MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
October 3, 2023: Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. The Readers’ Choice …
Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023: South Africans in need of a break or holiday should look no further than alluring Asia, offering striking scenery, a smorgasbord of unique culinary experiences, and some of the most wonderful travel experiences. South Africans may be spoiled for choice when it comes to …
RAPT Creative, the agency that opened its doors with three employees just months before the global Covid-19 lockdowns yet emerged from the pandemic years having added international brands like Sol, Miller, Fox, Strongbow, Ballentine’s and Windhoek to its stable and over 100 people to its staff complement, has proven its mettle – again. This achievement, …
On Sunday, 01 October 2023 the streets of the Mother City were immersed in a sea of pink as runners and walkers from all walks of life toed the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What made the day even more special this year was …
Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa
Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.
“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.
South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.
“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”
The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.
Tourism Master Plan
Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan.
An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods.
Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.
“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences.
“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said.
Competition Commission’s work commended
Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.
This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.
“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30
By Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf For hotel operators in South Africa, Tourism Month represents a unique business opportunity with the potential for substantial growth and sustainability. Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf in Johannesburg, shares a heartening perspective on the state of tourism …
South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa’s tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more …
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the African Embassies in Bangkok, namely, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen University and Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation organised the Colours of Africa 2023 events during 13 - 14 September on 21 September 2023. The events sought to promote public awareness, including the private sector and the academia, on the African continent, as well as the potential of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa.
The activities included:
1. The Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa on 13 September 2023 at Avani Hotel Khon Kaen, with speakers including African ambassadors to Thailand and successful Thai entrepreneurs. The session observed the exchange of knowledge on trade and investment opportunities in Africa, as well as first-hand experience on conducting business in the region to the audience comprising of entrepreneurs from Khon Kaen and nearby provinces.
2. Academic Lecture on Africa on 14 September 2023 at Khon Kaen University, under the topic “The African Union Agenda 2063” and “Nelson Mandela: The Epitome of Ethical Leadership in Africa and the World: Learning from his Legacy for a better Africa and a Humane World Order,” was given by the African Ambassadors to Thailand, with more than 300 students and lecturers from Khon Kaen University participated. On this occasion, the African Ambassadors also visited the university's Faculty of Agriculture, which already had academic cooperation with various universities in Africa.
3. The Student Quiz Competition, Games and Exhibitions to enhance knowledge on Africa on 21 September 2023 at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 200 participants, including students and teachers from 23 Thai schools around Thailand affiliated with the Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation. During the quiz's final round, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, and African Ambassadors to Thailand were invited to ask questions and present scholarships to the winning teams, as well as tokens of appreciation and certificates to all participating students.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
SA should accelerate mass youth employment, entrepreneurship - Mashatile
South Africa should prioritise the creation of mass youth employment and business opportunities, said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President believes that this should be done by implementing policies that foster entrepreneurship, enhance vocational training, improve access to finance, and encourage private-sector investment.
“We can empower our youth and pave the way for a prosperous future,” he stressed.
The country’s second-in-command was delivering the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) Gala Dinner at the Marriot Hotel in Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The platform focused on “assessing government and private sector policies necessary for mass youth employment and business opportunities in South Africa”.
“This theme serves as a compelling call for both the government and private sector to collaborate to evaluate and deliberate on strategies that can expedite the involvement of young individuals in the critical sectors of the economy.”
As government, he told the delegates that the government values the role that youth and youth bodies, including SAYEC, play in moulding the nation's future and propelling its development.
“Your energy, creativity, and determination possess the potential to unlock untapped opportunities within our economy.”
He acknowledged that like other countries globally, South Africa is grabbling with challenges of unemployment.
“Furthermore, some challenges are associated with effectively integrating young people into the economy.”
He also stressed a need for further development of the skills necessary to secure formal employment or establish successful business opportunities specifically tailored for youth.
Deputy President Mashatile encouraged youngsters with an aptitude for business to grab entrepreneurial opportunities and start enterprises relevant to their skills.
