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The post-pandemic trend of living that holiday lifestyle now continues to inspire buyers who are prioritising happiness and well-being. The coast remains a popular location but the high property prices often make this an unrealistic possibility. On the KZN Mid-South Coast, where large-scale developments are unlocking the region’s property potential, discerning investors are getting in …
Government departments urged to pay suppliers on time
Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says out of 40 national government departments, only 15 have fully complied with the policy on timeous payment of service providers.
Gxoyiya on Tuesday addressed media in Pretoria on the PSC’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: ‘The Pulse of the Public Service’.
According to the PSC, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by the national and provincial departments amounts to 117 158, with the rand value of R11.1 billion. This represents a regression of 12% when compared with the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national and provincial departments during the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to 104 937 invoices, with the rand value of R8.6 billion.
Gxoyiya encouraged the departments that are compliant to maintain their performance and continue to pay all legitimate invoices from suppliers within 30 days, as required by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its related prescripts.
“The rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year amounted to R1.2 billion, and this indicates a regression of 126% when compared to the rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to R530 million,” said Gxoyiya.
The most common reasons provided by both the national and provincial departments for the late or non-payment of invoices are interruptions caused by poor internal controls, internal capacity, and budget constraints.
“North West provincial departments reported the second highest invoices paid after 30 days, amounting to 12 988 invoices, with the rand value of R880 million during the same period.
“In contrast, Eastern Cape provincial departments reported the highest number of invoices older than 30 days amounting to 25 789, with the rand value of R2.3 billion at the end of June 2023,” Gxoyiya said.
According to the PSC, the main contributing departments towards late or non-payment of invoices at national level are the Departments of Home Affairs; Correctional Services; Defence; Military Veterans; South African Police Service; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Transport; Water and Sanitation; Public Works and Infrastructure; Health, and Tourism.
Gxoyiya advocated for transparency in dealing with public finances.
“Transparency is subtly intertwined with accountability... Transparency is pivotal to democracy and accountability, as well as upholding the principles of responsiveness and efficiency.
“In many ways, democracy is government by explanation because in an open and democratic society, government should be accountable for its actions and decisions, which should be informed by rational considerations that are explicable to those affected by them,” Gxoyiya said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 13:34
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KZN South Coast is: Destination…summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy from the sea to the sky! “Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, and we’re so fortunate …
Real estate on the KZN South Coast holds major potential for keen investors looking for a quality coastal property at unbeatable value for money. This is fast being realised as local and international buyers are investing in a number of catalytic property developments in the region. One such example is the R800m Serenity Hills eco-estate, …
Class of 2023 urged to celebrate responsibly
As the Class of 2023 nudges closer to finishing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has urged learners to stay safe and act responsibly in their celebratory moments.
The Minister said this when she briefed the media on Sunday in Pretoria.
This week marks the final week of exams with only six NSC papers left to write.
“Now that the Class of 2023 is about to finish writing, we urge them to be safe. This may mark the end of the 12 years that you spent in the basic education sector; however, it is certainly not the end. Many of you are gathering in various places to celebrate the end of exams. As you do so, I urge you to act responsibly,” the Minister said.
Motshekga said the department noted with great concern that learners were hosting and attending “pens down” parties.
“What is clear is that as much as this time is cause for celebrating, hundreds of our youth are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking, and even finding themselves in trouble with the law.
“You may have turned 18 years of age and therefore reached the legal age to consume alcohol but you must understand that adulthood comes with lifelong responsibilities,” she said.
The Minister said the Gauteng Liquor Board has highlighted the dangers of overindulgence in drinking alcohol. This is in addition to the call to retailers to refrain from selling alcohol to underage children.
She said the department hopes to see more of these efforts across the country.
“May we always remember the tragedy of Enyobeni Tavern in the Eastern Cape, and many other such events, where the lives of young people were cut short, in incidents that could have easily been avoided.
“We urge parents, to know where your children are, with whom they are, and what they are doing. We need them back in 2024, as they continue with their education journey,” she said.
Rewrites
There will be rewriting opportunities for candidates who experienced technical challenges during the writing of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 in five provincial education departments and Information Technology Paper 1 in one provincial education department and those who could not complete due to load shedding.
This also includes Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT): 19 candidates in the Northern Cape and 32 candidates in the North West.
