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Luvme Hair South Africa, a leading brand in premium quality human hair wigs in South Africa, is thrilled to announce a special Women’s Day promotion that will surely delight and empower women across the nation. In honor of Women’s Day, Luvme Hair is offering a limited-time offer of “Buy 1 Wig, Get 2nd Wig at …
Call for nominations for National Orders
The Presidency has reminded South Africans to nominate candidates, either South African nationals or eminent foreign nationals, for National Orders, as the closing date for nominations approaches.
The closing date for nominations is 31 August 2023.
National Orders are the highest awards that an individual can receive in South Africa for serving the country or attaining personal achievement – both nationally and internationally – “in exceptional ways”.
Director General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, reflected on the importance of the awards.
“The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order,” Baleni said.
The Presidency explained the different orders that can be obtained:
“National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
“The President as the fount of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility,” the Presidency said.
Nomination forms can be obtained at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785 and submissions must include:
Nominations can be sent to:
NeoB
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:22
Cloudmania, launched by Liquid C2 in 2021 to support Africa's digital transformation journey, opens its doors for the Mauritius channel partner ecosystem. With partners in 22 countries across the continent, Cloudmania is committed to providing cloud and cyber security services to partners within an ecosystem defined by support, expertise, and enablement.
Vinay Hiralall, Managing Executive of Cloudmania, said, “Our operations have grown exponentially, in the last year itself, we have grown from 100 partners to over 500. This highlights that our value proposition resonates with channel partners across the continent. We have a deep understanding of the channel ecosystem and work with partners to provide the technical enablement, operational efficiency, and solution portfolio to drive their businesses forward. Winning the Microsoft Partner of the Year award in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023, respectively, reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that propel cloud adoption and partner growth and accelerate digital transformation for businesses in Africa”.
All resellers that partner with Cloudmania receive access to a suite of market-leading solutions tailored to suit their customers' needs. Cloudmania aims to help channel partners better manage their business by creating a single-pane view via an always-on platform that assists with billing and subscription management services. In addition to providing partners with programmes that drive sales enablement, they also have access to our marketing initiatives and technical advisories. By alleviating the backend operations, partners can focus more on their core business of expanding their operations and increasing their customer base.
Cloudmania understands the critical role cloud and cyber security technologies play in today's digital economy. “Being recognised by one of the largest global hyper-scalers like Microsoft as ‘Partner of the Year' is testimony to Cloudmania's unwavering commitment towards ushering change, development, and progress through technology, and we hope to win next year's award for Mauritius,” concluded Hiralall.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023. For more information: https://Cloudmania.Africa/
About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2 is a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group, offering managed cloud and security services, product solutions, and related professional and advisory services in 22 African countries. It operates Africa's widest Azure Stack deployment across four countries and deployed the only African Cyber Security Fusion Centres in South Africa and Kenya, with another four to be launched in 2023. Liquid C2 was selected as an Operator Connect launch partner by Microsoft in six countries. The organisation was a finalist in the Microsoft Partner of the Year 2021 in South Africa and Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023. https://LiquidC2.com/
Government keen to see the growth of netball in SA
In a bid to facilitate the growth of netball in the country, government will build a netball exclusive arena, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
The President made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre over the past 10 days.
The tournament was held on African soil for the first time.
“One of the things that’s been said...is that we need to ensure that netball grows in South Africa. To enable it to grow, we must build netball facilities throughout the country.
“I’m happy to say that your closing ceremony is on Women's Month here in South Africa. So therefore, the gift that we are going to give to the women of South Africa and also the women around the world is to build a netball arena. We are going to do it,” President Ramaphosa said.
The first citizen was in attendance of the final match of the tournament on Sunday which culminated in Australia beating England to take home the trophy.
The President sent his congratulations to all the countries that took part in the tournament.
“I want to congratulate the winning team, the number one, number two and number three. But also to say congratulations to all who have been participating in this tournament. You are all winners.
“I have been watching your sport for the past ten days and I must tell you, I have become a new fan,” he said.
President Ramaphosa commended the celebratory atmosphere that was created by crowds that attended matches throughout the tournament.
“I also want to congratulate you for the vibe as young people would say, for the wonderful vibe.
