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The global shift towards sustainable energy solutions has seen a significant rise in the adoption of solar power. South Africa, blessed with abundant sunlight, is no exception. But what if the upfront costs of solar installations are a barrier for you? Enter the concept of “rent-to-own solar systems.” What is Rent-to-Own Solar? Simply put, …
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation is greatly concerned about the current state of affairs at the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The committee has noted that NSFAS continues to be embroiled in disputes with students across the higher education sector on issues and allegations relating to the new direct-payment system, including the defunding of students, outstanding appeal responses, non-responsive query system and accommodation accreditation backlogs.
The committee also received a memorandum of demands from a representation of students from the University of Stellenbosch, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape outside Parliament in which students highlighted crippling inefficiencies at NSFAS that have led many students to be defunded.
The committee has been in on-going communication with NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education and Training regarding the above concerns throughout this constituency period. On Thursday, 10 August 2023, some members of the committee met with the department led by the Director General, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, and the Board of NSFAS, led by Mr Ernest Khosa, to establish what is being done to address the above concerns.
The inability for NSFAS to resolve the above matters gravely concerns the committee given the impact it has on students' academic programme. Inundated with calls and messages from students, parents and concerned citizens, the committee shares the frustrations of affected parties and commits itself to continue representing the interests of the affected.
NSFAS remains a quintessential tool in ensuring that the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality are addressed by ensuring access to education; thus, the optimal functionality of NSFAS is paramount.
The committee had previously heard in a briefing that the direct payment system would ensure that students receive their allowances on time and that no exorbitant bank charges would be incurred by students. The committee is thus disappointed and concerned by the systemic inefficiencies with the rollout of the new direct payment system and calls on the department to closely monitor the remedies for this problem.
The committee further calls upon NSFAS to move with speed and find remedial action to resolve cases where deserving students who have been erroneously defunded are refunded.
The committee commends NSFAS for its massive growth in the number of students funded by the scheme. However, it also emphasises that the scheme must strengthen its administration and management capacity. The Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, and NSFAS Board must with outmost urgency stabilise and strengthen the leadership and work force of NSFAS.
The committee will continue to engage with NSFAS and the department as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
NATJOINTS confident of safe, secure 15th BRICS Summit
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit.
“This is the second time that the country is hosting the BRICS Summit on South African shores. As with the previous summit held in the country, NATJOINTS is confident that this one too will take place in a safe and secure environment,” said Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the Deputy National Commissioner responsible for Policing.
The 15th BRICS Summit will take place in Sandton, Johannesburg next week from 22 to 24 August 2023.
Addressing media in Pretoria on Thursday on the safety and security plans in place for the hosting of the summit, Mosikili said NATJOINTS is ready to ensure that as government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, the summit will happen in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.
“A priority committee, comprising various government departments across all three spheres, has been meeting regularly with all relevant role players to ensure a security plan is developed that looks at transport, routes, venue, accommodation, traffic control, sea, land and airport border security,” Mosikili said.
Mosikili explained that the safety and security preparations for the summit are on track, with all critical role players ready to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.
“Working closely with all stakeholders, NATJOINTS will thus heighten police visibility in and around the conference centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, pre-, during and post the summit.
“We have mobilised maximum resources from all government departments involved in the planning of this particular event.
“Together with the various law enforcement agencies, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), we are executing and implementing the security plan accordingly, which will include more boots on the ground,” Mosikili said.
All law enforcement agencies deployed to secure the event will enforce the law at all times and at all areas of deployment.
“Each and every member deployed has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their respective mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity. It is on that note that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers,” she said.
Mosikili cautioned members of the public against committing any illegal acts, as law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act against anyone who conducts themselves in an unlawful manner.
“Any threats or disruptions will be dealt with decisively, within the ambit of the law,” Mosikili said.
Securing the venue
Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law.
Leading up to the summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting the BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August.
This seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.
All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa.