The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 and Information Technology Paper 1 will be written in the morning of 6 December 2023.
Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Paper 1 will be written in the afternoon on 6 December 2023
Tourism Practical Assessment Task (PAT) Paper 2 will be written in the morning of 7 December 2023.
The Minister announced the matric results announcement will take place on 18 January and the provincial release will take place on 19 January.
The department, she said, is confident that the all-important marking process, capture of results, standardisation, resulting and release of results will proceed according to plan. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 13:43
Tourism is the lifeblood of the KZN South Coast economy, and while significant strides are being made in various key investment sectors, there is still massive potential yet to be uncovered for tourism beyond the coast. Two new Buy Local members, Monate Outdoor Activities and Kasified Eksperience, are providing visitors with completely unique cultural and …
Summer is on the doorstep and the holidays are beckoning! Now is the time to start planning that year-end, family holiday and where better to relax and cool off than the KZN South Coast? “Our tourism establishments are geared up and ready to welcome our many holiday visitors to the KZN South Coast this festive …
Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to ensure the efficient rehabilitation of the Hartebeespoort Dam.
The dam is affected by hyacinth and algae.
This is according to the Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu who spoke at the centenary celebrations of the dam on Monday.
Hartebeespoort Dam marked its 100 years of existence in September this year.
The centenary celebration aimed to increase the awareness of integrated water resource management and water quality, as well as enhance relations between government, the private sector, and the community towards ensuring effective integrated water resource management in and around the dam.
Mchunu, together with senior officials from the department’s entity in North West, Magalies Water and the Madibeng Local Municipality, led a community engagement, where they provided an update on the work being carried out to clear the hyacinth from the dam.
“We are aware of the hyacinth at the dam, and thus very concerned. It is for this reason that we have appointed our entity in North West, Magalies Water, for a period of three years to develop and implement a programme that will deal with the invasive plant and the algae that is infesting the dam,” Mchunu said.
Magalies Water has since developed a Bioremediation Plan comprising of interventions which include, the profiling and fingerprinting of problematic contaminants in the dam, removal of floating plants and debris from the dam to enhance the aesthetic value and allow for biogeochemical processes, as well as the implementation of the remediation technology to restore the dam’s ecological services.
Addressing hundreds of people who joined the department and partners to commemorate the centenary celebrations, Mchunu emphasised his commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the Bioremediation Plan.
“I want to ascertain our commitment that we have indeed rolled up our sleeves to completely rehabilitate the dam. We also want to thank the organisations that continue to help out in any way they can and continue to hold us accountable in the work that we have been brought in the office to do,” Mchunu said, adding that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the county’s water infrastructure is safeguarded.
He also reiterated the ministry’s stance on the need to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships in the sector, which are aimed at resolving water quality challenges of the Hartbeespoort Dam, including issues of solid waste and water pollution in the dam.
“I would therefore like to encourage all civil society organisations to work together with us, as we work towards rehabilitating the dam.
The Hartebeespoort Dam was constructed in 1921 and commissioned in 1923 with the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation.
Approximately 80% of water is used for irrigation and the remainder is used for domestic consumption and compensation flows.
The dam itself and the surrounding area currently offers tourism activities such as recreational boating, angling, mountain sports and a variety of other activities such as hiking, angling, parasailing and abseiling.
The centenary celebration was held in partnership with Magalies Water, the provincial government, and various organisations, including the North West Parks and Tourism Board, South African Resource Heritage Agency, as well as Magalie-Biosphere. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:01
The Hollywood Foundation, through its Enterprise and Supplier Development, proudly hosted the second edition of the Bambelela Business Awards in Gauteng on 21 November. This prestigious event brought together a dynamic array of stakeholders, government officials, public figures, and ambitious young entrepreneurs. Themed “Bambelela (Hold On) – Your Dreams Are Valid,” the awards recognised local …
Free State warns businesses of fake tender invitation
The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) has warned the business community of a fake tender invitation for the supply and delivery of 27 paper shredders.
“DESTEA has learned with concern about an opportunistic scammer purporting to be an official representative issuing a fraudulent invitation to an open tender for the appointment of a service provider to supply and deliver 27 paper shredders.
“The alleged scammer sends out fake tender/bid documents with DESTEA's official logo and normal standard procedure to service providers, pretending to be an official representative of the department.
