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Fitch SA rating maintains a stable outlook

Location: News

Fitch SA rating maintains a stable outlook

Government has noted Fitch’s decision to affirm South Africa’s longterm foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and maintain the stable outlook.

According to Fitch, South Africa's credit rating is constrained by low real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, high level of inequality, a high and rising government debt-to-GDP ratio, and a modest path of fiscal consolidation. Growth is hampered by power shortages and a struggling logistic sector.

“Over the medium term, government will focus on raising GDP growth by improving the provision of electricity, logistics and enhancing the delivery of infrastructure. Fiscal policy continues to support this approach by stabilising debt and debt-service costs,” the National Treasury said.

Fitch said the ratings are supported by a favourable debt structure with long maturities and denominated mostly in local currency, strong institutions as well as a credible monetary policy framework.

The agency estimates that load shedding will reduce in intensity in 2024 and 2025 compared with 2023 but will not disappear. More capacity is expected to come from private-sector investments.

“Government reiterates that fiscal consolidation will be implemented through spending reductions, efficiency measures across government and moderate tax revenue measures,” National Treasury said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:33

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Premier Bushy Mabe appoints MEC Nono Maloyi as Acting North West Premier

Location: News

North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa
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The North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024 following advice and referral by his doctor to seek further medical treatment in Thailand.

During his absence, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi will act as Premier. MEC Maloyi has since been sworn in by the Judge President of the North West Division, Ronald Hendricks.

Lastly, the Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Premier Maape's travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.

Read morePremier Bushy Mabe appoints MEC Nono Maloyi as Acting North West Premier

Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa  

Location: News

Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa  

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a courtesy call at the OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria. 

The Duke of Edinburgh is on a working visit to South Africa on 22 and 23 January 2024. 

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the visit follows the successful State Visit that President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook to the United Kingdom in 2022 at the invitation of King Charles III. 

“The visit also indicates the strong bilateral relationship that the United Kingdom and South Africa share,” a statement from the Deputy President’s Office read. 

During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet stakeholders from WWF South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, GreenMatterZA, TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Birdlife, and Conservation South Africa. 

Prince Edward will also meet the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, for a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

He will be accompanied on the tour by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Shonisani Munzhedi. 

This comes after President Ramaphosa visited the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and will mark the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity. 

Prince Edward is also expected to engage with Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande at a dinner marking the deep partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom in the field of science and innovation.

In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet the awardees of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, of which President Ramaphosa is a patron. 

“Both countries share a strong commitment to youth empowerment,” the statement said.

During the courtesy call, Deputy President Mashatile will also hold discussions with the Duke and his delegation on key areas of importance in the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:51

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Read moreMashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa  

Lalibela Game Reserve appoints Scout to promote its six luxury lodges in the Eastern Cape

Location: MyPR

Located in a unique multi-biomed area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa is a conservation project that doubles as a tourism business. Lalibela Game Reserve’s 10 500 hectares are home to the Big 5, vast herds of plains game, a slew of predators including cheetah, hyena, jackal and lynx, and exciting birdlife. It has …

Read moreLalibela Game Reserve appoints Scout to promote its six luxury lodges in the Eastern Cape

The importance of preventative maintenance for HVAC systems

Location: MyPR

In the case of complex air-cooling systems, it is better to proactively address potential issues before they escalate. Let’s be real—nobody wants to be blindsided by a malfunctioning HVAC system, especially during summer. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems play an important role in ensuring comfort and air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial …

Read moreThe importance of preventative maintenance for HVAC systems

Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions

Location: News

Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions

A man is due to appear in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate's Court today following his arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, as well as for contravention of the Firearm Control Act of South Africa.

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of members from the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime, Criminal Record Centre, Provincial Designated Firearms Officers, Elukwatini Detectives, VISPOL, as well as officials from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) played a major role in the breakthrough.

According to a report, information was received by law enforcement agencies regarding a firearms cache stored by an old man inside a house at Elukwatini.

Further information indicated that the man, 67, was in some way part of a certain security company but was suspected to be non-compliant.

The team coordinated their resources to establish if he was compliant to the PSIRA regulations. As a result, the team paid him a visit at Elukwatini on Thursday afternoon.

A search warrant was obtained and upon arrival at the premises as per information provided, the law enforcement agencies conducted a search.

The members discovered a total of about 106 firearms as well as 1704 various assorted live rounds of ammunition.

Among the weapons found in the house are 14 rifles, eight shot guns, 84 pistols with ammunition, 718 9mm pistols, about 921 live rounds of ammunition for a rifle and 65 live rounds of ammunition for a shotgun.

