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SRD Grant system remains intact – Minister Tolashe

Location: News

SRD Grant system remains intact – Minister Tolashe

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has reassured social grant recipients that the grant system's integrity remains intact, supported by various control measures and enhanced security. 

The Minister was briefing the media on Wednesday on the outcomes of the independent investigation into the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD grant) in Cape Town. 

“We assure our clients that the integrity of our system remains intact, with various control measures and enhanced security in place to ensure efficient service delivery. 

“SASSA will continue to invest in its systems to enhance support and positively impact the lives of our clients. We strive to balance security and improvement with client interaction, accessibility,” she said. 

This comes after two first-year students from Stellenbosch University raised the alarm over vulnerabilities in the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) application systems, sparking a parliamentary investigation. 

Their allegations, shared on various media platforms and during a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on 23 October 2024, questioned the integrity and security of SASSA’s digital grant platforms.

The two students found that fraudsters were using unsuspecting citizens' identity numbers to apply for the SRD grant and received the funds in bank accounts using the same ID numbers. This potentially eliminated deserving people from accessing government relief.

In response to the allegations, Parliament recommended a comprehensive investigation of the Social Relief of Distress Grant system and all other grant systems administered by SASSA.

Parliament’s directive reflected concerns over the integrity and security of SASSA’s digital systems across various grant types, including but not limited to Child Support, Disability, Old Age Pension, and Foster Child grants. 

As a result, the Minister of Social Development committed to a thorough review of its entire grant infrastructure, focusing on identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the security of beneficiary data, and safeguarding public resources. 

The Minister told the media that key findings in the investigation revealed that there were several medium vulnerabilities identified. 

“As technology evolves rapidly, it is crucial for any organisation to stay abreast of advancements, continuously monitor risks, and adapt to ensure not only compliance but also excellence in using technology to drive and implement new solutions. 

“We strive to balance the need for security with the equally important need for client accessibility, ease of use, and service excellence,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged that technological advancements brought risks such as cyber threats and vulnerabilities. The SRD program, like many others in South Africa's retail and banking sectors, has faced challenges like identity theft. 

Since 2023, Tolashe noted that SASSA has intensified its efforts against fraud, working closely with law enforcement agencies. 

“We have introduced facial biometrics through our electronic Know Your Client program and strengthened relationships with other government entities and the banking industry. 

“Our 'Know Your Grant Status' programme helps individuals determine if identity theft has occurred in the SRD environment. Our staff is committed and currently performing outreach programmes over weekends to assist our clients in addressing and swiftly resolving these issues,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged the audit report and the work done to assist department in its oversight role and SASSA in strengthening its systems. 

She emphasised that SASSA management was currently reviewing the report, which aligns with the findings of the penetration tests and vulnerability scans. 

“We will meet with the auditors to discuss the report and provide a comprehensive response. SASSA will continue to support the auditors in completing their work,” she said. 

The Minister highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly for SASSA who had to implement the SRD grant. 

“We had to adopt a unique approach since potential applicants were not part of any existing government grant support programs, and COVID-19 regulations restricted physical interactions. 

“Despite these hurdles, we successfully implemented an online program and disbursed the first grant on 15 May 2020, reaching 6 million new clients in record time,” Tolashe said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 11/27/2024 - 16:26

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Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (Ti̇Ka) Provides Equipment Support to Stellenbosch University in South Africa

Location: News

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA)
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Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has provided equipment to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University, which continues its educational and research activities in South Africa.

TİKA provided equipment support to the Medical Plant Biology Laboratory at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, ranked among the world's top 200 universities in plant and animal sciences.

Through this project, a centrifuge machine, water purification system, spectrophotometer, plant growth chamber and lyophilizer were provided to support the cultivation of plants under controlled conditions, DNA analysis and the preservation of plants and extracts as required.

South Africa is home to 9,000 endemic plant species

South Africa hosts approximately 9,000 plant species, the majority of which are endemic. These plants, integral to the development of traditional medicine, have been used by local communities for medicinal purposes over centuries.

However, during the apartheid era the Witchcraft Suppression Act 3 of 1957 restricted this usage. Following the repeal of this law in 1994, academic research surged, allowing many native plants to be widely adopted in medicine and cosmetics.

Stellenbosch University is now dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge into academic research. To support this, TİKA provided the university with equipment to study the reactions of local plants to different production conditions, determine optimal cultivation and storage methods and conduct DNA-level analyses.

