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The 9th African Women Writers’ Symposium takes place from 8 to 20 of October 2023, featuring keynote addresses, panels, workshops and more on all things literature. The Symposium will kick off on Sunday 8 October at the Soweto Theatre and will result in the launch of the first ever African Women Writers Literary Award. The …
By Ian Pettey (MD Africa at Crown Relocations South Africa) As National Recycling Day approaches on 17 September, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the evolving landscape of sustainability in various sectors. One industry that is making remarkable strides in this arena is the international relocation industry. Long gone are the days of excessive …
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) elected Mathu Joyini (South Africa) Chair on 1 June. (See Press Release GA/12504.)
Prior to her appointment in 2021 as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ms. Joyini served as Deputy Director-General of her country's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Head of its Diplomatic Academy and Policy Research and Development Unit, since 2016. Previously, she was Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority from 2010 to 2015.
Among other diplomatic assignments, Ms. Joyini served as High Commissioner and Ambassador to six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, from 2010 to 2015. She was the International Relations Department's Deputy Director-General for Human Resources from 2008 to 2010. Before joining the Government in 2001, she held senior private sector positions in mining, finance, petroleum and consulting, among other fields.
Ms. Joyini holds master's degrees in social work from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States and in business administration from Wits Business School in South Africa, where she also earned a bachelor's degree.
She was born in 1968.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).
All six squads confirmed as 20-year-old Matthew Boast fetches joint-highest price of R1.6million in auction Thursday, 28 September 2023: Betway SA20...
By Pieter Nienaber (Compliance Africa at Crown Records Management South Africa) Crown Records Management, a global leader in information management, proudly marked the recent National Recycling Day by underlining its commitment to helping businesses embrace digitisation and reduce their reliance on paper-based records. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Crown Records Management …
Pretoria-Kempton Park PRASA service resumes
The commuter rail service from Pretoria to Kempton Park has resumed its commercial service, bringing the number of recovered lines by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to 20.
Commuters can now save on their travel costs, as a trip from Pretoria to Kempton Park costs just R9.50, while Pretoria to Germiston is R11.50, and Pretoria to Olifanstfontein at R8.50.
“The resumption of this service takes us a step closer towards running the service between the three big metros in Gauteng. Soon, trains will be running from Pretoria to Ekurhuleni, and all the way to Johannesburg Park Station, reflecting the interconnectedness between our metros,” PRASA Group CEO, Hishaam Emeran, said.
Thursday’s resumption of the commercial service followed the necessary permit from the Railway Safety Regulator. The agency introduced the service with the new modern high-tech trains from Pretoria to Kempton Park, with a service available from Kempton Park to Germiston station at both peak and off-peak.
The affordable services are expected to ease the burden of travel costs on commuters, many of whom are from the lower LSM groups, spending up to 40% of their household income on transport.
PRASA said it has gained ground in its efforts to rebuild passenger rail corridors and move commuters on the new blue modern trains, Isitimela Sabantu.
To date, 20 lines have been recovered out of 40, with trains now running on 26 operational lines in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
The organisation has made significant progress in rehabilitating vandalised stations, with a total of 230 stations refurbished to basic functionality.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the future backbone of public transport. By the end of this financial year, PRASA will have recovered 80% of the passenger rail corridors and lines, while bringing to our people a modernized passenger train experience,” Emeran said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 09:27
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aziz Pahad will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 tomorrow, Saturday 30 September 2023.
Mr Pahad passed away on Wednesday, 27 September 2023, at the age of 82.
President Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences to the extended Pahad family who have in short succession lost Mr Aziz Pahad and his brother, former Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad, who passed away in July 2023.
The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements during the funeral service for the former Deputy Minister, which will commence at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg at 10h00 tomorrow.
President Ramaphosa has directed that flags be flown at half-mast around the country until tomorrow evening.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
South Africa, 28 September 2023 – Southern Sun once again proudly hosted the 27th edition of the prestigious Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards at a glittering event at the Cape Sun. The Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Africa’s most celebrated wine and spirits competition, renowned for assembling an outstanding panel comprising 18 international …
As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …
South Africa, Lesotho BNC kicks off
South Africa places great importance on its bilateral relations with its Southern African neighbour, the Kingdom of Lesotho.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was delivering the opening address of the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the BNC session follows an agreement signed by the two countries in November 2021 to elevate the structured bilateral mechanism from a Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation (JBCC) that is held at a ministerial level, to a BNC that is presided over by the two Heads of State and Government.
