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Blessed by abundant natural resources, Africa’s mining sector has historically been a driving force behind the continent’s economic growth. However, the industry now faces a myriad of challenges. As we approach the 2024 Mining Indaba, the world’s largest African mining investment event, it is crucial to reflect on the trajectory of the industry and its …
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South African government hard at work to resolve challenges in mining
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told leading figures in African mining that government is working hard to address the challenges that the industry faces.
He was speaking during the opening of the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town on Monday.
The Indaba is expected to continue until Thursday.
The mining industry contributes a hefty 7.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for some 60%, by value, of the country’s exports.
“We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.
“Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and returns. We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges,” he said.
Energy crisis
The President told the gathering that through the Energy Action Plan, government has taken “several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity”.
“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1384MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation. The department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7 and 2 000MW of gas-to-power and 615MW of battery storage.
“Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7,” he said.
Additional capacity has also been garnered following government’s removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation.
At least 6 300MW has flowed through this initiative with a third of that supplying mining houses.
Illegal mining and logistics
The President addressed the impact that illegal mining and copper cable theft have on the industry.
On illegal mining, he said: “Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime.”
Turning to cable theft and criminality, the President acknowledged that this has “serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay”.
“Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months,” he said.
Delving deeper into the country’s logistics challenges, the President said the system itself is “undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency and position it for the future”.
“By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining State ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture.
“Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets.
“As government, we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with the industry, to ensure [the Freight Logistics Roadmap] is implemented without delay,” he said.
The President said mining has a “crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow”.
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 13:29
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa congratulates the trailblazing South African musician Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award. At the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Tyla won the Grammy for “Best African Performance”.
South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting the awards for a fourth time and nominated for “Best Comedy Album”. Acapella group Just 6 were nominated in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella” category, while Musa Keys was nominated was nominated for “Best African Performance” for his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido.
Minister Kodwa says, “Tyla's Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a music global superstar. Her meteoric success has been truly inspiring, and there is so much more to come.”
Minister Kodwa adds, “Tyla is a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. I congratulate Tyla for a historic Grammy Award win, which comes before she has even released a full album. Continue to inspire and to raise the South African flag high”.
Minister Kodwa further states, “I also congratulate all the South African artists who were nominated for the 66th Grammy Award. Trevor Noah, Just 6 and Musa Keys show the diverse South African artistic talent on display on the world stage. Continue to entertain and showcasing to the world the best of Mzansi”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa (DCA).
On 02 February 2024, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, visited different SASSA offices in Cape Town.
These oversight visits follow last month's reports of at least 150 000 SASSA grant beneficiaries not receiving their payouts for January. SASSA is a national agency of the South African government, yet the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) receives regular complaints and queries about SASSA from beneficiaries in the province and even from other parts of the country, and the department does everything it can to step into this service delivery gap left my national government.
The only course of action available to the provincial department is to refer the matter directly to SASSA's regional staff so that they may look into the matter.
While the operations of SASSA fall outside of the mandate of WCDSD, Provincial Minister Fernandez felt it was important to hear from residents directly on their experiences.
Speaking to Old Age Grant beneficiaries, they commented that they had been queueing at pay points in Mitchells Plain from as early as 4am. There were many who complained about the poor service they have experienced at their local SASSA office, from unhelpful staff to systems regularly being offline and only a limited number of people being helped at a time.
At the Mitchells Plain SASSA office, there was no one to engage with, as the manager was in a meeting. The Western Cape Department of Social Development staff share a building with SASSA and beneficiaries often seek help from them if they get turned away by SASSA or aren't helped. On certain days there are long queues of people standing outside the office waiting to be helped, with no shelter from inclement weather like extreme heat or rain.
In Wynberg, SASSA staff and management were open to engage with Provincial Minister Fernandez, sharing their challenges and wins. National Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu was at this office on 26 January 2024.
“My office has contacted Minister Zulu several times on previous occasions to meet about SASSA. The fact that the Minister was in Cape Town, meeting with a SASSA local office, without extending an invitation to my office is disheartening as I believe a collaborative approach is best to serve vulnerable citizens. We wish to work with Minister Zulu for the benefit of all those who are dependent on grants, for all those who wake up before the crack of dawn and walk far distances in the dark to withdraw their money. It seems however that the Minister is content to maintain the status quo of poor services to the most vulnerable,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Provincial Minister Fernandez was impressed with the orderly way the Wynberg SASSA office was being run, although management said staff shortages and load shedding sometimes negatively impacted service delivery.
“I will be meeting with SASSA's provincial management next week. I hope to discuss these on the ground experiences and other issues beneficiaries and staff have raised with us. I trust that through teamwork and collaboration we can work together to ensure beneficiaries receive quality services and are treated with respect, with their dignity protected,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament deeply mourn the passing of His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the Republic of Namibia during this profoundly difficult period.
