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Clarens, Free State, South Africa – 27 March, 2024: Immerse yourself in the Clarens Arts Festival, set to transform the picturesque village of Clarens into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture from the 1st to the 5th of May, 2024. With tickets now on sale, this festival is your passport to an unparalleled cultural …
President Ramaphosa to unveil KZN terminal and Tetra Pak Manufacturing plant
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officially open the Newlyn PX Terminal and the Tetra Pak Manufacturing plant in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday as part of South Africa’s investment drive.
These entities made pledges through the South African Investment Conference, an initiative led by President Ramaphosa with the ambitious goal of attracting R1.2 trillion in investments over five years.
“The multi modal rail terminal in Bayhead next to the port of Durban pledged R2 billion for the development of the largest multi modal rail terminal in Africa and has completed the last phase of the development exceeding the initial pledge by R2.6 billion.
“The entity has over the last 26 years demonstrated its commitment as well as significant financial, technical and human resource development in developing transformational logistics infrastructure along the country’s major trade corridors,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Furthermore, the terminal is considered a leading development for logistics.
“The terminal has also been recognised as [a] flagship development expanding the logistics capacity of the country as well as enhancing global competitiveness as part of the critical NATCOR trade corridor linking Johannesburg to the port of Durban.
“The development will further facilitate an integrated ecosystem yielding benefits to freight owners, Transnet and logistics service providers. This will also accelerate government’s objective of migrating of cargo from road to rail,” the statement read.
The Presidency highlighted that in 2022, the Tetra Pak Group invested more than R500 million in the manufacturing plant in KwaZulu-Natal. Tetra Pak is the world’s leading food processing and packaging company with a presence in more than 155 countries.
“Post the investment, the manufacturing plant is now the only state-of-the-art facility in Africa producing carton asceptic packaging for the domestic market and Africa export; meeting standards of sustainability; supporting a circular economy and propelling industrial growth.
“These investments will form a critical industrial base for South Africa’s recent commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), for export opportunities,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:19
Incendiary rhetoric related to main agreement negotiations has been a recurrent issue post 2010 and as this year’s negotiations approach, expect more of it. In an economy hit by double-digit contraction, battered by an unprecedented and alarming jobless rate and languishing in sub-optimal economic growth, what should the key stakeholders – organized business and labour …
Access to healthcare is a basic human right, but achieving the healthy nation that South Africa needs for productivity and economic growth will take more than universal free healthcare. Social determinants of health such as lifestyle choices – diet, exercise, and substance use – play a crucial role in ensuring a healthy South Africa. Although …
Arrests for violating traffic laws
More than 1 000 road users have been arrested and 900 vehicles were impounded in law enforcement operations conducted in all nine provinces since the start of the Easter holidays.
The arrests related to various offences, such as drunken driving, producing false driving documentation, driving recklessly, operating on the roads without driving permits and the overloading of both goods and passengers.
Vehicles were impounded mainly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga for violation of public transport operating permits.
A total of 75 961 vehicles were stopped and checked and 916 927 drivers were issued with traffic fines for various infringements.
One of the major concerns during this period was unroadworthy vehicles, and 274 vehicles with defects being discontinued.
“The Easter weekend is associated with increased traffic volumes as pilgrimages and holiday makers take advantage of the public holidays to visit family or go on vacation. However, this surge in traffic poses significant road safety challenges, with authorities often warning motorists to exercise caution due to the high volumes of vehicles on the roads.
“Increased traffic volumes were experienced on Thursday and Friday from approximately 10 am with [the] N1 North and N3 South recording an average of 2 000 vehicles passing through various tollgates per hour. The N4 East recorded 1 900, while N1 South recorded an average of 1 000 vehicles,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Botswana are finalising details to identify and repatriate the 46 victims and human remains of Botswana bus crash fatalities, which happened over the Easter long weekend in Limpopo.
