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November 2023: Get ready for an electrifying FAME Week Africa 2024! Building upon the resounding success of the 2023 edition, FAME Week Africa returns in 2024, and it’s set to be bigger, better, and more exhilarating than ever before. FAME Week Africa, the ultimate stage for celebrating Africa’s exceptional talents in film, television, animation, and …
Celebrating our teachers
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Most of us have stories about a teacher or teachers who have had a great influence in our lives. These teachers not only taught us in class but were instrumental in instilling good values and became our mentors and counsellors. Throughout our history, teachers have taken the lead in inspiring generations of students to be the best they can be and have contributed to building an informed society.
The hard work and important role played by teachers should be celebrated throughout the year and not only in October when we commemorate National Teachers’ Month. Currently thousands of learners are busy writing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, under the watchful eye of teachers, who have helped to prepare them for the final leg of their school career, and who continue to play a crucial part in government’s effort to reverse the legacy of apartheid education we inherited in 1994.
It is no secret that the apartheid government denied both black teachers and learners quality education and provided them with limited resources. Hendrik Verwoerd who was the architect of apartheid wanted black people to be made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" irrespective of their abilities and aspirations. The policies of the apartheid government affected not only learners but the quality of teachers as well.
As government, we are encouraged that we have since 1994 made progress in addressing the educational inequalities we inherited. We have successfully merged the racially separate education departments and ensured that both learners and teachers are provided with necessary resources to adequately prepare for the future.
We are encouraged that over 800 000, mostly full-time pupils in 2023, have registered for the NSC exams. The increase in the number of candidates did not happen by chance but as a result of years of planning and hard work by committed teachers who want nothing but the best for their learners.
Government salutes teachers who continue to go the extra mile and contribute in improving the quality of education in the country. We also wish the Class of 2023 well over the next few weeks and into the future.
Teachers are our greatest assets and as government we will continue to recognise them for their outstanding work. For instance, in October this year, we held the National Teaching Awards in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria where teachers received awards for their excellence and they represented the diverse nature of schools across the country in a variety of categories.
These included though not limited to, Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Delivering the keynote address at the event, Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted the important role teachers play in developing a society. “Educators play a critical role in building the foundations upon which every society exists.” He added: “The task of a teacher is manifold – not only are you imparting knowledge, but you are also shaping characters, instilling values, and crafting the future leaders of our country.”
The awards took place after the release of the country’s ten-year review on the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP is our collective plan to build a prosperous South Africa as envisioned in the Constitution.
The review shows that South Africa has made notable progress in improving access to education and redressing the injustices of apartheid. We have expanded support for Early Childhood Development Centres, provided ICT equipment and connectivity that will prepare learners for the 4th Industrial Revolution and daily meals to over 9 million learners through the National School Nutrition Programme. This has resulted in close to 100 per cent attendance by children until at least the age of 15.
We have also exceeded the NDP target of 190 000 Bachelor level passes set for 2024. In 2021, 256 031 (36,4 per cent) learners obtained a Bachelor level pass. This achievement is thanks to hard working teachers who go above and beyond in their work and give their time without question.
Although the quality of education has improved when compared with other middle-income countries, the review reveals that we need to redouble our efforts in order to compete with the best in the world.
As government, we have given priority to some of the shortcomings highlighted in the review to ensure that we live up to our commitment to improve the lives of people through education. We are moving with speed to provide school infrastructure and ensure appropriate sanitation across the country.
Since 2018, 2 871 schools have been provided with sanitation facilities through the Sanitation Appropriate for Education programme, known as SAFE programme while 15,000 appropriate toilets were also constructed at 1,047 schools through the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative – ASIDI. About 511 schools are at various stages of implementation and DBE plans to provide these with sanitation facilities by end of the 2023/24 financial year.
We appeal to learners to look after infrastructure in their schools and to refrain from destroying, vandalising or burning schools. The destruction of educational infrastructure disadvantages our children and undermines the country’s effort to provide quality education.
We all have the collective responsibility to honour the legacy of teachers who ensure that every child is educated irrespective of background or circumstances.
*Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Matona
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 15:39
The National Disaster Management Centre in its latest Circular declared the September floods as a National Disaster for the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. “We are pleased with this declaration, as it now enables all three spheres of government to work together to fund and repair the damage left in the wake of the unprecedented rains experienced over the Heritage Day Long Weekend in September,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said in response.