“There has been a very outstanding vibe here and I felt it today. You created a very wonderful African vibe and I’m glad that all the other nations participated in the wonderful spirit that prevailed in this tournament,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 21:14
Introduction: In South Africa, there exists a team of leak detection specialists with an impressive 41-year track record. Their unparalleled experience, coupled with the use of the latest equipment, makes them the go-to professionals for leak detection services. With their ability to precisely pinpoint leak locations, clients can bid farewell to the frustration of searching …
KZN investment projects make a difference
The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency on Friday led a media tour to KwaZulu-Natal to showcase the South African investment projects taking place in the province.
The tour was led by Deputy Ministers Kenneth Morolong and Nomasonto Motaung to the Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate and the R500 million Renishaw Coastal Precinct respectively.
Speaking after the tour at the Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, Morolong said the community programmes that are linked with the two projects are making a significant impact in the lives of those who were unemployed previously.
According to Morolong, the skills and entrepreneurial opportunities that have been created for young people at both projects are very impressive.
“The investments of both Serenity Hills and Renishaw Coastal will make a serious economic transformation for the country. Government is also committed to continue mobilising investment in order to create sustainable jobs for the future of this country,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Neville Matjie said he was pleased with the progress of the projects which are important for the province.
Open for business
“We have worked with both projects, coordinating the unblocking of bottlenecks in municipal processes so that the developments run smoothly and timeously,” Matjie said.
“As the provincial investment promotion agency, we confirm that KwaZulu-Natal is open for business. We will continue to work and showcase the province’s competitive advantage and position as a world-class investment destination,” he said.
The Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate in Margate, is meant to attract foreign investment while uplifting local communities in the mid-South Coast. It has been included in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan after being honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 5th South African Investment Conference in April this year.
The second project visited was the Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the 1 300 hectares mixed-use development on the KwaZulu-Natal mid-South Coast, is considered as one of the country’s biggest developments.
The projects have employed local communities who have benefited through skills development.
South Africa hosted its fifth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in April 2023 in Johannesburg. The conference was the final leg of the drive to attract R1.2 trillion into the country over a period of five years.
The target of reaching R1.2 trillion worth of investments was successfully reached.
These investments have resulted in new factories, call centres, solar power plants, undersea fibre optic cables, expansion of production lines and the adoption of new technologies.
Serenity Hills was selected for attracting both national and international interest, contributing significantly towards the country’s socio-economic goals of creating sustainable jobs, driving back inequality, and positioning the region as a key investment destination.
Serenity Hills launched Phase 1 in the second half of last year and has already sold 50% of its units, with national and international buyers also coming from Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany.
Community development
Through the Sweetdale Skills Centre, the development committed to investing in local communities to revitalise the area.
There are several community-driven projects already underway, with 100 jobs already created.
Forming part of the Centre is the Sweetbike Community Project, a non-profit organisation that provides vulnerable schoolchildren with bicycles.
Mxolisi Mthwana who fixes bicycles at the centre, told SAnews that his happy with what he is doing.
“It’s been five years now fixing bicycles, I love what am doing,” he said.
According Mthwana, the centre had already donated 50 bicycles to learners in nearby schools.
“We doing this to assist the learners to get to school on time and to encourage them not to abscond,” he said.
Mlonde High School Principal Linda Mkhize told SAnews that there had been an improvement in school attendance since the school received the bicycles.
“I thank the centre with the bicycle donation because even school attendance has improved a lot, with learners no longer coming late,” she said of the bicycles donated to matric leaners.
Quality bicycles are imported from Europe and refurbished at the Sweetbike Workshop, employing and upskilling people from the local communities.
Once ready, these bicycles are donated to the learners attending rural schools from Umzumbe to Port Edward, with recipients given training in mechanics to maintain and look after the bikes. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/05/2023 - 07:51
The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Accelerator is now in its sixth year and is proud to announce the launch of its next Business Accelerator. Applications from high-potential, Black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the local chemicals sector are all welcome and will be accepted until 30 September 2023. The DCC Accelerator is a transformative …
Stillwater Sports, in partnership with Boxer Superstores and Coca-Cola, is excited to launch the Boxer Super Run, a world class 5km road run that is set to captivate entrants, young and old, social, and elite, in the scenic city of Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023. “We’re excited to launch the Boxer Super Run, a …
President Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver remarks at the final match of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.
