’Connell as an “illustrious” educationist and higher education leader who played a seminal role in basic and higher education following the advent of democracy in South Africa.
“The roots of his passion for social justice, equality and freedom must have been planted during his experiences as a student activist at UWC in the mid-1960s and resonated throughout his extraordinary life,” Nzimande said.
In higher education, the department said O’Connell led the university from 2001 until 2014, a period marked by difficult challenges of financial distress and the “merger” process.
However, under his leadership, the department believes UWC faced up to both challenges with great skill.
The late Professor has also been recognised for guiding UWC through difficult times, transforming it into one of the few historically Black universities in South Africa to successfully overcome its history of marginalisation and stagnation.
“At the core of his transformational leadership role was his stunning success in deliberately positioning UWC to become one of South Africa’s leading teaching and research universities.
“He worked tirelessly to mobilise resources from both South Africa and abroad to finance an ambitious Science Building project at a time of decline in fiscal support for infrastructure at universities.”
For his achievements in education, O’Connell was awarded the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2017.
Nzimande further noted that “Professor O’Connell was without doubt a visionary and charismatic figure in higher education with an unwavering commitment to an agenda promoting progressive education as a public good, and for equality and social justice”.
According to the UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, O’Connell took the helm at a time when the university was facing the aftermath of staff retrenchments, financial vulnerability, the significant loss of academic leadership, evolving enrolment trends, and a despondent campus community.
“In his inaugural address in 2002, O’Connell argued that a university hardly deserves the name if it does not provide a space to grow in hope, to create and share knowledge, and to inform the agency.
“Through this approach, he emphasised the strength of using UWC’s distinctive academic role to rebuild the institution as an inspirational community of hope, to be a premier site of knowledge production, and to draw on the agency of its people to use and produce knowledge as agents of change,” Pretorius recalled.
Under O’Connell’s leadership, the university cemented trusted relationships with several universities internationally.
“These networks served as a strong catalytic force which laid the foundation for new partnerships and alliances.”
He mentioned that O’Connell’s legacy is one of passionate conviction, intellectual clarity and engaged leadership.
“As we mourn the loss of a great man, we also celebrate his extraordinary life and the lasting impact he has had on our university and our society,” Pretorius added.
Among the many honorary doctorates Professor received, he was also bestowed the title Commander of the Order of Leopold II from the Belgian government for his contribution to the global tertiary institution sector.
“Professor O’Connell will be remembered in different ways by individuals he touched, but I have no doubt they will all remember his humility – from picking up litter on campus when he was the Rector, to setting an example for the campus community, or the simple gesture of remembering staff member’s names – even, at times, their families.
“He was warm, affable and always dignified in immensely pressurised and challenging situations.”
Both Nzimande and Pretorius extended their heartfelt condolences to the O’Connell family including his wife Judith and children, Amanda-Leigh and Bryan. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:39
In a concerted effort to tackle the growing challenges of State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) debt in Africa, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted a high-level workshop in Pretoria from 21 to 23 August 2024. The event brought together finance policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations to share best practices and develop strategic solutions for effective SOE debt management across the continent.
The workshop brought together officials from the Ministries of Finance of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia, along with representatives from UNDP, the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, and major state-owned entities. The focus was on enhancing governance frameworks, improving financial oversight, and exploring privatization options.
Participants discussed the critical role of SOEs in driving national development, acknowledging that while these entities have the potential to bolster economic growth and address market deficiencies, they also pose significant risks to government finances. The workshop highlighted that poorly managed SOEs can lead to severe financial burdens, potentially destabilizing national budgets and contributing to the deterioration of sovereign credit ratings.
“In many African countries, SOEs play a vital socio-economic role. This workshop comes at a critical time for Africa's development, with both SOE and government finances under pressure amid cascading crises and multiple shocks,” said Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of the Macroeconomics, Finance, and Governance Division (MFGD) at ECA, in her opening remarks.
Ms Schwidrowski noted that “critical public services tend to deteriorate alongside SOEs' financial difficulties, leading to a downward spiral of weakened service delivery and growth.” That is why ECA organized this capacity-building workshop “to develop practical solutions and options for Africa,” she added.
The discussions also underscored the importance of corporate governance, risk management, and internal oversight as drivers of reform. Participants shared successful approaches to SOE debt management and identified key barriers, including challenges related to mandate delivery and the intricate links between sovereign and SOE credit ratings.
