MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The action-packed Boxer Super Run returns to Durban on Sunday, 13 October 2024. Both social and elite runners (and walkers) can look forward to experiencing 5km running at its finest. Entries are officially open! Launched in 2023 in a partnership between Stillwater Sports, Boxer Superstores and Coca-Cola, the Boxer Super Run is a world class …
SA committed to meeting climate change undertakings
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has assured of South Africa’s commitment to meeting its undertakings under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement.
George said South Africa is working on its second Nationally Determined Contribution, and the country has also committed to updating and submitting its first Biennial Transparency Report.
“We will contribute our fair share and not make false promises that we are unable to keep,” George said.
George was speaking at the Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) Ministerial Meeting held on Sunday, ahead of the 8th Session of the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Action (MoCA) taking place in Wuhan, China.
The Ministers responsible for climate change from the BASIC countries gathered for the bi-annual meeting to discuss key issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP29).
These include the need to finalise the rules around carbon markets, adaptation indicators, the Just Transition Pathways Work Programme, the Mitigation Work Programme, and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on finance.
In his opening remarks, George said South Africa is focused on implementing ambitious actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including through the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP).
The implementation of this plan includes actions around electricity, electric vehicles and green hydrogen and, said the Minister, South Africa is interested in partnering with BASIC and other countries towards its implementation.
“The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with some developed countries is only a small component of our much larger energy transition plan, which in turn is only one sector of the all-of-economy and all-of-society just transition we seek in line with the COP28 UAE Vision.
“Our Parliament has adopted a Climate Change Bill [and] since 2011, when we outlined South Africa’s response to climate change in our National Climate Change Response White Paper, we have been putting in place the components of an integrated response. Now, this Bill will integrate all of these components into a robust legal framework, and mainstream climate action across government,” George said.
For South Africa, progress is required in terms of emission reduction obligations, adaptation commitments and the means of implementation “to ensure that we are on track to achieving the 1.5-degree target, and that support for both adaptation and loss and damage will address all likely outcomes”.
The Minister said the country believes that COP29 should enable enhanced, effective and sustained international cooperation on both adaptation and mitigation (equally treated), to achieve the missing ambition in climate actions to date.
“Developed countries’ commitment to providing adequate support to developing countries, is key for the Paris Agreement to be truly applicable to all. The global North should ensure no backtracking on support obligations,” the Minister said.
Ministerial on Climate Action
Meanwhile, MoCA, which is taking place on 22 -23 July 2024, is a key moment for ministers and senior climate diplomats to gather, coming shortly after the UNFCCC intersessional in June.
The meeting will be a chance to elevate sticky issues in climate negotiations to a higher political level.
MoCA is one of the platforms created at the initiative of individual States in support of the UNFCCC negotiations that seeks to identify issues of convergence and divergence at a political level, with a view to bridge building and exploring potential landing zones ahead of the COP.
Convened by China, the European Union (EU) and Canada, MoCA was initiated in 2017 to support the Paris Agreement and the multilateral climate process. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:56
A capable state will strengthen South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that building a capable state is a critical step to creating an inclusive economy that benefits all.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter, on Monday.
Strengthening the state is one of the key priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU) outlined by the President in his Opening of Parliament Address last week.
This, the President said, comes in the form of rebuilding the “capability of the state and creating a professional public service”.
“This work is already well underway. The national framework for the professionalisation of the public service was adopted by Cabinet in 2022 to guide public service reform. The Department of Public Service and Administration [DPSA] has already issued two directives giving effect to the framework.
“The framework aims to build meritocracy in the public service. Recruitment and selection processes are being overhauled, as are performance management systems. Competency-based assessments and integrity tests are being introduced. These tests will be used across the public sector, including to persons appointed into political offices such as ministerial advisers and chiefs of staff,” he said.
Additionally, the national framework also seeks to open more doors for young people who want to work in the public service.
“One of the DPSA directives issued earlier this year waives the experience requirement for entry level posts with no supervisory responsibilities. It also makes provision for verification of academic qualifications from applicants who do not have their degree certificates because of outstanding student debt,” the President said.
Capable leaders
President Ramaphosa emphasised that capable leaders are required for a capable state.
In this regard, the President said, the National School of Government has been growing its “suite of executive education programmes designed for elected officials and executive managers”.