This has been the first instance where an African country has hosted the tournament.
“As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.
“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer,” President Ramaphosa.
On Sunday, the Spar Proteas bowed out of the tournament with a sixth place finish following their defeat to Uganda. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 13:41
Stable municipalities are imperative for South Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says managing coalition governments better remains imperative in stabilising local government and improving service delivery.
He was addressing a media briefing at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments in Cape Town.
“The Minister of CoGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Thembi Nkadimeng] remains my key partner in driving this because, as you have seen, we are quite focused at local government where we have more challenges. So the Minister of CoGTA is key because the dialogue itself felt that there is an urgency in addressing challenges at local government level.
“We will definitely be looking at how these engagements will allow us to go down to local government to ensure that we have stable coalitions that are focused on good governance and serving the people even much better than they have been doing up to now,” he said on Saturday
The Deputy President said further engagements will be held in order to thrash out finer details.
“We only finished commissions [on Saturday], the secretariat needs more time to factor in the comments of political parties so they agreed that we will finalise the declaration once we have taken into account [political parties] comments.
“The most important thing is that all those who participated felt that we are going to need more engagements. There were issues where political parties expressed different views…that they felt need further refining.
“But generally, the idea of a national framework is agreed to but the issues of how you are going to implement it, whether you need legislation or regulation, those are the issues that are going to go for further refinement,” he said.
Earlier, during his closing address of the dialogue, the Deputy President called on political parties to work together to bring much needed stability and economic growth to South Africa.
“All what needed to be said this weekend, has been said. We came, we engaged, we listened to one another and we have agreed that this issue of coalitions is something that is with us and needs to be discussed.
“We want stability in the country, we want economic growth [and] we want a South Africa that is prosperous. We want municipalities to be stable… we want to make South Africa work. We can do it if we ensure stability in the country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 09:33
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the final match of the Netball World Cup 2023 and deliver brief remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the competition in Cape Town on Sunday, 06 August 2023.
South Africa has been the first African host of this global tournament which has been staged at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
President Ramaphosa has commended South Africa's national team, the Spar Proteas, on their gallant progress through the pool stage of the tournament.
President Ramaphosa said: “As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.
“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Giyani water project is still on course, Mchunu
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has reassured the community of Giyani and the country that the Giyani Water Project is still on course as outlined earlier this year.
“We have committed ourselves and we are hard at work to ensure that this project reaches completion and within the set timeframes. We have been very transparent concerning the work that has been taking place and we have been conducting regular oversight visits,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu admitted that the department has experienced hurdles along the way, and the project has experienced major delays due to scope of work changes and added packages.
He said access denial by traditional leaders, including community protests and restrictions on the pipe route from Nandoni to Giyani, poor project management and to an extent, and the weather patterns that delayed work progress by not less than four weeks, hindered progress that would ensure that the bulk pipeline was completed within the allocated time.
“As announced in April, the rest of the remaining work is still on course and the work packages are being implemented simultaneously to ensure that the project is completed on time,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu’s statement comes following misleading information spread by a political party on Giyani water challenges.
Mchunu acknowledged that the project had been marred by serious challenges of poor management and corruption that has led to the loss of billions of rands and the project stalling for several years.
“This has been an eyesore, not only to the residents of that area, but also to us as government and the rest of South Africa,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu said upon the department’s appointment in 2021, and having received a report about the project and its events, Lepelle Northern Water Board was instructed, as the implementing agent, to resume the project and ensure that it is fast-tracked and completed.
He said while the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted its own investigation into the loss of billions of rands that could not be accounted for, the department understood that the people of Giyani could not wait any longer to have access to one of their basic human rights.
On the allegation that there is no accountability on the matter, Mchunu said, the SIU has completed its investigations and have instituted legal action for the repayment of over R 2.3 billion by three former Lepelle Northern Water employees.
“The accusation that the President and I lack accountability does not even arise at all. There are four components to the scheme and each with their own timelines. We will always have timeframes attached to projects and consequently, when we fail to meet those deadlines or when we do indeed succeed in meeting them, we will always take the public into confidence, and we have done exactly that,” Mchunu explained.