It is further reported that the firearms were not kept inside a safe but rather stored underneath a bed while some were kept inside the wardrobe.

The members discovered that licences for some of the firearms, owned by a certain security company had already expired. The male suspect could not account for about 20 firearms.

In addition, the members established that he did not have licences for four pistols, which had ammunition hence he was arrested and charged accordingly. Part of the probe is to determine how he got hold of the firearms. Police investigations are continuing.

The firearms as well as the ammunition were confiscated for further investigation.

As a norm in the police, the confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine any linkages to crimes committed in the country. 

At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues, in relation to contravention of the Firearms Control Act.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspect as well as the recovery of the firearms with ammunition.

"Indeed the proliferation of firearms remains a thorn in the flesh in our endeavour to win the battle against crime.

“Therefore when we succeed in recovering these firearms as well as arresting suspects, it gives us courage that we are really moving towards the right direction whilst removing firearms from the wrong hands. We commend the whistle blowers and members for the job well done," said the General. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:54

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Read moreSuspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions

Reddford House Class of 2023 achieve 99% pass rate and 86% bachelor pass rate

Location: MyPR

The Class of 2023 at Reddford House‘s three Johannesburg-based schools – Reddford House Northcliff, Reddford House Blue Hills, and Reddford House The Hills – have achieved excellent results in the demanding International Examinations Board (IEB) national senior certificate exams. The three schools, with a total of 166 students across the three campuses, achieved a 99% …

Read moreReddford House Class of 2023 achieve 99% pass rate and 86% bachelor pass rate

Reddam House Cape schools achieve excellent results

Location: MyPR

Inspired Education Group’s three Reddam House schools in the Western Cape – Reddam House Constantia (Constantia Valley), Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard (Green Point) and Reddam House Durbanville (Vissershok Road) – have achieved excellent results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 120 students achieving 308distinctions, averaging out at 2.57 distinctions …

Read moreReddam House Cape schools achieve excellent results

Matric 2023 class secure their results

Location: News

Matric 2023 class get their results

Learners of the matric Class of 2023 are visiting their old schools today to collect their results, while others are checking newspapers and online systems to see how they have performed. 

The class achieved a national pass mark of some 82.9% as announced by Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga on Thursday.

More than 890 000 fulltime and part-time candidates sat for 66 papers in the final year National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams for 2023.

In a post on X following the top achievers’ breakfast held on Thursday, top learner Ziphozenkosi Mntambo told the department that at first, she could not believe that she was one of South Africa’s outstanding matriculants for 2023.

“When I got the news that I was called to be here…I thought that it was a scam and I didn’t believe it. 

“I feel like I am the cherry on top of the cake and I truly am because I am here [at the top achievers awards ceremony] and I proved it with the marks I got from the exams,” Mntambo said.

Parents of another top achiever, Jean and Lientjie Goodey, said: “We are extremely thankful to have our son as a top achiever. It is only through hard work that he was able to make it this far.”

Matric results can be checked in the following ways:
•    The DBE’s online system at https://www.education.gov.za/MatricResults/ExamResults.aspx 
•    Dialling *120*45856# on your cell phone and following the prompts
•    Matriculants based in Gauteng can access https://results.gauteng.gov.za/ 

At the results announcement on Thursday evening, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga told those who have not succeeded not to despair.

“There are lots of life chances available.  For instance, those who wish to improve their results, should enrol for the Second Chance Matric Programme.  Registration into the Programme is already open and will close on 20 February 2023.

“You will definitely receive support from the DBE and our partners. I wish you all the best in your youthful lives!!  Choose your careers wisely and pursue them.  This country wants to see you succeed,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:55

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Read moreMatric 2023 class secure their results

KZN Matric boys celebrate finishing their finals with an epic Wild Coast hike

Location: MyPR

6 KZN Matrics celebrated the end of their exams by doing the rigorous 120km hike along the Wild Coast, from Port St John’s to Port Edward. Konstantino Giokos, Michael Farrell, Mitchell Hamilton and Sam Hodes completed their Matric at Treverton College whilst Dylan Jarrett finished his Matric at Waterfall College and Warren Rossouw at Scottburgh …

Read moreKZN Matric boys celebrate finishing their finals with an epic Wild Coast hike

Overcoming every challenge, Sue Martin is living her best life at Renishaw Hills!