Residents in the City of Johannesburg are advised that there will be limited access in areas surrounding the Sandton Convention Centre. Those operating businesses and those who reside near the Sandton Convention Centre are advised of the following road closures that enclose the venue:
From 08:00 am on Sunday, 20 August 2023 to 24:00 (midnight) on Thursday, 24 August 2023
• Corner Maude and West Streets
• Corner West Street and Alice Lane
• Corner Alice Lane and 5th Street
On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, those operating businesses and residing along the Midrand Gallagher Estate are advised on the following road closures from 15:00 to 24:00
• Gallagher Avenue and Richards Drive
• Richards Drive traffic circle
• Johnnic and Lupton Street
• Johnnic and Pretoria Main Road
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:35
SA loses icon ballet dancer Johaar Mosaval
The passing of legendary ballet dancer and cultural icon Johaar Mosaval has been described as a “great loss” for South Africa’s cultural treasury by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mosaval, an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga, passed away yesterday (Wednesday) at the age of 95.
During 1965, the trail blazer was appointed as the first black South African to be a senior principal dancer at the prestigious and world renowned Royal Ballet in England following his move to the country in 1951.
“Johaar Mosaval was an outstanding human being and creative who complemented his personal achievements with a deep interest in developing the communities in which he lived and performed,” President Ramaphosa said.
Mosaval spent some 25 years performing all over the globe as a solo dancer and dancing for the Royal Ballet with a notable performance at the Royal Opera House in London during celebrations of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Upon his return to South Africa in 1976, he dedicated his time to teaching ballet – opening his own ballet studio in 1977 – and was appointed as the first black Inspector of Schools of Ballet under the then Administration of Coloured Affairs.
He resigned from that appointment in protest that he could only share his knowledge with a limited part of the population. Following that, his ballet studio was closed by the Apartheid government because it was open to all races.
“His life story is one that fills us at one level with pride and inspiration but which also reopens for us the inhumanity and hurt that apartheid inflicted on individuals and entire sectors of our society, including our cultural life and the performing arts.
“Under difficult conditions, Johaar Mosaval enjoyed and leveraged his life of celebrity to create a legacy of service to the people of Cape Town and our nation more broadly. May he rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:47
Symposium to empowerment women in business
A symposium is will be held on Friday with the aim of providing women equal access to business opportunities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.
The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.
“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.
Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.
The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46
DONKEY BAY DELIVERS FOR INAUGURAL SKELETON SHOOTOUT SURF EVENT Donkey Bay in Namibia was the location of an impromptu surf event that brought together surfers from across the world to battle it out in the ocean for N$30,000 (R30,000). The Skeleton Shootout, fuelled by Monster Energy, was a unique event that saw surfers …
FAME Week Africa, the prestigious event celebrating outstanding achievements in the African entertainment industry, is pleased to announce its media partnership with ayoba, the leading African SuperApp. This strategic collaboration is set to amplify ayoba’s reach and engagement within the African market while complementing FAME Week Africa’s mission to promote excellence and innovation across the …
The success that Shines: The 10 Leading South African Marketing Companies Marketing Companies are the best storytellers. They create & spin business tales using the symphony of strategy, creativity & persuasion. Today’s business world is highly competitive, and the art & science of Marketing has taken center stage. It has emerged as a powerhouse …
The Western Cape Government is greatly saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable man in the arts – Johaar Mosaval.
Johaar was born in District Six and faced great opposition under the apartheid system when he started dancing in the 1940s. Sadly he was not given the opportunity to perform to his potential in South Africa due to the restrictions on access to theatres and stages. In 1950, two visiting dancers spotted his talent and assisted him to get a scholarship to attend Sadler's Wells Ballet School in London. He would go on to join the Royal Ballet School and within another year he graduated into the Royal Ballet Company.
In 1956 Johaar was promoted to soloist and performed his first solo for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden. She was joined in the audience by an array of royalty from across the world as well as many others world leaders.
Johaar's ballet career continued for another 25 years as a principal dancer and he returned to South Africa in 1976. He opened his own ballet school in 1977 but it was shut down by the regime of the day.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural and Sport, Anroux Marais said: “Johaar Mosaval was a story of triumph in a dark time in our country. He was able to access opportunities for him to follow his passion for dance and he made a huge impact overseas. It is a tragedy and a devastating sign of the cruelty of Apartheid that he was not recognized and celebrated in his own country during that time. We honour him as a legend of our country, who paved the way for other dancers.”