Mchunu said the people of Giyani are getting water through various means, via boreholes (as a temporary measure), the old system although intermittently, as the system is currently being refurbished, and via water tankers.
In addition to the four components of the project, the villages in Malamulele West will be receiving water from the Nandoni Water Treatment Works, following the laying of a 26.58 km pipeline; reticulation, which Mopani District Municipality is attending to, which is the only outstanding element.
Work packages
The four work packages of the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme include work package 1, which consists of the construction of the 40.5 km raw bulk pipeline which transfers raw bulk water from Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam, thereby augmenting raw water from the Middle Letaba Dam.
Mchunu said the water will be treated in the Giyani Water Treatment Works situated in Nsami, into potable water, adding that the bulk water infrastructure project was completed on 5 April 2023.
Work package 2 includes construction of a 325 km pipeline to supply bulk water from Giyani Water Treatment Works to 55 villages from the commanding reservoir in Nsami to the reservoirs that will ultimately supply water to the 55 villages.
Mchunu said the project is currently underway, and 300 km of installations have already been covered and the project is at 63% completion.
He said the third package is in 2 phases, with the first being to refurbish the 30 megalitres a day (ml/d) Giyani Water Treatment Works back to its optimal capacity.
“The water treatment is currently functioning at 17 ml/d and is unable to meet the current demand in the area [and] the project is scheduled to be completed in December 2023. The second phase of this work package is to upgrade the water treatment plant with a further 10 ml/d; this is to ensure that it covers villages that are now being included on the network and will start in the new financial year, April 2024” Mchunu explained.
The project is being implemented by the Mopani District Municipality through the Department of Water and Sanitation Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG).
The fourth and last package is a newly added package into the scope of the project that consists of reticulating the potable water to the 55 villages that have been added into the network to increase the level of services from communal taps to yard connections.
Mchunu said the work package is also divided into two phases and is also being implemented by the Mopani District through the funding from the WSIG.
“Phase 1 of the package consists of reticulation to 24 of the 55 villages; 37 contractors have been appointed and are on site in various villages laying the reticulation pipes. The remaining 31 villages will be part of Phase 2, which will start in the new financial year (April 2024).
“All these work packages are on track, and we anticipate that they will be completed within the set timelines. We know that the people of Giyani have been patient and we continue to plead with them for their patience as we work towards providing them with sustainable, reliable and consistent water supply,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:41
Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with New Zealand
While bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and New Zealand continue to increase steadily, more still needs to be done to boost growth.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was delivering opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Cape Town.
According to the Minister, the total trade between the countries amounts to R3 billion, with exports to New Zealand at a total of R1 billion and imports from South Africa sitting at R2 billion.
South Africa, Pandor said, is currently New Zealand’s 35th export market and the 18th most important source of visitors.
“I’m sure that we can put shoulder to the wheel and work on improving these figures. We have the potential to trade more with each other,” she said on Friday.
New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues, as well as sports.
The Minister reminded delegates that the relations date back to the colonial era and recalled how during apartheid the island country led the way in isolating the regime.
“It’s something we never forget and continue to be grateful for. Who can forget how Labour Prime Minister, the inimitable David Lange in 1984, booted the last apartheid-era Consul General out of Wellington? We were proud to re-establish full diplomatic relations on 19 January 1994.”
She also spoke about how, in line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against apartheid following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government in 1994.
New Zealand subsequently established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996.
“President Nelson Mandela visited your country in 1995 to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for its support during the apartheid regime.
“Your country had one of the strongest and staunchest anti-apartheid movements in the world and the sports boycott that you upheld struck a huge blow to the apartheid regime and helped to bring the world’s attention to our struggle,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the countries have concluded nine signed agreements.
“I am thrilled that we will be signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Bilateral Cooperation, as this will be another testimony of our growing relations.”
South Africa and New Zealand, she said, work well together in a multilateral arena such as the United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
They also share common views on international issues, such as the protection of the oceans and sustainable agricultural development, and are strong supporters of nuclear non-proliferation.
“We are also two of the five gateway countries to Antarctica. I would like to hear more about how your country unlocks the economic benefits this brings as I am told that Christchurch’s economy thrives as a result, and we would like the same for Cape Town.”