“These involve formal learning programmes delivered by renowned experts, high-level masterclasses and seminars on issues ranging from the art of execution to ethics and economic governance. There are also flagship programmes tailored for accounting officers and induction training for boards of state-owned enterprises.
“Leaders in national and provincial governments will undergo training and development programmes throughout the seventh administration, starting with the National School of Government’s ethical leadership and oversight programme.
“Other areas of training include economic governance, scenario planning and digital transformation. It is encouraging that traditional leaders are also prioritising their development through short learning programmes and formal qualifications,” he said.
The President further noted that public servants “need to be insulated from undue political interference and vested interests”.
“While there may be a temptation for members of the Executive to favour the policies of their own political parties, we are working to develop the Medium-Term Development Plan and implement the programme of government as a united government, not as individual parties.
“Within the public service, professionalism, integrity and commitment to the policies of the government of the day must transcend all political and ideological affiliations.
“State capture provided a bitter lesson on the vulnerabilities of the public sector to interference by private business interests. As the Government of National Unity, as a country, we must ensure that this never happens again. We must actively guard against the forms of executive overreach witnessed in the past,” he said.
The President called on all formations that form part of the GNU to come together to build a capable state.
“If we continue along the path of collaboration and cooperation, the Government of National Unity has the means and political will to transform the public service into a powerful driver of service delivery, economic growth and development,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:24
There’s nothing like a cozy cup of hot chocolate especially when it’s elevated with the smooth and aerated delight of an Aero bar. Enjoy the ideal winter drink, the Aero Melted Moment perfect to punctuate cold winter days and add a little magic to them. This delicious concoction combines the delightful texture of Aero buttons …
Phalaborwa farming associations sound the alarm
South Africa welcomes ICJ advisory opinion on Israeli practices
The Government of South Africa has welcomed the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel practices, detailing the legal consequences arising from Israeli policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
In its Advisory Opinion, which emanated from a request by the United Nations General Assembly on 30 December 2022, the court unanimously reaffirmed its jurisdiction on the matter, and that the State of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful under international law.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the court was of the view that the effects of Israel’s policies and practices, and its exercise of sovereignty over certain parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, constitute an obstruction to the exercise by the Palestinian people of their right to self-determination.
“This includes Israel’s annexation of parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the fragmentation of this territory, undermining its integrity, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of the enjoyment of the natural resources of the territory and its impairment of the Palestinian people’s right to pursue its economic, social and cultural development,” the department said.
South Africa was amongst 49 Member States of the United Nations, which delivered a statement to the ICJ in February 2024 on the matter.
In summary, the ICJ concluded that:
• The State of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful;
• The State of Israel is under an obligation to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as rapidly as possible;
• The State of Israel is under an obligation to cease immediately all new settlement activities, and to evacuate all settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory; the State of Israel has the obligation to make reparation for the damage caused to all the natural or legal persons concerned in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
• All States are under an obligation not to recognise as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by the continued presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
• International organisations, including the United Nations, are under an obligation not to recognize as legal the situation arising from the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and
• The United Nations, and especially the General Assembly, which requested the opinion, and the Security Council, should consider the precise modalities and further action required to bring to an end as rapidly as possible the unlawful presence of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Responding to the Court’s Advisory Opinion, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said the ICJ ruling affirms South Africa’s long-standing position that the occupation by Israel of Palestinian territory remains unlawful under international law.
“The international community must act to bring an immediate end to the occupation and the gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people. There is now an additional legal obligation for all States to end complicity in Israel’s illegal actions and to act to ensure respect for international law,” Lamola said.
Lamola said South Africa attaches particular importance to the Court’s finding that Israel is in violation of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which provides that “States Parties particularly condemn racial segregation and apartheid and undertake to prevent, prohibit and eradicate all practices of this nature in territories under their jurisdiction”.
He said the court’s finding reaffirms that the Israeli Government is guilty of practicing the crime of Apartheid.
“As the court put it: The Court observes that Israel’s legislation and measures impose and serve to maintain a near-complete separation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem between the settler and Palestinian communities. For this reason, the Court considers that Israel’s legislation and measures constitute a breach of Article 3 of CERD,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 10:15
George attends ministerial meetings on climate action in China
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, will on Sunday attend the Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) Ministerial Meeting, ahead of the 8th Session of the Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA) taking place in Wuhan, China.
The Ministers responsible for climate change from the BASIC countries will gather for the bi-annual meeting to discuss key issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP29).
