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President receives report on Justice Minister’s VBS allegations

Location: News

President receives report on Justice Minister's VBS allegations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.

This according to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who briefed the media on the President’s public programme on Wednesday.

In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.

She has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the matter, where she denied having any improper relation with the company.

“As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with Ministers – including Minister Simelane – in the public domain,” Magwenya said.

He added that President Ramaphosa appreciated the “importance of the Justice Ministry in the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster”.

“The President is committed to ensure the highest level of integrity within the national executive. He will consider all the facts on the matter before making a determination,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.

“The President will brief the [NCOP] in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

“In his response to NCOP’s questions for oral reply, the President will also answer questions on progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya said.

The President is expected to “outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity” during his NCOP appearance. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 14:52

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Read morePresident receives report on Justice Minister’s VBS allegations

President Ramaphosa to attend BMW ‘start of production’ event

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend BMW 'start of production' event

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the start of production event for BMW’s new generation X3 plug in hybrid model vehicle.

This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.

During the South Africa Investment Conference last year, the company announced that it will pour in some R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane, Gauteng to build the next generation vehicle.

“The President is pleased that this vehicle will be exclusively built here in South Africa at the BMW Plant here in Rosslyn for the rest of the world.

“The President noted with appreciation BMW’s long history in South Africa and its footprint that has grown significantly over time. BMW’s investment in its Plant in Rosslyn dates back five decades,” Magwenya said at a media briefing on Wednesday.

The event is set to be held on 11 October. 

READ | BMW to invest R4.2 billion into its Tshwane plant

The spokesperson highlighted that some 95 000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by the company’s activities in the country. 

READ | President sets R2 trillion investment target

“BMW’s investment supports the South African government’s industrial and economic policy objectives of ensuring job creation, increased industrial output and export income, transformation, and the future sustainability.

“BMW Group announced a R4.2 billion investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023 as a demonstration of that commitment to South Africa and its people. This investment is now complete, and the President will be pleased to see the BMW state-of-the-art plant during this Start of Production Event,” Magwenya said.  – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:10

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to attend BMW ‘start of production’ event

TT Waterproofing Offers Premier Solutions to Protect Properties From Water Damage

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, Gauteng – TT Waterproofing, a leading provider of roofing and waterproofing services, continues its commitment to protecting homes, businesses, and industrial properties from the damaging effects of moisture. With over nine years of industry experience, TT Waterproofing has established itself as a trusted name in Pretoria and beyond, delivering reliable waterproofing solutions that safeguard …

Read moreTT Waterproofing Offers Premier Solutions to Protect Properties From Water Damage

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People's Republic of China have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government, Yang Chuan, signed a letter of intent which establishes a relationship between the two municipalities, which will bring mutual beneficial business investment opportunities.

Through constructive discussions, both cities have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.

Both cities, under the principles of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and benefit, will proactively engage in various forms of exchanges and cooperation.

According to the agreement, the cities will prioritise exchanges and cooperation in various areas to facilitate tangible results.

These include strengthening economic ties and industrial collaboration to create job opportunities and boost economic growth, enhancing port operations and promoting tourism to benefit both cities, and fostering educational exchanges to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.

The cities will also exchange and cooperate in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the manufacturing sector to drive innovation and development, emphasising technology exchange to advance innovation and technological progress, and focusing on sustainable development to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

City leaders and relevant government departments of both cities will maintain frequent contacts to discuss and address issues of mutual concern, ensuring continuous and effective cooperation.

To facilitate communication and information exchange, both sides agree to explore appointing the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office.

Speaking at a signing ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall, Van Niekerk said the partnership represented a significant step towards enhancing the city’s international relations and creating opportunities for the communities.

"I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai. By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding.

“I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities," Van Niekerk said.

He added that the intention to collaborate and cooperate marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai, emphasising the critical importance of international relations and cooperation.

