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SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is working towards transforming the economy by turning the country into a “manufacturing hub”.
“We plan to move from being a large importer of manufactured products to being a major exporter,” the President said on Wednesday.
Addressing the South Africa-China Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Chinese companies will find there are innumerable business opportunities to manufacture products in South Africa using the country’s excellent industrial experience.
“We have seen this happen in our automotive industry. We have ambitious plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.
“We are on a path to revolutionise our energy sector in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient development,” the President said.
He said South Africa is actively seeking investment in the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewables and green hydrogen.
“China has a proven track record in developing innovative renewable energy solutions.
“Together, we can create sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions that benefit both our countries.
“By working together, we can create value chains that are mutually beneficial, leading to job creation and economic growth.
There is also vast untapped potential in technology,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said South Africa and China can collaborate to promote innovation, technology transfer and skills development.
“By leveraging our respective strengths and exploring new avenues of collaboration, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Our focus must now be on building stronger business relationships, promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, and creating a favourable business environment.
“The growth of the South African economy will support the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which opens access to a market of over 1.3 billion people,” the President said.
He said African economic integration is fast becoming a reality that creates enormous opportunities to expand production on the continent and to stimulate much greater economic activity.
“We are a country with enormous potential for growth and development. We are advantageously placed for companies looking to expand into the rest of the African continent.
“South Africa and China have vibrant, diverse and growing economies, with a wealth of opportunities for businesses wishing to expand into new markets,” the President said.
China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner.
Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has increased by a third since 2019.
South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China, and imports largely manufactured products from China.
“We are seeking to shift the structure of our trade profile and deepen our investment relationship.
“South Africa has one of the most advanced and diversified economies on the African continent. It has a vibrant business environment and a strong regulatory framework. It has a diverse, competitive and well-regulated financial sector,” the President said.
Since the start of South Africa’s major investment drive in 2018, Chinese companies have made investment pledges to the value of over R18 billion in the manufacturing, resources, finance and agro-processing sectors. This is the equivalent of US $1 billion.
“In the last six weeks, a number of Chinese companies have increased investments to support the expansion of their operations.
“These investment commitments are testament to the resilience of the South African economy and the many opportunities for foreign and domestic investors.
“It is up to us to seize these opportunities and take the economic relationship between our two countries to the next level,” the President said.
He said South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage.
It has further opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, beneficiation of critical minerals, and the digital economy.
“Let us work together to seize this opportunity and continue to build a more prosperous future for our respective countries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 13:10
Mahambehlala leads SA delegation to Africa Urban Forum
Human Settlements Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala is leading a South African delegation to the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The forum is a continental platform that seeks to promote sustainable development in human settlements on the African continent.
The three-day forum, taking place from 4 - 6 September 2024, will be convened under the theme: “Sustainable Urbanisation for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063”.
Established by the African Union Commission in 2022, the Africa Urban Forum is the only high-level continental platform that brings together African countries to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to address rapid urbanisation.
The objectives of the forum include raising the profile of urbanisation as an imperative for sustainable and resilient development in Africa.
It also aims to support inclusive and participatory human settlement development in Africa’s structural transformation and attainment of Agenda 2063 and facilitating dialogues and buy-in for sustainable urbanisation among Africa’s Heads of State and governments.
The department said South Africa has not been spared in the upward trend of rapid urbanisation, resulting in people emigrating to urban areas in search of economic opportunities.
“This emigration has put pressure on the government to provide affordable housing,” the Department of Human Settlements said.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister, Dr Dickson Masemola, and some members of the National Executive Committee Members of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) will form part of the delegation. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:23
Government welcomes positive GDP growth
Government has welcomed the country's positive economic growth, as reflected in the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.
According to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the GDP increased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, following a 0.0% growth in the first quarter.
On expenditure, real GDP rose by 0.5% in the second quarter, an improvement from the 0.1% decrease in the first quarter of 2024. Household consumption emerged as the largest positive contributor to overall growth, demonstrating the renewed confidence and spending power of South African households.
From a production perspective, the finance, real estate, and business services industry played a pivotal role, contributing 0.3% to the overall GDP growth. Other notable contributors include the manufacturing sector, trade, and the electricity, gas, and water supply industry, which saw a remarkable growth of 3.1%, driven by increased electricity generation and water distribution.
Acting Government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the second quarter's economic growth was a clear indication that South Africa’s economy is on a solid path to recovery.