Location: MyPR

The start of a new year is always a good time to work towards those goals that might have fallen by the wayside. And there’s nobody quite as inspiring as Sue Martin (62) to encourage others! Paragliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, abseiling, and flying in an autogyro are just some of the activities Sue has …

Read moreOvercoming every challenge, Sue Martin is living her best life at Renishaw Hills!

Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s unequivocal call for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, Palestine.

The President on Friday delivered the country statement of South Africa during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit being held in Uganda. 

The Israeli-Palestinian war erupted in October 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – killing at least 1200 people.

The Israeli retaliation on Palestine has been far greater with estimates that more than 20 000 Palestinians have been killed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting the internal displacement of some 1.9 million people in Gaza.

“South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza.

“As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said the ongoing conflict lays bare the “inadequacy” of global governance organisations such as the United Nations (UN).

“South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.

“The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” he said.

World challenges

Fixing attention on the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the gathering takes place at a time when international challenges – “exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world” – are abound.

“The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.

“At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.

“South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called on the NAM to work together in pursuance of:

  • the right to self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara;
  • the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe;
  • reaffirmation of the inalienable right of access to nuclear materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes;
  • upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in the peaceful resolution of conflict;
  • defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and,
  • the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.

“This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces.

“We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:03

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Reddam House KZN schools achieve 99% bachelor pass rate

Location: MyPR

Inspired Education Group’s two Reddam House schools in KwaZulu-Natal – Reddam House Umhlanga and Reddam House Ballito – have surpassed their exceptional 2022 results in the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with 116 students achieving 336 distinctions, averaging out at 2.9 distinctions per student, and 67 students achieving four or more …

Read moreReddam House KZN schools achieve 99% bachelor pass rate

President Ramaphosa travels to Uganda for NAM and G77 summits

Location: News

President Ramaphosa travels to Uganda for NAM and G77 summits

President Cyril Ramaphosa has travelled to Kampala in Uganda to attend the 19th Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.

The two-day NAM Summit is being held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”.

According to the Presidency, the summit is the highest decision making body of the NAM.

“The summit is also the occasion when the movement formally rotates its Chair to the Head of State of the host country of the summit, who then holds office until the next summit. Azerbaijan has been the Chair since 2019 and will hand over the position to Uganda in 2024 for the next three years (2024-2027).

“The Government of Uganda has identified five focus areas and priority goals of its Chairship and they are: regional and international peace and security; the international fight against terrorism; international migration and humanitarian crises; human trafficking and drug smuggling; as well as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency said.

The summit is expected to adopt a Final Outcome Document, the Kampala Declaration and the NAM Ministerial Declaration on Palestine.

“With its 120 member states, the NAM is the largest grouping of countries outside of the UN, making it an important roleplayer in global and multilateral affairs.

“Since its inception in 1961, the movement has played a crucial and obvious political role in representing the interests of developing countries, particularly in the eradication of colonialism, supporting struggles for liberation and self-determination, the pursuit of world peace and the search for a more equitable and just global order,” the Presidency said.

Following the conclusion of the NAM Summit, the President – accompanied by Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor – is expected to attend the Group of 77 (G77) Third South Summit also to be held in Uganda.

That summit will be held under the theme “Leaving No One Behind” and is aimed at boosting South-South cooperation, including in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and digital economy.

“The Group of 77 plus China is the largest negotiating bloc of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for development.

“South-South cooperation remains an important pillar for strengthening the economic independence of countries of the South as a complement and not a replacement to North-South cooperation. South Africa participates in the work of the G77 to ensure its strength, unity and cohesion in pursuit of the vision of a fair and equitable multilateral system,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:06

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa travels to Uganda for NAM and G77 summits

Condolences for Violet Siwela

Location: News

Condolences for Violet Siwela

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has paid tribute to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Violet Siwela, for serving the committee with distinction.

In a statement on Thursday, Ndabeni-Abrahams expressed her heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, comrades and her political home, the African National Congress.

“Her sad passing marks the end of a life that was selflessly dedicated to serving the people of South Africa, in particular the informal traders, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises ecosystem.

“Inspired by her proud legacy, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure the growth and sustainability of small businesses. In her name and in honour of her legacy, we commit to ensure that the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill is passed,” the Minister said.

The Bill seeks to amend the National Small Enterprise Act to provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the subsequent disestablishment of the Small Enterprise Financing Agency (Sefa), the Co-operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda); and for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service.

The Bill further enables the Minister to declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited as unfair trading practices and to make regulations with regard thereto.

“The successful passing of this Bill will be a fitting tribute to her commitment, dedication and passion for small business development,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:50

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Read moreCondolences for Violet Siwela