Minister Bredell said the disaster classification makes it possible for the provincial government to approach the National Disaster Management Centre for relief funds to support the work needed to recover and repair damages suffered to public infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, and water networks.
The damage assessments for the September floods are calculated at R441 million for provincial infrastructure and a further R154million for municipal damages. “We will now request the National Disaster Management Centre to approach National Treasury with these numbers. There is no certainty on how much or when we will receive any support from the national government. The provincial government will reprioritise existing budgets and continue with our own recovery efforts as best we can,” Minister Bredell said.
According to the latest figures from the provincial Department of Infrastructure, only 22 roads remain closed as repairs are prioritised for roads that connect communities and roads that are vital for economic activity. In the aftermath of the floods, both the N1 and N2 were closed, together with more than 150 other roads.
The Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has so far received 238 applications to do emergency repairs in rivers and streams that under normal conditions would require lengthy environmental approvals. The department has already finalised 196 of these applications making use of Section 30A of the National Environmental Management Act, which allows for verbal approval in an emergency to carry out listed or specified activities to prevent or contain further damages to affected areas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.
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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has received a briefing and noted the Electoral Commission Amendment Bill, a Private Members Bill introduced by Dr Annelie Lotriet MP, and has resolved to allow members time to consult further on the Bill.
The objective of the Bill is to amend the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, to clarify that the President may declare a national referendum and to provide that a Premier of a province may call a provincial referendum in their province. The Bill also intends to repeal the Referendums Act, 1983.
The committee believes this decision will also give the Department of Home Affairs and the Electoral Commission of South Africa time to assess the Bill and make meaningful contributions to it and how it impacts on their operations. Following this consultation period, the committee will schedule the Bill for deliberation and further processing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
President Ramaphosa appoints Judges to High Court Divisions
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Judges to the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Gauteng Division of the High Court and the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.
The President appointed the following Judges in terms of Section 174(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission:
(i) Madam Justice Fayeeza Kathree-Setiloane as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 01 December 2023, in an existing vacancy;
(ii) Madam Justice Anna Maleshane Kgoele as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 01 December 2023, in an existing vacancy;
(iii) Adv Soraya Khatija Hassim SC as a Judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy;
(iv) Adv Omphemetse Mooki SC as a Judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy;
(v) Adv Jacobus Johannes Strijdom SC as a Judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy;
(vi) Adv Brad Christopher Wanless SC as a Judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy; and
(vii) Prof Mbuzeni Johnson Mathenjwa as a Judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, with effect from 01 November 2023 in an existing vacancy.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Mogomotsi Edwin Molahlehi as Deputy Judge President of the Labour and Labour Appeal Courts with effect from 1 November 2023 in an existing vacancy.
The appointment of Justice Molahlehi was done in terms of Section 153 (1)(b) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995), acting on the advice of NEDLAC and the Judicial Service Commission and after consultation with the Minister of Justice and the Judge President of the Labour Court.
In terms of Section 169(1) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995), acting on the advice of NEDLAC and the Judicial Service Commission and after consultation with the Minister of Justice and the Judge President of the Labour Appeal Court, President Ramaphosa has appointed:
(i) Madam Justice Madeline Portia Nompi Nkutha-Nkontwana as a Judge of the Labour Appeal Court with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy;
(ii) Madam Justice Katherine Mary Savage as a Judge of the Labour Appeal Court with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy; and
(iii) Mr Justice André Johann Van Niekerk with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy.
Additionally, President Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 153(4) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (Act 66 of 1995), acting on the advice of NEDLAC and the Judicial Service Commission and after consultation with the Minister of Justice and the Judge President of the Labour Court, appointed the following judges:
(i) Adv Kelsey Allen-Yaman as a Judge of the Labour Court with effect from 1 December 2023, in an existing vacancy;
(ii) Mr Reynaud Neil Daniels as a Judge of the Labour Court with effect from 01 January 2024, in an existing vacancy; and
(iii) Mr Molatelo Robert Makhura as a Judge of the Labour Court with effect from 1 January 2024, in an existing vacancy.
“These appointments will ensure continuity in the administration of justice at all levels and centres of the judiciary.