“South Africa has a diverse economy with several promising sectors that entrepreneurs can take advantage of.”
He said sectors currently driving the economy include manufacturing, retail, financial services, mining, agriculture, tourism, and the green industry.
“The green sector offers a range of possibilities for entrepreneurs interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and practices.”
Renewable energy, he said, particularly solar, waste management, including recycling, and sustainable packaging is currently crucial.
“There are also opportunities to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in South Africa.”
He went on to touch on investing in the mining sector.
“We agree with you that this is an important sector that we must teach our young people how to run and manage these industries, as they are the future and next generation of industry leaders.
“The current state of the mining industry is not very impressive. We presently export raw materials, and we must create opportunities for youth-led manufacturing and industrial endeavours,” he admitted.
He said mining is a costly endeavour, requiring the creation of more funding opportunities for youth.
“I urged the youth to interact with a variety of investors to provide more capital so that the youth can transform their ideas into reality and become producers and not just consumers.”
“We must create an enabling policy framework encouraging private sector investment in youth-focused industries,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 11:49
There is a perception that property is a good investment delivering healthy returns over time. A bonded property requires that the property owner practices financial discipline and makes regular monthly repayments with the end result being a fully paid off asset. Depending on the property cycle when the property was acquired, that perception has held …
The KZN South Coast continues to establish itself as a top MICE – meetings, incentives, conferences, and events – destination, with the announcement that the region is playing host to two new events. The first is the Khosathu House Jazz Club event taking place on Saturday, 23 September followed by one for the sports fans, …
South Africa is a land of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. When it comes to immersing yourself in the heart of this beautiful nation, there’s no better place to start than with a tour of Soweto, Johannesburg, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or an adventurer seeking …
The population of black rhinos declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500 individuals. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to more than 6,000 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring their population up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime—in this case, poaching of rhinos for the illegal international market for their horns—continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
The Namibian government and its partners in conservation, including communal conservancies have been at the cutting edge of efforts to relocate, protect and expand the range of rhinos in the country. While the threat of poaching persists, the impact of these efforts is dramatic. Namibia is now home to the largest population of black rhino left on earth.
TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME
Poaching remains the deadliest and most urgent threat to black rhinos. WWF is working with government agencies, local communities and other partners in Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa to support law enforcement agencies, develop and build on innovative tech solutions, and equip and train rangers to stop poachers.
In Namibia, WWF, with support from the USAID funded Combatting Wildlife Crime Project and INL projects, is working across sectors, agencies, and borders to help implement the country's ambitious law enforcement strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. WWF also supports the Namibian government in the implementation of its national black rhino strategy, in part by moving rhinos from parks with significant populations to other areas that historically held rhinos but currently do not—a process known as translocation. WWF is also working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other conservation partners to protect both black and white rhinos, including the maintenance of a comprehensive DNA databank used for forensic investigations and research, and the use of sniffer dogs.
PROTECTING AND MANAGING KEY POPULATIONS
WWF supports aerial population surveys at key sites such as Etosha National Park in Namibia. The surveys are critical for evaluating breeding success, deterring poachers, and monitoring rhino mortality. WWF is also working with partners to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies in range states to closely monitor key populations. When paired with boots-on-the-ground, innovative solutions like electronic identification and tracking tags, radio and satellite collars, night vision cameras, and camera traps provide critical data that is used to make important decisions for black rhino populations going forward.
COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION
Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1996, the new Namibian government granted communities the right to create conservancies — areas with defined borders and governance and management structures outside of parks — where communities have the right to manage and benefit from their natural resources. With long-term support from IRDNC, NNF, SRT, WWF and other NACSO partners, robust conservation efforts including community game guards, monitoring, community engagement campaigns, partnerships between the communities and private sector tourism, and translocation projects, which relocate species into new habitats so that they have more space to breed, have made enriched landscapes and lives in rural Namibia.