“Our relationship is anchored in historic bonds of language, culture and heritage. We recall with gratitude that the Kingdom of Lesotho provided shelter and support to South Africa’s liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid,” President Ramaphosa said.
On issues of the economy, the President highlighted that economic ties between the two countries have been fruitful for both nations.
He added that the elevation of the BNC from its previous iteration to one led by the two leaders is testament of the commitment to deepening economic relations.
“Economic relations between our two countries have grown over the years and continue to mutually benefit our respective peoples. South African businesses in Lesotho contribute to job creation while Lesotho’s water resources continue to benefit South Africa.
“It is important for the governments of both countries to work together to resolve challenges faced by businesses and put in place mechanisms to ensure that investments are protected. The elevation of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Cooperation between South Africa and Lesotho to a Bi-National Commission is a testament to the unwavering commitment by our two countries to further bolster our relations for mutual benefit,” President Ramaphosa said.
Water and energy resources
Touching on issues of water supply, the President emphasised the rising importance of the water cooperation through the jointly driven Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
“South Africa highly appreciates the cooperation on water resources between the two countries. In particular, we welcome Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a vital development to enhance water security in the Gauteng province and other parts of South Africa.
“The Lesotho Highlands Water Project also contributes to job creation in Lesotho and the construction of new roads, bringing access to previously inaccessible areas of Lesotho. South Africa is ready to cooperate with Lesotho to resolve any challenges that may arise in the implementation of the project,” he said.
President Ramaphosa urged greater cooperation between the two countries on the development of renewable energy.
“South Africa is keen to work with the Kingdom of Lesotho on the four proposed renewable energy projects. In the face of the worsening effects of climate change, we need to be making significant investments to ensure water and energy security for our peoples into the future.
“Our respective ministers should continue their engagements so that we can see progress on these proposed developments,” he said.
Illegal mining
President Ramaphosa commended the Lesotho government on its “commitment…to cooperate with South Africa to deal with challenges of illegal mining in our country”.
“Such activity carries a great social and economic cost for both our countries. We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of the lives of illegal miners in Harmony Gold Mine in Welkom.
“Our respective governments are working with the mining company on the best methods and plan to retrieve the bodies of the miners without endangering the rescue personnel,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 13:07
Employment up by 0.4%
Employment has increased by 39 000 or 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, from 10 039 000 in March 2023 to 10 078 000 in June 2023.
This is according to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics report released by Statistics South Africa on Thursday.
According to the report, this was largely due to increases in community services (40 000 or 1.4%), business services (12 000 or 0.5%), mining (2 000 or 0.4%) and electricity (1 000 or 1.7%).
However, there were decreases in the following industries: manufacturing (-10 000 or -0.8%), transport (-3 000 or -0.7%), trade (-2 000 or -0.1%) and construction (-1 000 or -0.2%).
Total employment was up by 104 000 or 1.0% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
Full-time employment decreased by 25 000 or -0.3% quarter-on-quarter, from 8 816 000 in March 2023 to 8 791 000 in June 2023. This was largely due to decreases in community services (-11 000 or -0.5%), manufacturing (-10 000 or -0.9%), construction (-6 000 or -1.4%) and transport (-1 000 or -0.3%).
The electricity and business services industries reported no quarterly change. However, there were increases in mining (2 000 or 0.4%) and trade (1 000 or 0.1%).
Full-time employment decreased by 46 000 or -0.5% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
Meanwhile, part-time employment increased by 64 000 or 5.2% quarter-on-quarter, from 1 223 000 in March 2023 to 1 287 000 in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in community services (51 000 or 8.6%), business services (12 000 or 5.2%), construction (5 000 or 7.1%) and electricity (1 000 or 100.0%).
The manufacturing industry reported no quarterly change. However, there were decreases in the following industries: trade (-3 000 or -1.3%) and transport (-2 000 or -11.8%).
Part-time employment increased by 150 000 or 13,2% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
The second quarter report also provides insight into employment figures in industries before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Three out of eight industries (mining, manufacturing and community services) have returned to pre-pandemic employment levels.