“We will be guided by the people of Botswana, especially the families and the government to say how they prefer this to be done. Post-mortems will be conducted tomorrow. Pathologists will issue a notice then [the Department of] Home Affairs will issue death certificates. Then a funeral parlour will issue a cover letter, requesting the repatriation permit,” Limpopo Health MEC, Doctor Phophi Ramathuba, said on Monday in an interview with the SABC. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:30
The Dart 18 is a double-handed, high-performance sailing catamaran that offers an exhilarating and fast-paced experience on the water. This international class is popular with both recreational and competitive sailors, thanks to its unique design and exceptional handling. Unlike traditional catamarans, the Dart 18 utilizes skegs instead of centerboards, making it ideal for beach sailing …
In today’s rapidly evolving world of e-commerce, one thing is abundantly clear: the receiver holds the reins. It’s the receiver—the customer—who ultimately dictates the trends and expectations that shape the industry. And, as someone deeply entrenched in the e-commerce landscape, I can confidently say that what the receiver wants, above all, is certainty when it …
Eskom applies electricity tariff increase
The price of electricity will increase this week, following Eskom’s implementation of its new electricity tariff of between 12.72% and 12.74%.
This after the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) determined the increases in December last year.
The increases are as follows:
“The average increase applied to the key industrial and urban tariffs will be 13.29% due to the increase in the affordability subsidy charge. The affordability subsidy charge is raised as a subsidy to the Homelight 20A tariff and is determined by NERSA. This charge exists due to historically lower Homelight 20A tariff increases and is paid by the non-municipal large industrial and urban tariffs.
“There are no tariff structural changes for 2024/25, however, Eskom is considering a tariff restructuring submission to NERSA for implementation in 2025/26,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:34
SARS collects R2.155 trillion in taxes
While South Africa’s economy continues to face challenges of load shedding and impaired port and logistics operations, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has collected a gross tax revenue of R2.155 trillion for the 2023/24 financial year.
Addressing a media briefing on the preliminary revenue outcome for the 2023/24 financial year, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said this amount was in line with the revised estimate representing a year-on-year growth of 4.2% against a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) of 4.9%.
“Net revenue, which is the revenue after refunds have been paid to tax payers amounts to R1.741 trillion, which exceeds the revised estimate set by the Minister of Finance by some R10 billion, representing a year on year growth of 3.2% (or R54.2billion) more than last year.
“This revenue performance translates to a tax-to-GDP ratio of 24.7% and a provisional tax buoyance ratio of 0.9% at gross level and 0.7% at net revenues,” Kieswetter said.
The revenue service refunded taxpayers with an amount of R414 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 6%, which is the highest quantum of refunds paid out in the history of SARS. It increased by R33 billion from the prior year.
Vat refunds amounted to R343 billion, which represents a growth of 7.5% since the prior year.
“Noteworthy is that those refunds represent about 6% of GDP. It is therefore pleasing that R120 billion of these refunds were directed to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and R37 billion to individuals. This is good for when business and individuals remain cash strapped. Refunds are often a form of funding during troubled times.
“Whilst we are pleased that the R414 billion returned into the hands of taxpayers is good for the economy, I remain concerned about fraud and abuse of our refund system. In the period under review, SARS was able to prevent the outflow of R101 billion of impermissible or fraudulent refunds and secure a number of successful prosecutions,” he said.
In trade facilitation for the period under review, SARS Customs facilitated a total of R8.5 million trade transactions amounting to R3.96 trillion. Exports amounted to just over R2 trillion, whilst imports were R1.937 trillion, resulting in a trade balance surplus of R11 billion.
“Our programme for Authorised Economic Operators (AEO), which is designed to give traders a green lane experience should they be accredited and maintain the high level of compliance, this year we added R145 new licensees, bringing the total number to 304 AEO.
“In our compliance environment, an encouraging trend is that we have increased our voluntary compliance index from 61.6% to 63.9%. This index was developed in 2020 in support of our strategic intent of our voluntary compliance and measures the overall compliance behaviour of tax payers across the compliance value chain of registration, filing declaration and payment,” the Commissioner said.
Revenue by tax products
Compared to the 2022/23 fiscal year, total tax revenue increased by R54.2 billion (3.2%), driven by personal income taxes of R49.5 billion (8.2% year on year or y/y) on the back of higher than estimated compensation of employees, as well as higher domestic VAT of R39.3 billion (8.1% y/y).