“By working together, both cities aim to create job opportunities, strengthen economic ties, promote cultural exchange, enhance trade and investment, education, drive innovation in manufacturing, advance technological progress, and ensure sustainable development,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 13:11

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Celebrating a Decade of Rugby Excellence and Youth Empowerment

Location: MyPR

The Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, the brain child of the Cell C SA Rugby Legends Association, a prestigious rugby tournament dedicated to nurturing young talent, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Set to take place at Queens High School in Johannesburg from 22 to 26 September 2024. Since its inception with just eight provincial teams, …

Read moreCelebrating a Decade of Rugby Excellence and Youth Empowerment

Peace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

Location: News

Peace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

With the country commemorating Tourism Month in September, peace and safety have been highlighted as catalysts to grow the tourism sector, says Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe.

At an event to celebrate Tourism Month which is commemorated annually in September, Lobishe called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring peace and safety. 

Tourism Month promotes domestic travel, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings, and to highlight the sector's significant contribution to the South African economy.

This year’s Tourism Month is celebrated under the theme: "Tourism and Peace-30 years of connecting people and cultures”.

Lobishe said the metro’s focus area for this year is not only tourism safety but also diversification of tourism products to bring about memorable experiences for tourists.

"We have a past where there was no peace and safety was only for a few. Some people were not allowed to travel freely and be tourists in their own country.

“In recognising our past and embracing our future, we need to work collaboratively to create a conducive environment for the world to come to our city and celebrate with us,” Lobishe said.
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To deliver a memorable Tourism Month, Lobishe said the metro has mobilised critical stakeholders in the areas of business, and these include safety and security such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security, the tourism industry like the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, and relevant government entities and local based tourism practitioners.

Lobishe said the municipality prides itself as the best in delivering cultural experiences, “an element that sets the metro apart from its competitors.”

She highlighted another positive addition to the metro tourism offerings, the booming cruise industry. Last year, the metro received 36 cruise vessels with a 45 80 0 combined number of passengers, with an estimated economic impact of R77 million.

This year, the metro expects a slight increase of 40 cruise vessels.

“We also want to improve on the number of days these cruise vessels spend in our metro so that more jobs can be created. It then becomes important that we improve on our offerings,” Lobishe said.

Tourism ambassadors

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Shuling Lindoor said that as part of the metro’s efforts to improve on tourism safety, the directorate has hired more tourism ambassadors to work with the security cluster.

"Our primary focus is safety. We have put resources to complement the Tourism Month Safety Plan that is already in place, led by SAPS and the metro police. For tourists to have a memorable experience, safety is paramount,” Lindoor said.

Events

Meanwhile, as part of this year’s Tourism Month celebrations, the metro will host a National Cruise liner workshop to build relations and engage tourism operators on some of the metro’s unique tourism offerings.

The workshop will be held from 26-27 September and the Green Flag Trials - an offering that seeks to promote sustainable tourism - will be held on 28 September at the Van Stadens Reserve. 

“Nelson Mandela Bay tourism offering would not be complete without good traditional food and heritage. Kasi Food Festival will give tourists that special experience that will also offer a good platform for township tourism to benefit.

“This event will be held in Zwide Township on 28-29 September 2024. The month will be closed on a high note at the Mendi Arts Centre through an interactive of the story of New Brighton,” the municipality said.

In between the planned major events and programmes, the metro will be partnering with different entities to deliver an exciting Tourism Month, and these include Tourism Awards, Premier Soccer League games and cultural events. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:26

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Read morePeace and safety are key to growing tourism sector

Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Location: News

Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday, 13 September 2024.

The lecture will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus. 

The Presidency described the late Mamoepa as one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communications, and a dedicated public servant.

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture will honour the struggle hero, whose work in government communications helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address will centre around the “30 Years of Democracy: Reflection and Citizen-Centered Government Communications”. 

