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Ramaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023. 

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.

The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreRamaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Basic Education Portfolio Committee Disappointed with ‘Expected’ Walkout

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education today had to adjourn its planned meeting to deliberate on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill after a walkout of three members left the committee without a quorum.

The meeting was scheduled to consider and adopt the draft report on the public hearings earlier this year on the BELA Bill. It was also scheduled to receive a presentation from the department on the financial implications of the Bill and to start clause-by-clause deliberations on the Bill.

Committee Chairperson Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba expressed her disappointed at the walkout of two Members of the Democratic Alliance – Mr Baxolile Nodada and Ms Marina van Zyl – and Ms Marie Sukers from the African Christian Democratic Party. However, Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the walkout was expected. “We noted the behaviour already during the public hearings in provinces and the misinformation that was spread. We noted the comments in our last meeting regarding the draft report on the countrywide hearings. The majority of Members present today indicated that the draft report was a fair reflection of what occurred in the public hearings across the country. That is also why we were able to adopt the report,” the Chairperson said.

Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said it was at this stage, after the adoption of the report and before the deliberations on the Bill could begin that the three members staged a walkout. “It is concerning. As Members of Parliament and public representatives we can differ with each other. It is how we express that difference that is worrying. Members have all the right to raise objections and have it included in reports. It was clear that this was just another attempt of the group to stall the Bill. We saw it during the public hearings with the misinformation that was being spread. We will however not be deterred and will continue tomorrow with our work.”

The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA) of 1998 so as to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Among other things, the Bill seeks to amend certain definitions, to made attendance in Grade R compulsory and to provide for improvements in admissions systems for learners in public schools. It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments. The Bill further provides the Minister with additional regulatory powers and enhances the decision-making and oversight powers of heads of departments and of members of executive councils.

The Bill further proposes technical and substantive adjustments, clarifies certain existing provisions, inserts provisions not provided for in existing legislation and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for offences and penalties. Some Members previously raised concerns about clauses in the Bill relating to the management of learner pregnancies and the regulation of home schooling.

The deliberations are scheduled to resume tomorrow.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreBasic Education Portfolio Committee Disappointed with ‘Expected’ Walkout

WHO Role in Advancing Disease Surveillance in South Africa

Location: News

World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa
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In a significant stride towards strengthening public health capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a pivotal role in a transformative initiative that underscores its commitment to global health security. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Training of Trainers program recently held in Cape Town, South Africa stands as a testament to WHO's dedication to enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and bolstering national health emergency preparedness.

Collaborating closely with the South Africa National Department of Health and other stakeholders, WHO orchestrated a comprehensive training endeavor that showcased the organization's expertise and dedication to advancing national and global health security. With the successful adaptation of the 3rd Edition Technical Guidelines and Training materials for the IDSR strategy in July 2023, the stage was set for the groundbreaking training event. The National Training-of-Trainers, held from August 7th to 11th, 2023, at the Blue Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, gathered 150 participants from various professional backgrounds across all nine provinces of South Africa.

At the heart of the IDSR Training of Trainers program was the aspiration to build the capacity of identified training coordinators and facilitators. This initiative sought to empower these individuals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to cascade the IDSR training program to a broader spectrum of stakeholders at provincial, district, health facility, and community level. WHO, in collaboration with technical officers from the WHO country office in South Africa, the Brazzaville, the National Department of Health, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, curated an multidisciplinary educational experience to align with the IDSR training manual.