On World Rhino Day, we join our Namibian partners in recognizing their efforts to protect black rhinos – against tremendous odds. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of black rhinos in the world, but communal conservancies have allowed rhinos to roam free, outside of national parks. These communal conservancies—working with the government, nonprofit organizations and others—have restored populations of black rhinos, creating a rhino-based economy that benefits both people and wildlife!
For more information on WWF Programs in Namibia, visit https://www.wwfnamibia.org.
For more information on U.S. global climate and environmental priorities, visit Climate and Environment – United States Department of State.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism received a briefing from the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism on Tuesday on the implementation of the Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) recommendations for the 2021/2022 financial year and implementation of the recommendations made in the Limpopo and North West oversight visits reports.
Responding to the presentations delivered by the department and the South African Tourism (SAT), the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with how the recommendations have been implemented. The committee was of the view that the department did not respond to the recommendations as it provided general responses to specific recommendations.
In some instances, the department just indicated that the recommendation was noted without tangible explanation of its translation into action. The committee said the responses were incomplete and lacked detail. The committee called on the department to furnish it with a comprehensive report that addresses matters raised in the BRRR and given it until Friday, 22 September 2023 to submit adequate responses to the committee.
The committee will also afford the department an opportunity, in a closed meeting session, to provide an update on the outcomes of its forensic audits and consequence management taken against companies and officials who have been found to have committed financial malfeasance in the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects and other departmental programmes. This decision was taken after relentless, but futile efforts by the committee to get an update on the forensic audit report commissioned by the department.
The committee expressed its concern and shock when it was informed that the moratorium has not been fully lifted on the appointment of staff at SAT. The committee was assured by the Minister of the department that the moratorium had been lifted and that the entity will be able to start the recruitment process. However, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, it emerged that the moratorium has only been lifted on critical posts only.
The committee learned that the former Acting CEO was removed by the board based on the whistle-blower alert that led to an investigation. The committee acknowledged that the whistle-blower information was about an alleged bribe taken by the former Acting CEO. The committee accepted the decision of the board in bringing somebody without a cloud hanging above to allow a full investigation. However, the concern is not about the replacement of the former CEO, but rather about appointing the CFO as an Acting CEO of the organisation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, voiced her concern after the committee learnt that the Acting CFO at SAT, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe, has been appointed as Acting CEO at the entity. She said: “There is something problematic about this appointment and arrangement.” The committee raised an issue with financial delegations of the CFO as an Acting CEO in that there will be no clear demarcation if the Acting CEO who is the CFO takes financial decisions with organisational implications.
Ms Mahambehlala said the appointments of the CFO and the CEO should be corrected. She said good governance does not allow the CFO to act as CEO. “It is a wrong practice and as a committee we will stand by our conviction. This is an unfortunate situation where governance has been compromised at SAT, where someone is a referee and a player something which compromises the entity. We are a committee vested on knowledge and education, hence today we can refer to King IV report on the principles of governance.”
The King IV code of governance and principles assist the country and everyone in public administration for effective governance. National Treasury subscribes to these codes and implements them accordingly. “We now have an entity that disregards such important aspects as if it has no capacity. We take this matter seriously,” said Ms Mahambehlala.
On continued underperformance by SAT, the committee was concerned that although the entity has developed an audit action plan and a monthly dashboard to track performance, it was still underperforming whilst incurring over expenditure.
Regarding the first presentation that was delivered by the National Heritage Project Company, which has a monumental procession of 100 life size bronze statues located at Century Cit, Ms Mahambehlala said: “We note what the Director-General of the department suggested, in saying the government cannot fund establishments if the land of the tourist attraction or business is being run and operated privately.”
She added: “For the state to be able to assist, the Heritage Monument Project needs to have land that is leased by government. The committee will advise the National Heritage Project Company to approach the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify and provide a suitable land to support the project."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (https://www.AWIEForum.org) is delighted to announce the finalists for its 2023 AWIEF Awards.