These include the need to finalise the rules around carbon markets, adaptation indicators, the Just Transition Pathways Work Programme, the Mitigation Work Programme, and the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on finance.
George emphasised the importance of ensuring a balanced agenda that addresses issues critical to developing countries, and to pressure developed countries to fulfil their commitments.
The BASIC group plays a pivotal role in unifying developing countries and providing leadership in climate negotiations.
“South Africa reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with fellow members of the Global South. We regard the BASIC group as a key strategic platform for articulating and advancing the interests of developing countries towards a more sustainable, just and equitable international order,” George said.
MoCA, which is taking place on 22 -23 July 2024, is one of the platforms created at the initiative of individual States in support of the UNFCCC negotiations that seeks to identify issues of convergence and divergence at a political level, with a view to bridge building and exploring potential landing zones ahead of the COP.
MoCA is convened by China, the European Union (EU) and Canada. It was initiated in 2017 to support the Paris Agreement and the multilateral climate process.
The MoCA in Wuhan is a key moment for ministers and senior climate diplomats to gather, coming shortly after the UNFCCC intersessional in June.
It will be a chance to elevate sticky issues in climate negotiations to a higher political level.
George said such meetings are important because the negotiations often deadlock at the technical level due to geopolitical tensions and the national interests at stake.
South Africa has traditionally played a key role in the UNFCCC process, helping to secure consensus outcomes, including through special co-facilitation, and chairing roles being conferred to successive South African Presidents and Ministers at Climate Summits and COPs over the past two decades.
“I look forward to the frank political discussions on the progress and complexities around implementing the COP 28 outcomes, the role of carbon markets, the new collective quantified goal on climate finance beyond $100 billion per annum to be set at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as other critical negotiations items needed to be addressed,” George said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 13:05
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Pension Funds Amendment Bill which amends pension-related legislation to enable the implementation of the recently legislated two-pot retirement system, geared towards bolstering retirement savings.
The new Pension Funds Amendment Act amends the Pension Funds Act of 1956, the Post and Telecommunications-Related Matters Act of 1958, the Transnet Pension Fund Act of 1990 and the Government Employees Pension Law of 1996.
The law provides for the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit; the appropriate account of a member's interest in the savings; retirement and vested components, and the deductions that may be made.
The Act requires pension funds to amend their rules, adjust their investment portfolios and prepare administrative systems for pension fund members to apply to access portions of their pension funds from 1 September 2024.
This law complements the Revenues Laws Amendment Act, 2024 (Act No. 12 of 2024), which was signed by the President on 11 June 2024.
Government has proposed a reform to the retirement saving regime, which will see the introduction of the “two-pot” retirement system. From the proposed date of 1 September 2024, one-third of retirement contributions will be split into a savings component and two-thirds into a retirement component.
What is in the “savings component” will be available for withdrawal at any time before retirement. The ability to unconditionally access amounts from the “savings component” will be provided without the member having to cease employment or having to resign. A member will be allowed to make a single withdrawal within a year of assessment.
The minimum withdrawal amount is R2 000. The ability to withdraw from the “savings component” will be applicable on a per fund or per contract basis.
Withdrawals from the “savings component” will be added to the individual's taxable income and will be taxed at their marginal tax rates.
Retirement funds will on or soon after 1 September 2024, be required to create another component known as the “retirement component”, which will be housed within the current retirement fund.
Individuals will be required to contribute an amount of two-thirds of the total individual retirement fund contributions to the “retirement component”.
The assets in the “retirement component” will be required to be preserved until retirement (i.e. withdrawals from this component can only be accessed by the member upon retirement as per the fund rules).
Once a member has reached retirement age and retires, the “retirement component” is to be paid in the form of an annuity (including a living annuity).
This dispensation gives members of retirement funds access to retirement savings without having to resign or cash out entire pension funds.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
If you’re looking to sell your Krugerrand, finding a reputable buyer is crucial to ensure you get the best value. These iconic gold coins from South Africa are highly sought after by investors and collectors. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process and get the most out of your sale, with a special …
Johannesburg, 21 July 2024: The search is on for South Africa’s leaders in transformation and Mr Richard Manzini, CEO of Daybreak Foods, has been announced as a finalist in the BBQ Businessman of the Year Awards. The BBQ Awards is South Africa’s most prestigious and longest running black business awards ceremony. For almost 2 decades, …
The anticipation is palpable as the Rowing South Africa team departed for France on Thursday, 18th of July. The team, comprising of the men’s pair John Smith and Chris Baxter, and women’s single sculler Paige Badenhorst, has just completed their final preparation camp in Tzaneen and are ready to represent South Africa on the world …
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom Rohitha Bogollagama met the new South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola at the Service of Thanksgiving celebrating the 30th Year of South Africa's Democracy. The event was hosted by the High Commission of South Africa in London on 16 July 2024 at Westminster Abbey.