“The theme underscores the importance of accountable communication between government and its citizens, in line with Mamoepa’s legacy,” the statement read.  

The lecture aims to reflect on the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994, emphasising the ongoing need for citizen-focused communication and engagement between government and the people.

Mamoepa passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:36

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Read moreDeputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture

Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival

Location: News

Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival

The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Department hosted a successful Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival on Tuesday at the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria. 

The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, was joined by Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, at the festival. 

The event was part of a series of mini festivals hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education to showcase the diverse range of certified skills learners acquire through the Multi-Certification Skills Programme.

The department said the festival highlighted one of the most significant achievements of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme - the introduction of Basic South African Sign Language (SASL) to hearing learners from Grade 5. 

“While SASL is typically taught at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 4 and 5, the department has adapted the curriculum for Grade 5 learners, ensuring that inclusivity begins early in the education system. 
“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities by providing foundational skills in Sign Language, thereby fostering empathy and understanding from a young age,” the department said.

Miss South Africa supported the event as an honoured guest, celebrating the remarkable efforts of both deaf and hearing learners. 

The learners showcased their newly acquired skills in SASL and music, emphasising the importance of communication and the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

"The festival exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, breaking barriers, and building a society where no learner is left behind. Through SASL, we are fostering empathy and understanding between hearing and deaf learners, providing them with opportunities to become advocates for the Deaf community," Chiloane said.

The festival featured a music enhancement segment that incorporated innovative techniques allowing deaf participants to experience music through vibrations. 

The department said this effort ensures that the power and joy of music are accessible to everyone, further uniting learners through the universal language of rhythm and sound.

September has been a significant month for the department, as it continues to nurture the talents, creativity, and academic excellence of learners across the province. 

The festival concluded with a call to continue creating inclusive learning spaces where all learners can thrive and contribute to building a more connected society. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 12:09

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Read moreGauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival

UIF announces extended operating hours

Location: News

UIF announces extended operating hours

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that selected service points will be open on Saturdays to render services to clients and employers during the month of September.

“A decision to extend operating hours at UIF service points and to ramp up capacity was taken in anticipation of increased demand for real-time services, after the Pretoria High Court at the end of August 2024 issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from implementing a new contract for support and maintenance services to the uFiling platform,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement. 

uFiling is an online platform used by clients and employers to apply for UIF benefits or to register companies with the UIF, declare employees and pay over contributions to the Fund.

The platform is not connected to the main UIF system used to adjudicate and process claims. 

“Due to the uFiling platform not having any support or maintenance at this time, its services was suspended. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since the suspension of uFiling processed more than 181 000 claims at service points around the country, totalling a pay out of R419 607 185,” the department said. 

Extended operating hours will be rendered from 07:30 until 16:00 at UIF service points within labour centres during September month as follows:
•    In Gqeberha, East London and Qonce in the Eastern Cape province.
•    At the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay labour centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
•    At the Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane and Mbombela labour centres in Mpumalanga province.
•    At Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung and Rustenburg labour centre in the North West province.
•    Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain and Bellville in the Western Cape.

Registration of employers

New employer registrations can be done through BizPortal, available on https://www.bizportal.gov.za/services.aspx.

The department has urged its clients to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and will not be able to register employees. Employee registration can be undertaken at a nearby labour centre.

Registration can also be done by downloading UI.8 and UI.19 forms from www.labour.gov.za and submitting the completed forms to e-mail address newui8registrations@labour.gov.za.

Declaration of employees

Employers with electronic payroll systems may declare their employees by sending live payroll files to e-mail address Declarations@labour.gov.za or by visiting a nearby labour centre for services. 

In case of a manual declarations an employer can download a UI.19 form from www.labour.gov.za and submit a completed form via email to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za.

Regarding contributions, the department said an employer pays contributions to the UIF before the 7th day of each month. Where the 7th day is not a “business day” such as a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments must be made on or before the last business day. 