Launched in 2017, the prestigious annual AWIEF Awards is an initiative to recognise, honour, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa across various industry sectors for their achievements and contribution to the continent's inclusive economic growth and social development.
An international and independent Panel of Judges selected the twenty-four (24) finalists across eight (8) categories. These outstanding women founders and business leaders operate in a diverse range of sectors and represent companies from fourteen (14) different African countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The 2023 AWIEF Awards winners will be announced and celebrated at a special ceremony and gala dinner at the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards, taking place on 9 and 10 November at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.
AWIEF Founder and CEO, Irene Ochem, said: “Given the huge number and calibre of the nominations received this year, it is clear that female entrepreneurship and business leadership is thriving across Africa. It is our honour to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of these women to the inclusive growth of their respective sectors, their countries and the continent's economy.”
A member of the 2023 AWIEF Awards Panel of Judges, John-Paul Iwuoha, Founder of Smallstarter Africa, said: "As a Judge, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of applications in all the categories. It is great to see how AWIEF continues to attract innovative women across Africa who are creating enormous value for society."
The finalists for the 2023 AWIEF Awards are (listed in alphabetical order):
Young Entrepreneur Award
Salamba Diene, CEO, BIOSENE SARL, Senegal
Joyce Kamande, Co-founder & CEO, Safi Organics, Kenya
Jovia Kisakye, CEO, Sparkle Agro Brand, Uganda
Tech Entrepreneur Award
Norah Magero, Founder & CEO, Drop Access Limited, Kenya
Kathryn Malherbe, CEO, Med Sol AI Solutions, South Africa
Kidist Tesfaye, Founder & CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia
Agri Entrepreneur Award
Chinwendu Nweke, CEO, Bridge Merchant Enterprise, Nigeria
Forget Shareka, Founder, Chashi Foods, Zimbabwe
Nonopa Tenza, Founder & MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa
Energy Entrepreneur Award
Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder & CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group, South Africa
Ifeoma Malo, CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria
Margaret Yainkain Mansaray, Founder & CEO, Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited, Sierra Leone
Creative Industry Award
Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco
Gladys Chibanda, Founder & CEO, Krafted Ink, Zimbabwe
Ararat Tamirat, Founder & GM, Tuba By Ararat, Ethiopia
Social Entrepreneur Award
Damilola Aminat Adeyemi, Co-founder & CEO, D-Olivette Global Enterprise, Nigeria
Kayumba Chiwele, Founder & Principal Psychologist, MindAid Zambia, Zambia
Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid and Research Association, Cameroon
Empowerment Award
Aya Chebbi, Founder & President, Nalafem Collective, Tunisia
Zulfat Mukarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda
Catherine Wijnberg, Founder & CEO, Fetola, South Africa
Lifetime Achievement Award
Rina Gunter, Founding Partner, Gunter Attorneys, South Africa
Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt
Anke Weisheit, Co-founder & Chair, PHARMBIOTRAC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
Tickets for the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards are available online at: https://apo-opa.info/3JHKUem
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
For more information and media enquiries, email: info@awieforum.org
Government turned down Limpopo-based Nekwana Trading Enterprise’s application because of shortcomings in basic impact assessment
SA offers a treasure trove of experiences
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says South Africa offers a treasure trove of experiences suitable for all types of travellers - whether you are a local looking to explore your own country without straining your budget or an international adventurer seeking new memories.
“We’ve got you covered! We are committed to highlighting the less-visited provinces and regions of our country. As we all welcome the peak tourism summer season, we must showcase the unexplored beauty and hidden treasures that await discovery,” the Minister said at the launch of the 2023 Summer Campaign in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.
De Lille said all the provinces have the “most amazing hidden gems” and that government is on a mission to highlight these hidden gems and showcase them to all of South Africa and the world.
She said tourism brings immense benefits to host communities and that these benefits must be felt in even the most remote of areas.