High Commissioner Bogollagama and Minister Lamola exchanged views on strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and South Africa as well as ties within the Commonwealth. Both dignitaries expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation and deeper ties between their respective governments.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka.
After ten years of having their monthly contracts continuously extended, they will no longer be renewed at month end
Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery
Ministers responsible for some of the key portfolios in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have welcomed the renewed focus on some crucial areas of service delivery, as the work that lies ahead for the seventh administration was brought into sharp focus on Thursday evening.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) at the Cape Town City Hall, where he provided the details of the programme of action for the new Executive.
The much-anticipated address followed the ushering in of the seventh administration after South Africans voted in the National and Provincial Elections in May. With no outright majority winner, 10 political parties formed a Government of National Unity (GNU), which enjoins all parties to work together for improved service delivery and advanced economic growth.
After the President’s address, some Ministers who spoke to SAnews in the Parliamentary Precinct in Cape Town, reiterated their support for the goals of this administration, which are articulated in the Statement of Intent agreed to by parties to the GNU.
Chief amongst these targets are the pursuit of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty; safeguarding the rights of workers; stabilising government; building State capacity, and pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
President Ramaphosa highlighted a number of projects ranging from essential infrastructure to improved health care – all geared towards better outcomes for citizens and economic development.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina told SAnews that the provision of water is an issue that requires urgent attention.
“We have mega water projects that we have unblocked, such as the Lesotho Highlands Phase 2, which will assist to provide water to Gauteng, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape,” Majodina said.
She reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that projects of such nature become successful in delivering on their mandate, despite the hurdles that arise.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the President’s call for the proper implementation, at local government level, of the indigent policy so that the old, the infirm and the poor get assistance with the payment of basic services.
“This is the outcome of our engagements and discussions, where we agreed on key priorities… to turn things around and pull together. We are also going to look [closely at] municipalities because if they are not stable, there won’t be economic growth,” Hlabisa said.
Improving health outcomes
On the provision of health services, President Ramaphosa once again reassured that through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), government will be able to bring stakeholders together, resolve differences and “clarify misunderstandings”, a sentiment echoed by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
On 15 May 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance Bill into law.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
The NHI Bill seeks to provide universal access to health care services in the country, in accordance with the National Health Insurance White Paper and the Constitution of South Africa.
The Bill envisages the establishment of a National Health Insurance Fund and sets out its powers, functions and governance structures.
Motsoaledi said government intends to ensure that all are treated equally at health facilities.
“As government, we want people to be treated the same. This is what we are striving [for].”
The NHI Bill will also create mechanisms for the equitable, effective and efficient utilisation of the resources of the fund to meet the health needs of users and preclude or limit undesirable, unethical and unlawful practices in relation to the fund. It further seeks to address barriers to access.
The Bill was initially tabled in Parliament and introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Health on 8 August 2019 for processing. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 22:21
CoGTA Minister describes GNU as 'a bold, necessary step in the right direction'
Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised his party’s commitment to a stable and successful Government of National Unity (GNU).
“The GNU is not about politics but about the will of the people for the future of our country. We campaigned and expressed our views to the electorate, but the electorate in response, said ‘work together',” Hlabisa said.
Hlabisa, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, spoke during Friday’s debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).
The debate is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s OPA delivered in Cape Town on Thursday, where he outlined government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years.
Hlabisa told Members of Parliament (MPs) that his party will continue in their founder’s footsteps, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who spoke “loudly” on behalf of the people.
“We will continue to play that role constructively in the GNU for the good of our country,” he said.
He described the GNU as a bold and necessary step in the right direction.
“We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself and the future of our generation and the generations to come.
“The real way of changing the lived reality of every South African must proceed with the utmost haste. The change voters demand must be practically seen, felt and experienced in the next few months.”
Hlabisa welcomed the plan laid out yesterday evening by President Ramaphosa.