“Service providers are warned not to fall into the trap of fraudulent tender invitations, which are not from DESTEA,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
The department has urged business community members to report any suspected criminal acts to the South African Police Service and verify any request for tender with the DESTEA supply chain office as soon as they receive any correspondence alleged to be from the department on the following emails:
customercare@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
mooketsio@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
masemeb@destea.gov.za(link sends e-mail).
The business community is further urged to contact the DESTEA customer care on WhatsApp, 0829475394, for authentication. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 08:16
Cape Town mayor concerned about the lack of a clear timeline
The highly anticipated 2024 season of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is set to commence in Gqeberha with the second annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, taking place on Sunday 7 April 2024. Entries open on Wednesday (29 November 2023). “We are thrilled to be back in the ‘friendly city’ in April …
The much-anticipated rehabilitation of Marine Drive which connects Port Shepstone with Southbroom is underway. Contractors are working tirelessly to ensure the road is open for use from 14 December 2023 to 9 January 2024, when construction will resume again. While this may cause some inconvenience for holidaymakers flocking to the KZN South Coast this festive …
World Business Angels Investment Forum kicks off in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will on Tuesday welcome hundreds of international delegates attending the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) 2023 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
The World Business Angels Investment Forum, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), is a strategic global organisation whose mission is to ease access to finance for businesses from start up to scale up.
In 2021, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, put forward a successful bid to host the WBAF 2023.
Dube-Ncube said hosting the gathering of global leaders is a welcome boost for the province, particularly because it aligns with the province’s economic recovery and development strategy, which puts supporting and financing innovation, start-ups and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) at the centre.
She said the province also the event which brings together entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers from different parts of the globe, saying they will make meaningful connections and match-making for provincial local businesses.
“As we rebuild our economy, we recognise the importance of entrepreneurship and international investment. In particular, we welcome the fact that as an affiliate of G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), WBAF 2023 focuses on the digital and business transformation of small businesses.
“There is also a special focus on the quality of local investors as part of efforts to increase financial inclusion in local economies in post-pandemic times,” Dube-Ncube said.
The meeting will take place from 21 - 22 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:06
Three Minor Hotels triumph with prestigious awards in 2023 In a resounding testament to excellence, three remarkable properties in the Minor Hotels portfolio, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort in Mozambique, and Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino in Namibia, have proudly secured prestigious global awards. Recognised for their commitment to luxury, …
The development of rural tourism gives visitors a unique experience beyond the traditional sites. On the KZN South Coast, the Agri Tourism Route is one such offering, with the farmlands offering a chance for outdoor adventure and home-grown tastes. Now, the KZN South Coast has another addition to its popular Agri Tourism Route with the …
City of Cape Town announced as Host City for the Betway SA20 Final on 10 February 2024 – the partnership...
The South African coffee industry is fast finding its place in the global market with demand expected to rise from 10 million to 12 million tonnes worldwide by 2032. One coffee collective, with members from the KZN South Coast, is rising to meet that demand, and a partnership with vida e caffè will see Redberry …
Initiative seeks to combat alien species
Government has launched a five-year programme worth R2.67 billion to implement the Working for Water Programme, which aims to eradicate invasive alien plants in communities.
Addressing the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Environmental Programme in Heidelberg, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said over the next five years the department aims to create 38 839 work opportunities every year primarily in rural communities.
"Biological invasions by alien plants is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, water resources and sustainable livelihoods. Invasive species exacerbate floods, droughts and wildfires, and have negative impacts for the forestry and agriculture sectors.
“In short, biological invasions will exacerbate the effects of context of climate change and the extreme weather events associated with global warming. It is for this reason our department is happy today to announce this five-year programme to combat alien species and the damage they do to our land, wetlands and rivers,” Creecy said on Friday.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) 2019 Report on Biological Invasions details the impact of invasive species on South Africa’s biodiversity and economy.
Invasive trees use 3-5% of South Africa’s runoff water every year, which is a significant loss for a water-scarce country.
"Many species of invasive plants are also less drought-resistant than indigenous ones and pose a greater fire risk. By displacing indigenous species and creating single species plantations, alien invasive also undermine our country’s rich biodiversity, which in turn negatively impacts our tourism potential.
“Invasive species also interfere in natural processes that can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters through the provision of ecosystem services, examples being the role estuaries, wetlands and indigenous forests play during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods.