The training program was meticulously designed to meet a range of objectives that speak to WHO's commitment to effective emergency management and health systems strengthening:

  1. Supporting Health Emergency Preparedness: By explaining the integral role of IDSR training within the health emergency preparedness and response cycle, WHO illuminated the crucial synergy between surveillance systems and response strategies.
  2. Tailoring Learning Principles: Through the adaptation of the IDSR training program based on adult learning principles and local context, WHO showcased its adaptability and nuanced approach to knowledge dissemination.
  3. Engaging and Interactive Methodologies: WHO, as a facilitator of learning, introduced interactive methodologies that engaged participants and fostered critical thinking and skill acquisition, thereby emphasizing the organization's innovative approach to capacity-building.
  4. Mastering Training Strategies: By imparting mastery in key training strategies, WHO demonstrated its dedication to sharing globally accepted practices, thereby contributing to the skill enhancement of participants.
  5. Seamless Coordination and Implementation: WHO's involvement in coordinating the implementation of the IDSR training program underlines its capacity to oversee complex processes and contribute to seamless execution.
  6. Fostering Personal Development: Through encouraging participants to initiate personal development plans, WHO reinforced its role as a platform for professional growth and advancement.
  7. Identifying Financial Support: By guiding participants in identifying potential financial support sources, WHO showcased its wide-ranging network and commitment to the sustainability of training programs.

As the training concluded, participants emerged with not only enhanced knowledge and skills in the IDSR strategy but also a profound understanding of how to apply these competencies in real-world scenarios. WHO's commitment to empowering health professionals extended beyond theory and into practical application, allowing participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice seamlessly.

This training-of-trainers initiative aligns with WHO's global mission of achieving better health outcomes for all. By equipping local stakeholders with the tools to improve surveillance and response mechanisms, WHO lays the foundation for a more resilient and prepared health system. The organization's dedication to promoting health security at all levels contributes significantly to national readiness to combat future pandemics and other public health events.

In collaboration with its esteemed partners and stakeholders, WHO continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in advancing global health security, disease surveillance, and response capacities. Through initiatives like the IDSR Training of Trainers program, WHO reaffirms its role as a driving force in fostering a healthier, safer world for all. The training was co-financed by the National Department of Health and Global Affairs Canada support to WHO.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.

Read moreWHO Role in Advancing Disease Surveillance in South Africa

Uncover the best musical entertainment at the Ugu Maskandi Music Festival 2023

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The unique sounds of maskandi music will once again attract crowds to the KZN South Coast with the 3rd annual Ugu Maskandi Music Festival set to take place on Saturday, 30 September at Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe. The event, which is supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), is a …

Read moreUncover the best musical entertainment at the Ugu Maskandi Music Festival 2023

South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2

Location: News

South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2

At least 150 000 more people were employed in South Africa during the second quarter of the year as compared to the first – resulting in a minor decrease in the unemployment rate by some 0.3%.

This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today.

Furthermore, the number of unemployed people fell by at least 11 000.

“Additionally…the discouraged work seekers decreased by 94 000 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 resulting in a net decrease of 1 000 in the not economically active population.

“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.3 of a percentage point from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.

“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in Q2:2023 compared to Q1:2023,” the institution said.

Employment in the formal sector increased by some 143 000 during the same period with informal sector employment decreasing by 33 000.

“Construction [104 000], trade [92 000], and community and social services [63 000] recorded the largest employment gains. While employment losses were recorded in manufacturing [96 000], finance [68 000], transport [7 000] and utilities [6 000],” Stats SA said.

Despite an increase in the number of youth employed during that period, the institution said youth remain “vulnerable” to unemployment.

“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the second quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth [between 15 and 34 years old] decreased by 131 000 to 4.7 million while there was an increase of 105 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.7 million during the same period.

“This resulted in a decrease in youth unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 45.3% in Q2:2023,” Stats SA said.

The institution highlighted the sectors where the most gains were made in the provinces.

“Limpopo [up by 80 000], Western Cape [up by 54 000] and KwaZulu-Natal [up by 48 000] recorded the largest employment increases in Q2:2023.

“Employment losses were recorded in Free State [down by 59 000] and Northern Cape [down by 17 000] during the same period,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 12:22

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It is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

It is all systems go for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

By Michael Currin

It is Women’s Month and Government is delighted to be hosting an important group of leading emerging markets and developing countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit. Together BRICS has around 42% of the world's population, 27% of global GDP and around 20% of international trade.

It is our third time hosting this important event as a country and South Africa is privileged to be the chair of BRICS this year.

Our theme is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.

This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Since January 2023, we have held a large number of meetings across all three pillars of cooperation, namely:

1. Political and security,

2. Economic and financial; and

3. Social and people-to-people cooperation.

GCIS has supported various Ministerial meetings held to precede BRICS across all provinces. Our Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts, in Sandton, on 24 July 2023.

The Friends of BRICS is a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS, those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited as per the Chair’s prerogative and henceforth invited as per the consensus reached between the host and fellow BRICS members. The Friends of BRICS countries who attended this meeting are Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Various other meetings took place headed by various Ministers such as the BRICS Foreign Ministers, the BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Ministers of Communication, the BRICS Youth Forum, the BRICS Urbanisation, BRICS Ministers of Health, and BRICS Ministers of Science and Innovation have all concluded their meetings.

Cabinet has encouraged BRICS meetings to be held in different towns and cities so that our guests have a wide range of experience of our beautiful country. It is also important that the tangible economic benefits of hosting our BRICS partners are experienced in a variety of communities.

All these activities build up to the XVth BRICS Summit which will provide an opportunity for BRICS Leaders to reflect on all the elements of BRICS cooperation. The XVth BRICS Summit will also provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of our friends in Africa and the global South with the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the XVth BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg and we are running a countdown to hype the upcoming activities of the Summit. South Africa Chairs BRICS in a dynamic global environment where the eyes of the world are on us.

Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting a content-rich BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August which 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. As an outcome of South Africa's Chairing of BRICS in 2013, the BRICS Business Council celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2023 and we look forward to the celebrations as well as the outcomes of the review of the work of the Council in its first ten years.

The BRICS Summit programme

The first event on the BRICS Leaders' programme is the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 August. The Leaders will get a report on the outcomes of the deliberations during the BRICS Business Forum and will deliver statements reflecting on BRICS economic relations.

Following the Business Forum, the Leaders move to a quieter venue for the BRICS Leaders Retreat. This is a signature event of South Africa as BRICS Chair. Leaders meet in a comfortable setting in a private venue for an unscripted discussion of contemporary issues of importance. There is no set agenda and Leaders can initiate a discussion on issues of choice such as BRICS membership expansion, reform of global governance, or use of local currencies.

On 23 August, the XVth BRICS Summit continues with a closed plenary followed by an open plenary session.

The BRICS Leaders will deliver national statements which will be followed by reports by the President of the New Development Bank, the South African Chair of the BRICS Business Council and the South African Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.

It is befitting during Women’s month to re-emphasise my focus on the BRICS Women's Business (WBA) Alliance. This will be the first in-person engagement with BRICS Leaders as it was established in 2020 under the Chairship of Russia during the height of the pandemic. This Alliance aims to empower and advance women entrepreneurs in BRICS to create a vibrant network in partnership with others that facilitates knowledge-sharing, skills development, and business opportunities for women across diverse sectors and industries.

Their flagship meeting is the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference to be held in Durban from 20 to 21 August which brings together over 500 women-owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, from BRICS and Africa. The conference will include the first in-person joint meeting of BRICS WBA national chapters and develop recommendations to be presented to BRICS Leaders at the Summit.

Following the reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the Summit is expected to adopt the eGoli Declaration as the main outcome document of the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

South Africa is also pleased to welcome the first meeting of Ministers responsible for Women Affairs as an important step in mainstreaming women's issues across all areas of BRICS cooperation.

This is also a concrete step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. As a partnership, BRICS operates on the principles of openness, solidarity, mutual respect and understanding as well as mutually beneficial cooperation that is seen to deliver tangible benefits.

The XVth BRICS Summit is the venue and occasion for the voices of BRICS, Africa and the global South to converge and be heard. We meet to reflect on the status of cooperation, to consider regional and global developments and to assess the status of global governance reform.

The Summit is not the final event of South Africa as Chair of BRICS. We continue our programme of mutually beneficial cooperation until the end of 2023.

We look forward to further meetings including the Ministers for Disaster Management, Ministers of Tourism, possible Ministers of Transport meeting, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Foreign Policy Dialogue, Young Diplomats and the first workshop on incident management later in the year. We particularly look forward to the return of the BRICS Games in October.

We are confident that we will leave 2023 having strengthened the BRICS partnership and having delivered benefits to the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.

Government calls on South Africans to continue to extend the warmest of South African welcomes to the many official delegates, businesspeople, media and civil society who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the world shortly for the Summit.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and  Stakeholder Management (ICSM) at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

 

Janine
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:39

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Exciting Schools Challenge unveiled for Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K debut!

Location: MyPR

In celebration of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series’ Tshwane debut on Sunday 27 August 2023, event organizer Stillwater Sports is excited to introduce an innovative “Schools Challenge” that is bound to spark exciting competition amongst the leading athletics schools in the region. “The Schools Challenge is an exciting opportunity for schools and learners to …

Read moreExciting Schools Challenge unveiled for Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K debut!

power2Cloud and Uku Inbound Join Forces to Pioneer Digital Transformation in South Africa

Location: MyPR

[Cape Town, 14 August 2023] – Uku Inbound, a leading HubSpot Partner in South Africa, and power2Cloud, a leader in digital transformation from Italy with a robust technology ecosystem, are thrilled to announce their partnership, a significant milestone for both companies. The partnership positions Uku Inbound as a formidable player in the digital transformation landscape, …

Read morepower2Cloud and Uku Inbound Join Forces to Pioneer Digital Transformation in South Africa

Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Honest

Location: News

Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Fair

The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will be a hive of activity when the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the South African BRICS Business Council host the BRICS Trade Fair.

The fair will run from 19 - 23 August 2023 ahead of the highly-anticipated 15th BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Summit in Sandton.

The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, together with his BRICS counterparts on 19 August.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries, as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment.

The fair and the BRICS Business Council Programme will include a series of sectoral sessions that will include, among others:

•            Energy Cooperation Forum;

•            Accelerating Infrastructure Development through Government Business/Private Partnerships;

•            Embracing the Digital Economy for Transformation and Advancement;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Importance of Skills for Emerging and Future Jobs;

•            DFI Funding Instruments;

•            The BRICS Manufacturing Forum;

•            Oceans Economy High Level Dialogue;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) - Side Event and

•            Africa’s Economic Place in the BRICS Alliance, which will be hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).

The fair will be a platform to showcase proudly South African products and services from companies and institutions from South Africa and the rest of Africa, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

These companies and institutions are from sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, energy and energy infrastructure.

South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, will host the 15th  BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22 - 24 August 2023, under the theme, 'BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism'.

The summit will be preceded by the Inward Buying and Investment Missions from Brazil, Russia, India and China, which will take place in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from 13 - 23 August 2023, and the BRICS Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:25

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The importance of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant in Western Cape’s energy mix

Location: News

Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier
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Mr Keith Featherstone, acting Chief Nuclear Officer at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), was Premier Alan Winde's guest this week at his 20th Energy Digicon.

The power station's contribution to the Western Cape and South Africa's energy needs was the primary focus of this week's digicon. “The importance of Koeberg to the Western Cape has significantly increased. Without Koeberg it is not possible for transmission lines to actually supply the Western Cape's load on their own. Our aim is always to ensure higher reliability of the plant - which we are able to achieve - as well as to minimise the chance of both units being shut down at the same time,” stressed Mr Featherstone.

From the outset, he addressed the delays experienced in the refurbishment process, currently under way at the plant. Describing it as a “major service”, he explained that Eskom has submitted its application to the National Nuclear Regulator, along with what is called a “safety case”, requesting permission for the facility to be allowed to operate for another 20 years. As part of the submission, management at the power station identified 3 pieces of equipment that need to be replaced:

  • Reactor head at unit 2 which has already been replaced
  • Refueling water storage tanks at both units which have also been replaced, and
  • Steam generators

Mr Featherstone said, “I am pleased to say that at long last the three steam generators at unit 1 have been replaced. All the mechanical work is completed. Once the unit is synchronised to the grid there is still a lot of testing we need to do. Only when all those tests are completed will we consider the unit to be commercially available.” The unit will be back in operation by 3 November 2023.

Mr Featherstone added, “The unit 2 outage has now been scheduled for 7 November 2023. We have estimated that we will need longer than what we originally planned based on the experience from unit 1, and we will be taking all the lessons we have learned from this outage into the unit 2 outage to make sure that we can do it as speedily as possible. There have not been significant periods where there has been a risk to the Western Cape for both units being down. We are actively working day and night to bring this unit back as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot longer than what we were originally anticipating.”

On whether it is viable to expand nuclear power in South Africa to help meet the growing demand for energy, Mr Featherstone detailed how that with the international drive to reduce carbon emissions nuclear energy is finding a resurgence globally, particularly for baseload supply. “We do have the experience; we know how to manage nuclear power stations. Within Eskom, we have a lot of experience in doing that. The technology is viable. With the number of projects starting all over the world there must be a case to show that it can be done viably. I believe it is possible. I believe we do need it because we have to transition away from coal.” He also offered the assurance that there is no risk of nuclear fallout at KNPP.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.

Read moreThe importance of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant in Western Cape’s energy mix

BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

Location: News

BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has lauded the upcoming BRICS Summit as a significant opportunity to create jobs and boost tourism revenue for the province.

The BRICS Summit brings together governments and their leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

“There is no doubt that many sectors will be positively impacted from accommodation, transportation, food, security, logistics and hospitality establishments, with the majority of them already fully booked. We are excited by the prospects of our visitors and delegates immersing themselves in our food and culinary experiences,” the GTA said.

According to the GTA, this year’s summit brings together Heads of State and from the BRICS countries, ministers, government officials and support staff, as well as “at least 25 other countries represented by their Presidents and ministers”.

“Recent reports have also indicated that more than 40 countries have expressed their interest in joining BRICS, so we can expect many more representatives from countries in the global South to make their way to Johannesburg. Add to this the various observers, business leaders, analysts and civil organisations and members of the media, both local and international, makes up the impressive numbers.

“All these people will be sleeping in the province, eating at the various venues and establishments, buying local products, interacting with our communities, and immersing themselves in our culture and way of life. These are the direct ripple effects of tourism and a growing visitor economy. It is more than just a conference or meeting room. It is social currency in action,” the GTA said.

The authority highlighted that the business, tourism, trade and investment activities expected to take place over the duration of the summit will bring business to the business tourism orientated wing of the sector.

“The formal sessions of this important gathering are expected to be spread across the major economic and business event nodes of the city region with Sandton City, Gallagher Convention Centre, Birchwood and Montecasino, amongst others, playing host.

“This bodes well for the visitor economy and business events sector in the province, as these types of high-profile events generate the much needed jobs and tourism revenue into the economy,” the GTA said.

The authority emphasised that the summit will bring in much needed impetus to the province’s economic recovery efforts for the present and the future.

“The summit comes at a time when the country has shown an impressive 46.5% rise in foreign tourist arrivals when comparing June 2023 to the same period last year, as reported by Statistics SA. A quick glance at these numbers also shows that business travellers tend to stay longer and spend more, with African travellers leading the pack.

“It is for this reason that the GTA, who is the key driver of tourism business growth initiatives in the province, is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this period showcases the best of Gauteng’s attractions to global and local visitors alike.

“For the GTA and many businesses in the province that rely on tourism activities and increased visitors into the province, the summit is not only about the BRICS delegates who will be here, but also potentially future visits from repeat visitors once they have tasted the unique attractions that Gauteng has to offer,” the authority said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:30

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Beiersdorf announces further funding and strengthens its seven-year partnership with SA community programme, Thanda.