Handover ceremony organized

The handover ceremony was attended by Yonca Sunel, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Cape Town; Abdulkadir Abukan, TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria; Vim de Villiers, Rector of Stellenbosch University; Sibusiso Moyo, Vice Rector; as well as academics and students.

During the ceremony, Rector de Villiers expressed gratitude to TİKA for its contributions. Vice Rector Moyo emphasized the significance of international cooperation in enhancing the university's research capacity and provided information about the partnerships with universities in Türkiye.

Consul General Sunel noted that this program marked her first official visit since her appointment and expressed her pleasure in collaborating with the esteemed institutions of South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Read moreTurkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (Ti̇Ka) Provides Equipment Support to Stellenbosch University in South Africa

Government and industry’s efforts to control animal disease spread must be lauded

Location: News

Government and industry’s efforts to control animal disease spread must be lauded

By Wandile Sihlobo

The past three years have been challenging for South Africa's livestock and poultry industry because of the spread of animal diseases. Throughout this period, we have had various cases of foot and mouth (FMD) disease in cattle, African swine fever in pigs, and avian influenza in poultry. While animal disease outbreaks are not unique to South Africa and indeed common across the world, South Africa's challenges have intensified in the recent past. 

In 2022, six of South Africa's nine provinces reported foot and mouth disease outbreaks. This was the first time in the country's history that the disease had spread this wide. The challenging place the country found itself in prompted the government and industry stakeholders to increase their focus on strengthening farm biosecurity controls and surveillance. 

Other interventions that are still underway include efforts to improve South Africa's veterinary and related support services (mainly the laboratories) that deal with vaccine production needs. 

The cost of diseases in the livestock industry is not only felt through loss of livestock, but also through reduced exports to the world market in times of outbreaks. For example, South Africa's beef exports volume for 2022 was down by 16% year-on-year to 26 881 tonnes, according to data from Trade Map. This decline was primarily due to the temporary closures of various export markets following the outbreak of FMD disease in South Africa. 

Furthermore, the sheep industry was also affected by the 2022 outbreak. China, a significant market for South African wool, suspended imports. The impact of those temporary closures is visible on export volumes of wool. For example, in 2022, South Africa's wool exports fell by 19% year-on-year to 42 239 tonnes. The major decline in volume was in the Chinese market. 

Livestock and poultry account for roughly half of agriculture's gross value added. Moreover, livestock also significantly contributes to the inclusion of black farmers in commercial agricultural production. For example, the National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates suggest that black farmers account for 18%, 13% and 34% of wool, mohair and cattle production, respectively. 

Therefore, the prevalence of animal disease outbreaks in the past few years slowed South Africa's commercial agriculture, export ambition and transformation in the industry. 

In 2023, as the government and industry continued with its work to control the spread of animal diseases, we saw a slight recovery in beef and wool exports. For example, South Africa's beef exports recovered slightly in 2023, up 3% year-on-year to 27 675 tonnes. 

For wool, the engagements between the South African and Chinese authorities to reassure the Chinese traders of the safety measures in place to ensure that there is no spread of disease led to the resumption of exports. In 2023, South Africa's wool exports recovered 18% year-on-year to 49 715 tonnes. 

On 25 October 2024, the Department of Agriculture released even more positive news, which we believe will further support the recovery path of the industry. The department announced that the "foot and mouth disease outbreak, occurred during 2021-2022, has been successfully resolved in the North West, Free State, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga provinces. These provinces, initially impacted by the outbreak, have now completed comprehensive testing of animals on quarantined farms. The results indicate that the foot and mouth disease virus is no longer present”. 

The department added that "the World Organisation for Animal Health has confirmed that the outbreak in these regions has officially been closed. However, it is important to note that the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces remain affected by foot and mouth disease outbreaks. Encouragingly, no new signs of the disease have been reported in these two provinces over the past month”. 

This is admirable progress and further supports South Africa's ambition of being a global player in red meat exports. The successful path to the export markets involves addressing the biosecurity challenges. Continuous efforts must be made to address the remaining challenges in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. 

In addition, the South African government must work collaboratively with the private sector to revive the efficiency of the Agricultural Research Council and the Onderstepoort Biological Products, which are key for vaccine production and various livestock disease management matters.

*Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) and a senior fellow in Stellenbosch University's Department of Agricultural Economics.

Janine
Sun, 10/27/2024 - 18:58

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SA well placed to be major hub in clean tech value chain

Location: News

SA well placed to be major hub in clean tech value chain

South Africa is well placed to become a hub for components and equipment manufacturing in the clean technology value chain, including battery technologies for energy storage, electric mobility, material handling and a range of other applications. 

This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield, who addressed the opening of the R150 million Balancell state-of-the-art Gigafactory in Cape Town.

Balancell is a future-focused, innovative technology business that develops smart batteries designed to manage and protect themselves, and report their use and condition remotely.

“The South African government is working closely with the industry to identify opportunities to deepen the battery technology value chain and to position South Africa as a manufacturing hub on the African continent.

“A recent benchmarking study, supported by the World Bank Group, shows that South Africa is a competitive manufacturing destination, and offers a compelling value proposition for companies in this sector, as demonstrated here,” Whitfield said.

To support these ambitions, Whitfield said there was a number of policies and incentives in place that will enable the growth of this key sector. He said Cabinet has already approved the New Energy Vehicle White paper, setting out the objectives for this sector. 

“Being able to witness an investment from homegrown companies in this sector is truly inspiring. Balancell’s investment of R150 million in this factory is not only directly in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity, but also a demonstration of the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that defines many South African businesses. 

“We are motivated by the company’s prospects for growth and further job creation in the coming years. The 75 existing jobs created in this [Gigafactory], supporting more than 1 500 indirect jobs, is a clear indication of the multiplier effect that can be achieved by strengthening and growing the manufacturing sector,” Whitfield said.

A Gigafactory is a huge factory that produces very large numbers of batteries for electric vehicles.

Whitfield highlighted the importance of building a strong base of skilled South Africans. 

“Expanding industry partnerships with leading universities and research institutions to enhance local research, development and testing of components is critical to the industry. I am, therefore, encouraged that you are already working with the Nelson Mandela and Stellenbosch Universities, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,” the Deputy Minister said. 

He described the opening of the Gigafactory as an affirmation of the importance of building industrial capacity and working together to achieve the shared vision of South Africa being a global player in the battery value chain.

He further said the investment is an example of South African resilience, innovation and entrepreneurship. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Fri, 10/25/2024 - 10:46

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SA must enhance agricultural productivity to achieve Zero Hunger

Location: News

SA must enhance agricultural productivity to achieve Zero Hunger

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’, the country must enhance agricultural productivity and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.

“This involves investing in sustainable farming practices, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting local food systems,” the Minister said on Friday.

Addressing the 5th International Social Justice Conference and 6th Social Justice Summit -- held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town -- Ntshavheni said by supporting farmers, the country can boost food production and create jobs, fostering both economic growth and community resilience.

The start of the 5th International Social Justice Conference on 16 October coincided with World Food Day, an international day celebrated every year worldwide to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945. 

Ntshavheni underscored the importance of promoting sustainable farming methods that enhance productivity, while protecting natural resources. 

“We must forge partnerships across government, the private sector and civil society, including academia, to create comprehensive strategies that tackle food insecurity,” she said, adding that collaboration is key if South Africa is to attain the goal of Zero Hunger. 

Zero Hunger is Goal 2 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is about creating a world free of hunger. The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown a sharp increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change and deepening inequalities.

According to the United Nations (UN), by 2022, approximately 735 million people – or 9.2% of the world’s population – found themselves in a state of chronic hunger – a staggering rise compared to 2019. 

Ntshavheni said practices like crop rotation, agroforestry and organic farming can increase resilience against climate change and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

“Supporting smallholder farmers through training and access to technology can empower communities and boost local food production. It is therefore important and significant that universities like Stellenbosch are deeply involved in this initiative. 

“It would be important for us in government to explore opportunities to partner with institutions of higher learning on this initiative in order to extend awareness to communities in rural areas of our country that are daily confronted with food insecurity. 

“This must make us understand the urgency to develop sound drought resilience and water conservation plans,” the Minister said.

The 6th Social Justice Summit was hosted by the Centre for Social Justice, based at Stellenbosch University.

Striving for food security

In 2014, government introduced the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security, followed by the National Food and Nutrition Security Implementation Plan (NFNSIP), whose implementation involved multiple government departments and entities, with various interventions receiving support from local and international development partners.

