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Sage Intacct Unveils New Features to Streamline Operations and Boost Productivity Latest updates will help to unleash organisation’s full potential South Africa (23 July 2024) – Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announces a series of updates to Sage Intacct. Primed to help organisations …
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
Healthcare for all a top priority for government
Equal access to affordable quality health care through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), is a key priority for the seventh administration, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address on Monday.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue with dialogues, exchanges and interactions to make the NHI an important programme for the people.
The President also highlighted the country’s report to the United Nations, which noted reductions in maternal, infant and neonatal mortality, and that South Africans are living longer and have better health outcomes.
READ | Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
The President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday and the President’s speech was debated by political parties on Friday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
Education
On inclusive and equitable quality education, President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress with respect to functional literacy and numeracy at primary school level, and in primary school completion rates.
“Today, more South African children have access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Grade R, and secondary school education outcomes continue to steadily improve.
“The child support grant, no-fee schools and expanded NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding have had a considerable impact on the lives of learners, particularly those from poor families.”
He said these social protection interventions, alongside others, including the Schools Nutrition and Sanitary Dignity Programmes, aimed at female learners, are helping to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
“They are enabling more children to complete their schooling and to access opportunities after they finish school. One need only look at last year’s matriculation exam results, where learners who were social grant beneficiaries achieved an 81 percent pass rate,” President Ramaphosa said.
While access to education expands the capabilities of young people, the President noted that it also improves the productive capacity of the economy.
“Our young people are competing with the world. This is a new world, one that is rapidly changing and being influenced by technological advances.
“A better educated, better skilled workforce makes our economy more competitive and catalyses growth.”
Greater investment in skills
President Ramaphosa also commended the call for greater investment in skilling young people for the economy of the future, and for young people to be familiar with emerging technologies.
“Science and technology is going to continue playing an important role in enabling our young people to play a key role in our economy,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:22
In today's fast-changing and unpredictable world, maintaining a resilient supply chain for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) is crucial for businesses across various sectors. The goal is not just to withstand disruptions but to adapt and thrive amidst them. Here RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4c1KTyg) MD Brian Andrew shares his top 5 tips on how to approach and manage MRO supply chains to ensure resilience against future shocks.
1. Focus on Trusted Suppliers
Instead of diversifying your MRO supplier base extensively, rely on a core group of trusted suppliers that can guarantee delivery certainty. Building strong relationships with these suppliers ensures stability and reliability in your supply chain.
2. Develop a Flexible Supply Chain
When faced with pressure, it's essential to act quickly while considering the long-term consequences. A flexible supply chain and suppliers that can adapt to changing circumstances is key. This flexibility includes being prepared for potential increases in spending or the need to switch suppliers without significant disruptions.
3. Leverage Technology and Data
Utilise eProcurement and Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solutions from a trusted and stable procurement partner. Effective planning requires visibility into what is being consumed, especially for companies with multiple plants. High-quality data is essential for maintaining adequate inventory levels and ensuring supply chain resilience.
4. Engage in Sustainable and Ethical Procurement
Cost reduction is important, but sustainable and ethical procurement practices are equally vital. Work with partners who share common goals and include sustainability programs in your procurement processes. This approach not only benefits the environment but also aligns with the values of company management, shareholders, and customers.
5. Plan for Continuity
Continuity planning involves having a comprehensive action plan that includes compliance with policies, processes, and corporate governance. Ethical sourcing of raw materials should be a priority, and procurement departments should challenge the status quo by following ethical sourcing principles.
Supply chain resilience depends on the quality, reliability, and knowledge of suppliers. By working with the right MRO supplier, leveraging technology, and focusing on sustainable practices, businesses can better prepare for future disruptions and maintain a robust supply chain.
For more information on how RS can help you future-proof your MRO supply chain, visit the RS Africa Exports website (https://apo-opa.co/4c1KTyg).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.
PR Contact Person - RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366
Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763
Further information is available via these links:
RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.
We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses …
Internet boost for rural Kromdraai community
Residents of Kromdraai in the West Rand, Gauteng, will now be able to participate in the digital world, thanks to the Gauteng Provincial Network (GPN) free WIFI launched at Matla Combined School.
