MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for study

study

Charges withdrawn against 95 Libyan nationals; deportation next

Location: News

Charges withdrawn against 95 Libyan nationals; deportation next

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn charges against 95 Libyans who were arrested at a suspected military camp in Mpumalanga last month.

The 95 were facing charges of Contraventions of the Immigration Act.

“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sonja Ntuli, reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused and having considered the evidence and policy considerations, has decided to withdraw the charges preferred against all accused who were arrested at the military training camp in July 2024.

“The charges related to alleged misrepresentations made by the accused in their applications for study visas. There were other more serious allegations that [the] SAPS [South African Police Service] needed to look into,” the NPA said on Thursday.

READ | Cabinet commends continued law enforcement agencies successes

Other matters, according to the prosecutorial body, will be “dealt with administratively in terms of the Immigration Act and its Regulations by the Department of Home Affairs officials”.

“Importantly, the SAPS (Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations) are proceeding with investigations against the planners, organisers and financiers of the military training camp. The NPA is working closely with DPCI to ensure that these alleged criminals are brought to justice as appropriate.

“The NPA has coordinated with its criminal justice partners and the 95 accused will be under the custody of the Department of Home Affairs that will facilitate the deportation process,” the NPA concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 14:03

67 views
Read moreCharges withdrawn against 95 Libyan nationals; deportation next

Basic Education Committee Chairperson Shocked by Death of Learners

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Download logo

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has noted with shock the death of several learners in Gauteng yesterday.

She said: “This is indeed incredibly sad such young lives, dying so tragically. They will now never reach their full potential. The youth is the future, but South Africa will now never benefit from these young people.”

Ms Maimela was reacting to media reports that three Sebokeng's Evaton Primary School learners, two of them were siblings got sick at school and were taken to a nearby health facility. They were declared dead on arrival at hospital and food poison is alleged as the cause of their death.

In a separate incident a Grade 8 learner from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni died yesterday after she allegedly consumed rat poison. “We want to appeal to all learners to seek help if they feel overwhelmed. Schools normally have support systems in place and learners should make use of this,” said Ms Maimela.

Ms Maimela appealed to parents and care givers to be vigilant, especially during examinations periods with the nearing Grade 12 preliminary and final examinations. She called for a favourable atmosphere of study for learners at this time.

Ms Maimela also noted that the body of a Grade 10 learner was found in the storeroom late last week at the Overberg High School in Caledon, Western Cape. “This learner was sent to school in what is supposed to be a safe environment. Now her parents and loved ones will never see her thrive in life.”

She appealed to the authorities for greater safety in schools. “Furthermore, we appeal to the police for swift investigations and to ensure that they leave no stone unturned.”

The committee also noted several road accidents in recent weeks where learners lost their lives. Ms Maimela appealed to the providers of scholar transport, public transport owners to screen drivers before hiring them to ensure they are trustworthy for transporting learners. “Sadly, we are losing too many learners on our roads,” said Ms Maimela.

She added: “We want to convey our sincerest condolences to all the families, friends and school communities at large that have been affected by these tragedies.”

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

Read moreBasic Education Committee Chairperson Shocked by Death of Learners

University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong to sign Memorandum of Understanding

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Download logo

On 16 August 2024, the University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is the first of its kind to establish official working relations between the two universities.

This is one of the projects that the South African Consulate coordinated to promote people-to-people relations as well as relations between institutions of higher learning of South Africa and Hong Kong.

The Consulate has established good working relations with various universities in Hong Kong, including the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong. Recently, the Consulate and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong collaborated in partnership with Freedom Park to host the 30 Years of Democracy activities that took place in June as well as a month-long 30 Years of Democracy and Mandela legacy exhibition courtesy of Freedom Park, which ended on 31 July 2024 at the University.

The MoU is based on the principle of mutual benefit to promote and enable collaboration for joint educational, cultural interactions, training and research purposes.