“Gross earnings paid to employees increased by R3.6 billion or 0.4% from R828.7 billion in March 2023 to R832.4 billion in June 2023. This was largely due to increases in the following industries: community services, trade, transport, construction, manufacturing and mining. However, there were decreases in the following industries: business services and electricity.
“The year-on-year total gross earnings increased by R42.9 billion or 5.4% between June 2022 and June 2023,” StatsSA said.
StatsSA said that basic salary/wages paid to employees increased by R19.3 billion or 2.6% from R738,5 billion in March 2023 to R757.8 billion in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in the following industries: community services, business services, trade, manufacturing, construction, transport and mining. However, the electricity industry reported a quarterly decrease.
The year-on-year basic salary/wages increased by R38.6 billion or 5.4% between June 2022 and June 2023.
“Bonuses paid to employees decreased by R17.7 billion or -26.4% from R66.9 billion in March 2023 to R49.3 billion in June 2023. This was largely due to decreases in the following industries: business services, manufacturing, community services and electricity. However, there were increases in the following industries: transport, trade and construction.
“The year-on-year bonus payments increased by R2.1 billion or 4.4% between June 2022 and June 2023,” StatsSA said.
Meanwhile, overtime paid to employees increased by R2.0 billion or 8.7% from R23.3 billion in March 2023 to R25.4 billion in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in the following industries: manufacturing, business services, transport, trade, construction and electricity. However, the community services industry reported a quarterly decrease.
“The year-on-year overtime payments increased by R2.3 billion or 10.1% between June 2022 and June 2023.
“Average monthly earnings showed a quarter-on-quarter increase of 2.8%, from R25 274 in February 2023 to R25 994 in May 2023. Year-on-year, average monthly earnings increased by 5.4%,” StatsSA said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:32
BMA to safeguard SA’s borders
The newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapata, has assured South Africans that the entity will get rid of corruption and ensure that the country’s borders are safe.
The BMA came into effect on 1 April 2023, and it is expected to be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Musina, Limpopo, next week.
Masiapata explained that the BMA was established to ensure that the country is protected.
Speaking at the National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Masiapata said legislative frameworks had to be looked at prior to the establishment of the BMA.
“Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management. It was therefore decided that a single agency was needed to manage the country’s borders,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said the previous multi-agency included seven departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which all have a physical presence in the border environment.
Masiapata said managing the country’s borders has been a challenge, especially with the old system.
He explained that the aim of establishing the new agency was to deal with the challenges that the country faces.
“For almost 15 years, there have been some discussions to try and have the Border Management Authority established to deal with the challenges the country is faced with. There was a lot of corruption brought by the old system,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said BMA officials will be thoroughly vetted.
The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.
In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.
The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.
The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.
It is intended that the new agency, the BMA, will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:29
Pandor pays tribute to the late Aziz Pahad
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says Aziz Pahad will be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight against apartheid and life-long commitment to the promotion of human rights on the international stage.
Pahad passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 82.
Pahad served as the Deputy Minister of the then Department of Foreign Affairs - now the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 1994 to 2008.
“In this role, Pahad became one of the first people at the forefront of establishing relations with the international community after many countries had severed ties with South Africa during the apartheid years,” the department said.
The department described the former Deputy Minister as a fierce proponent of an independent foreign policy for South Africa.
“He was a principled champion for human rights, especially the oppressed and marginalised people. From Palestine to Western Sahara, he spoke for the voiceless and was unwavering in his implementation of South Africa's foreign policy, which recognises the right to self-determination of the aforementioned peoples.”
In April 2021, the University of Pretoria conferred him an honorary doctorate in Literature for his “contributions to local and international peace, security, justice and international solidarity”.
The university said: “Pahad’s contributions and approach to diplomacy bring strong moral convictions, careful judgement and, above all, a quiet, influential determination in the search for solutions to South Africa’s challenges”.
Years after relinquishing his role in government, Pahad remained active in civic affairs.
In 2018, he chaired the Foreign Policy Review Panel appointed by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.
“As a result of the report, DIRCO initiated a number of changes aimed at enhancing the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.”
Post-retirement, Pahad also maintained close ties with those pursuing the Palestinian and Saharawi causes.