“The positive trajectory also speaks to the effectiveness of the measures that have been implemented to support recovery and growth. The absence of load shedding has played a crucial role in revitalising key sectors, particularly the electricity, gas, and water supply industry.
“The government remains committed to implementing policies that will sustain and accelerate growth, ensuring that the benefits are felt by all South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
Government further acknowledges that sectors such as agriculture, mining, and forestry and fishing are experiencing challenges, but work is being done to provide relief that will ultimately restore growth in these sectors.
Mnukwa said government continues to support and foster an environment that encourages sustainable economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:14
Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme
The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window.
The window opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025.
The GTIP was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to enable and encourage tourism enterprises to improve efficiency in the utilisation of energy and water resources in their operations.
In this way, the programme not only promotes compliance with responsible tourism principles, but also offers a mechanism for enterprises to reduce operational costs so they can operate in a sustainable and competitive manner.
The GTIP has enjoyed much success from tourism enterprises who applied for support.
Mokgaetji Flora Phala from Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo said: “I was spending R2 500 on electricity costs per month. I now spend R500 a month, saving between R1 500 to R2000 a month following the installation of energy solutions. The GTIP is a great initiative that helps a lot and can be recommended to other businesses.”
Chris de Vries from Maribelle's B&B in Pretoria, Gauteng, said the amount spent on electricity was high before the installations, but it has gone down significantly.
“It is still too early to tell the exact amounts, but I have noticed a significant saving from the installations. I would definitely recommend other business to get access to this programme; it is very beneficial,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gugulethu Nogaya from Imvomvo Country Lodge in MaXesibeni, Eastern Cape, said energy consumption prior to the installation of energy solutions averaged at 24 000 kWh per month.
“Since the installation it has reduced our monthly energy consumption by half. We were spending approximately R60 000.00 on diesel during peak load shedding, but that has now dropped to less than R5 000 per month only when there are power outages. I would highly recommend the GTIP programme for all lodges, B&B’s and other businesses as it significantly improves margins by reducing cost and increases customer satisfactions,” he said.
The GTIP offers partial grant funding on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems. The application process to access the GTIP is done through two phases:
• Phase 1: The applying Tourism enterprises undergoes a resource efficiency audit during which appropriate efficiency measures and solutions are recommended. The cost of this audit is fully covered under the GTIP programme.
• Phase 2: Eligible applicants (who completed phase 1) are able to apply for grant funding support of between 50% and 90% on the cost of installing relevant technologies and equipment recommended during the Phase 1 (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant).
The GTIP is administered by the IDC and all applications are received, processed and managed by the IDC on behalf of the Department of Tourism.
Since inception in November 2017 and June 2024, the GTIP has had nine application windows from which 216 applications were approved at a total grant value of more than R140 million.
Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said initiatives such as the GTIP are contributing immensely to greening the tourism sector and in the process helping to sustain the future of this sector.
“Conserving our scarce natural resource is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism sector. As we work towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), programmes such as the GTIP become critical in reinforcing and supporting tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices.
“Accordingly, the GTIP aims to support tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities with green technologies such as solar PV panels and water saving measures. I therefore encourage businesses to apply for funding support under the GTIP,” the Minister said.
Tourism enterprises can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to read more on the requirements, eligibility and qualifying criteria and the application processes for the GTIP. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:33
Springboks vs All Blacks: Park and ride for free around CT on Saturday
The City of Cape Town is rolling out an expanded free park and ride service on Saturday, 7 September 2024, as the Mother City hosts four-time Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, for their Castle Lager Rugby Championship game against New Zealand at the DHL Stadium.
A sold-out crowd is expected at the DHL Stadium for the 5pm kick-off as the Springboks return to play in Cape Town for the first time since their victory against Wales in front of a 52 000 strong crowd in 2022.
It is also the first time the Springboks go head-to-head with the All Blacks in the Mother City since 2017.
“Cape Town is a city united in pride and excitement as we prepare to host our world champion Bokke for this historic clash against our greatest rivals. To support this major event, the city is pleased to announce an expanded and free MyCiTi shuttle service for spectators,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
This will cover fans from Century City, the University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Thibault Square and Civic Centre stations.
Stadium gates are expected to open at 12:30pm ahead of the curtain raiser between the Springbok Women against the Barbarian Women at 1:30pm.