“We couldn’t have chosen a better province to do this than the province so rich in history and unparalleled beauty,” De Lille said.
De Lille said with over 800 kilometres of awe-inspiring coastline, the Eastern Cape province boasts some of the country’s most stunning beaches.
“Its landscapes are adorned with jaw-dropping rock formations and its ecosystems teem with a magnificent diversity of flora and fauna.
“What sets the Eastern Cape apart is its unique offering of the ‘Big 7’ – a thrilling roster that includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalos, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks.
“We all know the province, the home province of Tata Nelson Mandela, but it is equally known for its warm and welcoming people, who extend generous hospitality to all.
“In most successful tourism destinations worldwide, the domestic market serves as the bedrock of the tourism industry,” De Lille said.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel faced severe restrictions due to global travel bans, the tourism sector leaned heavily on domestic tourism to sustain itself.
The Minister thanked local travellers who nonetheless explored the country when conditions permitted.
According to the Minister, in the first half of 2023, South Africans took 18.8 million domestic overnight trips up 23.4% when compared to the first half of 2022. Overnight spend was also up by 21.2% to reach R52.2 billion.
South Africans spent 65.7 million nights away from home and this was up 24.4% when compared to the first half of 2022.
De Lille said they want to use the Summer Campaign to further foster a culture of travel among South Africans.
“We understand that for this to be effective, ensuring affordability of travel should be at the forefront of our efforts.
“We are well aware that consumers are grappling with the challenges of a high cost of living. Consumers are facing an overall rise in the cost of living, driven by escalating fuel prices and interest rate hikes among others,” the Minister said.
De Lille said to respond to the high cost of living, said the tourism industry continues to explore creative ways in which to make travel more affordable.
From January to July 2023, a total of 4.8 million international tourists arrived in South Africa, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
During Africa’s Travel Indaba in May this year, a significant milestone was reached when various stakeholders, including industry representatives and operators, came together to endorse the inclusivity pledge. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 14:50
Introduction In today’s digital age, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a cornerstone of any successful business strategy. In South Africa, where enterprises span a myriad of industries and regions, understanding the nuances of SEO is critical. This comprehensive guide aims to break down the importance of industry-specific and region-based SEO services in South Africa. …
Gain free access to SA's National Parks
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has urged South Africans to take advantage of the free access granted to the country’s National Parks during SA National Parks Week.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, the Minister said National Parks Week runs from 16 - 24 September 2023.
“National Parks Week is an ideal opportunity for us to introduce the majesty and beauty of the country’s national parks to the people, especially to communities who seldom get to experience and enjoy these areas of conservation, cultural heritage and biological diversity, right on their doorstep,” Creecy said.
The free access offered through the South African National Parks (SANParks) system is aimed at inspiring people to take pride in the country’s cultural heritage while spending time in and with nature.
She said elderly people who have lived all their lives next to a National Park without ever seeing what is on the other side of the fence must be taken in their thousands to go and visit their neighbouring National Parks.
SANParks will again host pupils, pensioners, persons with disabilities and many others. In order to qualify for free entry, all South Africans are encouraged to carry their identity documents; children below the age of 16 will not be required to provide identification.
“Since the inception of the South African National Parks Week in 2006, more than 619 292 South Africans, who may not otherwise had an opportunity to visit a national park, have participated.
“I am pleased to note that National Parks Week has gripped the imagination of some of our provincial conservation authorities, with the Limpopo Tourism Agency and North West Tourism and Parks Board joining to host Mahala Week where select game reserves in the provinces are offering free access as well,” Creecy said.
The Minister said conservation and the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity is a commitment that must be achieved, especially as government works towards expanding the conservation estate to meet international commitments and work to protect the natural world in a sustainable way for current and future generations.
Under the established theme Know Your National Parks – this year’s SA National Parks Week campaign kicks off in the Kruger National Park.
This world-renowned park is not only South Africa’s first national park but is also the largest spanning 19 458 square kilometres.