Our condolences go out to Johaar's family, friends and all those who knew him. He was a true legend of our country and his memory will long live on.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
In a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to fighting hunger, key players in the South African poultry industry, led by Poultry Bulletin and the South African Poultry Association, rallied once again this year to support Chefs with Compassion’s #67000litres Challenge. This is the third year of their active support to the cause. This year’s generous …
South Africans are deeply connected to their culture and cultural beliefs. Followers of the fundamental traditional African belief system believe they are watched over by their ancestors, who guide them in times of crisis or when facing an important decision in their lives. Many South Africans are facing harsh economic conditions and would typically seek …
Call to support women
Former Deputy President, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, is convinced that there’s a special place in hell for women who do not support other women.
“I can tell you without fear of contradiction, there is a special place in hell for women who don’t support women!”
The bold assertion was recently received with chuckles, hand claps and no doubt a silent “Amen” from the participants attending a National School of Government (NSG) masterclass event.
The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems.
At a time when the country is commemorating Women’s Month, Mlambo-Ngcuka said sisterhood is an important ingredient in the empowerment of women.
She said that often women are the ones who leave other women behind in society.
“So we depend on you to make sure that you pay particular attention to women in society…. Your empowerment is an empowerment of the rest of the women. Sisterhood has to be one of your biggest and most important priorities,” she declared.
Mlambo-Ngcuka called on women in the public service to support “other women that you see in the streets and everywhere in the country that need support from you.”
She also stressed the importance of paying attention to the country’s younger women.
“It has to kill us when we hear that children in Grade 4 who are 10 years old cannot read… finding a plan to rescue that rests on you. This is where you show that you care about other women if we hear that girls in schools are getting pregnant … how do I use my advantage of being in the leadership of the public service to intervene in order to make sure that we address this?”
The former Deputy President was referring to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which has shown that many Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, something which government has committed to resolve.
Cabinet has called on South Africans to use Women’s Month which is commemorated annually in August, not only to honour women who fought for the country’s freedom, but also to play their part in building a society that supports women empowerment and guarantees the safety of women and children.
This year, Women’s Month is being commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women” to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid government.
The former chair of Parliament’s Public Service Committee reflected on working with the then Public Service and Administration Minister, Zola Skweyiya. The committee worked with the Minister in reconfiguring the new public service after following the dawn of democracy in 1994.
Gender representation
Government at the time came up with the Batho Pele policy of which September 2022 marked 25 years since South Africa adopted the Batho Pele (putting people first) Principles and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery.
Batho Pele is an inclusive concept that refers to all government policies, strategies and programmes aimed at transforming public service delivery.
She recalled how Skweyiya was “very emphatic” that the policy must reflect “equity in the system so that the citizen that is least served … who always falls between the cracks must feel thatgovernment sees them.
“And obviously women were high on that agenda. We wanted Batho Pele to address the issue of gender representation in the civil service but also the civil servant sensitivity about the gender discrimination of women in the society they are employed to serve,” she explained.
While women have gone on to attain much over the years, Mlambo-Ngcuka said the achievements of women must be celebrated and to “never forget the work that still awaits us.”
“Our work is not yet done - there is still much more that we still need to do,” said the former Executive Director of United Nations Women.
Mlambo-Ngcuka referred to the strides made by the SPAR Proteas netball women’s team and Banyana Banyana who made the country proud at their respective World Cup tournaments recently.
Mentorship
Having served the public service in various roles including that of Minister of Minerals and Energy, she stressed the sector’s importance saying it is the “backbone of government”. She highlighted that while women were continuing to break barriers, they should also mentor others.
“Because there is no point if we are breaking the glass ceiling for yourselves when you're not doing anything for the rest of society. We have to do these things simultaneously.”
“… So lifting as you climb has to be your mantra and the nice thing about mentorship is that it’s not hard, it has to come from here,” she said as she pointed towards her heart.
In his Women’s Day address, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged all sectors of society to advance and improve the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.
“We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives. As government, we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa,” he said.
While it is said that a woman’s work is never done, we all can lend a hand in ensuring that hell freezes over to advance the interests of all women. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:03
BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market
The New Development Bank (NDB) has successfully issued its debut ZAR bond in the South African bond market, becoming the highest rated issuer to issue in this market since 2015.
The bond, which was issued on Tuesday, was well supported, with over R2.5 billion in bids across both the three-and five-year tranches.
This allowed the NDB to exercise its option to upsize the trade from R1 billion to R1.5 billion. Ninety-four percent of bids were within or lower than price guidance, with the outcome representing the tightest spreads achieved by any non-government issuer in the South African Debt Capital Markets in 2023.