The first shuttle from all pick-up points will depart at 12pm.
At the Civic Centre, the city will open its 475 parking bays for ticketed rugby fans on a first-come, first-served basis from 11am.
The free parking areas are accessible from Hertzog Boulevard and Civic Road.
The shuttle service from UCT’s Upper Campus and Century City Steelbridge E-parking will operate until 4:45pm to ensure that all spectators get to the event before the kick-off of the Springbok game at 5pm.
At UCT, spectators can park on the Upper Campus and catch the shuttle at the UCT Shuttle North Stop (beside the dam).
Century City Steelbridge E-Parking will have 500 free parking bays for match ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking area on Century Boulevard will be monitored by security but is at the owner’s risk.
On-street parking in the CBD is available for free from 1pm.
The last return bus from the stadium to the pick-up points leaves at 9:30pm.
“With the game sold out, we anticipate our roads will be congested on match day. But working with the event organiser, we have provided alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles to ensure people avoid being stuck in traffic.
“We would like to encourage spectators to make use of the park and ride system to alleviate the pressure on the roads,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
However, according to Smith, parking around the stadium is limited and people are discouraged from parking illegally in the residential areas.
“Illegally parked vehicles will be fined and/or towed away. We are deploying our safety and security personnel to work with SAPS in taking care of safety at this event. This is a wonderful occasion that a lot of people have been anticipating for some time. Let’s work together to make it a seamless and memorable experience for all,” Smith added.
Meanwhile, a dedicated e-hailing area will be established on P13 on Greenpoint Main Road between York Road and Wigtown Road.
Residents and motorists are advised that several roads will be closed and restricted on Saturday. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:07
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The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today held an informative and frank engagement regarding correctional supervision and parole boards in South Africa.
The committee was briefed by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on the structure and functions, challenges, and successes, plans to address identified challenges, and progress in legislation to overhaul the parole system.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee extensively discussed all the matters, with a key focus on medical parole. “The committee commends the presentation. Our questions and concerns were mostly covered. Some of the statistics on medical parolees and the way forward in terms of vacancies will be addressed to the committee in writing to further interrogate this matter,” she said.
The committee heard there are currently 52 correctional supervision and parole boards (CSPB) in the country, whose main function is to consider offenders for possible placement on parole and correctional supervision. The Correctional Services Act (CSA) provides that any sentenced offender may be considered for placement on medical parole by the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister. The Minister must establish a Medical Parole Advisory Board (MPAB) to provide an independent medical report to the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister.
The MPAB must make a recommendation to the National Commissioner, the CSPB or the Minister on whether it is appropriate to grant medical parole. The committee heard that the CSA provides a list of medical conditions for consideration by the MPAB when assessing an offender's medical parole application.
Regarding deaths of inmates while awaiting medical parole outcomes, the committee heard that during the 2023/24 financial year, 22 offenders died before their medical parole applications could be finalised. During the same financial year, 85 offenders had applied for medical parole, four of whom were released on normal parole, 43 of whom were recommended for medical parole, 13 were not recommended and 22 died prior to their applications process being completed.
“We have raised concerns. We noted that vacancies exist in some of these boards, which could be a contributing factor. The department will furnish us with further information we required,” Ms Ramolobeng emphasised.
Ms Ramolobeng further stated that some committee members had concerns about inmates who were granted medical parole as they were terminally ill, but more than a decade later they are still to be found functioning well in society.
The DCS said that statistics relating to this issue will be provided to the committee in writing. However, the committee was assured that the board reviewing such matters is expert in the health field. The DCS conceded that such exceptional cases do exist but maintained that the number is small.
“The department will provide us with the statistics of such matters, but they have assured us in the meantime that that figure is generally low. We will engage once we received the information requested,” said Ms Ramolobeng.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Powers and Privileges Committee today elected Ms Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe as the Chairperson of the committee.
In accordance with Rule 212 of the National Assembly, the committee is composed of 9 members. The African National Congress is represented in the committee by Ms Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe, Mr Gijimani Skosana, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule and Ms Nonceba Gcaleka-Mazibuko. The Democratic Alliance is represented by Mr George Michalakis and Mr Baxolile Nodada. The uMkhonto WeSizwe Party is represented by Dr Mandlakayise Hlophe, Mr Nhlamulo Ndlela and the Economic Freedom Fighters is represented by Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi with Ms Poppy Moilola as an alternate member.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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As the world observes International Day of Charity on 5 September, Dr Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact at Stellenbosch Business School, urges South Africans to confront the pressing realities of giving in a nation scarred by its past. He challenges the public and private sectors to view philanthropy not as mere charity, but as …
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) today decided unanimously to adjourn a hearing on the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This is due to the late and unjustifiable withdrawal from the meeting of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, who chose instead to attend the launch of an academic programme in Johannesburg.