“We are now in the process of developing the NFNSIP (2024 -2030) as we chase the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 goals. We are not only calling for a partnership in the [NFNSIP] development but with its implementation, as our country focuses on achieving the overdue SDG on Zero Hunger.

“Our policy approach to Zero Hunger acknowledges the lingering consequences of apartheid, which has left deep-rooted inequalities in access to land, income, and employment and other economic opportunities,” the Minister said.

Ntshavheni said as the country’s population growth and climate change intensifies, the urgency of food security cannot be overstated.

Ntshavheni said hunger on its own is a multifaceted challenge that affects the economy, health system and social fabric in general.

Addressing the conference, Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Jane Graham said the issue of energy affordability remains a challenge, as the nation navigates the challenge of the accessibility of food prices.

Graham said her office is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for energy sources.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

Edwin
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 14:39

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Extended train services for MTN8 soccer fans

Location: News

Extended train services for MTN8 soccer fans

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced additional train services for spectators attending the highly anticipated MTN8 Final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC, in Durban this weekend.

“To ease traffic congestion and ensure an enjoyable experience for fans, PRASA will operate dedicated train services connecting regional stations to Moses Mabhida Station,” the agency said on Tuesday.

Services will be available from Umlazi, Winkelspruit, KwaMashu, Cato Ridge, Pinetown and Crossmore to Durban station, where fans will then connect to Moses Mabhida Station.

The MTN8 Final is taking place at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 5 October 2024.

Durban Station to Moses Mabhida

The train shuttle service from Durban Station to Moses Mabhida Station will be available every 15 minutes from 13:00 to 17:00 and resume back from Moses Mabhida Station to Durban Station from 20:15 - 22:00.

Additional special trains, above the normal Saturday train service schedule, will run as follows:

Umlazi to Durban:
•    Umlazi : T9219 (departure - Umlazi station @ 13:27 ), Direct to DUR.
•    Umlazi : T9229 (departure - Umlazi station @14:27) direct to DUR.
•    Umlazi : T3288 (depart from Moses Mabhida station @ 20:15) , direct to Umla.
•    Umlazi : T3296 (Moses Mabhida station @21:00), direct to Umlazi.

South Coast: Winkelspruit to Durban:
•    Winkelspruit: T0763 (depart from Winkelspruit station @ 14:01 ), direct to DUR.

South Coast: Moses Mabhida to Winkelspruit:
•    Winkelspruit : T3792 ( depart from Moses M @20:45), direct to Winkelspruit.

KwaMashu to Moses Mabhida:
•    KwaMashu : T9434 (depart from KwaMashu station @15:22), direct to Moses Mabhida.

Moses Mabhida to KwaMashu:
•    KwaMashu : T9495 (depart @21:15), direct to KwaMashu.

Pinetown to Durban:
•    Pinetown: T0063 (depart Pinetown station @14:13 to Rossburgh), connect train from
•    Rossburgh T9229 @15:19 to DUR.

Durban to Pinetown:
•    Pinetown: T3792 (depart @20:45 ), connect train at Rossburgh to Pinetown T3094 @21:16.

Crossmoor to Durban:
•    Crossmoor : T9667 (depart from Crossmoor Station @14:03 to Merebank station) , connect train from Merebank - T0763 @14:51 to DUR.
-SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 12:33

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Weather service warns of light snow conditions

Location: News

Weather service warns of light snow conditions

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of disruptive snowfall which is expected over the Cape Winelands, Cederberg, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Central and Little Karoo mountains of the Western Cape as well as the southern high ground of Namakwa District on Monday.

The closure of the following mountain passes is likely: Swartberg, Franschhoek, Hex River, Ouberg and Katbakkies.

“Snowfall accumulation of between 5-10 cm is expected, with possible low-level or ground snowfall especially over the southern high ground of the Northern Cape and the Cape Winelands and Central Karoo municipalities (Western Cape). There is also a possibility of 20 cm accumulation of snowfall over the Matroosberg mountain range,” SAWS said on Sunday.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected as well as risk of hypothermia in humans due to the very cold conditions.

Traffic disruptions and vehicle accidents are highly likely due to icy roads, said the service. 

“Disruption to services is also possible. Some communities may be temporarily inaccessible.

“The possibility of snowfall over Ubuntu Local Municipality in the Northern Cape, could result in the isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and crops.”