The areas proposed for collaboration include:

  • Joint activities such as lectures on general topics and topics related to South Africa and the African continent for audiences in Hong Kong
  • Introducing study tours and online courses of the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies to learners in Hong Kong
  • Exploring possibilities of establishing joint award programmes
  • Professional exchanges on university continuing education and lifelong learning for staff of both Parties
  • Any other academic activities deemed to be of mutual benefit in promoting lifelong learning exchanges between Hong Kong and South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreUniversity of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong to sign Memorandum of Understanding

Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President

Location: News

Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that through stronger collaboration between government and business, along with the backing of labor and civil society, entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to lift more women out of poverty.

The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.

“With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said the private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service.

With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees.

“There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses.

“Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas.

“Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said.

Last week, the country commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20 000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime.

READ | Parliament committed to advancing gender equality

Thirty years into democracy, the President highlighted that government has made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, however we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation.

This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa.

South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education.

However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%.

“In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa.  

“In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate, entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country,” the President said.

WATCH | 

Through its various departments and entities, the President highlighted that the State provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses.

Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills.

“We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector,” he said.

He further highlighted that government is striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.  

“From citrus farmers in the North West, cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, women-owned enterprises all across the country are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

DikelediM
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:15

344 views
Read moreEntrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President

Roadshows to address outstanding student accommodation payments

Location: News

Roadshows to address outstanding student accommodation payments

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be hosting roadshows across the country to engage directly with the landlords affected by outstanding payments of student accommodation allowances.

NSFAS Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, said that in response to accommodation providers’ concerns, NSFAS has in the past two months processed bulk catch up payments of accommodation allowances for all legitimate claims.

Nomvalo said that as at 31 July 2024, NSFAS disbursements for private student accommodation had reached R1 billion.

However, Nomvalo acknowledged that there are some landlords who still remain aggrieved.

The important issue to be addressed now is to ensure that all payments are done on time as this is the main remaining “pain point for accommodation providers.”

The Administrator announced that the roadshows will kick off in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday, 07 August 2024. 

“I will be taking all critical functions responsible for student data and private student accommodation. I have also extended invitations to our colleagues at universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, to ensure we all work together in resolving these challenges experienced by our beneficiaries and the landlords,” Nomvalo said.

In response to the challenges and stabilising the organisation, Nomvalo highlighted some of the projects that have been launched, including the Organisational Re-engineering and Re-alignment Project; ICT and Business Processing Review Project; making NSFAS accessible to students and stakeholders; and planning for 2025 and beyond.

“The conclusion of Organisational Re-engineering and Re-alignment Project will result into a new resource allocation model fit for the purpose and function of the size and shape of NSFAS. It will also provide a greater alignment of functions to improve the efficiency of NSFAS.

“The conclusion of the ICT and Business Processing Review Project will deliver a more efficient ICT system that provides for a seamless interface and data sharing between NSFAS and its key stakeholders including universities and TVET’s. The newly envisaged system is also intended to improve the management of applications for bursaries, loans, and appeals,” Nomvalo said.

He said a feasibility study is intended to consider various regionalisation models and cost implications looking at the location of beneficiaries. 

“The appointed team will also be engaging with the PSET (Post School Education and Training) stakeholders to determine the most feasible model. The intention is to make NSFAS more accessible and responsive to its stakeholders,” Nomvalo said.

Alleged procurement irregularities

The Administrator announced that NSFAS is following up on various alleged procurement irregularities, including the direct payment mechanism.

Nomvalo acknowledged the support provided by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) regarding this issue.

“To address capacity challenges in the Procurement Unit, I am currently engaged with the National Treasury with the intention of drawing in a secondment from Treasury for the period of six months to also help us with the review of SCM (Supply chain management) policies, as well as procurement processes at NSFAS,” Nomvalo said.

Fruitless and wasteful expenditure registers

The Administrator further announced that the scheme has put measures in place for the 2024/25 financial year, to implement the irregular expenditure and fruitless and wasteful expenditure registers. 