Lee Everts, Chief of the Macroeconomic Analysis Section in MFGD, emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to address the rising SOE debt. “Financial restructuring, governance and operational improvements, and in some cases, privatization or asset sales, are essential steps to mitigate the risks posed by SOE debt,” she said.
The workshop, organized by ECA's Macroeconomics, Finance, and Governance Division in collaboration with its Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa, is part of a broader series of capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening public debt management across Africa. ECA remains committed to supporting African nations in implementing innovative and robust solutions to the persistent challenges posed by SOE debt and related government liabilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
Dozens of learners from inner-city schools competed in the 2nd Windybrow Arts Centre Spelling Bee competition
Shipping containers have evolved far beyond their original use for transporting goods across the world. Today, these sturdy and versatile structures are being repurposed for a wide range of applications, from storage solutions to innovative architectural projects. This article delves into the many uses of shipping containers, the availability of shipping containers for sale, and …
SA-China State Visit to focus on strengthening economic relations
With China being South Africa’s largest trading partner, the upcoming State Visit to the People’s Republic of China by President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to fortify the economic relationship between the two countries.
In 2023, South Africa’s bilateral trade reached $34 billion, with exports totalling $12 billion and imports at $22 billion.
“China’s substantial contribution to our investment drive has made it the largest source of foreign direct investment for South Africa. We anticipate concluding several important agreements during this State Visit, including a Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation, addressing the trade balance, and expanding market access,” spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Chrispin Phiri, said on Monday in Pretoria.
WATCH |
Phiri said these agreements will strengthen South Africa’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and elevate regional and multilateral cooperation to support global peace and security.
The President will travel of China from 2 - 5 September 2024 to further strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
“This visit is a testament to the robust relations between our two nations, built on mutual respect and benefit. It follows President Xi Jinping’s fourth State Visit to South Africa, further strengthening our ties.
“The primary focus of this visit will be to fortify our economic relationship. South Africa’s largest trading partner, China, has played a pivotal role in our economy.
“Our relations with China are central to realising our developmental agenda and efforts to implement the National Development Plan. This visit provides an opportunity to review progress on existing trade and cooperation, and to expedite and finalise new areas of collaboration,” he said.
While in China, the President will lead the South African delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing from 4 to 5 September 2024.
The Summit, themed, 'Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future', will further South Africa’s cooperation under the Belt-and-Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative (“Three Initiatives”).
SA-Japan developments
Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola successfully concluded his working visit to Japan, which coincided with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) Ministerial Meeting on 24-25 August 2024 in Tokyo.
Launched in 1993, TICAD is the first international developmental partnership with Africa. It advocates for Africa’s development agenda and strengthens economic cooperation between Africa and Japan.
The Minister led South Africa’s delegation at the Ministerial Meeting, held under the theme, ‘Realising a Sustainable Future'.
The Government of Japan convened this significant gathering in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (UNOSAA), the World Bank, and the African Union (AU) Commission.
“The Minister’s visit to Japan coincided with Toyota’s announcement of a strategic investment of R 1.2 billion in the South African automotive industry and our first consignment of avocados to Japan. This marks a significant moment for our agricultural sector in the East Asia market.
“These important economic developments will go a long way to drive faster industrialisation, job creation, and transformation implementation. The Minister reiterated that South Africa enjoys a significant relationship with Japan, underpinned by a fair economic partnership that contributes significantly to our nation’s economic development and people-to-people relations,” Phiri said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 15:07
Eskom anticipates 'load shedding free summer'
Eskom anticipates that South Africa will experience a “load shedding free summer” if it manages to keep unplanned losses at power stations below 13 000MW.
This is according to the power utility’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Dan Marokane who briefed the media on the state of Eskom and Summer Plan on Monday.
“Our view is that if we keep the unplanned losses below 13 000MW, we should have a load shedding free summer. At worst, we anticipate that in the event that unplanned losses reaches up to 15 500MW, we will at most experience Stage 2 [load shedding].
“The performance over the last four months has consistently hovered around unplanned losses of 12 000MW. Our power station managers and our teams are very alive to that, their focus is on controlling unplanned losses and should we stay below 13 000MW, we should have a comfortable summer,” Marokane explained.