President Geingob was a prominent figure in the struggle for independence from apartheid-era South Africa who later became Namibia's first prime minister and subsequently served as its head of state. Our sympathies and prayers are with First Lady Madam Monica Geingos, the Geingob family, and the Namibian people as they navigate this period of profound sadness. This loss is not only deeply felt by Namibians but also reverberates throughout the entire SADC region and the African continent. We mourn the passing of an outstanding revolutionary and dedicated stateman who led with wisdom, integrity, diplomacy, and a deep passion for his people.
We are deeply grateful for the lasting legacy of President Geingob, who played a critical role in not only securing Namibia's liberation but also made significant contributions to the liberation of South Africa from apartheid oppression.
The Speaker of the National Assembly has formally conveyed the sympathies of the South African Parliament to the people of Namibia, their esteemed Parliament, and Government in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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Condolences for President Geingob
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia especially First Lady, Madame Monica Geingos and the family following the passing of Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa further extended his sympathy to acting President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of the neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.
“Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Sunday.
This as President Geingob passed away earlier on Sunday at the Lady Pohamba Hospital at the age of 82.
Dr Mbumba announced to the Namibian nation today that President Geingob had passed away while being treated for cancer.
President Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened at this time as he reflected on the privilege he had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.
“During the visit, we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by President Geingob’s passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.
“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.
“We are therefore filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation. May his soul rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 11:14
The Runified City 50km is set to take place on 25 February along the scenic beachfront of Gqeberha and local athletes will be looking to shine in a race which will be broadcast live through SuperSport on the day. “I am thrilled that our Runified City 50km is ranked by the International Ultrarunners Association as …
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing early today, 4 February 2024, of His Excellency Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa extends deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia, and especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos and the immediate and extended family.
President Ramaphosa extends his sympathy to Acting President of the Republic of Namibia His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.
Dr Mbumba announced to the Namibian nation today that President Geingob had passed away while being treated for cancer.
President Ramaphosa said: “Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections.
“I am deeply saddened at this time as I reflect on the privilege I had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.
“During the visit, we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by President Geingob's passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.
“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia's liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.
“We are therefore filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Term of appointment of the EAPASA extended
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has extended the appointment of the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) as the single registration authority for the regulation of environmental assessment practitioners for a period of 24 months.
In a statement the department said the extension permits EAPASA to continue being the single registration authority for the regulation of environmental assessment practitioners until 07 February 2026.
“The Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) was initially appointed as the single registration authority for the regulation of environmental assessment practitioners for a period of five years from 08 February 2018.
“This term of appointment came to an end on 7 February 2023 and was extended until 7 February 2024. In order to enable the Minister to adequately consider options for the long-term regulation of environmental assessment practitioners, this term of appointment is further extended until 7 February 2026,” the department said.
Additional information on the EAPASA, work they have conducted to date, and supporting information may be accessed at www.eapasa.org.
Any inquiries in connection with the notice can be directed to Alvan Gabriel at the following email address: agabriel@dffe.gov.za.
To access the notice, the public is urged to click on the link below:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema.eapasa.singleregistrationauthority_g50046gon4292.pdf - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 12:42
Good start to second voter registration weekend
The Electoral Commission has announced that 304 221 voters have visited voting stations in the initial hours of the first day of the second voter registration weekend.
This was ahead of the country’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Of these, 55 019 were persons who were registering for the first time.
“The Electoral Commission is pleased to report that the second registration weekend for the imminent 2024 National and Provincial Elections got off to a good start.
“This early turnout not only sets a positive tone for the registration period but also serves as a testament that citizens remain engaged with affairs of their country,” the IEC said on Saturday.
The IEC said that within five hours of the registration process getting underway across the network of 23,303 voting stations nationwide, over 99% of stations were operational within minutes of the commencement time of 8 am.
This as the Commission is holding the second voter registration weekend on 3 and 4 February 2024 in preparation for the general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures. The first voter registration weekend was held from 18 - 19 November 2023.
The Electoral Commission extended its sincere appreciation to the 68,718 electoral officers for their duty to the country as well as the citizens for their enthusiastic participation.
“Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned voter, we encourage all South Africans to seize this historic moment by registering and casting their votes in the forthcoming elections.
“Today alone, the online voter registration portal recorded over 20 325 (7 234 new) voter registration transactions. We urge voters who may have had a less than pleasant experience using the online platform, to try again. The online portal remains available 24 hours a day until the day the elections are proclaimed,” the IEC said.
The weekend’s important registration activity comes on the back of two major achievements by the Commission which are:
Meanwhile, for those in need of assistance with identity documents, the Department of Home Affairs offices are open this weekend, facilitating the collection and issuance of necessary documents for registration purposes.