“These were causes he would remain dear to, for as long as he lived.”
At the Ubuntu Awards organised by DIRCO early this year, Pahad was awarded the OR Tambo Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to a South Africa that is free and democratic and a world that is fair and just.
“On behalf of all South African diplomats at home and abroad, and all freedom-loving people of the world, we pass our deepest condolences to the Pahad family.
“May the indomitable spirit of Pahad continue to guide our country as we continue the search for a better South Africa and a better world.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:50
The 9th BRICS Parliamentary Forum (BRICS PF) got off to a remarkable start today as approximately 250 delegates from about 15 countries across different continents converged for discussions that reinforced the BRICS Parliaments' commitment to multilateralism, cooperation, and collaboration.
The BRICS PF is an interparliamentary forum composed of presiding officers of Parliaments from BRICS Member States - the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of South Africa, whose aim is to deepen collaboration, partnership, and progress.
The 9th BRICS PF is hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng Province under the theme: "Harnessing inclusive Multilateralism and Parliamentary Diplomacy to deepen BRICS and Africa Partnership for Accelerated Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement."
Today's debate centred around the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its potential impact on BRICS nations – as well as the crucial role that parliaments can play in maximizing its benefits. "This agreement presents BRICS nations with a significant opportunity by granting them improved access to the African market, creating new avenues for trade, and opening up possibilities for expanded investments," said National Assembly Speaker Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Speaker Mapisa-Nqakula said that by collaborating closely with one another, BRICS nations can utilize their collective influence to promote fairer trade, alleviate trade barriers, and address existing imbalances. "This partnership offers an ideal platform to not only strengthen economic ties with Africa but also stimulate Africa's economic transformation process," she added.
Speaking during his keynote address, Deputy President Mr. Paul Mashatile said the BRICS PF has the potential to effect change on a global and unprecedented scale. "For starters, BRICS has focused the imagination of the world's population beyond the citizens of its member states. In and of itself, this is a good thing. However, we should not be surprised when this success factor attracts negative responses from some actors in the world despite the fact that BRICS is not opposed to any state parties or groups. Instead, we seek a peaceful and just world of equitable resource distribution."
National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr. Amos Masondo, said the discussions on the opening day were "characterized by a fruitful exchange of perspectives and expertise. They have enhanced our collective understanding and reinforced our commitment to our common objectives."
Chairperson Masondo said multilateralism is the cornerstone for BRICS. The BRICS countries have shown greater resolve to pursue multilateralism with the aim of creating a fairer, peaceful, and secure world. Consistent with the understanding that multilateralism is key to containing international rivalries, BRICS has expressed its commitment to multilateralism through upholding international law.
Also speaking on the opening day, former National Assembly Speaker Ms. Baleka Mbete reminisced about the formative years of the BRICS PF. Ms. Mbete, who is also a former Deputy President of the Republic, said that by signing the Memorandum of Understanding on the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, "BRICS parliaments are establishing a platform that seeks to streamline and coordinate our parliamentary contributions to the vision of BRICS."
It is all systems go for tomorrow as the delegates to the BRICS PF are expected to sign a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will define the general cooperative strategy of the legislative organs of the BRICS Member States. The MoU will enable the members of the BRICS PF to coordinate efforts aimed at developing and strengthening the inter-parliamentary relations of BRICS Member States concerning issues of common interest.
The format of tomorrow's session, which starts at 09:30am, will include breakaways into commissions which will discuss four broad themes as follows:
i). BRICS and Africa Partnership – Promotion and Acceleration of Regional Integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA);
ii). BRICS Energy Issues – Just transition of Coal to Hydrogen Energy;
iii). Climate change and Legislative mobilization in BRICS countries; and
iv). BRICS Peace and Security: Can Multilateralism Restore Peace and Security?
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has shared in the joy to be part of team South Africa (SA) in the Street...
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has extended the deadline for written submissions on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide for the permanent establishment of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The new deadline is now 13 October 2023.
Committee Chairperson Mr Bulelani Magwanishe said the purpose of the Bill is, among other things, to amend the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998, to provide for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The Bill will also propose that its powers and functions are to provide for the appointment of investigators in the Investigating Directorate against Corruption, to provide for the appointment of investigators, to provide for the security screening of investigators, and to provide for the remuneration and conditions of service of investigators.