“President Ramaphosa wishes the newly appointed justices well as they take up their new roles in upholding the rule of law in the country,” the Presidency said in a statement. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 13:32
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Introducing Sole Mandate: Revolutionizing Real Estate Advertising for Agents Western Cape, 07 November 2023 – Real estate agents in South Africa have long grappled with a common adversary—the dominance of a few powerful advertising platforms that have dictated pricing, limiting the industry’s growth and opportunities. But a new, visionary player is here to challenge the …
In a ground-breaking development, and as part of the ongoing commitment of the Western Cape Government to bolster and ensure a strong climate-resilient future for the province, the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, yesterday, 7 November 2023, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the School for Climate Studies of Stellenbosch University.
The School for Climate Studies, which was launched in 2021, creates a transdisciplinary capacity to combine the climate-related knowledge systems of its faculties, the public sector's climate policies and initiatives, the private sector's climate redress and innovation capacities and the social impact mission of the university in both academic and applied ways – all in support of the just transition to a climate-resilient society and a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
According to Ministers Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell, co-leaders of Climate Change governance in the Western Cape, the signing of this agreement is testimony to the Western Cape government's drive towards climate change resilience.
Minister Meyer said, “Climate change modelling shows that annual temperatures are rising, and the number of colder days will decrease. Droughts, floods and heat waves will become more regular, and these trends highlight the need for a coordinated response from government, tertiary institutions, private sector and the whole of society to mitigate the impact of climate change.”
“The MOA underscores the value of partnerships and collaboration to advance the Western Cape as a leading province in job creation, economic development and capacity building across disciplines. Guided by the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and the SmartAgri plan an effective response to climate change amidst global and local disaster events is now urgent,” continued Minister Meyer.
Minister Bredell highlights that the MOA will provide an enabling platform to pursue local and international research and capacity-building opportunities (including joint projects) to build the climate change knowledge base in the Western Cape.
Minister Bredell commented, “Climate change projections for the Western Cape suggest a likelihood of more frequent and more intense extreme weather events which threatens food security and economic growth in South Africa and the Western Cape. The MOA will enable the exchange of scientific and institutional expertise within the partnership and with global partners to drive a more rapid transition towards climate change adaptation and mitigation and a climate-resilient province”.
At the signing ceremony, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, SU said: “The signing of this MOA highlights the important role of the university in the continuous development of the province. Research conducted by the School for Climate Studies will be pivotal in the development and application of climate-related solutions and technologies that address issues on the broader social agenda, which include job creation, skills training, poverty alleviation and inclusivity.”
“The Western Cape Government is looking at climate change's impact on its three strategic priorities, namely, jobs, safety, dignity and well-being. By doing so, we are mainstreaming climate change in the business of the Western Cape Government. The goal is a green, low-carbon and climate-resilient province by 2050”, concluded Minister Meyer.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.
Transport Minister safe after robbery incident
The Department of Transport has confirmed reports of an unfortunate incident involving Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga between the N3 Vosloorus and Heidelberg.
“The tyres of the Minister’s car were punctured by spikes, bringing the car to a stop, enabling the criminals to rob the occupants of valuables,” the department said on Tuesday.
This incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning when the Minister was en route to Pretoria.
“Both the Minister and her dedicated South African Police Service (SAPS) protection team emerged from this incident unharmed and safe. Minister Chikunga remains committed to fulfilling her government responsibilities and is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support she has received from her fellow government colleagues and the people of South Africa,” the department said.
The department is unable to provide further details as this is an ongoing police investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:50
MetPac-SA, a global leader in metal packaging solutions, is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of its fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place recently. This virtual event was attended by key stakeholders, board members and partners, marking a significant milestone in the association’s journey towards sustainability and excellence. The AGM served as a …
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Draft White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection approved for publication
Cabinet has approved the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comment.
“The draft policy aims to provide a framework to guide the granting of residency and citizenship to foreign nationals, as well as the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, cognisant of the Republic’s national security interests and in compliance with international agreements and protocols on migration that South Africa is party to,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Monday.
The Minister was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 November in Pretoria.
In addition, Cabinet has approved the submission of the Draft African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) Bill to Parliament.
“The bill seeks to amend the ARF Act (Act 51 of 2000) and establish the South African Development Partnership Agency that will serve as a mechanism to support South Africa’s development and cooperation with sister countries through the promotion of democracy, good governance, the prevention and resolution of conflict, socio-economic development and integration,” Ntshavheni said.
Disability rights, 16 Days of Activism
Cabinet has approved for publication in the government gazette the 6th Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
The publication of the progress report will coincide with the international commemoration of the Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December.