“Thus, by clearing waterways and managing the spread of invasive species we are restoring natural habitats and simultaneously restoring ecosystem services that will assist us in the fight against the effects of climate change,” the Minister said.
To ensure sustainable clearing of alien species on a regular basis as well as sustained public employment, the department has made its contracting over a longer five-year period, as opposed to short-term contracts in the previous cycle.
For local small enterprises in rural communities, this also offers a reliable revenue that can assist the enterprises to invest their businesses to ensure future opportunities.
“This means that the Working for Water Programme is growing and is advancing the inclusion of previously disadvantaged enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the value chain of clearing invasive alien species. In this way the Working for Water Programme advances transformation and prioritises the inclusive economy policies of government,” the Minister said.
The department has committed R2.67 billion to clear hectares while creating 194 195 work opportunities over a five-year period.
“Today marks the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Programme to the value of R152 million to implement projects across the five Gauteng municipalities namely, the City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, West Rand, Sedibeng, and the City of Ekurhuleni.
“In Gauteng, the Working for Water Programme will clear 74 781 hectares over a period of five years, starting from 2023/2024. During this five year period, we are aiming to create 13 615 work opportunities through the EPWP model,” the Minister said.
The department also collaborates with the South African National Parks (SANParks) to implement the Working for Water Programme.
SANParks has been allocated R 947 710 million to create 90 710 work opportunities through clearing 431 237 hectares over a five year period. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/17/2023 - 11:19
R1.5b plant nears completion at Richards Bay IDZ
Plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw materials required by the Wilmar Palm Oil refinery plant in Richards Bay.
This is according to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
Speaking during a tour of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Acting Head of the Department, Dr Thandeka Ellenson, who was representing MEC Siboniso Duma, expressed her appreciation to the IDZ Board for the amazing work that has been done by the management and all categories of staff.
“MEC Siboniso Duma is encouraged by the fact that the construction of Wilmar Palm Oil, originally from Singapore, is nearing completion. About R1.5 billion has been invested to produce margarine and other edible oils,” Ellenson said.
Ellenson said plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw material required by the plant.
Wilmar has been successfully convinced to ensure the optimisation of local content, whereby sunflower and soya beans could add into raw input that could be sourced locally.
“To achieve this, a cluster for local content will be developed to do an operation to crush sunflower oil. This is done to ensure sustained access to jobs and economic opportunities for local communities in the land under Amakhosi,” Ellenson said.
Richards Bay IDZ Board Chairperson Advocate Bheki Mbili emphasised the need for the board to continue to play a strong oversight role over management and all categories of staff.
“This would ensure that the vision of the entity is realised for the benefit of millions of unemployed people who are waiting impatiently for jobs and access to economic opportunities,” Mbili said.
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has the responsibility of encouraging international export competitiveness. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 13:18
SA, Qatar bolster relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deemed his visit to Qatar as significant, saying it serves as an opportunity to discuss and share views on the recent international developments.
“This visit is very significant, not only as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries, but also to share views on recent international developments.
“The events in Palestine, and the growing deaths of civilians, particularly children, grieves us all. South Africa supports all efforts to secure an immediate and full ceasefire, with talks on a political solution to address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was delivering remarks at the Qatar - South Africa Business Roundtable in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa is currently on a two-day State Visit in Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The visit occurs in the context of three decades of diplomatic relations. The two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024. This is President Ramaphosa's first visit to the State of Qatar as Head of State.
President Ramaphosa told the roundtable that while the political relationship between the two countries is strong, much more can be done with each other in areas of trade, investment and economic development.
“For this reason, I am particularly pleased that I have had an opportunity to engage with both the Qatari Business Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce earlier. I want to point to five features of the South African economy that offer us the opportunity to build and expand our economic relationship,” he said.
Firstly, the President highlighted that South Africa is Africa’s most industrialised economy with well-established companies.
He told the roundtable that many of these companies are active in the Middle East and Qatar. The President mentioned companies like Sasol in the petro-chemical sector with its advanced technologies and iconic consumer brands such as Nandos and Ocean Basket.
“South African has well developed manufacturing and services sectors. South African agriculture and agro-processing companies are world class, and we can support the Food Security Program of the State of Qatar.