The Kruger is the sixth largest national park in Africa and not only boasts the iconic Big Five alongside a wide variety of wildlife and plants but is also home to unique landscapes and biomes.
“SANParks is among our institutions that is reliant on revenue generated from its tourism offerings and other activities. Tourism is an important part of our country’s economy and contributes significantly to Gross Domestic Product and job creation.
“As a preferred tourist destination, we should not lose sight of the importance of continuing to find innovative ways to continue to grow this sector. Key to this remains the partnerships between government, communities and the private sector. It is thus important to acknowledge the much needed assistance from the National Department of Tourism, which has supported several infrastructure projects in our national parks,” the Minister said.
She said R273 million has been spent on 863 Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), creating more than 5 364 full-time equivalent work opportunities in communities where there is little other formal employment.
“Every day, an average of 7 500 individuals employed by the EPWP enter our national parks and do crucial work such as land rehabilitation, cleaning of beaches, support of rangers and infrastructure maintenance,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 11:05
When it comes to first-class coffee-growing nations, South Africa has yet to reach its peak, however, one KZN South Coast-based coffee collective is finding a way to change this. RedBerry Coffee Collective, driven by Dylan Cumming of Beaver Creek Coffee Estate on the KZN South Coast, is building a strong base to increase coffee farming …
The Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) Labour Market Intelligence unit has recently released a survey to identify occupations in high demand, occupational shortages, and skills gaps in South Africa, and at a provincial level.
Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said: “in almost every interaction I have with business, big and small, the topic of the broken visa regime in the country comes up as a factor holding back their growth. The fact is that the current visa regime is a significant deterrent to investment and the expansion of existing businesses, costing jobs and economic growth right at a time when we can ill-afford to lose either.” said Minister Wenger.
To facilitate foreign investment, companies need to be able to easily access South Africa. Individuals who apply for critical skills visas typically help develop new sectors or to expand existing ones, contribute to increasing the complexity of the economy by bringing in skills that are not currently available, and help new industries through skills development in South Africa. This is why the investment and critical skills visas are key enablers of economic growth and job creation.
Responding to the release of this survey, provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger said: “I very much welcome the release of this vital survey. I strongly encourage businesses across the province, in all sectors, to participate so that we can gain a much better understanding of where the gaps are and therefore, what we can do it address them. Importantly, this will help us attract individuals with the right critical skills, so that they can contribute to our economic growth project.”
The DHET's survey on occupations in high demand, hard-to-fill vacancies and skills gaps can be found here(link is external).
To go even further, and in conjunction with the DHET survey, the Western Cape Government's Tech and Innovation team within the Department of Economic Development and Tourism has compiled a companion survey for businesses to gather information on their experience with, awareness of, and intention to use the Scarce Skills Work Visa.
“The insights gathered from this survey will be instrumental in crafting a provincial list of high-demand occupations which will play a significant role in shaping the post-school education and training sector, and subsequently the critical skills list. This will go a long way to assist the Western Cape Government to ramp up our lobbying efforts to address this key constraint on the growth of the private sector. Again, I encourage our Western Cape businesses to participate in our survey, which can be accessed here - https://forms.office.com/r/vN4JVMJy3e(link is external)” continued Minister Wenger
The fact is that we must urgently address the significant inefficiencies in the visa regime because they are holding back economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape and South Africa. We stand ready to assist in any way possible to keep and expand the businesses we have and attract the investment we need to create more jobs for the residents of the province. By participating in both the surveys, you can make a positive contribution to helping us unblock this significant constraint on the growth of both our economy and job creation” concluded Minister Wenger.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities, South Africa.
September is tourism month and a great time to focus on tourism marketing. Tourism marketers and industry role players will soon gather at the 4th annual Tourism Marketing Conference that will be held on 13 & 14 September 2023 at the CTICC in Cape Town. The conference will bring together industry marketers and tourism professionals …