“UIF contributions are made up of 2% of an employee’s salary. 1% is deducted from the salary of an employee and 1% contributed by the employer.

“Employers who are registered for tax purposes and/or the Skills Development Levy (SDL), must pay their contributions directly to the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the department said. 

Employers can also pay contributions using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour website www.labour.gov.za and use their UIF reference number as the reference for payment. 

“Through queue management, monitoring of operations and staff repurposing the UIF has been able to adequately handle claim volumes around the country. The Fund is confident that by extending working hours it will be able to maintain the status quo whilst developing alternative online solutions for clients and employers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:51

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Read moreUIF announces extended operating hours

Nando’s Stare Down or Sosatie?

Location: MyPR

Nando’s brings a fresh dose of humour and deliciousness to screens across South Africa with its latest television ad, showcasing the country’s unique ability to embrace life’s challenges with a smile. Known for its cheeky advertising and mouth-watering flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, Nando’s continues to capture the essence of South African culture with its new campaign. …

Read moreNando’s Stare Down or Sosatie?

Textile industry remains a priority for government 

Location: News

Textile industry remains a priority for government 

Due to their labour-absorbing character, the textile, clothing, footwear, leather and general goods sectors remain priority sectors for government.

These sectors have always been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), with an objective to sustain and grow employment, grow output, and enhance their competitiveness.

This is according to the Director of Leather and Footwear at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, who was delivering a keynote address at the opening of the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

A group of manufacturers supported by the dtic are showcasing their proudly South African products at the exhibition.

READ | SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town

The department’s support of the local manufacturers to show off their wares at the exhibition is part of a continuous support to the industry to boost sustainable job creation and to increase exports of locally manufactured products. 

The show which kicked off on Tuesday, also offers the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors.

Irkhede highlighted the manufacturing sector’s tenacity, resilience and the know-how that enabled the sector to withstand various internal and external economic shocks. 

One of the measures that government introduced in order to mitigate the negative impact of the external shocks on the clothing and textile industry was the introduction of two trade remedies, namely the imposition of import quota on clothing imports from January 2006 to December 2008 and an increase in tariffs from 40% to the World Trade Organisation bound rate of 45% on a number of clothing product lines. 

These remedies provided some relief.

“The dtic also developed Customised Sector Programmes for Clothing and Textile and Footwear and Leather sectors in consultation with the industry for stabilisation and development of the CTFL (clothing, textile, footwear and leather) sectors. A suite of measures that were introduced as part of the sector programmes contributed immensely in stabilising the sectors and improving their competitiveness,” Irkhede explained.

He said the department was currently in the process of implementing the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Masterplan (R-CTFL Masterplan 2030). 

“The R-CTFL Masterplan is aimed at encouraging structural changes in the value chain to grow the domestic market, increase purchases from domestic suppliers, access and grow export markets and enhance value chain competitiveness.

“Its vision is to develop a competitive, sustainable and dynamic R-CTFL value chain that provides its customers with compelling products and that is invested in growing employment and advancing inclusion and transformation,” he explained. 

The masterplan is aimed to grow employment to 330 000 R-CTFL jobs through growing local retail sales to R250 billion, to expand local retail procurement of local CTFL products from 45% to 65%, equalling an increase from R32 billion to R 66 billion in ten years, and to improve competitiveness, technology, skills and transformation.

Irkhede added that to support the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the dtic announced a Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Growth Programme in 2022. 

R2.28 billion was allocated and 154 entities were supported and these employ almost 24 000 people. 

“The programme is well-subscribed, indicating the demand for capital to achieve growth, import substitution, new jobs and transformation,” said Irkhede. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:53

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Read moreTextile industry remains a priority for government 

President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector. 

The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.