The Bill further aims to provide for the establishment of a mechanism to deal with complaints of a serious nature pertaining to persons appointed at or assigned to an investigating directorate, to provide for the powers and functions of investigators and to provide for transitional arrangements relating to the existing ID to become part of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption.
Mr Magwanishe said the Bill also seeks to amend the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, 2002, so as to make provision for applications for directions in terms of that Act by the head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption.
Submissions must be received by no later than 13 October 2023. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation. Enquiries must be directed to Mr V Ramaano. Submissions must be emailed to Npabill@parliament.gov.za. Copies of the Bill may be obtained from Mr V Ramaano, Cell 083 709 8427 or www.parliament.gov.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Inaugural Bi-National Commission deepens South Africa, Lesotho ties
South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have held frank and fruitful bilateral discussions on wide ranging issues during the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC).
This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hosted his counterpart, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho Ntsokoane Matekane and that country’s delegation for the BNC in Pretoria on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa described the BNC as a “great opportunity to take stock of our bilateral relations as well as cooperation in a number of fields”.
“We have now come to the end of our inaugural bi-national where we’ve held outstanding deliberations between our two countries. Deliberations that have been frank and direct and in many ways also very fruitful. We’ve covered a lot of ground.
“We remain forever grateful for the strong ties that exist between our countries and peoples. The work we have just completed is the continuation of our endeavours towards the realisation of our shared aspirations,” President Ramaphosa said.
The BNC was attended by Ministers and senior government officials from both countries who – preceding Thursday’s summit – discussed matters including water, energy, crime, environmental issues, trade and economic challenges affecting both countries.
“The comprehensive report that was presented by our respective Ministers captures the real essence and the state of our bilateral cooperation in detail and this in itself speaks of the healthy relationship between the two countries.
“A relationship that continues to broaden and deepens…encompassing a whole number of new areas as the world continues to develop,” President Ramaphosa said.
He impressed upon officials and Ministers at the BNC the importance of ensuring that existing agreements entered into between the two governments are implemented.
“We emerge from this Inaugural BNC with renewed energy and vigour for the task of building our economies and developing our two nations. We should use this mechanism of the Bi-National Commission…to enhance and consolidate the implementation of existing agreements to ensure that those agreements are not just put on the shelf and…forever not to be seen again.
“We want the agreements that we have entered into to be live agreements and to be agreements that are fully and properly implemented,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, President Ramaphosa reflected on the mutual future that the two nations have.
“Just as our two countries share common histories, so too do we share a common future.
“So we are bound together to work together to build a sustainable and a prosperous as well secure future for all the people of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:34
A proposal in the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to open the market to allow for competitive electricity trading received strong support during public hearings on the Bill in Limpopo's Mopani District Municipality yesterday.
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy held public hearings yesterday at Thomo Community Hall in Giyani to solicit views on the Bill, which seeks to introduce reforms in electricity generation in order to address South Africa's current energy crisis.
Residents supporting the Bill told the committee that the proposed amendments would augment electricity generation and ensure the country's security of energy supply. They also said that Eskom must compete with other companies in the electricity generation sector,as in the telecommunications sector, where state enterprise Telkom competes with the private sector.
Others raised concerns that the opening of the market to allow for competitive electricity trading will result in high prices, which will disadvantage the poor. There were also those who argued that this was an attempt to sell Eskom to the private sector and it must not be allowed to continue. Other citizens told the committee that they are not convinced that Eskom does not have capacity, nor do they believe it needs assistance from private power generators; they argued that the state electricity company is just poorly managed.
Committee Chairperson Mr Sahlulele Luzipo thanked the people of Mopani and commended them for speaking to exactly what the Bill is about. “We take your views very seriously; no input is less important. We understand that this is a very emotive and serious matter in our society and your views are important for this process to review or amend the legislation,” said the Chairperson.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill aims to effect changes to the Electricity Regulation Act in order to provide for additional electricity generation capacity and infrastructure, as well as the establishment of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd.
The draft legislation also seeks an open market platform that will allow for competitive electricity trading; and to assign the duties, powers and functions of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd to the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd.