“We will also implement the non-compliance register. These registers will not only ensure compliance with the PFMA (Public Finance Management Act) but will also enhance transparency on the use of public resources by NSFAS,” Nomvalo said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 11:20

235 views
Read moreRoadshows to address outstanding student accommodation payments

Africa’s leading Venture Capital firm Founders Factory Africa rebrands to 54 Collective

Location: Business
54 Collective

Today, leading African venture capital firm, Founders Factory Africa (FFA), has announced its rebrand and name change to 54 Collective (https://54Collective.VC/), evolving its business model to better support transformative technology ventures across the continent through catalytic capital and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4diDADB

54 Collective, builds on its exceptional track record of investing in and scaling early-stage ventures in Africa. The new name, 54 Collective, reflects the firm's ambitious pan-African vision, aspiring to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses to serve all 54 African countries.

The firm is a commercial-first investor and embeds impact in everything it does. 54 Collective invests in ventures from idea to Pre-Series A stage by offering catalytic capital, and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

"Our catalytic capital and value-add support to founders, through our Venture Success Platform, signifies our evolution and ongoing mission to support entrepreneurs across Africa and enable them to build without boundaries to drive commercial and impact returns. Our name change to 54 Collective communicates our continued commitment to African founders. We are more supportive than ever of unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and ensuring a level playing field for youth and women founders,” commented 54 Collective CEO Bongani Sithole.

Investment strategy

54 Collective, offers equity and non-dilutive capital up to a total of $500k, enabling founders to scale their ventures across the continent. To break barriers of access, female founders receive an additional $150k, to their male counterparts, in the form of a non-dilutive capital. 

The Venture Success Platform is made up of a team of highly experienced venture specialists who provide tailored support. This is in the form of product, growth, commercial relationships, business strategy, talent, technology and data to build ventures for scale. The team also ensures that founders have access to the right funding by preparing them for investor readiness, investor access, fundraising strategies, unlocking debt and impact capital. The Venture Success Platform empowers founders to succeed globally by facilitating networking and community building opportunities.

This unique combination of significant funding and comprehensive support distinguishes 54 Collective as the only Venture Capital firm in Africa offering early-stage founders with the highest amount of catalytic capital and support from the largest Africa-based venture capital team with over 70 staff members in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and the UK.

The firm has evolved from investing only in the Agtech, Fintech, and Healthtech sectors to being sector-agnostic in its investments, supporting more founders across many sectors on the continent. ​​54 Collective helps founders navigate complex challenges to achieve commercial success and make an impact on the continent through economic growth and job creation.

In 2023, Founders Factory Africa was named one of the top venture capital investors in Africa, with an active portfolio of over 50 ventures across 10 countries. To date, the firm has supported more than 70 ventures across Africa and helped its portfolio startups to raise nearly $140 million in follow-on capital.

A future of empowerment

With seven of the world's fastest-growing economies in Africa, the continent's venture capital sector is rapidly expanding, with $6 billion invested annually. However, this represents less than 1 percent of global venture funding, indicating a significant unmet need for smart capital.

“We are pursuing opportunistic investments in different sectors across the continent where there are uniquely large opportunities for startups to scale and create sustainable impact in these sectors. Our goal is to invest in 105 startups across Africa in the next five years, enabling entrepreneurs to provide solutions to the continent's biggest challenges and transforming lives and industries,” concluded Sithole.

The firm is well on its way to achieving many of its five-year goals which range from enhanced financial inclusion, improved healthcare access, and creating dignified and fulfilling work to creating a gender forward portfolio. 54 Collective is targeting a portfolio where 50% or more of its startups are founded by women. Currently, from the 17 investments made between January 2023 and July 2024 in its portfolio, 45% of them are founded by women. The firm's investments are also creating social economic impact in the wider economy. For example, Asaak, a vehicle asset financing company has improved financial inclusion for over 11,000 bodaboda drivers. An impact study uncovered that 79% of these drivers improved their quality of life significantly and 80% increased their income after receiving credit from Asaak.

Speaking on the significance of the brand evolution and future ambitions, 54 Collective's Executive Chairman and UTOPIA CEO Roo Rogers said, “54 Collective is a powerful economic and social force in the African economy. It is anchored with strong roots on the continent and exceptional network and reputation across the globe. Together with our sister funds, we continue our mission to  redistribute investment and knowledge pathways towards a more inclusive, relevant, and equitable future for the Global South.”

54 Collective's vision is to create a future where African entrepreneurship drives generational progress and prosperity across the continent. The firm's new name, catalytic capital, and value-add Venture Success Platform offering, marks a new era for the venture capital ecosystem. 54 Collective is redefining investing across Africa, enabling its founders to build without boundaries and solve some of Africa's biggest challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 54 Collective.

For more information please contact:
Adam Wakefield - 54 Collective, Managing Editor
Tel: +27820490381
Email: adam.wakefield@foundersfactory.co

OR

David Mbai
Tel:  +254716811083
Email: 54COmms@webershandwick.com

54 Collective social media handles:
Instagram: 54collective_vc
X: 54collective_vc
​LinkedIn and Facebook: 54 Collective VC

About 54 Collective:
54 Collective  is a Venture Capital firm dedicated to redefining investing across Africa. By offering catalytic capital and value-add tailored support through its Venture Success Platform, 54 Collective empowers entrepreneurs to build without boundaries. With a presence across Africa, 54 Collective leverages local expertise to help startups scale and achieve commercial success while creating systemic social and economic impact.

Join us in this exciting journey of transforming Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. For more information, visit (https://54Collective.VC/) https://54Collective.VC/ and become a part of 54 Collective's (https://54Collective.VC/) mission to help early-stage African startups grow and thrive and ‘Build without Boundaries' to empower Africa's next generation of innovators and leaders.

Media files
54 Collective
Download logo
Read moreAfrica’s leading Venture Capital firm Founders Factory Africa rebrands to 54 Collective

How Tutors Help Your Child Create Habits That Stick

Location: MyPR

Creating effective and enduring study habits is essential for academic success and personal growth. Whether your child needs help with maths tutors, English tutors, science tutors, Afrikaans tutors, GED tutoring, or home school tutoring, a tutoring company can play a pivotal role.   The Importance of Consistent Study Habits Establishing consistent study habits is the …

Read moreHow Tutors Help Your Child Create Habits That Stick

W Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

Location: News

W Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

Western Cape parents who wish to apply for Grade R or a school transfer for the 2025 school year can do so from today, 1 August 2024.

The on-time application window closes on 16 August 2024.

For admission to Grade R, a child must turn six years old in the year that the child starts the grade. 

In addition, transfer applications for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 and 12 are to be submitted at the school to which the parent or caregiver wishes to apply or their nearest Western Cape Education Department (WCED) office. 

This applies to school transfer requests for learners already attending school, applying for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 12.

“Please note that schools can only capture applications for their own institution, but district officials can capture applications for multiple schools,” the provincial department explained. 

According to the department, parents or caregivers will be required to fill out the WCED application form, which can also be downloaded from the department’s website, to submit to schools or the district office from today. 

“Parents can drop off the application form and supporting documents at the school directly. They can also contact the school for details on electronic submissions on the official WCED form only.” 

Parents who have not registered on the online system previously will first need to register on the website and once completed, they can then proceed to the application.

With regards to Grades 1 and 8 applications, the department said schools are currently finalising their admission lists, and confirming placements for children on their waiting lists. 

“This process is ongoing. We do, however, appeal to all parents and caregivers who have not yet applied for Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the 2025 school year, to do so immediately.” 

This can be done through contacting their district office or calling 0861 819 919 for more information.
Applications can be submitted online at https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/admissions. 