The GPN WIFI, which was unveiled on Sunday, is offered by the Gauteng Department of e-Government (e-Gov), a department established to modernise government services in Gauteng.
The department’s main role is to roll out broadband connectivity, which seeks to connect all public facilities, including schools and hospitals. It also provides free public WIFI for Gauteng communities.
Unveiling the sites, Gauteng Department of e-Government MEC, Bonginkosi Dhlamini, said the WIFI will ensure that Gauteng residents have free access to the internet, enabling them to participate in digital activities that can further their education, skills, and career prospects.
Dhlamini said the provincial government wants to ensure that Gauteng residents are able to access services through digital means.
“Nowadays, we do not expect people to wait in long queues to access certain services that can easily be accessed online. This can only be achieved through the power of technology and connectivity,” Dhlamini said.
Mogale City Mayor, who also attended the event, Danny Thupane, said the community of Kromdraai has been struggling with connectivity because the area is situated on the outskirts of the West Rand.
“We are very excited for this opportunity. It is not only the network that is an issue in these parts, but our people struggle with the ever-increasing prices of data.
“This project will go a long way in allowing our people to access the internet and participate in the digital world,” Thupane said.
The GPN also enhances the efficiency of service delivery and eliminates unnecessary duplication of Information and Communication Technology in the Gauteng provincial government while ensuring that information systems remain secure.
In April this year, the Communications and Digital Technologies announced that government plans to connect 5.5 million households in rural and township areas to Wi-Fi hotspots in the next three to four years. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 12:11
Displayit, a leading provider of bespoke trade show displays, proudly introduces its latest offerings: innovative exhibition display stands and exhibition stands. This new product line is set to revolutionize the trade show and exhibition industry by offering enhanced visibility and engagement for brands at events. Displayit’s new exhibition display stands are designed to deliver …
Johannesburg, South Africa – July 19, 2024 – Waxed Branding, a leading corporate branding company with 15 years of industry experience, has announced the acquisition of a new Epson SureColor SC-F9400 sublimation printer. This strategic investment is set to enhance the company’s textile printing capabilities and expand its service offerings in the corporate branding sector. …
Hans Zachar, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Nutun There’s no question that artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment. While AI has the potential to transform every industry – and in some cases, is already doing so – the contact centre is no different. In fact, Gartner predicts that 80% of customer service departments will …
Guest Resources Services, a leading provider of skills development and training solutions, is proud to announce its comprehensive range of accredited courses and services designed to empower individuals and enhance workforce capabilities across various sectors. With a commitment to fostering professional growth and development, the organization offers a diverse portfolio of National Certificates and accredited …
LG Electronics (LG) (www.LG.com) has announced its new campaign of short videos under the “Life's Good” brand slogan, titled Get More Care, following the success of previous themes “Get More Love” and “Get More Magic”, aimed at highlighting how LG products enable small gestures of love and care among family members so that they can enjoy true “Life's Good” moments amidst unforgettable experiences.
Throughout the video series, LG will showcase those sometimes unnoticed loving moments experienced in the home while shining a subtle light on how its products enhance everyday lives through the brand's innovative technology intricately interwoven into its customers' everyday lives, by chasing their vicarious football dreams, or simply following their favourite teams in 4K clarity.
A key highlight of the campaign is the immersive family viewing experience provided by LG's groundbreaking OLED screens – such as the LG Signature OLED M3 4K Smart TV, offering a portal to new universes. With unparalleled picture quality and vivid colours, and sound refinements of α9 AI Processor 4K Gen6, LG OLED screens transform an otherwise ordinary viewing into an unforgettable experience of resplendent immersion, bringing families closer together.
Additionally, the campaign will showcase the convenience of LG's WebOS, a smart platform that offers seamless access to a wide range of entertainment options and smart home features. Whether it's finding the perfect movie or the latest TV shows for family night, explore a vast array of content with built-in streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV+. LG's intuitive WebOS interface also means receiving personalised sports updates and tailored content recommendations is as easy as accessing further built-in apps like Music and Sports, making family time entertainment effortless and enjoyable.