“The progress report also signals an increase of the minimum employment equity target from 2% to 3% for persons with disabilities, as from the 2024/2025 financial year, towards a minimum 7% employment equity target for persons with disabilities by 2030,” Ntshavheni said.
Meanwhile, this year marks the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign.
The campaign will take place under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF): Leaving no one behind”.
“This global campaign runs from 25 November -- the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December -- International Human Rights Day. It aims to combat violence against women, whilst upholding human rights,” Ntshavheni said.
Anti-corruption
Following Cabinet’s approval of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2020-2030) in November 2020, government will host the Anti-Corruption Dialogue to mobilise society in the fight against corruption, in line with the country’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The strategy is aimed at creating a corruption-free society, while also encouraging citizens to have zero-tolerance for corruption and abide by the rule of law.
The Anti-Corruption Dialogue will be held on 8 and 9 November 2023 at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:16
Cabinet affirms value of AGOA
Cabinet has welcomed the confirmation by both the United States Administration and Congress of the intention to extend AGOA, which brings certainty to the investment community in eligible countries.
“Cabinet has always asserted that the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA] provides an opportunity for the United States of America to strengthen its economic relationship with Africa and thus it must be extended for a meaningful period, enhanced to make it impactful and attractive,” said Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday.
The 20th AGOA Forum was hosted in Johannesburg last week and it concluded on Saturday.
The forum, held from 2 - 4 November 2023, brought together participants from 32 Africa countries from government, business, civil society and organised labour, for the first time, including representatives of the United States government.
BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting
Cabinet has also welcomed the successful conclusion of the 2023 BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Cape Town, which committed member nations to deeper cooperation and to promote intra-BRICS tourism, develop routes for better tourism mobility and connectivity among the member countries.
Ntshavheni said this will further strengthen South Africa’s tourism sector, which is already showing signs of recovery.
“For the first eight months of 2023, the country saw 5.5 million arrivals, which represented a 63.4% increase from the same period in 2022,” the Minister said.
Held in Cape Town on 24 October 2023, the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting provided an opportunity for exchange of information and experiences, as well as deepening cooperation among BRICS members to reach consensus on key policy priorities for a balanced tourism recovery.
To ensure continuity and to leverage on the combined strength of BRICS member States, South Africa’s theme for chairing the meeting was: “Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery”, which aligns to the overall theme of SA’s chairship. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:21
Calls for Palestinian human rights to be respected
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SA recalls diplomats in Israel for consultation
Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation.
“Cabinet is disappointed by the refusal of the Israeli government to respect international law and its continued undermining of the United Nations resolutions for the implementation of a ceasefire with impunity,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Monday.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, Ntshavheni said the humanitarian corridors for the people of Palestine remain closed, with dire consequences for children, women and innocent civilians.
“The genocidal airstrikes by the government of Israel on the people of Palestine continue, with a rising death toll that includes women and children.
“In the last two days, the world has sat helplessly and watched as intensifying airstrikes on Gaza and the West Bank have destroyed schools, health facilities, ambulances and civilian infrastructure, and supposedly safe roads travelling to the South of Gaza,” the Minister said.
"For these, the Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats from Tel Aviv for consultation."
According to the latest data, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said at least 9 227 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 7 October.
Meanwhile, more than 1 400 Israelis, including settlers and soldiers, have been killed in Israel.
Cabinet also noted with disquiet the continuing disparaging remarks of the Israeli’s ambassador to South Africa, Eliav Belotsercovsky, against South Africans, the leadership of South Africa both in and outside government, including civil society, who are speaking against the holocaust being committed by the Israeli government against Palestinians.
“The disparaging remarks of Ambassador Belotsercovsky are contrasted by the statements of two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa (Illan Baruch and Dr. Alon Liel), who have been consistent in describing the actions of their government against Palestinians as apartheid.
“The disparaging remarks against those speaking up against the atrocities and the country’s leaders make Ambassador Belotsercovsky's position more and more untenable.
“As such, Cabinet has directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to convey the South African government displeasure with the ambassador formally through diplomatic channels,” the Minister said.
Minister Ntshavheni was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 November. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 14:37
An impressive lineup of ambassadors from Giant and Liv Bicycles, will kick off the action at South Africa’s MTB party of the year, the 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience that is set to make its much-anticipated return to the stunning City of Oaks on the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 …
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