He is of the view that the President’s OPA opened a new chapter for the country under the collective wisdom, skills and capabilities of leaders who chose to work together for the sake of the people of South Africa.
Municipalities
The IFP has welcomed the position taken by the President about reviewing the Municipal Funding Model to ensure that municipalities become fully functional.
Hlabisa is of the view that this marks a turning point in the country’s 30-year history.
“The IFP believes that local government is a critical sphere of government to impact development and change in the lives of the people of South Africa.”
As the Minister of CoGTA, Hlabisa said he was determined to see all municipalities receive the administrative, technical and financial support needed to become viable, stable, and able to deliver and maintain infrastructure.
He took the time to thank the President for his commitment to appoint political champions of the District Development Model (DDM) to fast-track the “one-plan” solution.
“With the DDM institutionalised, champions working tirelessly and CoGTA playing its role, we will ensure that every municipality works.”
Hlabisa said his party will also champion the interests of and deepen working partnerships with traditional and Khoi San leaders as they play a key role in a stable democracy.
Disaster management
The Minister touched on climate change, which has necessitated a new approach to disaster management that is proactive, less bureaucratic and timeous.
He also spoke about the devastation that has engulfed the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal residents following the floods and wildfire.
“The IFP is committed to the continued development of a new approach in dealing with disaster management.”
He stated that the GNU must be seen to be responsive, empowering and a force for good.
“It must work, as the IFP has always done, hand in hand with the people.”
In addition, he said his party was committed to a national dialogue to address social cohesion, landlessness and the growing gap between the rich and poor.
“We are committed to creating a stable GNU, that is responsive and delivers. This is our commitment to South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 12:58
Johannesburg, South Africa – July 19, 2024 – Waxed Branding, a leading corporate branding company with 15 years of industry experience, has announced the acquisition of a new Epson SureColor SC-F9400 sublimation printer. This strategic investment is set to enhance the company’s textile printing capabilities and expand its service offerings in the corporate branding sector. …
67 minutes may seem like a small pocket of time, but when South Africans band together, the impact can be monumental. This Mandela Day, volunteers from Crown Relocations South Africa and Crown Records Management South Africa dedicated their time and effort to pack 150 meal packs and knit 150 scarves, distributing them to those in …
GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has provided an opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa.
Speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to debate the President’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Steenhuisen reiterated that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), joined the Government of National Unity because it wants to play its part to build South Africa.
Steenhuisen said the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which necessitated the creation of a multiparty government, offers the country a powerful opportunity to carve a new path.
“The recent expanded Cabinet Lekgotla has given us the key ingredients we need to accelerate growth and private sector investment in our economy. The Government of National Unity has identified rapid and inclusive growth to create jobs as our apex priority,” Steenhuisen said.
To achieve this, he said the GNU has committed to a responsible fiscal path that reduces the national debt in order to free up resources for productive investments.
“The planned review of sector master plans to identify obstacles to growth, the emphasis on increasing our focus on exports, and our shared commitment to slashing red tape to crowd-in private sector investment, gives us the key ingredients we need to succeed,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address on the policy interventions to expand the basket of food items exempt from VAT, to review and reduce the fuel price, to prevent undue political interference in the public service, and to set up specialised policing units to fight violent crime and the construction mafia.
“These policy changes are ones that the DA has long advocated for, and they will make a meaningful impact on reducing the cost of living, enhancing the capacity of the state, and tackling the violent crime that plagues too many of our communities,” Steenhuisen said.
While the Government of National Unity has met the requirement for sufficient consensus as outlined in the Statement of Intent on some key matters of economic policy, Steenhuisen acknowledged that there are still areas of divergence that require attention.
These include the need for universal health coverage, which he said has serious problems of corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector.
“The National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form does not do enough to address these problems... The same goes for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill and some other initiatives.
“However, in all of these areas of divergence, I am convinced that we can find a way forward. It will require us to be honest about disagreements where they do exist, and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions,” Steenhuisen said.
Steenhuisen maintained that if the Government of National Unity succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, “then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all”.
“This Government of National Unity reflects the will of the people, who have told us loud and clear that they want an end to single party domination in favour of multiparty cooperation. The DA, alongside our partners, have heeded that call, and we have put forward our best weaver birds to help build South Africa,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 13:28
Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of …
South Africa has three surfers in the Olympic Games: Jordy Smith, Matt McGillivray, and Sarah Baum. The surfing event of the Paris Olympics will take place at Teahupo’o, Tahiti, with competition days from July 27th to August 5th. The surfing schedule can be found here. Jordy Smith will come up against Ethan Ewing (Aus) and …
The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President
Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Minister Parks Tau says his department's mandate is clear in that it will work to support and enhance the programmes instructively outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Opening of Parliament Address in Cape Town on Thursday evening.