In 2019, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the changes in visa requirements enabling New Zealanders to enter South Africa for 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes.
Mahuta is expected to attend the Netball World Cup semi-final match in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 August 2023.
“I wish the Silver Ferns well, but not if they are playing against our Proteas,” the Minister quipped.
“I must say that I’m super proud of the way our Proteas played against your Silver Ferns, the reigning champs, and held them to a draw, what an electrifying game.”
Spar Proteas goal attacker, Nichole Taljaard, scored with seconds remaining to earn a 48 - 48 draw against the defending champions New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday.
Pandor also congratulated New Zealand for the spectacular opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:53
Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes progress
The Leaders of the African Peace Initiative have recognised progress achieved since the proposals discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their first meeting on 17 June 2023 in St. Petersburg.
The leaders made proposals on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.
The seven African leaders issued a joint Statement on Thursday following the engagement between them and the President of the Russian Federation on 28 July in St. Petersburg, in the Russian Federation.
At that engagement last week, the leaders continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.
“The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.
“The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul,” the statement read.
The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.
The leaders have agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened.
African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:
- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union;
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa;
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo;
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal;
- President Yoweri Museveni of the Republic of Uganda;
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley Kakubo.
Advancing SA's international interests
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation.
This after he concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the summit which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments.
He concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture.
“The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development,” Magwenya said.
Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Meanwhile on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada.
“In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future.
“The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:54
SA urged to make smart financial decisions
South Africans have been encouraged to make smart financial decisions by saving for the future as a recent survey on financial behaviours of adults show a concerning pattern.
According to the recent Baseline survey on financial literacy in South Africa, only 46% adults tend to live for today rather worry about providing for their future while 44% stated that they have not been actively saving and a third of South Africans have no retirement plan.
“As the National Treasury, we are worried about the statistics for people who expect to rely on government pension because in the absence of growth, we do not want to end up with a society that relies on government handouts as opposed as to saving money for their own future,” Acting Tax and Financial Sector Policy Division Deputy Director-General, Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, said on Friday.
Lekhethe was addressing the virtual launch of Money Smart Week South Africa 2023 (MSWSA 2023) under the theme “Plan your money, plant your future.”
Money Smart Week is the country’s largest coordinated financial literacy campaign aimed at motivating and empowering South Africans to become better educated about their finances. This year’s campaigns runs from 28 August until 03 September 2023.
South Africa scored at around 51% of individuals that are financially literate in the survey, which was conducted by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in partnership with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The survey further indicates that only 26% have funds saved for rainy days but those will last for only three months.
“The financial decisions we make today will make a significant impact on our security and our standard of living given the current economic condition that people find themselves in and therefore saving and being money smart is a strong foundation towards securing your future,” Lekhethe said.
While she acknowledged that financial literacy might not address all of consumers’ vulnerability, Lekhethe said financial literacy could pave the way for positive actions, which are important for wealth creation and preservation.
These actions include saving for a rainy day and for long term goals such as retirement and making an informed decision about retirement.
“As government and regulators, we have to do our best in providing protection to consumers. An informed consumer can demonstrate improved capability in terms of making decisions about their financial future,” she said.
Lekhethe expressed concern about the emergence of fraudulent scams schemes that take advantage of people’s vulnerabilities.
The Baseline survey on financial literacy in South Africa examines the financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of adult South Africans as part of ongoing efforts to better understand, monitor, and promote financial literacy in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:03
Mashatile calls for 'unerring focus' on improving lives of South Africans
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on political parties and civil society to craft a way forward for coalition governments that will improve the lives of South Africans.
The Deputy President was speaking at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, on Friday.
The two day dialogue seeks to lay a foundation for the creation of a National Framework guiding the effective management and navigation of coalition governments in South Africa.
“[Our] political focus must unerringly remain on the well-being of our people. Our pursuit of national consensus on how to approach coalition governments is a matter of national interest. Properly handled, it has the potential to bring the necessary stability, especially to the local government sphere, despite the intemperance we have witnessed in relation to coalitions.
“This dialogue therefore seeks to promote fidelity to the national interest so that we remain focused on the fulfilment of the constitutional injunction to build a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous society,” he said.
Currently, South Africa has at least 70 hung municipalities and this has paved the way for the formation of coalition governments in local municipalities.
Some of these coalitions, particularly those in metropolitan municipalities, have given rise to, amongst others, instability and frequent changes in council leadership structures – ultimately hampering service delivery to citizens.
Deputy President Mashatile told those at the dialogue that in this regard, citizens are demanding accountability from those elected to lead.
“Whatever the configuration of governance, the electorate and the people as a whole expect from those who govern nothing less than the material improvement of their lives, a better future for themselves and their children as well as guarantees for peace and security.
“Those who govern also owe accountability to the people at all times for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised. Additionally, where parties battle it out, like the feuding houses of Verona, other things also get lost: among them, improving the lives of the people is often compromised with negative impacts on the wellbeing of citizens,” he said.
Mashatile said although coalition governments face a raft of challenges, current leaders “may be the generation in our evolving democracy that co-creates and designs resilient solutions to our political architecture”.
“We can ignite the hopes of our people with the demonstration of united leadership, which communicates the message that we have gathered here today as a collective of South African stateswomen and statesmen and not as mere politicians representing their parties.
“This national dialogue will not stop after tomorrow; it is just the beginning. It is the launch of the dialogue that must spread across our nation as we collectively grapple with the most crucial question: what do we do going forward to serve the people even better?
“The motto of this eminent institution of higher learning is Respice Prospice: look back, look forward, and take what is worthy from the past, and build the future. As we grapple with these issues, may we embrace the apposite counsel of the motto of the University of the Western Cape so that we are able to meet the expectations of the people for the material improvement of their lives, and secure a better future for them and their children. So shall we be true to the national interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:52
Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on his partners from BRICS to develop science and innovation capacities across Africa for the creation of a better future for all.
Nzimande was speaking on Friday at the 2023 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) Ministerial Meeting on Science and Innovation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
He told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and China that one of the strategic objectives of the annual ministerial meeting is to provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange on science, technology, and innovation policy.
The platform is to also share information on priority investment areas, as well as national progress in the implementation of BRICS partnership initiatives.
He told delegates that in 2022, the country witnessed a historic milestone in science policy development with the adoption of the Decadal Plan.
The Decadal Plan, approved by Cabinet, focuses on growing South Africa by finding sources of new economic growth for a re-industrialised and modern economy.
“Although prepared by my department, it is not only a plan for the Department of Science and Innovation, or for government alone, but for all of South Africa,” he said.
The plan also seeks to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of South Africa’s growth and development agenda.
Meanwhile, the Innovation and Skills Compact will undertake amongst others a regulatory reform to create a more enabling policy environment for innovation in South Africa.
It will also forge a closer collaboration between higher education and training bodies, and employers, to ensure that skills development better corresponds to the needs of the economy.
“Our plan does not identify priorities [of] scientific disciplines or technology platforms in their own right, but instead focus on the collective and holistic response of South African science and innovation on key societal challenges confronting South Africa.
“This approach notably foresees a central role by the social sciences and humanities, which remains a priority investment area.”
He also touched on the strengthening BRICS collaboration, namely vaccine manufacturing, the hydrogen economy, and the marine sciences.
“The Decadal Plan proposes a new dedicated programme on innovation for a healthy South African population.
“This programme will focus on both physical and mental health; build on our existing successes in for example the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, while also reinforcing our pandemic preparedness.”
The Minister said developing South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a priority investment area.
“Our objective is to develop a viable local vaccine manufacturing industry in South Africa, which will notably address African concerns regarding the security of supply.”
The plan will also zoom into energy security as a priority, which has led to the implementation of South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap.
The roadmap also seeks to exploit South Africa’s unique comparative advantage, the endowment of 75% of global platinum metals group reserves.
“We have made excellent progress in developing new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and are keen to join forces with BRICS partners in this enterprise.
“Opportunities abound in areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and the production of green hydrogen, including as part of a dedicated Platinum Valley, spatial and economic development initiative.”
Nzimande said the country is also committed to the marine sciences and the development of a blue economy.
He explained that cooperation with partners in the Global South and strengthening multilateralism and solidarity through our BRICS science, technology, and innovation partnership is a priority of the highest order.