“The non-appearance of the deputy minister is unacceptable. The primary role of the committee and Parliament is to hold the executive to account and the committee is not prepared to entertain late, unjustifiable withdrawals by members of the executive. The hearing will be rescheduled to a date to be announced in due course, where we expect the minister or deputy minister to appear in person,” said SCOPA Chairperson Mr Songezo Zibi.
Committee members from all political parties represented in the committee voiced their extreme disappointment at the deputy minister's failure to appear, after he had delegated political accountability to departmental officials. Mr Zibi will be writing a letter to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Ms Nobuhle Nkabane, and the Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile, to ask them to take stern action and ensure that the committee is briefed by the executive in accordance with the rules.
Mr Manamela and the delegation from his department were expected to brief the committee on various matters relating to the NSF and the NSFAS and on investigations into the two entities conducted by the Special Investigations Unit. The committee is disappointed that it cannot address issues affecting NSFAS and yet thousands of students are affected by its inefficiencies. The committee is also aggrieved that the money spent to fly departmental staff to Cape Town is wasteful expenditure.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Bay Harbour Market, a vibrant hub of culture and creativity, is thrilled to announce an exciting September Spring lineup of local muso’s who will be taking the stage in the coming weeks. Nestled in the heart of Hout Bay, this eclectic market is not just a place to shop for unique crafts and delicious food—it’s …
Minister Malatsi removes two USAASA Board Members
In a bid to restore stability and good governance at the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA), Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has removed two board members.
In a statement on Monday, the Minister said he informed Daphne Kula-Rantho and Boitumelo Mabusela of his decision to remove them from the board.
“I have removed the individuals, who are currently employed as civil servants, for failing to obtain approval and to provide evidence of permission from their employers to conduct additional remunerative work outside their official roles, as is required by law,” Minister Malatsi said.
The decision for their removal is in line with Clause 13 of the Governance Agreement, in relation to the Section 83 of the Public Finance Management Act that empowers the Minister to dismiss board members due to financial misconduct.
Minister Malatsi said that over the past few weeks, he has repeatedly engaged with both individuals and given them opportunities to submit evidence which would indicate that they have upheld the prescripts of the law, however, they have failed to do so.
“I went further and engaged their employers to request proof of any approvals to earn additional renumeration, outside of their official roles.
“The responses indicate that no such approval was given. Prior to that, my predecessor Mondli Gungubele, proactively pursued the same request but was not provided such,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister said the Auditor General has flagged that all board fees earned by the duo will be categorised as irregular expenditure and has indicated that the Department of Communications and Digital Technology (DCDT) should recover these monies.
To date the two individuals have collected R1 651 960.89 in board fees which they were not legally entitled to.
The breakdown is as follows:
• Ms Kula-Rantho received R1 288 966.87 over period March 2021 to July 2024.
• Ms Mabusela received R362 994.02 in board fees over period October 2023 to July 2024
“Let me be clear, we will not tolerate the abuse of public funds for the benefit of individuals who fail to uphold the laws of our country. I have instructed the Director-General of the DCDT to immediately initiate processes to recover the money.
“At the same time, I have instructed the DCDT to work with the acting CEO of USAASA, Luyanda Ndlovu, to conduct an independent investigation into on the veracity of allegations of abuse of state resources against another board member, Simphiwe Thobela,” the Minister said.
Minister Malatsi added that a process to replace the two board members will immediately be initiated in order to restore stability and strengthen good governance at USAASA, which is entrusted to promote universal access and universal service to every woman, man and child across the length and breadth of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:19
In a world often divided by differences, the Sounds of Celebration concert stands as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire. This extraordinary event, featuring a diverse array of talented musicians from across South Africa, will take place on 10th September at the WITS Linder Auditorium. The concert will feature a …
SA economy grows by 0.4%
South Africa’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024 with finance, real estate and the business services industry contributing most to the growth.
This is according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) which released the GDP results on Tuesday.
