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Saluting former Minister Naledi Pandor
Saluting former Minister Naledi Pandor
Praises from around the world are rolling in for Dr Naledi Pandor as she steps down from her government position after serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1994.
Pandor is one of the Ministers who is not returning to Parliament to serve in the seventh administration.
In February this year, the outgoing International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister alluded to her retirement during an African National Congress (ANC) event in Cape Town.
She stated that she would “in any case not hold public office” after serving in the position since 2019.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, appointing Ronald Lamola to replace Pandor. Lamola had previously served as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Since then, warm wishes and tributes commemorating Pandor’s work continue to pour in.
DIRCO Director-General, Zane Dangor, described Pandor as one of the most principled and dynamic Ministers he has ever worked with and someone with an “unrivalled” intellect.
Pandor, a former teacher and lecturer, has numerous qualifications under her belt.
In interviews, Pandor credits her love for books and education to her anti-apartheid activist parents, Joe and Fikile Matthews, during the years they spent with her in exile.
Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in exile. She completed her education in Botswana and London in the United Kingdom, achieving a professional qualification in teaching and a Master’s Degree in Education.
She holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in General Linguistics from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Diploma in Leadership and Development from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
She received honorary doctorates from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch, University of Lisbon, and University College Dublin.
Dangor said Pandor made her mark in all areas she worked in.
“In the last five years, she emerged as one of the world’s leading and valued diplomats,” he added.
Adoration of a daughter
Pandor’s daughter, Dr Aisha Pandor, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to also honour her mother.
She shared that her mom has been a member of the ANC and an activist for as long as she can remember.
“I share a birthday with the ANC, and for most of my life, I proudly spent January 8th with other family or friends, while my parents served the party," she said.
After being elected as an MP in 1994, Naledi Pandor quickly rose to the position of Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus in 1995. Subsequently, she was elected Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in 1998 and then became chairperson in 1999.
“Since I was almost nine years old, she has served as a member of South Africa’s democratic government. During those three decades, she has led with dedication, integrity, intelligence, wisdom, a love for her country, and a focus on principles, those held high by her religion, upbringing, country and party,” Pandor’s daughter said.
Aisha mentioned that she admired her mother and was excited about the next phase of her life.
“Yesterday, I told her countless times how much I love her; how much she inspires me, and how proud I am of her. I’m also hoping that as by far the most hardworking person I’ve ever met, she finally takes a bit of well-deserved time for rest.”
Gaza
Pandor is celebrated for her fearless advocacy for her country’s stance on Gaza. She has persistently called for increased action against Israel’s invasion of Palestine.
Under her leadership, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, as well as to provide more assistance to Palestinian civilians. This comes as Israel continues to engage in a conflict with Hamas militants.
The SKA and other ministerial appointments
During her time as Minister of Science and Technology, Pandor and her team successfully secured a competitive bid in 2012 to host part of the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in South Africa.
She has also served as the Minister in the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education.
Serving with integrity
In 2022, she received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards for the role she played in government.
Former Minister and World Bank Group Executive Director, Ayanda Dlodlo, stated that Pandor’s integrity was unparalleled and that her work ethic was exceptional, demonstrating servant leadership.
“What a woman. What a leader… Hope the next chapter of her life is even more fulfilling with more time with her family and many moments of love and laughter.”
The German Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, also expressed his thoughts on the matter.
“We would like to thank Dr Naledi Pandor, outgoing Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, for her tireless diplomatic work. For Germany, it was a privilege to work with you. Re a leboga, Mme [Thank you, Mother],” the Ambassador said.
Founder of the Kenya Climate Directory, Reuben Wambui, expressed his disappointment at Pandor’s departure from the Cabinet.
“Naledi is the true embodiment of diplomatic genius, and we will really miss seeing her conduct international affairs on the world stage. Thank you Naledi for your excellent service.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 07/02/2024 - 13:14
30 views
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Plans to establish government service delivery points in Durban townships
Plans to establish government service delivery points in Durban townships
The Department of Employment and Labour in KwaZulu-Natal has announced plans to establish service delivery points within the township communities of Durban.
Provincial Operations Chief Director, Edward Khambula, made the announcement during an Employer Breakfast Session held at the KwaMashu Indoor Sports Centre, north of Durban, on Thursday.
Khambula said the Employment and Labour Service Delivery Office Points programme is in the pipeline for areas covering Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu (INK); and Umlazi township.
Khambula said the establishment of service points, which has been approved, will bring services closer to the communities.
“We are trying to expand to other townships such as Umlazi as well, because we can see that it does not help for people to travel to town to receive services. We would like to plead with the community to use the service point offices properly,” said Khambula.
The breakfast session, held in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development, aims to provide a platform for small business operators to engage with the department, while informing and teaching them about various labour laws to comply with in the country.
It also formed part of the department’s plan to get closer to the shopping centres and provide services to the people.
“Because we know that the small businesses in townships sometimes struggle to comply with labour laws, there has been a proposal for us to get closer to the people and teach them and clarify the manner that can assist them to comply without necessarily having to employ the services of consultancy agencies,” Khambule said.