The cutting-edge InstaView knock-knock feature is another standout in the campaign, perfect for revealing those sometimes-hidden signs of love. This technology, available on LG's latest refrigerators, allows users to see inside with a simple knock, making meal preparation more interactive and fun. Families can easily decide what to cook from the fridge without opening a door.
“We are excited to introduce ‘Get More Care' as our new brand campaign,” said Elena Yiallouris, Corporate & PR Marketing Specialist at LG Electronics South Africa. “Through these heartwarming short films, we aim to show how our products make everyday moments more special and meaningful. At LG, we believe that technology should enhance the way we care for each other, and this campaign perfectly encapsulates LG's ‘Life's Good' vision.”
LG's commitment to human-centered innovation and user-centric design is at the forefront of this campaign, demonstrating how the company's products contribute to a more connected and caring lifestyle. By showcasing the practical benefits and emotional value of LG's technology, “Get More Care” aims to resonate with families across the region.
The four-episode Get More Care video campaign, which launches in July, showcases fun and touching stories in the home, and ties in effortlessly with LG's brand direction and visual identity, while maintaining and reiterating the brand's core values of ‘Uncompromised Customer Experience', ‘Human-centered Innovation', and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile'.
To learn more about LG's campaign, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3W3dRHK.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
About LG Electronics, Inc.:
LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 74,000. LG's four companies - Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions - combined for global revenue of over KRW 84 trillion in 2023. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.
Financial technology, or “FinTech,” is the term used to describe any technology or software that tries to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services. Everyday examples include online banking, invoicing, mobile payment apps and more. We are probably preaching to the choir here, but keeping track of every last cent that moves …
PalmPay (www.PalmPay.com), a leading Africa-focused fintech platform, has been included in the 2024 edition of CNBC and Statista's prestigious list of the “Top 250 Fintech Companies in the World.” This recognition underscores PalmPay's rapid growth and significant contributions to advancing financial inclusion.
The CNBC/Statista list honours fintech pioneers significantly transforming the financial services industry through technology. More than 2000 companies were evaluated globally based on general and sector-specific KPIs to determine the final selection. In 2024, some of the most influential fintechs in the world were included in the list, including Alipay, Nubank, Monzo, and Revolut. Six other African firms made the list: Flutterwave (Nigeria/US) – Payments; Kuda (Nigeria/UK) – Neobanking; MTN (South Africa) – Payments; Piggyvest (Nigeria) – Financial planning; and Yoco (South Africa) – Payments.
PalmPay has developed an integrated platform that caters to consumers and businesses in the African market. The startup, which has been operating since 2019, pioneered a unique model in Nigeria that provides financial services such as money transfers, bill payment, credit services and savings via a one-stop-shop fintech ‘superapp' and mobile money agents.
This dual approach of easy-to-use digital banking, combined with offline touchpoints for those without smartphones, has contributed to driving financial inclusion in a market where more than 40% of adults remain unbanked.
In 2023, PalmPay announced a major milestone of reaching 30 million registered users on its smartphone apps and 1.1 million businesses in its network of mobile money agents and retail merchants. A third of PalmPay customers report that the platform was their first-ever financial account.
PalmPay has quickly grown to become a market leader in Nigeria thanks to its user-friendly interface, reliable transactions, and focus on driving market share through fee-free transfers and promotions. PalmPay processes 15 million transactions on its consumer app daily and maintains a 99.5% transaction success rate.
To achieve this scale in a market where 10% transaction failure rates were common, the company built out its payment infrastructure, channel integrations and transaction routing systems. In addition to its consumer wallet, PalmPay offers services to businesses that leverage the PalmPay platform via its suite of POS machines, APIs and checkout solutions.
"It's an honour for PalmPay to be recognised by CNBC and Statista as one of the World's Top Fintech Companies," said Sofia Zab, Global CMO, "This recognition validates our unique approach to financial services and our commitment to driving financial inclusion. We are actively expanding PalmPay's reach and offerings, ensuring more people have access to essential financial services and promoting economic development in emerging markets"
PalmPay operates in several key markets across Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania, with plans to expand further in the region and other emerging markets. The company has global HQs in China and London.