“Net Personal Income Tax, which accounts for 37.3% of total revenue, grew by R49.5 billion 8.2% in 2023/24, as employment improved year-on-year from and average wage settlement rates improved from an annual average of 6.0% in 2022 to 6.3% in 2023. PAYE collections from incentives and bonus payments predominantly from the finance sector also boosted PIT revenue.
"Net Corporate Income Tax (CIT) contracted by R31 billion (-8.9%) in 2023/24, while the mining sector saw a decline R42 billion, which is lower than the PY by 49.0%. The CIT contribution of large businesses contracted by 17.5%, while the contribution from small businesses increased by 8.8%. CIT collections accounted for 18.0% of total revenue," he said.
The Net Value-added Tax (VAT) growth of R25.4 billion (6.0%) is largely attributable to Domestic VAT (up by R39 billion (8.1%), import VAT (higher by R10.0 billion (3.9%) and higher outflow of VAT Refunds R23.9 billion (7.5%).
“SARS is determined to make it hard and costly for taxpayers who willfully fail to meet their obligations. The SARS compliance programme contributed R293.7 billion as at end of March (preliminary). This is an increase of R61.9 billion (26.7%) from the previous year’s R231.8 billion,” the Commissioner said.
Since its inception, SARS has collected R21.6 trillion in net tax revenues.
“The R21.6 trillion tax collections represents a compound growth of 9.9% per year since the inception of SARS in 1997. This has funded the South African democracy and touched the lives of millions who would be destitute without government support and services.
“We, who have the privilege to work at SARS, are justly proud of these achievements because these efforts contribute directly to nation-building and sustain our democracy,” Kieswetter said.
He said the revenue achievements of the past 30 years would not have been possible if it were not for the effective and beneficial partnerships established by working with compliant stakeholders in the tax and Customs ecosystems that deliver maximum benefits for taxpayers, traders, government, and citizens.
“Ultimately, we are augmenting the work of our employees, with the investment in data science, technology, and artificial intelligence, towards the goal of making the fulfilment of tax obligation a seamless process,” Kieswetter said. –SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 14:17
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
International World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April. This year’s celebration comes at a time when many health systems worldwide are looking for ways to address capacity issues and funding for essential services. Mental health is becoming a growing focal point, with many asking if enough is being done to address the issue appropriately. …
On Friday, March 15, 2024, the annual Dealmakers Africa Award Gala took place in Lagos, Nigeria. DealMakers is the pre-eminent league table agency for Africa.
At the awards, it was announced that Verdant Capital was ranked joint 2nd by deal flow in 2023 in the prestigious DealMakers Africa M&A leagues tables for the East Africa region overall. This is the fourth successive year that Verdant Capital has been placed in the top three in East Africa.
Verdant Capital also won joint 2nd place overall in the pan-Africa (ex-South Africa) region. Verdant Capital has been placed in the top five in the Pan-Africa region for three consecutive years. Verdant Capital has maintained its high league table ranking consistently in the African region over a period of heightened volatility in global and regional capital markets and over a time of significant macro-economic stress in specific countries. The consistency of Verdant Capital's performance is a testament to the quality of the support it provides its clients and its tenacity in completing transactions in difficult markets.
In 2023, Verdant Capital completed M&A and private capital transactions in East, West, Central and Southern Africa. Verdant Capital's landmark transactions completed in 2023 included the sale of Unguka Bank in Rwanda and advising on an acquisition in South Africa for Saint Gobain, the Paris-headquartered group ranking in the top 100 industrial companies in the World. Verdant Capital also advised five clients on debt and equity capital raisings.
Verdant Capital has been successful in bridging the African and global capital markets and structuring cross-border M&A in part because of its position as the IMAP member firm for its region. IMAP is a global M&A partnership founded in 1973, with members in over 40 countries and completing over 200 M&A transactions every year.
Overall, in recognition of the firm's successes advising private equity firms on exits and facilitating new investments, Verdant Capital received accolades from the prestigious Africa Global Funds awards. The firm won Best Independent Advisory Firm – pan-Africa and Best Advisory Firm to Private Equity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital
Liezel van Greunen
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant Capital:
Verdant Capital is a leading investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis. www.Verdant-Cap.com.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Gauteng Office of Trade and Investment Kwazulu-Natal, organized an informative webinar on "Available Renewable Energy Projects in Kwazulu-Natal" for Sri Lankan renewable energy companies on 26 March 2024.