Parents applying online from Grade R and transfers will need supporting documents such as an immunisation card, identity document (ID), birth certificate, passport, study permit, and proof of address or police affidavit. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 10:47

511 views
Read moreW Cape Grade R and transfer applications for 2025 open

Empowering Youth From All Communities With Global Job Opportunities

Location: MyPR

Whether you’re a matriculant with limited work experience or someone who didn’t have the opportunity to study further after school, the global business services (GBS) sector offers opportunities for young people from communities throughout South Africa to build successful careers. So, brush aside the belief that traditional career paths, like accounting or law, are the …

Read moreEmpowering Youth From All Communities With Global Job Opportunities

Survey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalence

Location: News

Survey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalence

HIV prevalence in South Africa across all ages decreased from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022, resulting in a decline from 7.9 million (2017) to 7.8 million (2022) people living with the virus.

This is based on the findings of the sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), which was released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) at the 2024 International AIDS Conference on Wednesday.

While HIV prevalence has decreased across all age groups, data shows that females continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with a prevalence of 16.4%, compared to males at 8.8% across all age groups.

Prevalence peaks at 34.2% for females aged 35 to 39 years, whereas prevalence peaks at 27.1% for males aged 45 to 49 years.

The survey also found that HIV incidence in individuals aged two years and older in 2022 was 0.44%, resulting in 232 400 new HIV infections in South Africa.

HIV incidence was at 0.60% among adults 15 years and older translating to 227 400, 0.39% among youth and young adults aged 15 to 24, and 0.72% among adults aged 15 to 49 years.

In addition, the HIV incidence rate in 2022 was consistently higher in females than males in all age categories.

“In terms of treatment, South Africa recorded an increase in antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage, from 63.7% in 2017 to 80.9% in 2022,” the HSRC said.

This means an estimated 5 700 000 people living with HIV receive ART, an increase from 4 500 000 in 2017.

“A greater proportion of females, 83.2% than males, 76.2% were on ART.”

Data shows that HIV viral load suppression stands at 81.4% for all ages.

Evaluating progress

The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, evaluates the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI, and TB Strategic Plan.

It also monitors HIV indicators for national and international reporting.

The survey also assessed progress towards the 2030 UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, HIV drug resistance, and the relationship between social and behavioural factors, intimate partner violence, and HIV infection.

In December 2020, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) outlined a set of new targets ensuring that 95% of all individuals living with HIV are aware of their HIV status, 95% of all individuals diagnosed with HIV infection receive continuous treatment, and 95% of all those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2025.

The HSRC said progress towards the 95-95-95 targets improved, with 89.6% of people living with HIV knowing their status, and of those knowing their status, 90.7% were on treatment, with 93.9% of those who knew their status and being on treatment, being virally suppressed.

“Improvement across the 95-95-95 indicators was more pronounced in males compared to females.”

Overall, the survey found that 81.4% of all people living with HIV were virally suppressed.

“However, it is concerning that the survey further reveals that gaps remain in knowledge of HIV status among youth aged 15 to 24 (73.1%). Early sexual debut, age-disparate relationships, multiple sexual partners, and low condom use persist as key drivers of HIV.”

According to the findings, the awareness and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are increasing. 

Stigma 

Overall principal investigator of the study, Professor Khangelani Zuma, stated that HIV-related stigma persists as a significant issue among individuals aged 15 years and older.

“Addressing stigma is essential to improving the quality of life and well-being of people living with HIV. However, of the six questions related to HIV-related stigma, the majority yielded results that indicated that most people held positive attitudes toward people living with HIV,” said Zuma.

Response rate

The survey achieved a household response rate of 80% and an individual interview response rate of 94.1%.
A total of 47 766 participants provided blood specimens for HIV testing, resulting in a testing response rate of 62.7%.

The professor said this indicates that the results suggest advancements in the fight against the HIV epidemic in South Africa.

“This is evidenced by a stabilisation of HIV prevalence, ageing epidemic, a reduction in HIV incidence, enhancements in HIV treatment outcomes such as increased rates of ART coverage and viral load suppression (VLS) in line with the 95-95-95 targets,” he added.