SAWS said the light snow may lead to icy roads and non-major passes being closed for a short time.

“KwaZulu-Natal can expect scattered to widespread showers and thunder showers. This will result in disruptive rain leading to localised flooding in the south-eastern parts of the province. The rain accumulation expected is around 20 to 50 mm.

“Localised flooding of susceptible settlements, both formal and informal, roads, low lying areas and low bridges is possible. Major roads could be affected but can be used with increased travel time.

“Poor driving conditions on dirt roads. Minor vehicle accidents are possible, due to poor visibility and slippery roads. Localised mudslides, rockfall and soil erosion is possible,” SAWS said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:40

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Weather service warns of light snow conditions

Location: News

Weather service warns of light snow conditions

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of disruptive snowfall which is expected over the Cape Winelands, Cederberg, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Central and Little Karoo mountains of the Western Cape as well as the southern high ground of Namakwa District on Monday.

The closure of the following mountain passes is likely: Swartberg, Franschhoek, Hex River, Ouberg and Katbakkies.

“Snowfall accumulation of between 5-10 cm is expected, with possible low-level or ground snowfall especially over the southern high ground of the Northern Cape and the Cape Winelands and Central Karoo municipalities (Western Cape). There is also a possibility of 20 cm accumulation of snowfall over the Matroosberg mountain range,” SAWS said on Sunday.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, loss of vulnerable livestock and crops can be expected as well as risk of hypothermia in humans due to the very cold conditions.

Traffic disruptions and vehicle accidents are highly likely due to icy roads, said the service. 

“Disruption to services is also possible. Some communities may be temporarily inaccessible.

“The possibility of snowfall over Ubuntu Local Municipality in the Northern Cape, could result in the isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and crops.”

SAWS said the light snow may lead to icy roads and non-major passes being closed for a short time.

“KwaZulu-Natal can expect scattered to widespread showers and thunder showers. This will result in disruptive rain leading to localised flooding in the south-eastern parts of the province. The rain accumulation expected is around 20 to 50 mm.

“Localised flooding of susceptible settlements, both formal and informal, roads, low lying areas and low bridges is possible. Major roads could be affected but can be used with increased travel time.

“Poor driving conditions on dirt roads. Minor vehicle accidents are possible, due to poor visibility and slippery roads. Localised mudslides, rockfall and soil erosion is possible,” SAWS said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:40

899 views
Read moreWeather service warns of light snow conditions

Heritage Month Quiz: Discover Your Perfect South African Heritage Experience

Location: MyPR

It’s Heritage Month and in celebration of South Africa’s rich diversity of cultures and traditions, First Loyalty Plus – SA’s premier All-Round Rewards Programme – has created a fun quiz, designed to help you uncover your perfect South African heritage experience. “South Africa is a multi-faceted land with a storied past,” says Samantha Pillay, Director …

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Western Cape NCOP Delegation Impressed by Delivery of Affordable Social Housing in Cape Town

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Western Cape's permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) expressed satisfaction and commended the efficient implementation of social housing projects to residents by the Western Cape Provincial Government's Department of Infrastructure and the City of Cape Town.

The delegation said some of the social housing projects are a great example of effective intergovernmental collaboration and public-private partnerships which provide decent and dignified accommodation.

While briefing the delegation on, the City of Cape Town reported that ten affordable social housing projects, totaling 4 849 residential units, have been completed between 2017 and 2024. According to the City, six more land parcels have been awarded as part of the land release program for affordable mixed social housing, out of which 4 268 housing opportunities are expected to be completed by 2028.

The delegation heard that more land parcels are at planning and release stage and are expected to provide approximately 20 000 housing opportunities in future.

The delegation conducted site visits to three of the recently completed social housing projects on Wednesday. It was impressed by the Conradie Better Living Model Exemplar Project in Pinelands which has 1004 affordable rental units ranging from R740 a month for a bachelor unit. It was built on the land belonging to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and has more tenants living in the vast precinct than the total population of Pinelands.

The delegation also commended the Maitland Mews development which boasts 204 social housing units developed to curb the City's dire need for centrally located social housing residences. At a total development cost of R95 953 055, monthly rental ranges from R650 for a bachelor to at least R4 900 for a two-bedroom unit.

Other features include nine business training units which are also used as meeting venues, play areas for children, and 24-hour security with biometrics fingerprint access and CCTV cameras.