WATCH | Eskom media briefing
The GCEO added that over the coming months, more generation capacity is expected to come online from power stations.
“That 2500MW [of added capacity] will add significant margins to our reserves and once we have that, together with the sustained performance that we are seeing, we should get into a conversation sooner in the New Year, by March, as to when we can essentially indicate that from our perspective, load shedding at the chronic level that it was, is now behind us,” Marokane said.
He noted the dramatically improved generation performance but warned that the level of performance must be sustained throughout the entire business.
“There’s been a structural shift in the performance of our coal fleet. That structural shift is evidenced in the reduction of unplanned outages…and from the performance of 152 days without load shedding.
“In contrast to where we were last December sends a signal that something, fundamentally, has shifted and it is all on the back of the generation recovery plan.
“The performance…has been above expectation and it is beefed by the interventions we have executed from a generation recovery plan. This performance needs to be institutionalised so that our ways of working as a business do not go back to where we were,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 15:17
Gender dynamics and South African societal roles can hinder women’s healthcare as one-in-three women suffer from urinary incontinence, and one-in-four have pelvic floor disorders, conditions often overlooked, leaving many to suffer in silence. Additionally, CANSA reports breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers as the top three cancers affecting women. “At Urology Hospital we aim to dispel …
Benefits of just energy transition must be shared equally
As South Africa transitions towards a low carbon economy, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, says the benefits of energy renewable projects should be shared equitably with communities.
Addressing the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4All) in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of addressing potential job losses in the coal sector.
South Africa’s plans for the just energy transition will focus on the transition of the energy sector, as it navigates the shift away from coal towards cleaner sources of energy.
“It is essential that we approach this transition with humanity, providing support, training, and creating new opportunities within the renewable energy sector. A holistic approach is required, one that embraces clear and comprehensive national renewable energy policies sets defined targets and provides a roadmap for the transition.
“Community participation and ownership in renewable energy projects must be a cornerstone of this policy, ensuring that the benefits of this transition are shared equitably,” Singh said on Monday.
While necessary, he said the just energy transition does come with its set of challenges.
“Acknowledging our current economic growth's stagnation, the reliance on coal for energy, and the coal industry's role as a significant employment sector, we understand the complexities involved.
“Moreover, the challenge of making renewable energy technologies affordable and accessible cannot be overlooked. We need innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that clean energy solutions are within reach for all South Africans, especially those in low-income communities.
“As we chart our course forward, it is clear that no single solution can address the multifaceted challenges we face,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said for South Africa to truly succeed, it needs more than just policies and roadmaps.
“…We need action and commitment from every sector of our society. From all spheres of government to the private sector, from civil society to every citizen, we must unite in our efforts towards a sustainable future. Now is the time for us to harness the incredible potential of renewable energy, to innovate, to build, and to grow together.
“Therefore, our call to action as a responsible, interdependent, and interrelated government is not just to listen but to participate actively in this transition. Let us collaborate, innovate, and implement the solutions that will power our nation forward.
“Let us build a future that aligns with our environmental, economic, and social imperatives. A future where sustainable energy drives our progress, where no one is left behind, and where we stand as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of global challenges,” Singh said.
He stressed that local government is at the coal face of the country’s efforts, as this is where policy legislation and regulation turn into action.
“We must be focusing on a back-to-basics approach, getting the basics right with respect to our daily deliverables. More than half of the battle will be won if every local sphere of government gets the basics right. Innovation and consistently good service delivery are what will carry the day,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said electricity is the backbone of progress, an enabler that unlocks industrial growth, drives the economy, and promotes inclusivity.
“Yet, the sustainability of our progress hinges on our ability to shift towards clean energy. The spectres of poverty, inequality and unemployment cannot be exorcised without robust GDP [gross domestic product] growth, which in turn demands a stable and sufficient energy supply.
“However, our journey is compounded by the environmental cost of our past reliance on coal. This has left us with a legacy of environmental degradation and health issues, making our commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources crucial for our environment and the well-being of our communities,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 14:30
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assigned shareholder responsibility for each of the state-owned enterprises that previously fell under the Department of Public Enterprises to the respective line-function Ministries.