Location: MyPR

Following the success of its 7-year long-standing partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal based non-profit, Thanda, Beiersdorf has further committed a funding donation to address the critical long-term aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic. With this commitment, Beiersdorf lives up to its sustainability agenda CARE BEYOND SKIN, which seeks to enhance inclusivity within society and achieve sustainable advancements …

Read moreBeiersdorf announces further funding and strengthens its seven-year partnership with SA community programme, Thanda.

David Maynier appeals to parents to send children back to school

Location: News

Western Cape Education ​Department, South Africa
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We stood firm during the SANTACO-WC minibus taxi strike and refused to close all schools in the Western Cape.

We did so not only to ensure schools focused on teaching and learning, but also to provide places of safety and supply meals to hungry children. 

We would like to thank all the principals, teachers and staff who went the extra mile to support learners at our schools during the minibus taxi strike. 

Despite schools remaining open, the strike wiped out a full week of teaching and learning with 852 000 learners and 17 700 staff members absent at the peak, with schools in poor communities being hardest hit. 

We know this has been a challenging time, but now that the taxi strike has been called off, we must get our children back to school, and so we appeal to parents: please work with us and ensure that your children go back to school.

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.

Read moreDavid Maynier appeals to parents to send children back to school

McCann Joburg Partners with Mastercard for Rugby World Cup 2023 to Celebrate the Spirit of Rugby

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, 14 August: McCann Joburg, in partnership with Mastercard, have launched an inspiring Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign aimed at embracing the spirit of the game, on and off the field and to remind audiences to ‘Live Like Rugby’. Mastercard has been the proud sponsor of the Rugby World Cup for 12 years. “The core …

Read moreMcCann Joburg Partners with Mastercard for Rugby World Cup 2023 to Celebrate the Spirit of Rugby

BRICS Ministers sign declaration on agriculture

Location: News

BRICS Ministers sign declaration on agriculture

Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has welcomed the signing of the Joint Declaration of the 13th Meeting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Ministers of Agriculture.

The Declaration outlines areas of collaboration, cooperation and agreement on various interventions among BRICS member countries on agriculture.

These include reducing the impact of climate change on agriculture and food production; ensuring access to food for the most vulnerable; agriculture trade and investment; enhancing agricultural technology cooperation and innovation, and strengthening exchange of agricultural information.

“On climate change, the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture called for the provision of means of implementation for developing countries to enable them to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on food security by enhancing the adaptive capacity and resilience of people, food, and agriculture production systems.

“They further resolved to advocate for joined efforts among BRICS member countries to address climate change impacts on agriculture. The Ministers also support the adoption of agricultural best practices that align with internationally agreed goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development said on Monday.

The Ministers noted that the challenges to achieve food security and nutrition are multi-sectoral and multidimensional. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among the BRICS countries in ensuring access to food for all.

In addition, they acknowledged the significance of food and nutrition security programmes, including food safety nets to reduce hunger and malnutrition among women, youth, children, older people, and persons with disabilities.

The declaration was signed last week at the conclusion of a four-day gathering of the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture in Mookgopong in Limpopo, South Africa.

Over the gathering (8 - 12 August), delegates from BRICS deliberated on various challenges under the theme, 'Strengthening collaboration towards sustainable agricultural production and increasing productivity'.

On agriculture and rural development, the Ministers committed to accelerate existing national agriculture and rural development programmes and initiatives, with a focus on revitalising rural economies, and attracting public and private investment, while fostering skills development.

“The Ministers also support the reform of the global agricultural trade system through measures that support developing economies.

“Furthermore, the Ministers encouraged policies enhancing open, free and fair agricultural trade, and encouraged the removal of unjustified trade restrictions,” the department said.

The full declaration can be accessed on the DALRRD website: www.dalrrd.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 11:59

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President congratulates newly crowned Miss SA Natasha Joubert

Location: News

President congratulates newly crowned Miss SA Natasha Joubert

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the newly crowned Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Joubert who won at the spectacular pageant finale held at the Sunbet Arena at Time Square Casino in Tshwane on Sunday. 

In a tweet sent out last night the President said Joubert’s resilience is testament to the nation’s fighting spirit. 