The study has since recommended key actions that can address the HIV epidemic as a public health threat in South Africa by 2030.

These include continuing intensive programmes focusing on reducing new infections among adolescent girls and young women.

It also proposed enhancement of prevention efforts that target groups disproportionately affected by the drivers of HIV infection such as women and young people. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:25

509 views
Read moreSurvey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalence

SA’s Hidden Treasure: Groundwater and its use

Location: MyPR

South Africa’s water crisis is well-documented, with surface water resources under immense pressure from overuse, pollution and climate change. There is another critical water source that often goes unnoticed, however: groundwater. This underground reservoir, accessed through boreholes and springs, serves as a vital backup to the country’s primary water supply and is increasingly becoming a …

Read moreSA’s Hidden Treasure: Groundwater and its use

Seventh administration prioritises inclusive economic growth

Location: News

Seventh administration prioritises inclusive economic growth

For the next five years, government’s overriding priority is to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth so that it can create jobs, reduce poverty, and build a more just and equal society.

“To achieve this, we must configure the system of government to support a significant expansion of investment in infrastructure. We have seen the value of collaboration in pursuing this objective,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday in Parliament.

Tabling the Presidency’s Budget Vote, President Ramaphosa said through Infrastructure South Africa, government has been able to draw on private sector expertise and skills to improve the preparation, financing and implementation of infrastructure investment.

“Through the Infrastructure Fund, we are going to explore new approaches to blended financing of infrastructure, using the fiscus to leverage additional funding from the private sector, development finance institutions and other sources.

“We have been working closely with Independent Power Producers in steering their projects through to the construction phase, contributing significantly to the reduction in the severity of load shedding. 

“We are going to continue working with companies, financial institutions and business organisations, both South African and international, during the course of our ambitious investment drive over the last five years,” the President said.

In 2018, government set a target of mobilising R1.2 trillion in new investments over five years. 

“By the conclusion of the fifth South Africa Investment Conference last year, government had exceeded that target, raising over R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments.

“We have had an opportunity to visit many of the factories and projects that have been built or expanded as a result of these investments and we have seen the many jobs they have created,” the President said.

Red tape reduction efforts

As part of efforts to enhance the business environment and create much-needed jobs, a team to address red tape reduction in government was established in The Presidency.

“The work of the red tape reduction team that was established in the Presidency under the leadership of Mr Sipho Nkosi has been possible due to close cooperation with various departments, public entities and spheres of government, as well as support from the private sector.

“The team is looking at a capacity building approach to tackle red tape in provincial governments and a pilot to support three city municipalities with reform action plans to address inefficient business processes.

“Through this experience, it is clear that the removal of red tape is a cross-cutting exercise that requires a coordinated and integrated approach. Significant progress was made during the sixth administration in implementing reforms to enable economic growth, with a focus on modernising network industries,” President Ramaphosa said.

These reforms have been undertaken across government with the support of Operation Vulindlela, which is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury that seeks to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.

“This progress provides a solid platform on which we will build a sustained increase in the rate of economic growth and a reduction in poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“By alleviating load shedding, improving the performance of the logistics system, reducing the cost of data, improving water supply, and enabling the country to attract the skills it needs, the reforms already underway will provide a significant boost to the economy in the medium term,” the President said. 

In addition, these reforms support the repositioning of strategic state-owned enterprises by strengthening their balance sheets and improving their operational performance, while also enabling higher levels of private investment in infrastructure.

A recent independent study released by the Bureau of Economic Research estimates that the reforms undertaken under the auspices of Operation Vulindlela could increase real Gross Domestic Product growth to 3.5 percent by 2029.

“Apart from the changes that these reforms are making to the country’s productive capacity and competitiveness, they are also contributing to greater business confidence. As confidence grows, so does investment, creating jobs and supporting demand. This is a virtuous cycle that leads to higher growth on a sustained basis,” the President said. 