The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Pretoria and, Acting Director General of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Anoma Premathilake, welcomed all the participants and introduced the webinar's objectives to the participants.
Manager of the Gauteng Office of Trade and Investment Kwazulu-Natal Donnee Kruger, explained the current energy crisis in South Africa and possible solutions with renewable energy sources. She explained that South Africa has introduced "Energy one-stop," which provides a single-window facilitation process for energy projects and spoke of the current energy environment and opportunities in South Africa.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria invited guest speakers Deoline Subramany and Michelle Visser from ART Solar company and Leo Williams from Photon Energy South Africa, who spoke of the capacity of their companies in producing renewable energy in South Africa.
Eighteen Sri Lankan companies joined the webinar and engaged with the speakers, requesting information on tariffs, concessions, and the approval process for projects.
Second Secretary (Commerce) of the Sri Lanka High Commission Thiloka Perera, and Director of Export Services Indumini Kodikara delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the webinar.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka.
Department calls for support for those living with autism
The Department of Health has urged families and communities to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), also known as autism, to thrive and reach their full potential, and to refrain from discriminating against them.
This as South Africa joins the global community today to increase awareness about autism and how communities can support autistic people.
Every year, on 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated to empower and help autistic people lead a full life.
The day is also used to empower the public, and health and welfare service providers with information, dispel misconceptions, and promote a deeper understanding of autism to help reduce stigma and discrimination by fostering a more inclusive environment for autistic persons and their families.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in every 100 children globally has autism.
In South Africa, the Department of Health said local studies have found the prevalence of autism to be between 0.08% and 2%.
“This condition is mainly found to be more prevalent in males than females,” the department said.
Autism can be a life-long condition, but according to the department, through appropriate and tailored support, children and adults with autism can make significant progress and live fulfilling lives.
“Autistic individuals, as well as their parents and caregivers, often face many challenges, but these do not have to define them because they have the same health needs and rights as the general population. They may, in addition, have specific healthcare needs related to autism or other co-occurring conditions requiring attention, support and care," the department said.
The department believes that all people, including those with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
“However, autistic people are often subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of care, education, and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities,” the department said.
People with ASD have unique physical, social, mental healthcare and educational needs because of their conditions.
This is the reason the department is of the view that this requires strong collaborative efforts with other government departments such as Basic Education and Social Development for the provision of an all-inclusive basket of services for early detection and intervention of ASD to improve their overall health outcomes and lessen long-term suffering and costs of care.
Developmental milestones screening is one of the key interventions to detect disorders like ASD to facilitate early interventions, as studies have shown that the median age of diagnosis of these conditions is between 18 to 24 months.
In South Africa, the Road to Health Booklet or clinic card issued to all children at birth helps parents monitor each child's health and development until the age of five.
This also assists in early identification and intervention when a child’s development is not in line with the expected developmental milestones.
Early diagnosis and intervention of autism, the department said, can significantly impact the child’s development and help families understand their child’s strengths and challenges and create a personalised treatment and support plan.
Parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the educational information contained in the clinic card.
Although there is no cure for autism spectrum disorders, some medications are used to help people with ASD function better by treating co-occurring symptoms such as high energy levels, inability to focus, or self-harming behaviour, including head banging or hand biting.
Treatment can also help manage co-occurring mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, and physical conditions such as seizures and sleep problems.
“If you suspect that you or your family member or child may be having autism spectrum disorder, visit your nearest health care facility or provider for screening and assessment to enable them to provide the necessary interventions, or refer where necessary,” the department advised. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:09
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Gqeberha residents are invited to join a lively “Inner-City Clean Up” starting at 08:30 (until 10:00) from the Absa Branch on Govan Mbeki Avenue (Port Elizabeth Central, Gqeberha) on Saturday, April 6, 2024. This event sets the stage for the highly anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday (7 April). “Not only does …
The Viral Trend of Mouth Taping and Why SleepTape.co.za is Leading the Charge In recent years, a health trend has been quietly making waves, gaining traction for its surprisingly simple yet effective approach to improving sleep quality and overall well-being: mouth taping. At the forefront of this movement is SleepTape.co.za, South Africa’s number one premium …
The Portfolio Committee on Transport is saddened by the bus crash which reportedly took the lives of 45 passengers. The deceased were on a church visit from Gaborone to Moria.