For more information, visit www.PalmPay.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.
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Modern technology to help fight crime
A heightened focus on the use of modern technology to help with crime prevention efforts will continue to be a key priority of the seventh administration.
“A data-driven approach will be used to identify violent crime hotspots and inform the allocation of policing resources alongside prevention measures,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday.
The President was outlining apex focus areas for the next five years, which will be driven by the Government of National Unity (GNU). After the National and Provincial Elections in May produced no outright majority winner, various political leaders were tasked to work together to form a Government of National Unity, comprised of 10 political parties.
In his address tonight, President Ramaphosa said the country must have capable, sophisticated and independent law enforcement agencies that can fight complex and organised crime.
He committed that the Government of National Unity will continue to tackle priority crimes, including illegal mining, gang violence, cash-in-transit heists and the construction mafia, through specialised police units.
“We will continue to implement the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and expand victim support services, like the Thuthuzela Centres and GBV desks in police stations,” President Ramaphosa said.
Land reform
Switching focus to the land reform programme, the President announced that government will increase the funding thereof, prioritise the transfer of State land and improve post-settlement support by strengthening the institutional capacity of the structures relevant to the programme.
“To achieve rapid, inclusive growth, we need to fix our struggling municipalities. Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work.
“Our municipalities must become both the providers of social services and facilitators of inclusive economic growth. They must work to attract investment,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, the President expressed words of comfort to families affected by floods in the Western Cape and veld fires in KwaZulu-Natal.
Thousands of people across the Western Cape were left destitute after storms damaged their homes, including businesses and infrastructure in the province.
“In recent days, we have witnessed runaway fires in KwaZulu-Natal, in which 14 people, including six firefighters, lost their lives. The fires also caused the destruction of homes, livestock and grazing land.
‘The thoughts of all South Africans are with all those people who have been subjected to these terrible weather conditions as they work to recover and rebuild,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:03
Efforts to professionalise the public service underway
The Government of National Unity has committed to proceeding with the work already underway to professionalise the public service as well as ensure that government attracts into the state people with skills, capabilities and integrity.
Delivering the Opening of Parliament Address in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa said one of the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity was to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“We will continue to fight corruption and prevent undue political interference in the administration of the state. In this administration, we will complete the work to restore the financial position and operational performance of our state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
“We will complete the implementation of a new centralised ownership model for SOEs. This will improve accountability, transparency, governance and oversight, while reducing inefficiency and the potential for corruption,” the President said on Thursday.
He said the establishment of a state-owned SOE holding company will give South Africa greater capacity to build a sovereign wealth fund.
“This has been done successfully by other countries whose sovereign wealth funds have built up capital from the high performance of the state owned enterprises rather than from the fiscus.”
Fighting crime
President Ramaphosa said in order to tackle crime and corruption, the country must have capable, sophisticated and independent law enforcement agencies that can fight complex and organised crime.
“We will deploy modern technology to assist crime fighting. A data-driven approach will be used to identify violent crime hotspots and inform the allocation of policing resources alongside prevention measures,” the President said.
Government will also continue to tackle priority crimes like illegal mining, gang violence, cash-in-transit heists and the construction mafia through specialised police units.
“We will continue to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, and expand victim support services, like the Thuthuzela Centres and GBV desks in police stations,” he said.
Work in the seventh administration will also prioritise driving inclusive growth and job creation as well as reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:08
Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
Equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, will be high on the agenda of the seventh administration, over the next five years.
“An important task of the next five years is to ensure that we also reduce the high cost of living by ensuring that everyone in South Africa has equal access to equitable, accessible and affordable quality healthcare.”
As the government moves forward with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI), the President said that the State will concentrate on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the training of healthcare personnel, and utilising technology to improve healthcare management.
“While there is much contestation around the NHI, there is broad agreement that we must draw on the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors to meet the healthcare needs of all South Africans equally,” he said.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
In his address on Thursday night, the President outlined the new government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years during a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces).