Government will now embark on the second phase of Operation Vulindlela. 

“The immediate priority is to sustain the momentum and follow through on the implementation of current reforms to realise their full impact. While these reforms are a necessary condition for growth and job creation, they are not sufficient to drive structural transformation in the economy,” President Ramaphosa said.

In its second phase, Operation Vulindlela will therefore focus on reforming the local government system, harnessing digital public infrastructure, and addressing spatial inequality.

“We will work closely with provincial and local governments to address service delivery challenges, in line with our Constitutional mandate. We will coordinate a whole-of-government programme to drive digital transformation of government and modernise our digital public infrastructure.

“Finally, we will turn the attention of Operation Vulindlela to spatial inequality, which remains a key barrier to economic growth,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 15:31

12 views
Read moreSeventh administration prioritises inclusive economic growth

SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference

Location: News

SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference

Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has arrived in Munich, Germany, ahead of the 25th International AIDS Conference, scheduled to take place from Monday to Friday.

The Deputy Minister will lead the South African delegation at the conference which will be held under the theme: “Put people first”.

This year’s conference theme highlights a clarion call for all key role players to strengthen efforts in deepening human rights, providing adequate health care facilities and protecting civil rights. 

The AIDS 2024 Conference offers a platform to address persistent challenges which impact negatively on countries' overall HIV response.

Phaahla is supported by the SA Patron of the Global Alliance for ending AIDS in children by 2030, Humile Mashatile, the SANAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thembisile Xulu, Health Department Director General, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, a team of health scientists, civil society activists, social partners as well as senior government officials. 

“This important world’s largest and most influential conference on HIV/AIDS, will feature discussions on, amongst others, key population-led innovations, artificial intelligence and digital technology in healthcare provision, HIV and climate change, prevention of vertical transformation and also consider lessons from COVID-19 on misinformation,” the Presidency said in a statement.

In this regard, the SA Global Alliance Patron, Humile Mashatile, will participate in panel discussions focused on “Connecting data, programmes and communities with the view to contribute in defining Global Alliance Roadmap to Ending AIDS in Children by 2030”.   

Mashatile will also meet with the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, to outline the strategic plans and programmes developed by key South African role-players, geared towards ending AIDS in Children by 2030. 

The Human Sciences research Council (HSRC) of South Africa, which is Africa’s largest dedicated social science and humanities research agency and policy think tank, will utilise the opportunity to present a study on South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behavior (SABSSM) survey results. 

This critical work by the HSRC signifies an important legacy collection of public data that has contributed to the improvement of lives for citizens.

The Deputy Minister and the delegation will join world activists in confronting challenges and identifying opportunities to accelerate progress in HIV science, policy and initiatives, to foster a more resilient, equitable and sustainable international community. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:52

740 views
Read moreSA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference

Interesting facts about four of South Africa’s biggest and oldest coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)!

Location: MyPR

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the ‘nature reserves’ of the sea, conserving marine biodiversity to protect threatened species and ocean health. South Africa is home to some 41 MPAs which play a vital role in ocean conservation, although currently only 5% of the country’s ocean space is protected by these vital areas. In celebration of …

Read moreInteresting facts about four of South Africa’s biggest and oldest coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)!

New research shows great strides have been made in controlling HIV virus in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Although South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV worldwide, strides have been made in controlling the epidemic, especially in the reduction of HIV incidence, testing, and treatment. Researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are inching closer to finding the answer to the natural …

Read moreNew research shows great strides have been made in controlling HIV virus in South Africa

Teaching Kids Nutrition: A Vital Step in Combating Childhood Obesity in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Earlier this year, we launched our Taste Explorers Cookbook in collaboration with renowned registered dietitian Dr. Monique Piderit. Packed with over 25 nutritious recipes, it helps parents create healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their kids. Building on this success and driven by the shocking statistics of childhood obesity in South Africa, B-well …

Read moreTeaching Kids Nutrition: A Vital Step in Combating Childhood Obesity in South Africa