The chairperson of the committee, Ms Mina Lesoma, said the committee sends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and fellow congregants.
The bus was reportedly en route to Moira Church in Limpopo when it crashed, killing 45 people. One child survived. The pilgrims travelled from Botswana's capital Gaborone to attend an Easter service in Limpopo.
“This is a bleak Easter not only for religious South Africans but the entire region. People transporting travelling groups, church people, private family campings, and sporting clubs should be vigilant all the time.”
“Road works that are ongoing should be clearly marked and communicated. It is not an ideal situation to be communicating about road fatalities when we should be happy and in a celebratory mood,” said Ms Lesoma.
Easter is a special time in the Christian calendar and serves as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ. Christianity is largely the dominant religion in South Africa and is celebrated by many black families – many of whom also use Easter to celebrate and perform their traditions and sports.
Ms Lesoma wished all Christians a peaceful and blessed Easter. She also urged authorities to expedite the necessary inter-governmental processes to repatriate the deceased and return their remains to their families. “The urgent task now is that families should be assisted, particularly on issues of state protocol,” Ms Lesoma stressed.
“We will never tire as the Portfolio Committee in calling for caution and responsible driving on South Africa's roads.”
Ms Lesoma also noted the announcement of the scrapping of etolling in Gauteng. “The Gauteng government must soon come and make a concrete announcement on how they hope to fund the debt that was incurred as a result of the introduction of the Gauteng Freeways Improvement Project. This is particularly important because the National Treasury announcement was clear earlier in the year.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The International Court of Justice (‘the Court') has granted South Africa's Urgent Request of 6 March 2024, for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza.
In doing so, the Court agreed with South Africa's assertion that the situation in Gaza had deteriorated significantly since the Court's Order of 26 January 2024 as a result of Israel's failure to comply with that Order. Therefore, it was necessary for the Court to indicate further provisional measures.
As the Court put it, “Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine, as noted in the Order of 26 January 2024, but that famine is setting in, with at least 31 people, including 27 children, having already died of malnutrition and dehydration”.
The Court unanimously ordered Israel to:
By fifteen votes to one (Judge ad hoc Barak of Israel dissenting), the Court ordered Israel to:
These provisional measures supplement those of 26 January, which ordered Israel inter alia to refrain from committing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza and to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.
The impact of the International Court of Justice's order is significant. The changing circumstances in Gaza warrant the implementation of new strategies.
The fact that Palestinian deaths are not solely caused by bombardment and ground attacks, but also by disease and starvation, indicates a need to protect the group's right to exist.
The most effective way to uphold this right is through prevention. The Court's actions include specific responsibilities to prevent genocide.
As a number of Judges pointed out, these responsibilities can only be fulfilled by halting military operations in Gaza and adhering to the court's directives. If there is non-compliance, the global community must ensure adherence when it comes to the sanctity of humanity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The Western Cape's primary school athletes won the national track and field championships in Limpopo for the first time ever since the inception of the competition.
The athletes competed on 25 and 26 March 2024 at the Oscar Mpetha Stadium at the University of Limpopo in Polokwane.
The team took home 32 gold medals, 20 silver medals and 18 bronze medals and, of course, the Championships Trophy!
Provincial Education Minister David Maynier wished the team well ahead of their departure last weekend and is delighted by their success.
“Well done to our star athletes of the Western Cape! You represent the very best of our province's primary school athletes and are now officially also the best in the country. We are so incredibly proud of you!”
“Thank you to all the teachers, school staff members, parents and officials who made our team's achievements possible. We know that so many hours go into training our athletes, preparing for competitions, and logistical arrangements for travelling and competing. Their success is also your success, so congratulations to you too!” said Minister Maynier.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) supported the team of 195 athletes and 25 teachers by covering their transport, accommodation and meal costs.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
But the MDDA’s last clean audit was in 2020/21 and the board chair, flagged by the Nugent Commission, is still in office