“Beyond these, South Africa is developing its expertise in areas such as pharmaceuticals, the space industry and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Secondly, the President said South Africa is developing greater market access across the world.
He mentioned that the country has free trade agreements in place with the European Union and the United Kingdom and is about to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, uniting 54 economies into a large tariff-free market intended to cover 1.3 billion consumers.
In addition, South Africa currently has access to the US market on preferential terms through the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and preferential access to certain Latin American markets.
Thirdly, President Ramaphosa emphasised that the African continent has vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth.
With Qatar’s experience, technology and capital in the petrochemicals, natural gas and energy infrastructure, President Ramaphosa said government is looking to companies from Qatar partnering with South Africa as it implement its just energy transition.
Fourthly, the President highlighted that the country is embarking on far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnerships between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa.
He said the energy market is being restructured. The public electricity utility, Eskom, which faced severe challenges, has improved maintenance of its generation fleet and has received debt relief from the State to strengthen its financial position.
“Private energy generation, specifically in renewables, constitutes a growing share of total energy generated. Since the implementation of regulatory changes, the pipeline of private sector generation projects has increased to over 100 projects representing more than 10,000 MW of potential new capacity,” he said.
Fifthly, the President told the business roundtable that the country has a stable legal system, strong protections of property rights, a deep capital market with Africa’s largest stock exchange, and a growing pool of skilled employees.
“South Africa is ready to build partnerships for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth. South Africa is keen to deepen our bilateral relationship with Qatar. We look forward to partnering in sectors such as agro-processing, automotive, aquaculture, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, hospitality and tourism, to mention a few.
“I invite Qatar to join us in developing a portfolio of South African investments that your sovereign wealth fund and your private sector can participate in,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa commended the business delegations from South Africa and Qatar for their engagement, adding that he look forward to successful outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 15:20
Tourism safety a top priority
The National Tourism Safety Strategy is aimed at fostering a public-private sector partnership to address issues of tourism safety in a more coordinated manner.
“The measures aim to provide an enhanced visitor experience and in the long-term, change perceptions of South Africa as an unsafe destination,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.
She was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria on tourism safety issues.
De Lille explained that the National Tourism Safety Strategy is centered on three key themes which include proactive measures, responsive measures and aftercare programmes.
“It is about putting in place mechanisms to ensure that tourists, both domestic and international, feel safe even before arriving at the destination,” she said, adding that the mechanisms seek to ensure quick and effective turnaround time to attend to tourists in distress should an incident of crime occur.
“This is about stakeholder coordination and communication in terms of messaging and protocols to follow. We have since set up a committee led by the private sector under Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) to develop clear Crisis Management Communications Plan and Protocols.
“This will ensure that there are clear protocols in place during an incident and that the messaging is same,” de Lille said.
The department has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) on collaboration towards the prevention, investigation and combating of crimes impacting on the tourism industry and the safety and well-being of tourists.
“The MoU Action Plan is being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee comprising of the Department of Tourism and SAPS. The MoU is currently undergoing revision to ensure that other initiatives being implemented with private sector on safety and security are considered and strengthened.
“The action plan incorporates both initiatives identified by the Department and by the South African Police Services and to be handled at a bilateral level,” the Minister said.
The Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) is part of the broader government intervention that involves training, mentorship and deployment of unemployed youth in identified tourism attractions and sites.
“Government has invested R174 Million for the deployment of Tourism Monitors in this financial year. The key objectives of the programme include: enhancing tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and sites, upskilling of unemployed youth and reducing tourist vulnerabilities.”
The Minister said the department will deploy 2 300 Tourism Monitors nationally in entities managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Gardens, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, in the national parks managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and at airports managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:12
Tourism, Google sign collaborative agreement
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has signed an agreement with global tech giant, Google, aimed at promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination and to provide training and support to the sector in digital training.
The Minister and Dr Alistair Mokoena, Country Director for Google South Africa, signed the agreement in Cape Town on Monday.
This partnership is in line with de Lille’s mission to grow tourism to its full potential, unlock the power of technology in the sector and increase arrivals to South Africa to support economic growth and job creation.
“In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. As stated in the Tourism Sector Green Paper, there is a ‘lack of support mechanisms for the (tourism) sector, particularly SMMEs, to adapt to a digital future and other technological advancements.