Today, the committee will continue with public hearings in Sekhukhune District Municipality at ELCSA Lutheran Church in Motetema, starting at 10h00.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
SA to participate in international agriculture exhibition
South Africa is to participate in the sixth International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources to be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Known as the Salon International de l’agriculture et des Resources Animales (SARA), the bi-annual event brings together the agricultural expertise present in Ivory Coast, the sub-region and the world.
SARA aims to promote agriculture products, livestock farming, fishing, forestry, and the agro-food industry.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Mcebisi Skwatsha, will attend the sixth edition of SARA, taking place from 29 September to 08 October 2023.
The department said the event is a pragmatic implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) through inter-regional and inter-country value chains development.
“Various stakeholders across the South African agriculture fraternity will spearhead South Africa’s exhibition during the Abidjan Fair. This will promote technical and technological expertise and richness of our local products.
“Furthermore, it will expose South Africa’s small producers to the international market system,” the department said in a statement.
The event will be held under the theme “African Agriculture facing the challenges of internal and external shocks: What structural innovations to improve the agricultural sectors and guarantee the food sovereignty of our countries?” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 13:24
Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa
Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.
“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.
South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.
“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”
The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.
Tourism Master Plan
Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan.
An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods.
Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.
“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences.
“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said.
Competition Commission’s work commended
Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.
This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.
“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30
The Earthshot Prize has announced the 15 Finalists for this year's Prize at the second Earthshot Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3ZCnC1i), an event held alongside the UN General Assembly, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, to celebrate and champion innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges.
Out of over 1,100 nominations, the 15 Finalists for The Earthshot Prize stood out following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of scientific, academic, and subject-matter experts. Each of these Finalists stands a chance to win one of the five £1 million prizes designed to propel their initiatives towards greater impact. The unveiling of the five Winners will take place at the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony scheduled later this year in Singapore.
Furthermore, all the Finalists will benefit from invaluable mentorship, resources, and technical support through The Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. This program will also provide them with access to a robust network of influential businesses, investors, and climate experts.
The Earthshot Prize revolves around five transformative 'Earthshots,' each embodying simple yet ambitious goals that represent the world we aspire to build for future generations.
In the spirit of celebrating African innovation, we are proud to highlight two remarkable finalists from the continent: Freetown the Tree Town representing Sierra Leone and ABALOBI from South Africa.
These African finalists come after Mukuru Clean Stoves, a start-up providing cleaner-burning stoves to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook, won the coveted environmental prize during the inspirational awards ceremony hosted in Boston last year.
Freetown the Tree Town is a visionary initiative aimed at reforesting landscapes, restoring the degraded coastline of Freetown, and creating sustainable green jobs. The project meticulously tracks newly planted trees, assigning them to local tree guardians, and publicly documenting their growth, resulting in an impressively high survival rate for newly planted trees.
ABALOBI, on the other hand, is a community-centric mobile application supporting small-scale fishers in their quest for sustainable fishing practices while preventing the overfishing of at-risk species. It also enhances boat and fisher safety by providing real-time weather warnings and tracking capabilities. The initiative has already expanded its reach beyond South Africa, directly benefiting over 1,600 fishers with a substantial increase in revenue due to better access to profitable markets for sustainable species.
"We are immensely proud to see African innovation shining on the global stage through the Earthshot Prize. At MultiChoice, as a proudly African organization, we believe in the power of homegrown solutions to address the world's most pressing challenges. These African finalists exemplify that spirit, and we salute their remarkable efforts in safeguarding our planet for future generations,” says Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive at MultiChoice Group.
By participating in this prestigious prize, African innovators gain a platform to showcase their solutions, inspire corporate entities to join the fight against climate change, and urge governments to prioritize climate action on their national agendas.
In addition to the chance to win the £1 million prize, all Finalists will receive tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses worldwide dedicated to scaling innovative climate and environmental solutions to maximize their impact.
The five Winners will be carefully selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to leveraging their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to restore and regenerate our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is a truly global initiative, bringing together a diverse coalition of nominators from over 200 individuals and organizations worldwide. It encompasses a distinguished Expert Advisory Panel and The Earthshot Prize Council, comprising influential figures who wholeheartedly support positive environmental action.