“Congratulations to our newly crowned Natasha Joubert. Your resilience is testament to our fighting spirit as a nation. We wish you a fruitful year of reign and we look forward to you making a positive impact as our Miss South Africa,” the President said. 

The 26-year-old Joubert is a BCom Marketing Management graduate and is the owner and fashion designer of Natalia Jefferys, a company she started when she was 19.

An emotional and overwhelmed Joubert who hails from Tshwane said she was truly humbled and grateful to win the title and to be the first to wear the glittering new Mowana (“Tree of Life”) crown from Nungu Diamonds.

In her acceptance speech Joubert, a firm favourite among the crowd watching the pageant, said she is incredibly honoured and humbled to be crowned Miss South Africa 2023.

“As I step into this new role, I am filled with a sense of responsibility to make a positive difference in the world around me. I believe that success is not just about personal accomplishments, but about the opportunities, we have to give back and uplift those around us. I will strive to be a source of inspiration and support for others, just as I have been supported on my journey now and before.

“This moment is the epitome of a full circle moment for me. A dream that started 11 years ago…I pledge to use this platform to advocate for the causes close to my heart and to be a source of inspiration for others. Entrepreneurship lies at the heart of innovation and economic growth. It is the driving force that propels nations forward, creating jobs, nurturing creativity, and fostering a spirit of resilience,” Joubert said.

The new Miss South Africa received R1 million in cash in a prize and sponsorship package that includes the use of a serviced apartment at the lavish Brookfield at Royal in Kensington – developed by Tricolt – for the year of her reign. 

She will also get to drive a Mercedes-Benz GLC as well as go on a trip to Paris sponsored by L’Oreal. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 10:07

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NJR Steel Cape Town Launches Innovative Security Fencing Range into the Western Cape

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, August, 14th, 2023: NJR Steel Cape Town announces that it is now offering the full range of De-Fence security fencing, providing unique coastal environment benefits. De-fence is clear-visibility perimeter fencing that has been optimally manufactured with features making it ideal for South African coastal climates. “De-fence panels are made from high-strength steel wires, with a …

Read moreNJR Steel Cape Town Launches Innovative Security Fencing Range into the Western Cape

67 Pakistanis intercepted at OR Tambo Airport

Location: News

67 Pakistanis intercepted at OR Tambo Airport

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the interception of 67 Pakistani nationals at the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng after allegedly entering the country without complying with the immigration laws of the country. 

According to the statement released on Sunday, the Pakistanis were denied entry into South Africa in the early hours of today, 13 August 2023, after they failed the immigration test, which included questions about how long their visas entitled them to be in the country. 

The department said the 67 Pakistanis with questionable visas were in a flight of 268 passengers that departed for South Africa from Dubai.

“This is a result of a sting operation that was put together after observing certain trends that were suspicious and did not make sense. 

“They were interviewed by Immigration Officers and they were asked about where they going and about the purpose of being in South Africa and where they were going to stay given that they were coming here for the first time. They provided conflicting evidence like giving names of non-existent hotels, names of alleged relatives, some of whom did not even exist,” said Motsoaledi. 

The Department of Home Affairs Counter Corruption Branch, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the State Security Agency and the Border Management Authority (BMA) led the sting operation.

The group has since been sent back to their home country at their own cost.

“Essentially, these people wanted to come to South Africa but were unable to explain where they were going and for what reason. There is no other way. They have to return to their home country. We can’t allow such people to enter the country,” Motsoaledi lamented. 

Motsoaledi noted that some hotels have complained that there is an increase in the number of Pakistanis who book accommodation and then end up not showing up. 

“This means that the hotels lose money with these dubious bookings and also on other potential visitors who are unable to book because the hotels are supposed to be full.” 

He said the department has been forced to be more vigilant than ever before. 

“We are extremely worried by this new trend and we have noticed that the newly acquired e-Visa system, which is meant to facilitate easier entry into the country by tourists, is being seriously abused by some nationals. We will never allow this,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 08/13/2023 - 16:12

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