“This visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focuses on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each parties’ strengths for mutual benefits,” de Lille said.
Google intends to provide support to the Ministry to achieve its mandate through providing access to its initiatives and programmes in South Africa that are beneficial to the sector.
Mokoena said they were excited to partner with the Department of Tourism and to sign the letter of intent which aims to position South Africa as a great tourist destination.
“As a company that prides itself in organising the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful, we look forward to rolling out various programmes in conjunction with the department, to fast track digital transformation in the sector, helping with digital skills and showcasing South African tourism through our Google Arts & Culture platform,” Mokoena said.
According to the department, the primary goal of this collaboration is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination.
The department said no monetary exchange will take place as a result of the agreement.
The areas of collaboration include:
Collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Google can provide insights into global travel trends. This information can guide the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism’s strategies for targeting specific markets and tailoring experiences to visitor expectations.
Specific studies to investigate the impact of digital platforms and online content are to be undertaken by Google and shared at no cost to the Ministry or Department.
Google offers skills training programmes including the Google Hustle Academy and master classes. These digital skills initiatives will be extended to offer training programs for individuals and businesses within the Ministry ecosystem.
This would equip local entrepreneurs with the digital skills needed to market their offerings online, potentially attracting a wider audience of travellers.
Tourism start-ups can be supported by Google programmes such as the Startup Accelerator and the Black Founders Fund.
The training will also include Google Ads training on the fundamentals of Google Ads. To date, more than 2 773 South African SMMES have previously benefited from these support programmes offered by Google.
Google can showcase South African tourism sites and unique cultural heritage to the world through the Google Arts and Culture Portal.
The two will also collaborate in creating a tourism thought leadership seminar through presenting commissioned research results on the opportunity and impact of online content and digital platforms in the tourism sector.
A co-hosted thought leadership seminar will focus on the digital opportunities for accelerating economic growth in the tourism sector.
The aims of the seminar will be to facilitate knowledge sharing and understanding of the digital opportunity in accelerating economic growth and upskilling governments and tourism promotion agencies with global best practices on how to use digital platforms.
“By tapping into Google's technology through digital skills training and the sharing of insights, South Africa's industry, notably SMMEs, can be present their offerings in innovative ways, engaging potential tourists, and inspiring them to explore the country,” Minister de Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 14:00
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, undertake a State Visit to Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The State Visit will form part of two days of engagement between the governments of South Africa and Qatar on 14 and 15 November.
The visit occurs in the context of three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024. This visit will be President Ramaphosa's first visit to the State of Qatar as Head of State.
The programme will include meetings with His Highness Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and high-level business engagements.
During their meeting, President Ramaphosa and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are expected to deliberate on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world.
Both parties are committed to enhancing their economic ties and focusing on improving economic relations including trade, investment, and tourism.
In 2022, Qatar became South Africa's fifth-largest trading partner in the Middle East.
There is significant potential for further economic cooperation between the two countries. South Africa exported USD 206 million worth of trade to Qatar in 2022.
The bulk of the exports were in the manufacturing sector, accounting for about 56% of total exports. South Africa has witnessed a surge in its imports from Qatar between 2017 and 2022, primarily due to the import of petroleum oils.
South African imports from Qatar amounted to USD 252 million in 2022.
The President will be joined by a high-level business delegation and is expected to engage the Qatari business community to explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the creative industries, energy, mining, agro-processing, retail, healthcare, tourism, and shipbuilding.
South Africa is a significant investor in Qatar, especially in the petrochemical-related sector, with a total investment of approximately USD 8.7 billion.
Sasol has a 49% shareholding with Qatar Petroleum, and established ORYX GTL, the world's first commercial-scale gas-to-liquids plant. Sasol's GTL technology is used in ORYX GTL to convert natural gas into liquid fuel and chemical products.
The governments of South Africa and Qatar share deep concern regarding the conflict, notably the unfolding human catastrophe in Palestine, violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law, the large-scale loss of life and the ongoing hostilities, especially in Gaza.
The leaders will discuss respective efforts to ensure that the conflict does not escalate to other parts of the region and that a peaceful resolution is found.
South Africa also welcomes Qatar's mediation efforts in this crisis.
The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; Trade, Industry and Competition; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Mineral Resources and Energy; Defence, Basic Education and the Minister in the Presidency.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.