The orderbook was well diversified, with 71% of bids being allocated to institutional investors and the remainder taken up by local banks.
“The NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries to fund its robust portfolio of local currency loans. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and the successful outcome sets the benchmark for future issuances by NDB,” NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Maasdorp, said.
The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.
In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:35
Bisho, Eastern Cape – 16 AUGUST 2023– Acclaimed Afro house DJ and producer JCross unlimited released his debut EP, titled “Unlimited Sounds ,” on 13-08-2023. The EP features FIve original tracks, all of which showcase JCross unlimited’s unique blend of soulful vocals, driving rhythms, and intricate melodies. “I’m really excited to finally share this EP …
Meet dynamic young chef, Mythrayie Iyer, from India who will be representing the region of Africa, Middle East and South Asia at the Grand Finale of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition 2022-23. SOUTH AFRICA, CAPE TOWN – Since January this year, when she wowed the local jury with her signature dish, Mythrayie has been …
Hosting of BRICS Summit during Women’s Month commended
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has commended the hosting of the BRICS Summit, which coincides with the National Women’s Month celebration in South Africa.
South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023.
The summit is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities, post the COVID-19 pandemic.
DWYPD Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, said although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality.
Maluleke said the hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for accelerated socio-economic opportunities, a “clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities”.
“This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department’s objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation,” Maluleke said.
Maluleke also noted that evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth.
“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector,” Maluleke said.
In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Director-General said, the department encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:55
Road closures ahead of BRICS Summit
With South Africa hosting the 15th Summit of BRICS nations next week, roads near the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg will be closed.
Motorists have been advised that the roads will be closed from this Sunday, 20 August 2023 until 26 August 2023.
The following roads will be closed:
“The community is requested to be aware of the impact to routes during the Summit and follow traffic updates when travelling around the Sandton Convention Centre. As can be expected, there will be significant security presence around the Sandton CBD for the duration of the summit,” the Gauteng Police Board Initiative said on Tuesday.
South Africa is hosting the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit that will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:23
In the bustling streets of Johannesburg, there’s a beacon of hope for those with damaged or non-running vehicles. Lou Appel’s Auto Spares stands as a testament to the idea that a damaged car is not just a piece of junk – it’s cash waiting to be realised. With a legacy spanning over 85 years …
In the digital age, the landscape of social media marketing is ever-evolving. With a plethora of platforms available, each with its unique features and audience demographics, it’s crucial for businesses to identify where their target audience spends most of their time. For those looking to tap into the South African market, understanding the most used …
The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the 12 life sentences handed to Mr Gerhard Ackerman on charges of possession of child pornography by the South Gauteng High Court today, 14 August 2023. The FPB played a crucial role in conducting analyses of the images found in possession of Mr Ackerman, which were crucial in his successful prosecution. The South Gauteng High Court accepted the FPB's content analysis report drafted by the Child Protection Team.
Both the State and the Defence Lawyer adopted the content analysis report and confirmed its accuracy without any amendments. The charges were brought against Mr Ackerman according to the Films and Publications Act 56 of 1996, as amended, which makes the creation, possession and distribution of child pornography as well as exploitation of children for this purpose, a criminal offence. 386 images found in his possession were confirmed to be Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
“We warmly welcome the heavy sentence and hope it sends a strong warning to other offenders out there that we, together with the Law Enforcement agencies and other partners, will sniff them out of the corners wherever they are hiding. We shall never rest until each one of them are behind bars. This is also a historic moment for the FPB as an online content regulator. We wish to congratulate our Child Protection team for working tirelessly in providing quality reports to court, resulting in this prosecution,”, says Chief Executive Officer of the FPB, Dr Mashilo Boloka.
He continues to say, “In our pursuit of eradicating the scourge of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), we employ internationally certified content analysts who are trained to ascertain whether people depicted in suspected content are in indeed children. FPB Child Protection Officers are trained on Safety and Risk Assessment in the field of Child Protection and are Certified Content Analysts. The rise of the digital space has made the work of the FPB and Law Enforcement in fighting CSAM particularly challenging. Sexual predators find an anonymous home on the internet where it is easy to build a persona that is very different from reality that can be used to exploit others”.