“I, therefore, have every confidence that our BRICS partners will join us in an effort, within the spirit of generosity President Mandela spoke about, to also develop science and innovation capacities across Africa. This will be a lasting contribution of our shared objective to creating a better future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:50
Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September, holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans worldwide. Also known as National Braai Day, this day is not just about recognising the rich cultural history and diversity of the nation, but it’s also a celebration of a beloved South African tradition – the braai. …
On Friday, 4 August 2023, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, hosted the reunion of the South African netball team who reached sporting glory with their silver medal finish at the World Netball Championships in Birmingham, England in 1995.
The team brought renewed hope to South Africans with their remarkable 1995 campaign. They have now come from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reunite and to support the current Spar Proteas team in their Netball World Cup campaign.
Captain Debbie Hamman shared her own reflections on traveling to Birmingham and the team's success at that tournament. Various members of the team also had the opportunity to share their experiences of that time.
Head of Department Guy Redman expressed the power of sport to bring hope to many people across the country and the importance of the legacies of players. “There is a saying that says: If you are traveling a path, you ask those who have gone that way already. You are the ones who have walked the path for others to follow.” he said.
Minister Marais thanked the team and praised them for their achievements: “You were the ones who paved the way for the next generation of netball players in our country. You played in difficult times but you did not let anything detract from your passion and dedication for the sport. Thank you for everything that you have done for netball in South Africa.”
The team will remain in Cape Town to support the last weekend of the Netball World Cup.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.
The arrival of Mitsubishi in Komani has generated quite a stir among those locals who are faithful followers of the Japanese brand. Ashton Schnehage, dealer principal at the Kelston Motor Group’s new multi-franchise dealership in Cathcart Road, said there were Mitsubishi clients in the area who trusted the brand “fiercely”. At the time of its …
As part of its 10th-anniversary celebration, the 60 Minutes Show partnered with The Cedars South Coast Addiction Treatment Facility to put on a transformative production about the battle against drug and alcohol abuse which was presented at KZN schools from 24 to 26 July. As usual, the production was also opened to the public with …
The State of Qatar has contributed to a fundraising campaign for the Utandu Orphanage in Pumalanga, the Republic of South Africa, as part of the celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day.
The State of Qatar was represented at the ceremony by Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of South Africa, Khalid Mohammad Al Sharshani. HE Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Candith Mashego-Dlamini also attended the event.
Al Sharshani said in a speech that the State of Qatar invests in the Nelson Mandela International Day to alleviate poverty and suffering among needy communities, stressing the need to take care of children and ensure the best living conditions for them to grow in a healthy environment.
Mashego-Dlamini hailed her country's partnership with the State of Qatar, noting in this context the distinguished relations between the two countries that began a long time ago.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with His Excellency, Mr. Matemela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
The two leaders positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation, including in the context of the thirtieth anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations being celebrated in 2023.
President Ramaphosa invited PM for the BRICS Summit being hosted by South Africa on August 22-24, 2023 and briefed him on the preparations for the same. PM accepted the invitation and conveyed that he looked forward to his visit to Johannesburg to participate in the Summit.
They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest.
President Ramaphosa conveyed his full support to India's initiatives as part of its ongoing G-20 Presidency and said that he looked forward to visiting India to attend the G-20 Summit.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
On July 28, on the margins of the second Russia-Africa summit, a meeting of the expert panel of antimonopoly agencies "Combating Anticompetitive Practices of Large Transnational Corporations, Suppressing Cross-border Cartels and International Cooperation" was held. The panel participants, including heads of antitrust agencies of African countries, discussed a number of important topics related to antitrust regulation. Key issues included the challenge of regulating global digital monopolies, the role of antitrust in ensuring global food and human security, and equitable participation of all countries in the global economy and access to technology transfer tools.
In his foreword Alexey Ivanov, Director of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre highlighted that "Antitrust law originally originated under conditions of uncertainty. In post-war Europe, in Russia during the transition to a market economy, in China with the beginning of the policy of reform and opening up, in South Africa after the fall of the apartheid regime and in Brazil with the end of the dictatorship, the adoption of antitrust laws helped the economic system to reach a new level of development. Now, in the context of global uncertainty, the question of the role of antitrust law arises again. Modern global monopolies can only be countered by the same global antitrust initiatives, which can only be realized in the interstate format, which is currently represented by BRICS+, to which the new members from African countries are also gravitating."