The Commission extended profound gratitude to the department for the exceptional support it is rendering.
“It is important to reiterate that our collective goal, as a nation, is to ensure that every one of the eligible voters in South Africa is registered to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. It is, therefore, apposite that we remind voters of the general rule in elections.
“That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to the Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the IEC said.
The Commission has further encouraged all eligible voters to seize the remaining hours of the registration weekend to actively participate in shaping the future of our nation, whether online or at registration stations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 08:53
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Johannesburg, South Africa's most populous city, is set to host the 2nd Edition of the African Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024, which aims to honour African greats who have impacted immensely to the advancement of humanity.
According to a statement issued on Friday in Johannesburg by the organizers, Heritage Times HT, the event is slated to hold on April 13, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The 'City of Gold' will host the prestigious pan-African event which is a sequel to the inaugural edition held on April 1, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. The African Heritage Awards is a gathering strategically organized to celebrate and recognize outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora, in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment & Arts, Culture, Science & Technology, and Social Innovation.
This year's Awards is headlined by African-American billionaire Philanthropist, Robert. F. Smith, Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States; His Excellency, Dr. George Weah, former President of Liberia; His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana; Her Excellency, Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organization; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Others are: Mr & Mrs Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners; Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, Founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited; Othman Benjelloun, Co-chair of BMCE Bank Foundation and Madam Graca Machel, Founder of Graca Machel Trust and many others.
According to Heritage Times HT, the organizers of the African Heritage Awards 2024, it's expected that this year's edition will be more remarkable and historic, as it will be chaired by His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and will be attended by former Heads of States and Captains of Industries across the African continent.
The recognition and awards, according to the organizers, have become imperative to sustainably foster the African culture of excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and create an ecosystem that will further retell the true African story towards the advancement of the continent's full potentials.
This year, the organizers are moving the African Heritage Awards to the southern divide of Africa, the home of Kwaito music and the cacophonous sounds of Amapiano, to specially honour distinguished African personalities, who have dignified themselves through remarkable achievements across the globe, whilst creating sustainable impact to uplift others.
Besides conferring international prestige and recognition on these deserving Africans, the Awards will focus on the critical importance of culture and leadership, which according to the organizers, lies at the core of any shared advancement of socio-economic and political development in Africa.
The Awards is also primed to cast a spotlight on individuals who, under challenging circumstances, have empowered Africans and impacted their sphere of influence to pave the way for sustainable and equitable development.
Taking cognizance of the reality that Africa is root to a plethora of people all over the world who continue to thrive and evolve despite the limitations and challenges stemming from stereotypes, the organizers of the AHA strongly affirm that the event will contribute immensely to changing the global perception of Africans, and also spur the needed critical mass for the attainment of cultural evolution and revolution in sustainable development.
For participation and reservation, kindly click on the link to register https://apo-opa.co/42qRL55
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Heritage Times HT.
The freeze was recommended by National Treasury among other austerity measures
WorldSkills competitions hold value for youth
Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, has emphasised the importance of the WorldSkills Competitions saying that they hold immense value for young people.
“By participating in these competitions, they not only showcase their skills but also gain exposure to international standards and best practices.
“The experience gained at these competitions is invaluable and can shape the future trajectory of their careers. Therefore, we must continue to support and promote the participation of our young people in such events,” Manamela said on Thursday.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during the opening of the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The WorldSkills Conference is taking place under the theme “Skills Change Lives”.
World Skills South Africa has biennial national competitions where students from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and Universities of Technology compete in various artisan trades.
This year, students will participate in 21 different skill areas and the winners will represent South Africa at the World Skills International competition in Lyon, France in September 2024.
The Deputy Minister said the department’s responsibility extends beyond the organisation of events and competitions.
“We are committed to improving the quality of apprenticeship and artisan training across the board. We recognise the importance of providing the necessary support to ensure the production of highly skilled artisans who can contribute meaningfully to our economy.
“To achieve this, we are working towards aligning our training programs with industry needs. We are constantly evolving our curriculum to ensure relevance and responsiveness to changing market demands.”
Government is also implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the quality of training provided by higher education institutions.
He added that the post-school education and training system is required to respond to the needs of the economy and the labour market through imparting skills.
This is done in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, organised business, organised labour, and many other stakeholders.
Last year, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande launched the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET).
Launched in September 2023, the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated post-school education and training.
Manamela also highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders.
“It is through our collective efforts that we can overcome the challenges and harness the opportunities posed by skills development.
“Let us continue to work hand in hand, leveraging each other's strengths to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of our apprenticeship and artisan development initiatives,” he said.