Khambule said there are ways for employers and the small business community to mitigate and negotiate if a business is unable to comply with the labour laws, adding that the department provide assistance free of charge.
“The department is fully aware of the challenge of unemployment and the state of the economy is dire. There is an exemption to apply from the department to mitigate certain non-compliance issues,” Khambula informed the employers.
Instead of running away from the inspectors, Khambula urged the employers to seek guidance from the department in order to get guidance on how they can obtain an exemption.
He emphasised that the department has no intention of closing down businesses, which will consequently result in unemployment.
“We have also heard that you can pay the money you owe through instalments so that the facility exists, and the officials are sensitive about it. The department is wary that an employee can lose a job due to its interventions,’’ Khambula said.
Employment and Labour Minister, Thula Nxesi, is expected to attend the Jobs and Careers Fair to take place at Umlazi on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:51
187 views
President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech
President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his approval to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech.
The law also outlines the prosecution process for individuals who perpetrate these offences.
“This legislative measure gives effect to South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with international law obligations,” the Presidency explained in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Constitution sets out certain basic values, including human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms and non-racialism and non-sexism.
The Bill of Rights, in Section 9 of the Constitution, prohibits direct or indirect unfair discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
“The Bill of Rights gives everyone the right to dignity and gives everyone the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.”
The President’s Office explained that the new Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act provides for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech, effective enforcement measures, and the gathering and recording of data on hate crimes and hate speech.
“A hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence under any law that is motivated by prejudice or intolerance based on one or more characteristics or perceived characteristics of the victim, as listed in the legislation or a family member of the victim.”
The definition of the crime, the Presidency said, extends to offences targeting the victim’s association with or support for a person with one or more of the listed characteristics or a group of persons who share these characteristics.
“The offence of hate speech applies to any person who intentionally publishes, propagates, advocates, shares or communicates anything to one or more persons in a manner that could reasonably be construed to demonstrate a clear intention to be harmful or to incite harm and to promote or propagate hatred based on defined grounds.
“The law also makes it an offence when speech material is intentionally distributed or made available in electronic communication, and the said person knows that such electronic communication constitutes hate speech.”
However, the law does not consider actions undertaken in good faith during engagement as part of hate speech.
These actions include artistic creativity, performance or other form of expression; academic or scientific inquiry; and fair and accurate reporting or commentary in the public interest.
It also excludes interpretation and articulating or espousing of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writing that does not advocate hatred or constitutes incitement to cause harm.
The law also contains directives on training and other measures to be undertaken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure effective processing of the newly defined crimes. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:39
931 views
Administrator addresses alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation
Administrator addresses alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, has assigned staff to urgently address concerns around the outstanding payments for private student accommodation.
This follows complaints brought to the Administrator’s attention regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation and reports of students being locked out by landlords in some areas.
“We anticipate that these should be resolved during the course of the month of May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
To ensure that the issues do not further disrupt teaching and learning, the Administrator has urged the affected landlords to cooperate with the established NSFAS process to address all concerns.
Nomvalo said a dedicated email address has been established to process all disputes or concerns from landlords. All disputes and concerns regarding alleged outstanding payments for private student accommodation must be submitted to NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
“All landlords are encouraged to deposit their disputes or concerns only in so far as outstanding payments are concerned. Submissions must be received not later than 10 May 2024,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator apologised to all affected institutions, including students and landlords, and committed to a speedy resolution.
“We are committed to working with all the stakeholders to find workable solutions for the betterment of the post school education and training system,” Nomvalo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/06/2024 - 10:03
79 views
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Mjwara’s departure bittersweet, says Minister Nzimande
Mjwara's departure bittersweet, says Minister Nzimande
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has described Dr Phil Mjwara’s farewell as bittersweet for both the department and the country’s science community.
The Department of Science and Technology (DSI) hosted a farewell for Mjwara, the longest-serving DG in the country, recently.
After serving for 18 years as DG, Mjwara has been praised for his significant contributions to the department and the country.
Mjwara, whose last day in office was on 28 March, was praised for his visionary leadership and dedication to a broader perspective.
“That’s one thing I enjoyed about you is you always contextualise and look at the bigger picture. But at the same time being specific about what needs to be done,” Nzimande told the attendees at the farewell.
According to the Minister, Mjwara has played a crucial role in implementing key policies and institutional interventions with his strategic insights.
“I want to thank you for teaching me to be a science policy person. You know those who come from what is called a Marxist intellectual tradition. They usually are very arrogant about science. But thank you very much for teaching me many aspects of science that I didn’t know about,” he told Mjwara.
Mjwara holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand. His academic career includes serving as a Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Pretoria, and physics lectureships at the Universities of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and Fort Hare.
Nzimande also saluted Mjwara for the outstanding work and the role he played in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was also lauded for outstanding projects he was involved in such as hydrogen strategy, vaccine manufacturing innovations, indigenous knowledge systems projects and the National Policy Data Observatory.
“Being in the department has been a learning curve for me and your presence has truly anchored me as a science policy person,” Nzimande added.
The Minister also congratulated Mjwara because, for the first time in South Africa, the country has developed the capacity for the local production of vaccines.