The initiative to establish a Commission on Competition and Consumer Welfare in Africa was further developed. It is the second attempt for regulators from Kenya, Egypt, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Gambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Zambia and the Commission (COMESA), which includes 21 other African countries, to agree to proceed with the establishment of a working group for cooperation. The working group will focus on the sectors of e-commerce, aggregation services (online travel agencies and online classifieds), matchmaking services (search services and social platforms - Google and Meta, as well as e-call and delivery services such as Uber and Glovo), digital advertising (search and social media), fintech and cybersecurity.
“To date, we have been working in a coordinated manner to harmonize antitrust regulation through bilateral, regional and international cooperation among 29 African states. Normally, it takes decades from the negotiation of agreements to the adoption of laws and the formation of regulatory institutions to control competition in the market, but we have managed to achieve significant results in just a few years. Today, it is important to continue developing this area, given the global nature of the challenges and the need to further deepen cooperation between competition authorities”, - Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner, Competition Commission of the Republic of South Africa has stated.
Another hot topic of discussion was the merger deal between Bunge and Viterra, an agribusiness giants with a strong presence in the markets of Brazil, South Africa and Egypt. The merger of the two companies may lead to imbalances in the international food market, including due to the establishment, if the deal is approved, of control over logistics in this area by the new player. This case made even more urgent the problem of developing infrastructure to detect and monitor cross-border cartel activity, which threatens not only direct economic costs, but also social and humanitarian risks.
“Bunge and Viterra, Bayer and Mansanta. We know what steps should be taken to consider such transactions that do not contradict the antitrust laws of different jurisdictions. But there are certain obstacles on our way to control the cross-border cartels. Their emergence threatens to significantly disrupt the normal operation of international trade. Cases of cross-border cartels and cartel collusions are difficult to both detect and investigate. This is due to the inconsistency and lack of universal norms on anti-corruption actions. One of the important principles of control over cross-border cartels should be the principle of extraterritoriality, allowing claims to be brought against the entire business structure of the offending company, not only against legal entities in a particular country. This will require a higher level of cooperation and trust between the antitrust services of individual countries,” – said Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairman of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).
"Today, market power is determined by control over big data. That is, companies are accumulating information, and a network effect is occurring. And today antitrust regulators can no longer ignore these facts and should actively conduct coordinated work in relation to global digital monopolies, including more active application of the network effect criterion," - Ivanov added.
According to the expert panel discussion participants, one of the main problems of antitrust compliance control, as well as tools for investigations in this area, is the lack of technology and cooperation based on data exchange. Often such data can be sensitive to the domestic interests of individual countries. Exchanges between members of the global antitrust network can therefore only take place if there is trust. The development of joint initiatives and platforms for meeting and discussing such issues face-to-face should therefore lay the foundations for overcoming this problem.
At this point, the UN's support for African and Russian antitrust initiatives has been an important factor. Teresa Moreira - Head, Competition and Consumer Policy Unit, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated that UNCTAD supports initiatives at the regional and international levels that can further strengthen anti-competitive enforcement tools.
Ms. Moreira made a special mention of Russia's role in this process. "The foundations of mechanisms and tools for cross-border cartel control and, more broadly, for compliance with international competition law of UNCTAD's Section "F" were laid back in the 1980s, but for a long time remained recommendatory. Only recently, thanks to the proactive actions of the Russian antimonopoly authorities and the BRICS International Centre, it has been possible to re-launch this discussion and work on transferring these recommendations into the sphere of mandatory norms".
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.
Media contact:
brics.competitioncenter@gmail.com
About BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre:
The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre was established in 2018 by the BRICS competition authorities. The Centre's work is aimed at collecting and analyzing information from competition authorities, identifying best practices, but primarily at preparing recommendations and developing approaches to competition policy that reflect the interests of the development of the BRICS economies. The key mission of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre is to advance the development agenda and strengthen the role of competition regulation in overcoming imbalances in the global economy. The Centre brings together leading BRICS universities and independent researchers who are actively involved in the Centre's main research projects: on global food chains and on new approaches to antitrust regulation of the digital economy.