The FPB works in partnership with like-minded organisations in South Africa and around the world to close in on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children. Working through the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) and their links to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the FPB is able to track CSAM that has been created or distributed through international syndicates and finds its way to South African online perpetrators. The problem of child sexual abuse and CSAM is insidious and requires the vigilance of everyone in society to curb it.
The long-term psychological damage to an abused child is multiplied when the images which have been circulated online are easily accessed. Members of the South African public are urged to report any suspected exploitation or grooming of children or instances of suspected CSAM in circulation to hotline@fpb.org.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Specially trained pharmacists will be allowed to manage and prescribe medicine to patients with HIV and/or tuberculosis
South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023. It is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities post the COVID-19 Pandemic. We do appreciate that the hosting of the 15th BRICS summit is coinciding with the celebration of National Women's Month in South Africa. “Although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality,” said the Director-General, Adv Mikateko Joyce Maluleke.
Hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for Accelerated Socio-Economic Opportunities, a clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities. This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department's objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation. Evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth.
“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector. In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit that is taking place in a week's time here in South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
We have had a massive improvement in school attendance, with 1 074 649 learners, or 89% of all learners enrolled, present at our schools on Monday in the Western Cape.
We thank all those parents who responded to our call to bring their children back to school.
We also had 52 271 staff members, or 93% of school staff members, at school on Monday.
While we are pleased at the increase in learner attendance, they are still a little short of normal levels, which should be closer to 92%.
Now that the minibus taxi strike is over, we appeal to parents to please work with us and ensure that children go back to school. We need our learners back in class, so that we can work on getting them #BackonTrack.
Unfortunately, we are once again battling fake news regarding schools closing and threats to schools.
As a result of a false claims about a resumption of the minibus taxi strike, which circulated on Monday, concerned parents at some schools collected their children early.
SANTACO-WC has confirmed that the claimed resumption of the strike was fake news.
Please do not share information that has not been verified, because it has the potential to cause fear and disruption.
We simply cannot afford to lose one more day of teaching and learning at our schools in the Western Cape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.
BRICS countries urged to support township economy
BRICS countries have been urged to continue to support and invest in the township economy in an effort to reshape the perception of townships, and foster a brighter and inclusive future for all.
The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Maropene Ramokgopa, led a first of its kind Township Economy in BRICS Dialogue in Orlando West, Soweto, on Tuesday.
Ramokgopa said that BRICS member countries have the capacity to leverage the combined resources, experiences and expertise to support each other in nurturing vibrant township economies.
She said joint ventures, investment partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives can bring a transformative impact.
“As a BRICS nation, we must continue to support and invest in the township economy. By doing so we can rewrite the narrative of our township and create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
“Let us seize this moment to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship and build a thriving township economy that stands as a beacon of hope both in South Africa and across the globe in particular BRICS countries,” Ramokgopa said.
The inaugural dialogue was hosted by the Township Economic Commission of South Africa (TECSA) with the support of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) BRICS Directorate.
The dialogue is convened exactly a week before the commencement of the much-anticipated 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Minister Ramokgopa emphasised the critical importance of implementing policies that promote and empower small enterprises in order to fully unlock the capabilities of the Township Economy.
She highlighted that currently, the Department of Small Business Development and the National Planning Commission are collaborating with The Presidency Red Tape team to develop a targeted agenda for regulatory SMME reform in South Africa aimed at improving the business-enabling environment.
“We are excited that this time around, we are involving the township economy in this particular summit, all this that we are doing here are going to culminate in what will be discussed in the summit,” she said.
In order to ensure the sustained growth of the township economy, Ramokgopa said a multi-pronged approach is essential. Firstly, she highlighted that education and skills development must be prioritized.
“Providing quality education and training equips township residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to build, expand and explore new economic sectors. By investing in a skilled workforce, we are in a better position to attract more investors to stimulate economic development,” the Minister said.
Secondly, she said partnerships between the government, the private sector, and civil society are critical.
She highlighted that through effective and targeted social compacts, government has the potential to remedy some of the challenges experienced by township entrepreneurs.
“Government policies should be tailored to encourage investment, while private sector entities can offer mentorship, funding, and market access. Thirdly, we must leverage on our country’s enabling legislation to capacitate, support and accelerate township economies,” she said.
Ramokgopa emphasised that townships remain the gateway to the economic participation of millions of our people adding that government must be deliberate about taking BRICS to townships and townships to BRICS. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:43