The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year, following the May 29 elections.
“In implementing the NHI, we are confident that we will be able to bring stakeholders together, and that we will be able to resolve differences and clarify misunderstandings.”
Last week, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the NHI in phases, in his Budget Vote Speech.
He announced that the implementation of the NHI was already in phase 2.
The Minister told Parliamentarians that there was no debate that South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world.
“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare, you may believe we live in different countries,” he said at the time.
However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality”.
READ | Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases
The Minister also took the time to call on the Members of Parliament to discuss areas which need to be ironed out instead of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:25
Cape Town, South Africa – Designer Pool Covers Cape Town, a leading provider of high-quality pool cover solutions, has announced an expansion of its product offerings to meet the increasing demand for pool safety and energy efficiency in the Western Cape region. The company has introduced several new automatic and safety cover options to complement …
Successful AI projects in education place bright spotlight on SA startup South Africa, 10 July: Novus Holdings has announced a R55m investment in Bytefuse, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) company, to enhance its capabilities to deliver enterprise scale AI solutions. Having observed Bytefuse’s success in enhancing Maskew Miller Learning’s (MML) educational services through advanced AI solutions, …
Violent crimes and GBVF remains a SAPS priority
Reducing cases of violent crime, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), will remain among the top priorities for the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Delivering the department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the police will place a strong emphasis on community mobilisation to increase police visibility through strategic partnerships.
To achieve this, Mchunu said the department has adopted the whole-of-government and society framework, guided by the integrated crime and violence prevention strategy.
The approach promotes an integrated, developmental, collaborative, knowledge-based, and evidence-based strategy for preventing crime and violence in South Africa.
Through the implementation of the increased crime prevention and combating action plan, the department aims to reduce the percentage of contact crimes reported by 14.5% over the medium term.
The detection rate for contact crimes against women is also expected to improve to over 71%, while the detection rate for contact crimes against children is expected to exceed 65%.
"These efforts will be primarily implemented through the Detective Services Programme, which has been allocated R71.3 billion over the medium term. The Visible Policing Programme, which weighs at least 52% of the total allocation of the budget will receive an allocation of R189.7 billion over the medium term."
Mchunu said the proliferation of firearms also requires an urgent and a dedicated focus, as most murders are committed using illegal firearms most of which were previously legal firearms.
“There are just so many firearm-linked crimes in society and the SAPS need to improve its own management of firearms in its possession,” Mchunu said.
Modernisation initiatives
Mchunu also announced that an amount of R2,845 billion has been set aside for the 2024/25 financial year for modernisation initiatives within the department’s administration programme.
Mchunu said the department recognises the importance of modernising the police service to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.
“Our modernisation initiatives include upgrading ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure, improving connectivity, and deploying mobile technologies. These technological advancements will enhance our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal activities.”
Core programmes
Meanwhile, Mchunu said the departmental spending over the medium term will focus on core programmes, with visible policing accounting for more than 52% of the total vote in 2024/25.
The Minister noted that the Detective Services Programme also holds significant weight, accounting for more than 20% of the budget.
“There is an urgent need to have a relook at the budget allocation for detective services and crime intelligence budgets. Policing is a labour-intensive function, necessitating personal engagement between the police and the citizens of our country.
“Consequently, personnel-related expenditure is the primary cost driver, contributing to more than 80% of the Vote. We will continue to deploy the number of members that can be accommodated within the confines of our allocated compensation budget,” the Minister said.
He added that the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service is currently processing amendments to the SAPS Act, which was informed by the 1993 Interim Constitution.
“The Secretariat is also finalising the National Policing Policy, which will serve as an overarching framework for policing and will accommodate the provincial needs and priorities in line with section 206 (1) and (2) of the Constitution,” Mchunu said. - SAnews.goo.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 14:55
SARS pays out billions in 2024 tax season refunds
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has already paid out about R10 billion in refunds to at least 1.6 million taxpayers who were auto-assessed ahead of this year’s Tax Season.This is according to SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter who was briefing the media on Tuesday.