“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
 

DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill

Former Kaizer Chiefs Defender Impressed With Varsity Football Developing Young Talent in SA

Location: MyPR

Former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Fabian McCarthy believes football development is key to improving South African football standards. McCarthy, 47, is impressed with how Varsity Football has changed and transformed the lives of young talents. “I was an under-20 when I made it to the national team, there was a bank sponsoring a …

Read moreFormer Kaizer Chiefs Defender Impressed With Varsity Football Developing Young Talent in SA

Ketamine Can Be Life-Saving or Lethal

Location: MyPR

Ketamine can be life-saving or lethal The anaesthetic drug ketamine can bring life-saving hope for people suffering treatment-resistant major depression or at severe risk of suicide, but unsupervised use or excessive dosages hold addictive and even lethal risks. This is the warning sounded by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) against the “recreational” or …

Read moreKetamine Can Be Life-Saving or Lethal

Understanding Childhood Cancer: What Every Parent Should Know

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores childhood cancer, its types, signs, and what to expect if your child is diagnosed. “September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognise the challenges young cancer patients and their families face,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While childhood cancer is relatively …

Read moreUnderstanding Childhood Cancer: What Every Parent Should Know

Funding Agencies Brief Committee About Tourism Business Development Programmes

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Tourism today met with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) to discuss the different tourism development programmes the two entities are implementing on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

The NEF gave an update on the Transformation Fund, a funding initiative targeting tourism businesses in previously disadvantaged communities. The entity's Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mzwamadoda Dayimani, explained that the partnership and co-funding arrangement between NEF and the department applies to all transactions supported under the programme.

“The department funds through a grant, limited to R5 million per transaction and if a transaction value is more than R10 million, the NEF funds the excess. The NEF portion is funded through a repayable loan,” Mr Dayimani said.

A number of the projects supported through this Fund are still in the development stage and servicing their loans. After paying off the loans, the projects are expected to be self-sustainable and create more jobs. The funding also comes with post-investment support to ensure they meet their financial targets and repay the loans.

SEFA Acting CEO, Mr Nkosikhona Mbatha, presented a progress report on the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) to the committee. This Fund seeks to increase growth and transformation and stimulate more inclusive participation in the tourism sector in line with the Tourism BBBEE Sector Codes. It also addresses funding challenges faced by enterprises in the tourism sector.

TEF's core funding activities focus on accommodation, hospitality and related services, travel and related services, and tourism-related products that support the development of the tourism sector in South Africa.

The committee Chairperson, Ms Lungi Mnganga-Gcabashe, said the department should provide additional funding for the programme to accommodate increasing demand, implement awareness programmes, and strengthen post-funding support to ensure the funded projects are sustainable.

“NEF must also increase its own funding because it is clear that there is a demand for this support and should consider stretching the repayment period because tourism projects take long to break even,” said the Chairperson.

Commenting on the SEFA presentation, Ms Mnganga-Gcabashe, said the entity should expedite processing applications for funding as there seems to be slow progress.
She also advised the two agencies and the department to consider the quality of jobs created through these programmes versus the quantity of menial jobs.

“We also need to ensure equitable geographical share of the programmes. Instead of approving projects in more developed areas, we must spread to previously disadvantaged communities,” she said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreFunding Agencies Brief Committee About Tourism Business Development Programmes

Shumani Industrial Equipment Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion on Women’s Day

Location: MyPR

Observed on 9 August, Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. A proudly Level 1 B-BBEE company, Shumani Industrial Equipment continuously strives to empower its employees through continuous training and development. “We are a truly diverse and inclusive business across all our areas of operation,” says MD Victor …

Read moreShumani Industrial Equipment Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion on Women’s Day

Committee on Home Affairs Agrees to Subject Draft Motion on Regulations on Political Funding Act to Public Participation

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has unanimously resolved that a proposed draft motion in respect to regulations governing the maximum amount of a donation that can be accepted and the threshold amount of donations that must be disclosed must undergo a public participation process to ensure that it is reflective of the will and views of the people.