“The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point to the GDP growth. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate activities and other business services.
“The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade and accommodation,” Stats SA said.
According to the institution, manufacturing increased by some 1.1%, “contributing 0.1 of a percentage point”.
“Six of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates in the second quarter. The following divisions made the largest positive contributions: motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment; food and beverages; and basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery.
“The electricity, gas and water industry increased by 3.1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was largely due to increases in electricity production and consumption, as well as water consumption,” Stats SA explained.
Decreases in transport, storage and communication contributed a -0.2% of a percentage point.
“Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.
“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 2.1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops and animal products,” the institution added.
In terms of expenditure on GDP, Stats SA reported that expenditure on GDP grew by 0.5% during 2024’s second quarter after a decrease of some 0.1% in the first quarter.
“Household final consumption expenditure [HFCE] increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.9 of a percentage point to the total growth. The highest growth rates were reported for services and semi-durable goods."
The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on the ‘other’ category (4.5% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point), clothing and footwear (3.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point).
“Final consumption expenditure by general government increased by 1.0%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by increases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees,” Stats SA explained.
A decrease in exports out of South Africa was also noted.
“Net exports contributed negatively to expenditure on GDP. Exports of goods and services decreased by 0.4%, largely influenced by decreased trade in vegetable products; mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; and base metals and articles of base metals.
“Imports of goods and services increased by 1.7%, largely influenced by increased trade in vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; vegetable products; mineral products; and textiles and textile articles,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:06
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Former Prasa employee sentenced to 15 years in prison
A former Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (Prasa) employee, who was convicted in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge on Monday, has been sentenced by the same court today.
Daniel Mthimkhulu was charged with nine counts including fraud, uttering and forgery by allegedly misrepresenting his qualifications to Prasa upon his arrest in July 2015.
He claimed, among other things, to have acquired a Masters’ degree from the University of Witwatersrand, as well as a Doctorate in Engineering Management from the Technische Universitat Munchen (Munich Technical University) in Germany.
“As a result of the misrepresentation and fabricated CV, Prasa suffered prejudice in that his annual salary was unduly hiked from R1.6 million, as executive manager to heading the engineering services for a salary to the tune of R2.8 million,” said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, on Tuesday.
The Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Unit of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation was instrumental in ensuring that Mtimkulu was ultimately convicted.
The Johannesburg High Court had on Friday, 15 March 2024, attached both immovable and movable properties belonging to the convict in terms of the confiscation order of section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
The court further ordered that Mthimkhulu pay an amount of R5.8 million to Prasa to recoup the proceeds of crime.
The court on Tuesday sentenced Mtimkulu to 15 years imprisonment on count 1 and on count 4 and 8, the court sentences him to six years imprisonment served concurrently with 15 years’ imprisonment.
“This is one of the State Capture cases that has been finalised and the public can be assured that other State Capture cases on the DPCI table will be dealt with amicably,” said the unit.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya welcomed the sentence and applauded the hard work and efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams.
"This should serve as a lesson to would be fraudsters that crime doesn’t pay," reiterated Lt Gen Lebeya. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 14:05
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President calls for investments in SA
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the business sector in China to invest in South Africa and make use of the great opportunities that exist for growth and development.
“South Africa presents a great opportunity for companies in Shenzhen to deepen their global value chains,” the President said on Tuesday.
The President made the remarks during the Shenzhen Business Roundtable at the occasion of the State Visit to China.
“With the capabilities that your companies have, we encourage you to play a more active role in our economy for mutual benefit,” he said.
Impressed by how Shenzhen has over four decades transformed into a leading digital supply chain hub, the President said South Africa can learn important lessons from Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is home to the most innovation-based technology start-up companies in China.
“Shenzhen is now a leader in the knowledge economy. We are keen to learn more about the city’s journey towards becoming a global centre of technology, innovation and growth. As we work to develop our economy, we value advice, support and technical assistance in planning, infrastructure and skills development.
“As we undertake this just and inclusive energy transition, we see many opportunities for growth and job creation in the green economy,” the President said.
South Africa has made a firm commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in line with global commitments.
“We are doing so at a pace and in a manner that is appropriate to our country’s development path.
“We have introduced policies to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in South Africa.
“We are certain that companies such as BYD and CATL will find South Africa a unique and advantageous location that can serve as a hub to reach other markets,” the President said.