“This is important, especially if we calculate the costs of poverty which constitutes 60 percent of the National Budget,” Tau said.
Responding to the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Tau said the reality is that government has to adopt a mission-oriented approach to industrial policy and strategy.
“As such, we must implement with laser focus, the programme of priorities outlined in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to benefit all South Africans, most particularly, women, the youth majority and people with disabilities,” Tau said.
He said if government does not implement the priorities of social justice, and poverty alleviation, then the nation-building and social cohesion projects will remain an elusive ideal.
“In line with what the President said when talking about smart industrial policy, the dtic group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail and agro-processing sectors.
“Smart industrial policy speaks to underlining beneficiation and export-led growth. It highlights the imperatives of the Public Procurement Act that will complement the essential legislative tools to unlock localisation and transformation.
“Every year the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, it is also out of sync with our developmental needs,” Tau said.
Tau said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others.
He said smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles.
“As you know, in February this year, the Minister of Finance announced that the government will introduce an investment allowance for new investments. This will see producers having the opportunity to claim 150 percent of qualifying investment expenditure on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles within the initial year.
“On structural transformation relating to B-BBEE, the dtic group will use the public procurement regime to advance B-BBEE and SMMEs. We will work with National Treasury to ensure that the Procurement Bill, under consideration by the President is implemented,” Tau said.
The Minister said government is aware that the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) elements of the B-BBEE Codes have the potential to raise several billions from the private sector.
“Therefore, working closely with the B-BBEE Commission in monitoring the contributions of the ESD, black industrialists and SMMEs will benefit from such financial contributions.
“Our common prosperity is contingent on building a better life for all, and not for some. In line with what the President said, the DTIC group will refocus on industrialisation in a targeted manner using available policy instruments.
“Our message to our SADC partners is a call-to-action for a united effort to promote regional industrialisation. This will leverage South Africa’s trade with Africa which has increased significantly, growing from just over R343 billion in 2019, to just under R547 billion in 2023,” Tau said.
In his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA), President Cyril Ramaphosa said government had decided to place inclusive economic growth at the centre of the work of the Government of National Unity and at the top of the national agenda.
“The Government of National Unity will pursue every action that contributes to sustainable, rapid economic growth and remove every obstacle that stands in the way of growth,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 15:33
Hans Zachar, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Nutun There’s no question that artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment. While AI has the potential to transform every industry – and in some cases, is already doing so – the contact centre is no different. In fact, Gartner predicts that 80% of customer service departments will …
Oil, gas exploration key for economic growth - Minister Mantashe
Minister of Minerals and Petroleum, Gwede Mantashe, says gas and oil exploration is critical for the future of South Africa’s economy.
The Minister was speaking during a debate on the Opening of Parliament Address held in Cape Town.
“Our country is endowed with petroleum deposits that are not yet exploited. We appeal to South Africans to appreciate that our quest for exploration of oil and gas deposits is not a nice to have.
“It is important to turnaround the composition of our economy and therefore, that will translate into growth of the economy,” he said.
Mantashe bemoaned what he called “foreign funded NGOs that block exploration of gas and oil”.
“That is blocking economic development and we must confront it and deal with it. That doesn’t mean we are not serious about responsible mining and exploration. We must accept, unreservedly, the need for mining and exploration that is conscious in preserving the environment while accelerating development,” he said.
The Minister said as development and growth takes place, empowerment should not be put on the back burner.
“As we address the question of unemployment and develop a framework for economic growth, we should bear in mind that involving black South Africans in economic activity is not a favour. It is a necessary intervention because for many years…they were not active in economic activity so therefore the question of black economic empowerment and affirmative action is a necessary intervention in the economy,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 12:41
17 July 2024, Johannesburg: As the nation grapples with ongoing stark inequalities, pervasive poverty and a dire youth unemployment rate, Afrika Tikkun, a leading youth development non-profit organisation, marks its 30-year legacy of creating holistic development, sustainable impact and tackling South Africa’s (SA’s) entrenched socio-economic disparities to foster an equitable society for all. The country’s …