The draft motion tried to remedy a lacuna in the Electoral Matters Amendment Act of 2014 as confirmed by the Western Cape High Court judgement in the matter of My Vote Counts NPC v The President and others. In making the decision, the committee highlighted the importance of public participation in line with Section 59 (1) of the constitution that compels the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in its processes.

The draft motion proposes that, in terms of section 24 of the Act, the President as soon as reasonably possible, makes regulations regarding the amounts contemplated in section 8(2) and 9(1)(a) of the Act in accordance with the process set out in that Act, and that the President in that regard considers amounts set by items 7 and 9 of Schedule 2 to the Act prior to its amendment by the Electoral Matters Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 14 of 2024), namely:

(i) the amount referred to in section 8(2) (upper limit of donations) being fifteen million rand in a financial year; and

(ii) the amount referred to in section 9(1)(a) (disclosure limit) of the Act being one hundred thousand rand in a financial year.

The committee will in due course communicate avenues that the public can contribute comments to the draft motion.

Meanwhile, the committee adopted a report on the draft notice determining the remuneration of Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years in line with the Determination of Remuneration of Office-Bearers of Independent Constitutional Institutions Laws Amendment Act of 2014.

The committee concurred with the President's determination on the remuneration adjustment of IEC Commissioners, that a retrospective salary increases of 3% be implemented for the 2023/24 financial year and 2.5% for the 2024/25 financial year for the Chairperson and other full-time Commissioners.

The committee will recommend to the National Assembly to approve the notice determining the remuneration of the Commissioners of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Furthermore, the committee received a presentation from Parliament's Public Education Office on their plans to ensure a rigorous public participation process on the Marriage Bill [B43 – 2023]. The committee intends on undertaking a comprehensive public participation process and the presentation laid a framework that will be followed to ensure that the public participation process that will be undertaken will be inclusive and meaningful.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Home Affairs Agrees to Subject Draft Motion on Regulations on Political Funding Act to Public Participation

Trigger Wins 2024 Xero Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award

Location: MyPR

Trigger, the US-based division of South African Financial Consultants Outsourced CFO, has been awarded the Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award 2024, recognising excellence in bookkeeping. Outsourced CFO, a leading South African financial consulting firm, is proud to announce that its US-based business, Trigger, has been awarded the prestigious Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award …

Read moreTrigger Wins 2024 Xero Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award

Founders Foundation Opens Applications for Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme

Location: MyPR

Founders Foundation has opened applications for its Accelerator Programme to Empower young entrepreneurs with essential skills in sales, marketing, and finance. Founders Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for its highly anticipated Accelerator Programme. This unique initiative is designed to empower South African entrepreneurs under the age of 35 by providing …

Read moreFounders Foundation Opens Applications for Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme

Serco’s New Light Weight Tautliner Trailer Combination Hits the Spot!

Location: MyPR

Durban-based transport company CR Logistics wanted to add a lightweight interlink combination trailer to its fleet… and chose Serco to build it for them! Serco delivered and Claude Moodley of CR Logistics is now more than happy with the result. “We decided we needed a new lightweight tautliner and looked at a variety of options …

Read moreSerco’s New Light Weight Tautliner Trailer Combination Hits the Spot!

Boxer Super Run Durban Announces an Impressive r147K Prize Purse in 2024!

Location: MyPR

The organisers of South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, are thrilled to announce an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. “The Boxer Super Run has redefined the standard for 5km events, and we’re proud to raise the bar even higher this year with an unprecedented R147 200.00 prize purse,” says …

Read moreBoxer Super Run Durban Announces an Impressive r147K Prize Purse in 2024!

Sosibo Targets Maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Podium Finish in Joburg

Location: MyPR

Fresh off a silver medal at the ASA Cross Country Championships, Cacisile Sosibo is now focused on adding another podium finish to her accomplishments, aiming for success at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Sosibo claimed the runner-up position behind Cian Oldknow in the senior women’s …

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