He said as a global leader in green energy and infrastructure, Shenzhen could be an important partner for South Africa as the energy sector undergoes a major transformation.
“Over the last few years, regulatory changes have stimulated substantial new investment in electricity generation capacity, mainly from renewable sources.
“We now have pipeline of over 130 confirmed private sector energy projects that will produce approximately 22 500 MW of electricity,” Ramaphosa said.
READ: China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
South Africa is also making significant investments in the electricity transmission infrastructure.
“In addition to securing our country’s energy supply, these investments will lay the basis for the further growth of our advanced manufacturing sector.
“This is further supported by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will drive a new era of industrialisation in South Africa and across the continent.
“With its abundant renewable energy resources and significant deposits of the minerals that are needed to drive green growth, South Africa is well-positioned to be a leader in the green energy and related industries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:38
The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday 7 September. Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities suitable for the whole family. The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos, Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae) is an indigenous delicacy that is only found in the Boland area of …
Collaborative effort uncovers rare meteorite in the Eastern Cape
A significant meteorite that fell in the Eastern Cape last month has sparked a collaborative scientific investigation involving several leading universities.
The event, witnessed by residents from different locations, has led to the recovery of a rare meteorite fragment, provisionally named the “Nqweba Meteorite” after the nearby town of its discovery.
On 25 August 2024, residents from Garden Route, the Karoo, and provinces of the Western Cape and Free State observed a bright blue-white and orange streak of light in the sky.
“The meteorite, after splitting into several smaller fragments, disappeared. Shortly after, witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and sensing vibrations,” a statement by the universities read.
Namely these institutions are: Rhodes University, Nelson Mandela University and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Little did they know that nine-year-old Eli-zé du Toit, while sitting on her grandparents’ porch in Nqweba formerly known as Kirkwood, would see a dark rock fall from the sky before landing near a Wild Fig tree in the garden.
She recalled that the rock – black and shiny on the outside with a light grey, concrete-like interior – was still warm when she picked it up.
The probe into the meteorite has since involved a coordinated effort between scientists from the three institutions.
The researchers have been working around the clock to establish various facts about the meteorite, including the probable origin, size and trajectory, and speed as it entered the Earth’s atmosphere as well as the possible fall area.
Dr Carla Dodd from Nelson Mandela University, immediately secured the sample collected by the youngster when the news broke, recognising the rarity and importance of such a find.
Meanwhile, Rhodes University’s Dr Deon van Niekerk obtained a permit from the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority to recover all fragments from this meteor for scientific analysis.
According to Wits University’s Professor Roger Gibson, the response time was critical if they were going to collect valuable scientific data and meteorite fragments.
He believes this was also crucial to explain to the local public that this was a natural event and how the individual parts linked together.
“Events such as these are incredible and are very exciting, both for the public who witness these falls and the scientists who gain invaluable information from studying the bolides and rocks,” said Gibson’s colleague, Dr Leonidas Vonopartis.
Nqweba Meteorite
The Nqweba Meteorite is believed to be an achondritic meteorite, specifically a rare type within the Howardite-Eucrite-Diogenite (HED) group.
It weighs less than 90g and has a pre-fragmentation diameter of less than 5cm.
According to scientists, the specimens have a dark black glassy coating with a light grey interior, peppered with dark green and light green grains and clasts.
“Such meteorites provide valuable insights into the inner workings of other planetary bodies, offering scientists a glimpse into processes like those that formed Earth’s rocks.”
Collaborative effort
“We are grateful that Eli-zé’s family immediately thought to contact us at Mandela University’s Geosciences Department upon making this rare find, effectively setting off this collaborative effort to study the meteorite and preserve it as part of the Eastern Cape heritage,” Dodd stated.
Meanwhile, Van Niekerk is of the view that it was fitting for Rhodes University, being in the Eastern Cape, to be involved in science regarding such a historic heritage event that's already touched the lives of so many eyewitnesses in the province.
The initial scientific focus will involve microscopic and geochemical analysis of the recovered meteorite fragment to fully classify it and understand its origin.
This investigation could provide insights into the meteorite’s source region in space and possibly identify its parent body.
“The discovery of the Nqweba Meteorite represents a significant opportunity for South African scientists to study a rare and valuable specimen from space, advancing our understanding of meteorites and their role in the broader context of planetary science.” – SAnews.gov.za
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Tue, 09/03/2024 - 13:06
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