He gifted the retiree with a shield and a spear as a symbol for the fights he fought and conquered as a civil servant.
“I want to say something to the staff of DSI that indeed we have very big shoes to fill.”
Mjwara also took the podium to thank the guests for honouring him with their presence. He paid tribute to the Ministers and Special Advisors who have worked with him and his team over the years.
“I appreciate that Ministers provided us with roles and gave us the space to do what needed to be done. The role was very clear.”
When he began his journey at DSI, he expressed his desire to create a machine that would make everyone proud.
“I am proud that we built this machinery. It will take somebody very skilful to [try to] dismantle this. I want to say here that I wish them all the best in trying to do it. Because it's been designed with all the checks and balances to make sure that those who have the ambitions to destroy this will not get into the entire DSI family I'm very proud of,” he said, an utterance which was met with cheers.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to his staff from the Pretoria and Cape Town offices for all the support they provided to him and his family.
Mjwara gave a special dedication to his assistants. “I am grateful that they all stayed with me because I can be very difficult.”
He paid tribute to his wife, his three adult children, and his newly wedded daughter-in-law. “I know that I haven’t always been present and I apologise for not being there all the time but I hope now you know where I was,” he quipped.
He said that he has not taken their support and sacrifice for granted.
During the event, Bongiwe, Mjwara’s daughter, shared some personal anecdotes and paid tribute to her father's character and achievements.
“With everything, he ran the household very systematically and had great organisational skills with everything. It is amazing to see everything that our father has done and how he has remained as a person. He's been to all these places, met all these people but continues to remain humble.”
She described her dad as a humorous man with a charming smile.
“I just hope that in your projects going forward you’ll continue to use him but also let him enjoy life, enjoy his legacy and his family. You have set such a beautiful standard for excellence, respect, and humility and we are proud of you.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/26/2024 - 13:37
34 views
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Higher Education deregisters four private institutions
Higher Education deregisters four private institutions
The Department of Higher Education and Training has cancelled the registration of four Educor institutions after failing to submit proof of their financial viability to the department.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced the deregistration of City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Nzimande said the four private institutions failed to comply with the requirements of the 2016 Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions and the applicable sections of the Higher Education Act.
The new regulations outline the application process, requirements for registration, responsibility of an institution and the appeals procedure that must be followed by individuals or entities that wish to register a private higher education institution.
Further to this, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) is responsible for the accreditation of higher education programmes.
Nzimande said the Educor institutions failed to submit their annual financial statements and tax clearance certificates for the 2021 and 2022 years as proof of their financial viability.
According to the Minister, the four institutions were required to lodge an appeal with him on or before 26 September 2023.
“They then requested an extension to 28 February 2024, and are now seeking a further extension. In addition to failing to submit evidence of their financial viability to the department, the four Educor brands can be deemed as dysfunctional and this is mainly measured against the daily complaints and grievances received from students, most of which remain unresolved,” Nzimande said.
The complaints include poor quality of teaching and learning; lack of proper administrative support; poorly qualified staff; corruption and bribery; lack of response for requests for refunds and lack of professionalism.
The students also complained about exploitation of poor students; non-payment of staff salaries; and under-payment of staff salaries.
“These complaints extend to the other brands such as INTEC College (Pty) Ltd and Damelin Correspondence College (Pty) Ltd, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The QCTO has not been able to restore stability within these two institutions and students continue to be exploited.
“These complaints also extend to the offering of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) accredited programmes. The SETAs have not been able to restore stability with the Educor institutions and students continue to be exploited,” Nzimande said.
He said the Higher Education Quality Committee has withdrawn the accreditation of some programmes for City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd.
The Minister also accused the institutions of misrepresenting student enrolment, by submitting incorrect information, which claimed to have 50 000 learners in the system.
The 2022 annual reports indicated a total of 13 096 students enrolled; City Varsity with 540, Damelin with 4 012, Icesa with 145, and Lyceum with 8 399 enrolled students.
Nzimande announced that some of the institutions’ sites have closed suddenly after failing to pay the rent, staff salaries and/or the municipality.
These institutions include City Varsity (Pty) Ltd at Braamfontein, which closed because staff withdrew their services for non-payment of salaries and students were left stranded; and Damelin (Pty) Ltd sites at Braamfontein, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, East London, which were closed suddenly as they were in arrears with the municipality and rental, leaving students stranded.
The only site of Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd was closed due to an eviction order by the landlord for failure to pay the rent.
“On 08 January 2024, our Directorate: Registration of Private Colleges wrote to these four Educor institutions and requested them to respond to a list of allegations of corruption against them. To date, they have not responded,” Nzimande said.
As a way forward, Nzimande said Educor will be given a period in which to phase out pipeline students and Educor would have to reimburse students where it is due.
“The latest numbers of enrolled students as per the 2022 annual report is 13 096, not 50 000, as Educor claims; one challenge for students is the transfer of credits considering the RPL [Recognition of Prior Learning] and Credit Accumulation Transfer policy; and another challenge could be students repeating some modules or paying extra fees,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 14:53
3 views
Breaking The Cycle: Positive Masculinity Is Crucial To Ending GBV And Promoting Human Rights
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