President Ramaphosa has signed proclamations which, in terms of Section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, transfer the administration, powers and functions entrusted by the specified legislation as follows:
- Alexkor: Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
- Denel: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
- Eskom: Minister of Electricity and Energy
- Safcol: Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- South African Airways: Minister of Transport
- South African Express: Minister of Transport
- Transnet: Minister of Transport
In addition, certain sections of the Overvaal Resorts Limited Act of 1993 and Overvaal Resorts Limited Act Repeal Act of 2019 are vested with the Minister of Water and Sanitation.
The President has signed a proclamation appointing the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation as the executive authority of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), which will continue to exist and operate until the human and financial resources are transferred appropriately. This appointment empowers the Minister to exercise with respect to DPE all relevant powers and functions under the Public Service Act of 1994 and the Public Finance Management Act of 1999.
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has also been assigned the responsibility to finalise the National State Enterprise Bill, which will set out the exercise of shareholder responsibility for respective SOEs which will be transferred in a phased manner into the envisaged national enterprise holding company.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Access to safe and professional abortion services is a critical aspect of healthcare. In areas like Soweto, Randfontein, and Germiston, finding a reliable abortion clinic is important for those who need it. Understanding the Role of Abortion Clinics Abortion clinics provide essential services for individuals seeking to terminate a pregnancy safely and legally. These …
The streets of Jozi are set to come alive with athletic energy and community spirit on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, as thousands of runners gather to participate in one of the city’s most iconic Heritage Day celebrations, the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. “The final event in a series of five, the Absa …
Municipalities must be at "driving seat" of clean energy
Municipalities are at the centre of government’s efforts to move towards clean energy and fulfil the country’s commitment to global climate change.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was addressing the opening ceremony of the Municipal Just Energy Transition (JET) Conference held in Johannesburg on Monday.
The President highlighted that South Africa’s 257 metropolitan, district and local municipalities “own and operate approximately half of South Africa’s electricity distribution grid and facilitate universal access to electricity”.
“One hundred and sixty five municipalities are electricity service providers. Through the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant, municipalities are responsible for addressing the electrification backlog.
“Municipalities therefore need to be in the driving seat when it comes to providing clean, affordable energy to communities, businesses and industry,” the President highlighted.
WATCH |
In this regard, South Africa’s Cabinet approved the JET Investment Plan, which has a dedicated municipal portfolio roadmap with three areas of focus.
These are:
On the first area of focus, the President said the recent promulgation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment “paves the way for a new, competitive electricity market.
“The reforms contained in the law must help to speed up decarbonisation. But more than that, they must result in a better deal for households and businesses.
“The national climate change effort must not come at a higher cost for electricity users. South African households, like many around the world, are battling with the rising cost of living, including the cost of energy.
“We must therefore ensure that the energy transition does not contribute to energy poverty. It must not deepen inequality,” President Ramaphosa insisted.
In terms of sustainable financing for electricity infrastructure, he said municipal grid system needs to be upgraded, modernised and extended.
“The energy generation of the future requires systems that are fundamentally different in terms of design, capability and operation.
“Smart metering will have to accommodate the increased penetration of renewable energy at different scales. It will need to facilitate wheeling and feed-in by small-scale embedded generation.
“Massive investment is needed to ensure optimal grid control, safety and energy storage. This investment will need to draw on both public and private sources of capital,” he said.
Turning to how the capacity of municipalities can be strengthened, President Ramaphosa said extensive training and upskilling of officials will be the order of the day.
“New systems will be required to identify human resource, technical capacity and other needs within municipalities, and plan and budget accordingly.
“Municipalities will need to adopt best practice when it comes to the design and implementation of programmes and projects,” he said.
The President told conference delegates that the country’s drive towards a lower carbon intensive economy does not only reside with government.
“A just energy transition is about promoting economic diversification, transformation and industrialisation in the renewable energy sector that empowers workers, marginalised communities and black businesses.
“The achievement of defined just energy transition outcomes at a municipal level requires supportive policies and leadership, good governance and a coordinated effort among all relevant institutions.
“As government, business, labour and civil society, let us deepen our collaboration to achieve an energy future that is secure and sustainable for all,” President Ramaphosa said.
READ | SA committed to meeting climate change undertakings
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 11:13
Get ready for an electrifying return of the Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez Drag Show at Bay Harbour Market on 20 August 2024! Fresh off their appearance on the Showmax series Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. Kat and Manila’s preparation for this show is nothing short of meticulous. Every element, from the song choices …