Support
In preparation of the WorldSkills International Competition taking place in Lyon later this year, the Deputy Minister said the department has taken robust measures to support the competitors throughout their journey.
He said the department’s foremost plan is to provide comprehensive support to competitors as it is understood that proper training and skill development play a pivotal role in achieving success at such competitions.
“Therefore, we have planned a series of initiatives to enhance skills development within our participating teams. To begin with, we will organise workshops and training sessions led by industry experts and experienced professionals for our national competition winners.
“These sessions will focus on honing the technical skills of our competitors and preparing them for the challenges they will face in Lyon. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields.”
He further encouraged everyone to actively participate in fruitful deliberations throughout the conference, sharing their valuable insights and experiences. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:46
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has welcomed the declaration of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
“The conservation and restoration of wetlands is crucial to achieving many of our national and global sustainable development goals. Estuaries, marshes and vleis, rivers and lakes, and the biodiversity that they preserve, matter for our health, food supply, tourism, and jobs. Wetlands are vital for humans, ecosystems and our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification,” said Minister Creecy.
“Through the Working for Wetlands Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has invested over R1.4 billion in the rehabilitation of 1,873 wetlands and created 43,662 jobs. The Working for Wetlands Programme, which commenced in the year 2000, is being implemented in all 9 provinces of South Africa by a dedicated team of experts working closely with communities,” added Minister Creecy.
De Berg Nature Reserve is located along the headwaters of the Dwars River in the highest part of Mpumalanga approximately, 20 kilometres north of the town of Dullstroom, and lies adjacent to the Verloren Valei Ramsar Site. At an elevation of just over 2300 meters above sea level, the Ramsar site contains the highest altitude wetlands in Mpumalanga, consisting of numerous valley bottom, seep wetlands and mountain streams and represents some of the most pristine and habitat diverse watercourses in the South African grassland biome.
The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals. The site falls within the Lydenburg and Sekhukhune centres of plant endemism and has a total of 878 indigenous plant species, which includes 30 plant species that are threatened and near threatened and includes a new species of Bulbine, (B decastroi) which can be found in the valleys of the Reserve.
This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam's girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck. Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species and include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls which can be found at the site.
Although wetlands cover less than 3% of South Africa's land area, they offer diverse benefits that enrich human well-being. Wetlands are increasingly regarded in South Africa as socio-ecological systems as opposed to only ecological systems. Many of our wetlands are in urban areas and are often the last remaining open areas for recreational use by the public.
“The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) – an entity of DFFE - is also actively contributing to wetland conservation through its comprehensive approach to mapping and understanding this critical ecological infrastructure, emphasizing that informed action today can make a significant difference for the future of wetlands, human well-being and biodiversity. Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are crucial to South Africa's water security, and various SANBI projects provide insight into land use and protection levels in these strategically important national assets,” said Minister Creecy.
“Through the development of partnerships to monitor, protect and rehabilitate wetlands, by ensuring our wetlands are kept free of litter and invasive alien plant species and by ensuring that we follow best practices to ensure that wetlands are sustainably used for their services we show our appreciation for and acknowledge the value of wetlands and ensure that they remain in place to provide future generations with the same services,” added Minister Creecy.
The designation of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance coincides with World Wetlands Day (2 February) which is commemorated under the theme “wetlands and human wellbeing”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Condolences for Tony Cedras
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport says it has learnt of the passing of internationally renowned jazz artist Anthony ‘Tony’ Cedras.
Cedras passed away on 29 January 2024 after a battle with emphysema.
In 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport bestowed the Ministerial Legacy Award on Cedras in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to South African music and jazz in particular, during the pre-democracy era.
Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Cedras was a sought-after session player who toured the world as part of the Graceland Show Band, and before that, as a member of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble in exile.
After initially touring South Africa, Cedras relocated to Gaborone in Botswana in the early 1980s.
There, he met trombonist and band leader Jonas Gwangwa. Gwangwa was the musical director of the Amandla ensemble, which Cedras joined, travelling not only in Africa but also in Europe, Canada and Brazil.
While working with Amandla, Cedras spent time in London, where he connected with other South African artists who were part of the expatriate South African music scene.
He moved there in 1985 and soon formed the group Kintone.
Later, while Cedras was working in Zimbabwe, Hugh Masekela recommended to Paul Simon that Cedras could provide valuable musical input into Simon’s Graceland project.
The renowned musician toured with Simon between 1987 and 1989 and then from 1990 to 1992 with Simon’s Born at the Right Time tour.
Cedras worked extensively with Masekela and Miriam Makeba. He also toured with Harry Belafonte in 1993 and Henry Threadgill in 1994.
Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: “The Western Cape government, and I personally, want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tony Cedras. He will be sorely missed, but his sound will live on, He was a true jazz legend”. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 08:47