In the first two weeks of July, at least five million taxpayers were auto-assessed by the revenue service.
“We completed these annual returns and tax assessments while, simultaneously, running each assessment outcome through our compliance risk and tax fraud detection capability. All this is possible because of the investment that we have been able to make in increasing and expanding the use of third-party data in the past few years.
“We’re able to process over 90% of refunds for taxpayers that are not selected for verification within 72 hours through our fraud risk detection AI. We direct high risk taxpayers – for whom we suspect there may be a fraudulent or impermissible refund – for further verification,” he said.
READ | SARS to provide update of Tax Season 2024
In order to complete auto-assessments accurately, SARS harvested nearly 150 million third-party data records. This information was then processed through the application of artificial intelligence and enhanced machine learning algorithms.
“We are extremely reliant on employers, banks and other third-party information providers to provide us with accurate data. The integrity of the entire value chain of data is important. We have worked extremely hard this past year with large institutions and entities to improve the accuracy of bulk data submissions.
“We appreciate the partnerships with all third-party data providers to enable a seamless experience for taxpayers. Inaccurate data, or late data, causes downstream difficulties and unnecessary delays and frustrations for taxpayers.
“SARS uses sophisticated graph database technology to decipher billions and billions of rows of data that allows us to compose a single entity view of a taxpayer and this, in turn, allows us to produce an assessment outcome as well as conducting the necessary risk detection through the artificial intelligence methodologies,” he said.
Kieswetter added that the AI tool used by SARS to detect fraud has saved the fiscus billions of Rands in fraudulent refunds.
“Last year alone, this fraud detection capability prevented almost R100 billion of impermissible PIT and VAT [Personal Income Tax and Value Added Tax] refunds from being paid out and lost to the fiscus,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 15:14
SevenC, a leading IT infrastructure and network service provider striving to identify and make available the best possible ICT strategies for its clients’ unique needs, explores how managed IT services and IT consulting can help entrepreneurs scale their operations. “Combining managed IT services and IT consulting can significantly help your business grow,” says Graeme Millar, …
SSA hard at work to combat cyber threats
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the State Security Agency is sharpening measures against cyber security threats in the country.
The Minister was tabling the Budget Vote of the agency in Parliament on Monday.
She explained that the nature of threats was evolving with criminals using “sophisticated technologies and strategies that require agility and proactive response”.
“This requires specialised skills and coordination with various parties in and out of government. Honourable members are surely aware and concerned about the exponential increase on attacks to organs of state ICT infrastructure, which pose a threat not only to the individual targets but the economic value chain in the services these entities provide.
“In our efforts to strengthen cyber security, we are hard at work building and strengthening our capabilities and capacity to proactively combat emerging cyber threats and potential cyber attacks on our communications environment.
“In this regard, we will be accelerating the implementation of the National Cyber Security Framework which incorporates the development of the cyber security legislative framework and the establishment of an integrated cyber capability and capacity,” she said.
The Minister said with the passing of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill and the necessary organisational reconfiguration, “we will also undertake work to recalibrate and capacitate the National Communications Centre to be more responsive to cyber security threats”.
“Before the end of this financial year, we will commence with the legislative process to take the Cyber Security Bill for consideration by Parliament,” she said.
Ntshavheni said government is embarking on partnerships – both internationally and domestically – to sharpen the skills within the intelligence environment.
“The Intelligence Academy is already working on revising its curricula to focus on more relevant skills of the present day intelligence environment. Some of this will be achieved through partnerships with reputable academic institutions as we work to ensure that the intelligence academy is SAQA accredited to ensure the portability of skills.
“In addition, the Intelligence Academy is exploring possibilities of establishing itself as a data institute that will not only serve the intelligence world, but broader society as data is not only the new gold, but an essential part of driving development and decision making.
“In this regard, investments in collaborations for technology and data sharing with both global and local institutions transcends a strategic imperative. It is a transformative opportunity which can empower the organisation to leverage global expertise, harness the power of technology and data to address local challenges,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 11:56
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