The fifteen Finalists have earned their place through rigorous assessment and their potential to make a game-changing impact on a global scale, all while contributing positively to people, communities, and the natural world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
MultiChoice Group Contact Details:
Litlhare Moteetee
Corporate Communications
Tel: +27 11 289 3312
Litlhare.Moteetee@Multichoice.co.za
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About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which was listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 23.5m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to providing audiences with only the best local, sports and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers, and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market.
Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets.
Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyze an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
Leading African law firm Bowmans is further strengthening its dispute resolution capacity in South Africa by appointing senior litigation lawyer Vanessa Jacklin-Levin as a partner in its Johannesburg Litigation Practice. ‘Vanessa is one of the most highly regarded dispute resolution lawyers in South Africa, with a formidable combination of skills, not only in litigation, adjudications …
Addressing the unemployment challenge
Whether young or old, unemployment is a thorn in the flesh of many South Africans, writes Neo Semono.
Whether in our families or within our circle of friends, many of us know someone who is without a job. The situation is so dire that we may even know more than one individual who does not have a job, and it is not due to the lack of trying nor to the lack of qualifications.
Those who are unemployed want to wake up in the morning to go and make an honest living for themselves and their loved ones. Through their work, they also want to make a difference in the country that they live in.
Recent data has shown that the country’s joblessness rate has come down slightly. Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has shown that the unemployment rate decreased from 32.9% in the first quarter to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
Granted, the figure is marginal - but 154 000 new jobs were created in the second quarter, taking the number of employed persons to 16.3 million - a flicker of hope for those who may have given up on finding work.
Finding a job is hard and is further exacerbated by the costs that job seekers may not be able to cover. In the quest to find jobs, money is borrowed to visit internet cafes to search and apply for work, to printout CVs and to drop off said applications at prospective employer’s offices.
Having altered the CV more times than one can remember, and filing out more online applications and Z83 forms, hope and confidence take a knock when one does not get that invitation to a job interview.
While that hope is sometimes on shaky ground, South Africans don’t quit. Instead, they make a plan, even if it means taking on any job to make ends meet. Some go on to start innovative businesses that change their local landscapes while also giving jobs and training to others in their respective communities.
This speaks to the innate resilience of the people of this country in that individuals not only deviate from their original life plan, but that they also give work opportunities to others who may not have had the opportunity to put a foot in the door of larger establishments minus the required skills.
While one will always find fault with government, it cannot resolve the unemployment challenge on its own. And while it should have done better in tackling it, it is doing something about it.
This includes the employment of people with disabilities. Through the Presidential Working Group on Disability, government is working on increasing funding for disability-related programmes and services. This includes funding for the education, training and employment of people with disabilities.
Well aware of the unemployment problem particularly around the youth, government has put in place the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). Through the initiative announced in 2020, at least 135 000 earning opportunities were secured by young people.
The Department of Employment and Labour--which has labour offices across the country-- offers tips on how to find a job and how to fill out the Z83 form. It also has career counsellors to assist job seekers in preparing for interviews and other career related services for free.
Mobile employment centres are also available to assist work seekers to sign up for the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA) which is a platform where work seekers are matched with available job opportunities for free.
Other government initiatives to get particularly young people into work include the Gauteng government’s Nasi Ispan ("Here is work") mass recruitment programme that aims to get thousands of young people into state jobs.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) which has been in existence for close to two decades continues to make a difference in people’s lives. It provides an important avenue for labour-absorption and income to poor households in the short to medium-term.
The implementation of government plans is also making an impact with the Poultry Masterplan which contributed to the creation of 750 jobs at a Rainbow Chicken facility.
The adoption of the masterplan saw government implement several measures to safeguard the local industry including placing anti-dumping duties on imported poultry.
This is the same Rainbow Chicken which in 2017 closed its operations in Hammarsdale and retrenched over a thousand workers.
The adoption of the plan was also coupled with increased investment and measures to transform the industry has led to success with the company reopening and investing R220 million.
Government is not just talking the talk; it is also putting in the work for its people who have a never say die attitude. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 10:40
By Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf For hotel operators in South Africa, Tourism Month represents a unique business opportunity with the potential for substantial growth and sustainability. Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf in Johannesburg, shares a heartening perspective on the state of tourism …