The delegates also braved the rain and inclement weather on their third site visit of the day. They inspected the Goodwood Station Social Housing Project which began tenanting its 1055 units in December 2023 and August 2024 respectively. Water and bulk services are fully subsidized, and tenants also benefit from the indigent electricity subsidy.

The delegation and SALGA representatives quizzed the City on what seem like stringent and exclusionary letting procedures, and recommended a more inclusionary approach to benefit more people. The City currently has 410 000 applicants on its waiting list of indigent people needing social housing.

The leader of the delegation, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, said other municipalities could benchmark the City's delivery model in managing strategic intergovernmental cooperation and private-public partnerships that enable development.

Meanwhile the department cautioned that lack of funding, cross-subsidy and political support may hamper the delivery of similar projects that are currently at planning phase. The department indicated that similar projects are currently underway in Oudtshoorn, George, Knysna, Worcester, Stellenbosch and in other areas across the province.

The City recommended exploring alternative funding mechanism for affordable housing beyond government subsidies which may not be sustainable in future. The City also suggested the devolution of the Consolidated Capital Grant funding to municipalities for localized administration.

Mr. Badenhorst said the delegation will consolidate all recommendations and report back to the NCOP at the end of the oversight programme. The delegates will reconvene at the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Chamber this morning to turn their focus towards the province's disaster management systems.

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

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SA signs reviewed joint declaration with Germany to boost urban development

Location: News

SA signs reviewed joint declaration with Germany to boost urban development

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, and his German counterpart Federal Minister of Building, Klara Geywitz, have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen relations.

According to the department, the declaration signed on Tuesday renews the commitment to close the exchange that has existed since 2013 with the initial agreement.

The future cooperation themes include enhanced collaboration in integrated urban development across all administrative levels and joint efforts to ensure increased public participation in urban development issues.

The signing of the reviewed Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) took place on the sidelines of the 17th Federal Congress on National Urban Development Policy in Heidelberg, Germany.

Hosted by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, in conjunction with the Conference of German Building Ministers and top city associations, the congress aims to facilitate crucial discussions on the future of urban spaces.

Speaking at the signing of the reviewed JDI, Hlabisa said it marked a significant milestone in their ongoing partnership.

“This collaboration, which has flourished for over a decade, continues to enrich both our nations. By sharing expertise and engaging in joint efforts to enhance urban development, we are not only addressing the needs of our cities but also setting a global standard for inclusive and sustainable growth.

“This partnership shows how working together and learning from each other can make a big difference in improving our communities. By sharing ideas and solutions, we can create better and safer places for everyone.

"It’s proof that when we join forces and support each other, we can build a better future for all,” the Minister said.

Geywitz also welcomed the signing of the reviewed JDI, saying they were continuing the close and enriching collaboration with South Africa that has lasted for over 10 years.

“It is a joint commitment to further intensive, trusting and cordial cooperation. The exchange with South Africa – both with our partner ministry and with the municipalities and civil society – gives us valuable insights into administrative action and planning practice in South Africa. These perspectives and approaches to solutions help us a lot in our work,” she said.

In addition to an active exchange of expertise on national urban development policies and their implementation programmes in Germany and South Africa, there has been a further focus on inter-municipal learning networks between the two countries’ municipalities, city associations and national governments since 2016.

“The current network with the cities of KwaDukuza, Nelson Mandela Bay, Stellenbosch, uMhlathuze, Bottrop, Karlsruhe, Ludwigsburg and Nuremberg deals with the question of how urban districts can be made livable and safe for everyone, especially for marginalised groups such as women and girls, and how equal access to public spaces can be ensured.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 11:28

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Green Taxes to Enable Climate Justice on the Agenda at Global Conference

Location: MyPR

The use of environmental taxes to stimulate action to combat climate change and drive a just transition to cleaner energy that “leaves no-one behind” comes under the spotlight at the Global Conference on Environmental Taxation (GCET) held for the first time in Africa and hosted by Stellenbosch Business School from 18-20 September. With the European …

Read moreGreen Taxes to Enable Climate Justice on the Agenda at Global Conference

VFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses

Location: Sport

VFS Global
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World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.

The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.

The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.

“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.

Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.

“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.

“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.

The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.

Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com

Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858

About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments.  Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.

During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.

Read moreVFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses