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KZN Premier attends Climate Week in the US
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has embarked on a strategic working visit to the United States of America (USA) where he will be attending the highly anticipated Climate Week forum.
The Climate Week NYC, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, is one of the world’s largest annual events dedicated to climate action and sustainability.
The forum will take place in New York City from 22 to 29 September 2024. It brings together leaders from the world of business, including government, political change makers, academia, and civil society from all over the world, who will gather to drive the transition forward, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
Ntuli, who left the country this week will be engaging in high-level discussions and forming strategic partnerships during Climate Week.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government said Ntuli’s visit to New York underscores the province’s commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening ties with the USA—South Africa's third-largest trade partner.
“Premier Ntuli’s objectives include reaffirming the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States, advocating for enhanced international cooperation in tackling climate change, securing investments in green technologies, and implementing sustainable land-use practices,” the provincial government said.
The provincial government added that the Premier’s visit aims to achieve several key outcomes, including securing international cooperation; obtaining support and investment for renewable energy projects and climate adaptation initiatives; forging global partnerships; and collaborating with international organisations, climate-focused non-profits, and private sector stakeholders to advance climate action.
The visit also aims to showcase provincial progress, highlight KwaZulu-Natal’s achievements in climate resilience, including improvements in disaster risk management and biodiversity conservation.
“Ntuli’s participation in Climate Week and related events signifies KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive approach to global climate challenges and positions the province as a leader in climate adaptation and sustainability. The insights and partnerships gained from this visit are expected to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term climate resilience and contribute to sustainable development efforts,” the provincial government highlighted.
The Premier will on Friday hold a meeting with the South African Consul General to New York, Simon Cardy, which will cover a range of global issues, including trade, investment, climate change, food security and energy.
The discussion is part of a broader effort to align KwaZulu-Natal’s strategies with global climate goals and secure international support for the province’s sustainability initiatives.
Climate resilience
KwaZulu-Natal has recently faced severe climate-related challenges, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, hailstorms, and a tornado that have caused significant infrastructure damage, particularly in the eThekwini Metro, Ilembe and Howick areas.
The April 2022 floods, among the worst in the province’s history, resulted in over 400 fatalities and severe disruption to infrastructure, including port operations in Durban.
“These recent events underscore the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience. The Premier’s visit aims to address these challenges by securing international collaboration and investment to bolster KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to manage and adapt to climate risks,” the provincial government said.
MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has been appointed as Acting Premier of the province during Ntuli’s absence. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa will oversee the provincial responsibilities until the Premier returns. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:58
A recent survey across Africa by KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com) reveals that 84% of respondents rely on social media as their primary news source, with 80% favouring Facebook; This heavy dependence on social platforms for information is concerning, particularly as disinformation continues to rise.
With 19 African countries set to hold elections in 2024 and numerous political campaigns underway, worries about misinformation (unintentionally shared false information) and disinformation (deliberately spread fake news) are mounting. The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (http://apo-opa.co/3Bj92mY) reports that disinformation campaigns in Africa have quadrupled since 2022, often backed by foreign states like Russia and China, leading to social instability.
In response to these issues, KnowBe4 conducted a survey in June 2024 on political disinformation and misinformation across five African countries: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa. The survey, which included 500 respondents, found that the vast majority of users (84%) prefer social media for news consumption over traditional channels like radio, TV, and news websites. Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, notes, “80% of respondents are consuming news on Facebook and over 50% use TikTok. This is alarming as neither of these channels is very reliable in terms of news.”
The ability to discern fake news may be exaggerated
Another concerning finding is that 82% of respondents feel confident in their ability to distinguish between true and false information online, despite a generally low level of formal education on the topic. Collard comments, “While most respondents reported being able to tell the difference between real and fake news, I doubt this is the case. Other research (http://apo-opa.co/4di3hDj) has shown that most people overestimate their ability to detect deepfakes, and ironically, more people trust AI-generated images than actual photographs.”
The survey also revealed that disinformation is becoming a significant concern for many. 80% of respondents expressed high levels of worry about the negative impact of fake news and its potential to cause social division. “In Kenya, many respondents said they had seen firsthand how disinformation can lead to tribal conflict,” Collard notes.
She further explains that social media influencers using inorganic hashtags fuelled similar political discord during Nigeria's election last year. “Social media's rapid spread of false information and the increasing accessibility of AI tools allow for the quick and cheap creation of sophisticated disinformation campaigns.”
Collard adds, “As we saw when entities disputed the outcome of South Africa's 2024 election, there are individuals motivated to disrupt democracies and act maliciously to create chaos because it serves their own agenda.” Another historic example is the #whiteminoritycapital disinformation campaign (http://apo-opa.co/3XOF1Eu) run by the British PR company Bell Pottinger in 2017 to obfuscate state capture by former SA president Jacob Zuma.
Need for more training and tighter controls
The survey underscores the need for increased education and awareness surrounding misinformation and disinformation. A significant 58% of respondents report having received no training on the topic, while a concerning 32% admit to simply ignoring fake news, highlighting the need for a more proactive and engaged response.
“We need a multi-faceted strategy to combat disinformation,” says Collard. This approach should encompass enhanced awareness and critical thinking among users; coordinated government action to prevent the spread of fake news (including stronger legislation), and increased vigilance from social media platforms in detecting and removing disinformation campaigns.
“Fake news is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous attention,” Collard concludes. “To fight it effectively, we need a combination of new technology, better ways to prevent it, and most importantly, teaching people to consume media while thinking critically, particularly if it is emotionally laden or potentially polarising content. As the digital landscape develops, so too must our strategies for maintaining the integrity of information.”
To read the full 2024 Political Disinformation in Africa report, click here: https://apo-opa.co/3zxqZO7
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
In the vast and ever-expanding digital landscape, bloggers are constantly on the hunt for fresh, engaging content that resonates with their audience. Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA) feature has emerged as a crucial tool for uncovering the queries and concerns of internet users, providing a goldmine of ideas for content creators. This article explores how …
Deputy President's NCOP briefing postponed
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has written to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Tsipane, to request a postponement of the session for oral reply to questions scheduled for later today.
“The Chairperson has kindly acceded to the Deputy President’s request.
“In line with questions from the NCOP, Deputy President Mashatile was due to brief the council on the seventh administration’s plans to improve the performance of municipalities and accelerate service delivery challenges in some municipalities,” the statement read.
According to the Presidency, the Deputy President’s request was occasioned by two considerations.
These include the passing of former Minister and stalwart Pravin Gordhan, whose funeral is underway in Durban.
“The Deputy President thought it prudent to allow members and former colleagues of the Minister the opportunity to pay their respects fully and to show their support to the Gordhan family at this difficult time.”
In addition, the Deputy President has been advised by his medical team to take a week off from his official duties to rest and recuperate following the medical incident over the weekend in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
READ | Deputy President well after N’wamitwa Day celebrations address
“While the Deputy President is no longer in any danger and is in high spirits, he is following the medical team’s advice and has withdrawn from scheduled official duties for the current week,” the statement read.
According to his Office, the country’s second-in-command takes parliamentary oversight extremely seriously and has worked tirelessly during his time to boost the national executive’s accountability to the National Assembly and the NCOP.
“As such, he will work closely with the NCOP Chairperson to find a suitable date for the rescheduling of the session as soon as possible.”
The Presidency said the Deputy President looks forward to having an opportunity to appraise Parliament of the Government of National Unity’s efforts to improve municipal governance and service delivery, accelerate the process of land reform and boost South Africa’s agricultural output and food security.
The Government of National Unity is also looking into the imminent rollout of plans to fight crime, and deal with the emergent scourge of criminal extortion and other forms of economic sabotage.
“The Office of the Deputy President and the NCOP will communicate the alternative arrangements for the postponed session as soon as they are agreed and finalised.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:17
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The Maternity Support Grant is a government initiative
By Lumka Oliphant
Government remains committed to building a better South Africa for all, as envisaged by former President Nelson Mandela.
The more we get things right and strengthen legislation and policies, the more the target seems to outpace the five years of any single administration. One such example is anything related to social assistance or social grants.
Last week, two things caught my eye around social assistance that I think we need to talk openly and honestly about:
1. The maternity benefits or pregnancy grant as it was framed, and
2. The supposed underspending by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) of R4 billion on the grant – the second one being the most contentious one.
Let us deal with the first one quickly. I would have loved to delve deeper on the R4 billion supposed underspending but it is a subject of a court challenge and these facts will be part of the court case.
So, it would be premature to discuss these in the public domain.
The Maternal Support Grant (MSG) Draft Policy has been in the making by the Department of Social Development since 2012, when the department commissioned a study on the feasibility of introducing maternity benefits in South Africa.
At the time, the study sought to investigate state support options for vulnerable pregnant women.
The study was necessitated, amongst others, by the acknowledgement and recognition of the constitutional provision that everyone has the right to have access to social security and that those who are unable to support themselves and their dependents should access appropriate social assistance (Section 27, (1) (C) of the Constitution).
Following the conclusion of the study, an interdepartmental task team (IDTT) was formed. It was led by the departments of Health and Social Development, and included the SASSA, and the departments of Basic Education, Higher Education, Home Affairs, Justice and Labour, among others.
The team was also supported by national and international organisations with a particular focus on addressing stunting in South Africa – they provided technical support.
A workshop held in 2015 acknowledged all the pregnancy-related services offered across government, coming to the conclusion that there was a need to link them, hence the institution of the task team.
The central objective of the MSG Draft Policy is to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable pregnant women who are unable to support or take care of themselves.
It intends to introduce a state social assistance provision for vulnerable pregnant women in order to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable mothers and their unborn children.
The draft policy also aims to provide an MSG linked to related services from the first trimester up to the first 1000 days of a child’s life.
It is also expected to assist the Department of Home Affairs in its effort to register all births in South Africa within 30 days of birth.
Policy-making is a very rigorous process, which begins with research to gather evidence, developing a discussion document and subsequently a policy document.
This policy is no exception, and to this end, the discussion and draft policy document were extensively consulted across government, civil society, organised labour as well as potential beneficiaries.
Subsequent to having extensively consulted the discussion paper prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department conducted extensive consultations around the country – between May 2022 and March 2023, wherein a total of 27 consultations were completed.
The draft policy has already been taken to the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster – a normal government policy process – and has been given the green light for tabling at Cabinet for consideration for public comments.
It should be noted that this is a policy of government and should be contextualised as such.
Should Cabinet support the draft policy for public comments, we will encourage all interested parties at the right time to raise their voices so that we can strengthen our child protection services within the first 1000 days of a child.
Lumka Oliphant is the Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Support Services at the Department of Social Development.
Neo
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 08:38
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Suspect arrested for attempted murder, possession of illegal ammunition
Police have arrested a suspect wanted in an attempted murder case in Malmesbury in the Western Cape.
On Tuesday morning, members of the Malmesbury Crime Prevention Unit responded to information about a wanted suspect, who was in hiding. The suspect had evaded arrest after perpetrating attempted murder over the weekend, where a victim sustained a gunshot wound.
The information led the members to the hiding place of the suspect on Anemone Street in Wesbank, Malmesbury, where they found and apprehended the 22-year-old suspect.
When the members searched the suspect and the premises, they found a .38 special revolver and four rounds of ammunition. Further investigation revealed that the suspect had stolen the firearm during a burglary.
The suspect will appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates’ Court on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and attempted murder. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 08:56
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The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development today commended the Office of the Public Protector (PPSA) for a comprehensive report on its systemic investigation into administrative deficiencies relating to gender-based violence (GBV) in the South African justice system.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Xola Nqola, said the report's quality is evident when members unilaterally commend the sterling work done across parties.
The committee heard that the report focused on three key institutions – the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD), the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Social Development (DSD).
The PPSA inspected 38 courts across all nine provinces, interviewed court users and staff, engaged with NGOs, inspected the gender-based violence command centre (GBVCC), inspected the GBV Shelter - the Mali Martin Polokengong Centre, and received written submissions by DOJ&CD, SAPS and DSD.
Regarding their findings, the PPSA said that of the 38 courts inspected – bar the Point Branch Family Court in KwaZulu Natal – none were kept in an operational manner that supports efficient service delivery in terms of legislation. The court buildings were found to be old and dilapidated.
Some recently renovated courts have structural defects with cracked walls and leaking roofs. Several courts visited do not have private/sufficient consultation rooms, and clerks of the court consulted with victims in shared small offices. Most of the courts do not have proper filing systems and space. In some places, files were scattered on the floor. Long queues and inconsistent timelines were also flagged.
The committee heard that in terms of remedial action, the DOJ&CD must, within 180 days, conduct an audit of all courts as established in terms of the Magistrate's Court Act to determine their infrastructure needs/upgrades/renovations. Within 210 days, the department must audit the current filing systems at the various Magistrate's Courts and develop/upgrade their filing system in line with the National Archives and Record Services' Regulations.
Regarding the SAPS, the PPSA said victims are being sent to courts without receiving medical attention, and the clerks of court are then forced to arrange for such services. This is contrary to the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) and the SAPS National Instruction 7 of 1999. Also, applicants are often left on their own to serve protection orders on the respondents, thereby making them vulnerable to further attacks despite the DVA providing for servicing of protection orders by hand by a clerk of the court, sheriff and a peace officer.
SAPS must develop and submit a collaboration plan between SAPS and DSD within 180 days to provide support services to victims of GBV, such as trauma counselling, referral to shelters, and any other effort within this ambit.
In terms of the DSD, the committee heard they have 180 days to submit a detailed project plan to determine the GBVCC's human resource needs and develop a plan with clear timelines indicating how the capacity constraints in the GBVCC will be addressed and how the need for additional shelters will be addressed.
Mr Nqola said the committee requested that the PPSA provide updates on the implementation of its recommendations. “We commend this excellent work. It is important to remember that the remedial actions of the PPSA are binding on all stakeholders.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies is gravely concerned about the business rescue process at the South African Post Office (SAPO) following a presentation to the committee yesterday, 17 September 2024.
The Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) appeared before the committee to provide an urgent update on mitigation strategies to avoid the so-called Day Zero scenario. Day Zero – set for 30 October 2024 – is understood to be the day when the ailing national postal services are expected to run out of cash reserves required for their operations.
The presentation covered the progress to date with implementing the business rescue plan and proposed mitigation measures being considered by the BRPs, who have assumed full management and operational control of the company. The committee noted some of the BRPs' work to achieve short to medium-term objectives, including reducing approximately R1.2 billion in annual employee costs, right-sizing the entity and paying dividend awards of 12 cents in the Rand to all pre-commencement current creditors.
The committee has, however, expressed its dissatisfaction with the presentation, reaffirming its position that the BRPs have failed to present a cogent business case for the SAPO's long-term sustainability in line with their statement of intent at the start of the business rescue proceedings, to ensure “the stabilisation, survival and future-proofing of the SA Post Office”.
The committee believes that the BRPs were appointed to implement a three-legged mandate of rescuing, stabilising and ensuring the long-term commercial viability of the Post Office. In the briefing to the committee, the BRPs said nothing about the plan to future proof SAPO, except to say that they needed R3.8 billion from the fiscus. According to the BRPs, this money is used to pay the final tranche of the retirement packages to employees, meet obligations with payroll creditors and use the remainder for capital and operational expenditures.
The committee believes that to access the desired cash draw down from the fiscus, the business rescue process should clearly demonstrate the path to viability and sustainability beyond this requested bail out. Failure to do so is to absolve the BRPs of their obligation to the organisation.
Consequently, the committee has called on the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Molatsi, to urgently establish a Ministerial Intervention Team (MIT) to work with the Business Rescue Practitioners and the National Treasury, amongst others, to develop a strong business case to save and restore the Post Office as a reinvigorated going concern. The MIT should, amongst other actions, urgently convene stakeholders and other industry players in the postal services, courier and e-commerce sectors to engage on proposals towards strategic, sustainable and value-creating private sector partnerships. Due consideration should also be given to exploring opportunities to leverage SAPO's extensive property assets for retail, residential and student accommodation purposes.
To support the process, the committee shall also engage with its counterparts in Parliament to aggressively enhance support for the SAPO by the rest of government. Furthermore, the committee shall also seek a joint meeting with the Standing Committee on Finance to explore any available measures that can be put in place to salvage the situation. The committee firmly believes that no effort must be spared to rescue and revive the South African Post Office as a vital state institution with an important mandate to connect people to one another and to the government in a fast-evolving technological age.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Digital platforms crucial to keeping citizens connected
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has emphasised the significance of digital platforms like Meta in connecting citizens and empowering them through educational content, job opportunities, service announcements and real-time communication.
“This is indeed a step towards creating a more informed and connected society where government is responsive to the needs of citizens,” he said on Wednesday.
The Deputy Minister was delivering a keynote address through a virtual platform at the second Meta for Government Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Meta, in partnership with the Ministry in the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), is hosting this year’s summit, which is currently underway.
The Deputy Minister said the summit’s timing was crucial as it confronts digital age challenges and opportunities for government communication and economic growth in South Africa.
He believes that South Africa is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in the way government governs and engages with citizens.
“Digital media platforms such as those provided by Meta play a pivotal role in this journey by helping us connect with our citizens more directly, openly and effectively.
“Government has made digital engagement central to our efforts to uplift our people and empower them to take charge of their destinies,” he told the attendees.
He said digital tools can drive economic inclusion and ensure all citizens benefit from Meta's platforms, the parent company of Facebook.
“This is particularly crucial for small businesses and entrepreneurs who have used these platforms to create jobs and expand their reach.”
Fake news
The conversation also addressed the challenges of misinformation and the need for media sustainability.
Shifting his focus to online threats, fake news, disinformation, misinformation and deepfakes, he said government continues to witness the unintended consequences of social media platforms.
“These issues relate to the immigration of bad practices, some of which have resulted in high levels of cyberbullying directed at journalists, children, youth and people with disabilities.”
He said the South African government viewed the spread of misinformation as a serious threat and called on platforms such as those managed by Meta to play an active role in curbing this “unwelcome reality”.
The Deputy Minister underscored ethical digital tool usage, with a call for collaboration to ensure safe and effective digital engagement.
Morolong welcomed Meta’s ongoing efforts to tackle disinformation by employing fact-checkers, developing sophisticated content moderation systems and supporting digital literacy initiatives.
“This is vital to ensuring that citizens receive accurate information that they can trust and are protected from malicious content designed to cause discomfort,” he added.
Southern Africa Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Thabo Makenete, highlighted the use of WhatsApp for event announcements and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to create richer content and broader reach.
He described AI as a breakthrough technology of the 21st century with a focus on its potential to solve new and old problems.
Makenete emphasised the need for government to embrace AI to enhance message reach and content richness. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 11:40
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Cooler weekend expected, says weather service
While many South Africans are experiencing a hot to very hot start to spring with the first heat wave of the season occurring over parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, cooler weather is expected from Thursday.
Weather conditions are expected to change significantly as a cold front and cut-off low-pressure system will introduce wintery conditions to the Western Cape, southern parts of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape from Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Significantly colder conditions will then spread to KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Mpumalanga on Friday, 20 September, and reach Gauteng, North West and Limpopo on Saturday, 21 September.
“Disruptive snowfall and bitterly cold conditions are expected to affect the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape (especially the north-eastern high-ground) from Thursday, spreading to the eastern and southern high-ground of the Free State, the western and southern high-ground of KwaZulu-Natal and extending as far as the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga on Friday into Saturday morning,” the SA Weather Service (SAWS) said in a statement.
The public and small stock farmers are advised to take the necessary precautions ahead of the expected adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety and health of their animals.
A cold front arrives in the Western Cape today resulting in showers and rain over the south-western parts, spreading to the Garden Route and Little Karoo by this evening and to the Eastern Cape tomorrow.
“It will be cold to very cold over parts of the Western Cape interior and the Eastern Cape on Thursday. Strong to near-gale force winds with rough seas of 4 to 6 metres are likely along the Western Cape coast today, spreading to parts of the Eastern Cape coast overnight and to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow.
“Light snowfalls are likely to occur over the eastern mountains of the Western Cape and the northern high-ground and mountains of the Eastern Cape, mainly from Thursday afternoon into the evening, while becoming disruptive over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape later in the evening,” the Weather Service said.
In contrast, very hot to extremely hot temperatures - exceeding 38 to 40°C - are expected to occur over parts of the Limpopo Valley and Lowveld of Limpopo ahead of this system.
On Friday, an intense cut-off low pressure system will develop along the border of the Northern and Eastern Cape provinces and will move into the southern parts of the Free State in the evening.
This system will result in widespread showers and thundershowers over parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (with possible heavy rainfall along the coastal regions), while scattered thunderstorms are possible over parts of Gauteng, western Limpopo, the eastern parts of the North West and the Free State as well as parts of Mpumalanga.
Bitterly cold daytime temperatures of 4 to 8°C can be expected over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the eastern Free State, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, where widespread snowfall is likely.
SAWS said current numerical weather prediction models indicate the possibility of light snowfall over the southern parts of Gauteng and the remainder of the Highveld of Mpumalanga on Saturday morning.
“However, there is significant uncertainty regarding this outlook, as the forecast may still change.”
Disruptive snowfall of 15 to 30 cm can be expected over the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the western and southern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State and the southern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga, mainly on Friday continuing into Saturday morning.
“This may result in the closure of mountain passes, loss of livestock and crops, and affect major traffic routes (parts of the N3, N5 and N11). Cold to very cold daytime temperatures (8 to 12°C) can also be expected over Gauteng and the eastern parts of North West on Saturday, 21 September.
The cut-off low is expected to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday across eastern South Africa.
The weather service will therefore continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required.
The public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 14:58
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In recognition of the critical role that gender plays in the sustainability and success of small-scale fisheries, AU-IBAR, Mabuyi Development Planners, and he Blue Wild Coast Non-Profit Organization (South Africa) are hosting a two-day community workshop in East London, South Africa. The workshop, running from September 18-19, 2024, aims to develop a Gender Plan of Action for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in small-scale fisheries to support aquatic biodiversity conservation efforts in South Africa. This event serves as a vital platform to address gender disparities in the fisheries sector, amplify the voices of women, and establish gender-sensitive policies and strategies.
Objective of the Workshop
The workshop engages stakeholders from various sectors to co-create and enrich a Gender Policy Document for environmental NGOs. Specifically, it seeks to mainstream gender into aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management efforts. Through this collaborative process, the event addresses gender inequalities in small-scale fisheries, enhances female participation in decision-making, and ensures that women's roles are better recognized across the fisheries value chain.
Participants and Stakeholders
This multi-stakeholder event brings together representatives from AU-IBAR, government agencies, local cooperatives, private sector actors, and gender advocacy organizations, including the South African Network for Women in Fisheries (SANWFA) and the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET). Collectively, these organizations focus on strengthening the roles of women and youth in small-scale fisheries and advancing gender mainstreaming in the sector.
Opening Remarks and Keynotes
The first day of the workshop opens with welcoming remarks from the Blue Wild Coast NPO, emphasizing the importance of civil society in empowering communities with fishing rights and elevating the often-overlooked contributions of women in fisheries.
- Ms. Francisca Mhuriro, who represented the Director of AU-IBAR, delivered an address, emphasising the need for gender equality in aquatic biodiversity conservation. “Equal participation of both men and women in conserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems is crucial for Africa's blue economy development,” she stated. “Yet, women are often marginalized in decision-making due to cultural norms. These constraints limit their access to resources and participation in the sector.” Ms. Mhuriro highlights frameworks such as the Beijing Declaration and Malabo Declaration, which call for affirmative actions to include women in economic opportunities and urges participants to adopt inclusive approaches in fisheries management.
- Mr. Zamkhaya Maseti, representing the Premier's Office of the Eastern Cape, shared insights into the Eastern Cape province's Blue Oceans Economy Master Plan, developed in partnership with Nelson Mandela University. “For our province to realize its potential in the blue economy, access to equipment and capacity-building for women is crucial,” he noted. Maseti called for more partnerships with civil society organisations to empower coastal communities, urging for protection from exploitation by external investors.
- Ms. Thabisa Sigwela, from the Buffalo City Maritime Cluster, spoke about her organization's work supporting projects related to coastal marine tourism, ocean governance, and small harbor development. “South Africa's 3,000-kilometer coastline is vital for improving the livelihoods of coastal communities,” she noted. Sigwela stressed the need for strategies that balance the exploitation of natural resources with long-term sustainability, emphasizing the importance of involving rural communities, especially women and youth, in these initiatives.
- Ms. Mashebane Thosago, representing SANWFA and AWFISHNET, called for greater female leadership in the fisheries sector. “Gender issues affect every aspect of our lives, and women must be at the forefront of shaping policies that influence their livelihoods,” she stated. Thosago encouraged participants to engage openly in discussions, noting that while sensitive issues may arise, such dialogue is necessary to foster inclusivity and progress.
- Ms. Nozuko Ntsokota, from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), addressed the barriers women face in accessing markets and infrastructure. “Market access is a significant challenge for small-scale fishers, especially women,” she noted. Ntsokota highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to open opportunities for women in fisheries cooperatives and praised the mentorship programs being developed for traditional fishers.
Workshop Structure and Themes
Throughout the workshop, participants are expected to gain valuable insights from key stakeholders who discuss current challenges and opportunities for gender equality in small-scale fisheries. The workshop is structured around several key themes:
1. Gender Mainstreaming in Fisheries: Participants will explore concepts of gender mainstreaming and how these apply to aquatic biodiversity conservation. Case studies demonstrate how gender integration can enhance sustainability in fisheries management.
2. Gender Roles in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation: A dedicated session will examine the distinct roles men and women play in aquatic biodiversity conservation. Although women often engage in fish processing and trading, their involvement in resource management and decision-making is frequently overlooked.
3. Small Group Discussions: Participants break into stakeholder-specific groups to identify challenges faced by women in the fisheries value chain. These discussions focus on practical solutions to improve women's access to resources and leadership positions.
4. Capacity Building and Policy Development: On the second day, SANWFA will lead a session on gender analysis tools, providing participants with practical strategies for addressing gender disparities. The workshop concludes with the development of a comprehensive Gender Action Plan, which serves as a guide for NGOs working in small-scale fisheries across South Africa.
Why This Workshop Matters
Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation in South Africa. However, women remain underrepresented and face substantial barriers to participation and leadership. This workshop provides a platform to address these challenges through dialogue, gender-sensitive policy development, and capacity building.
By the end of the two-day workshop, participants are expected to create a comprehensive Gender Action Plan tailored to the realities of NGOs working in small-scale fisheries. This collaborative effort promotes more inclusive and sustainable fisheries management in South Africa, aligning with the goals of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project under the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).
Addressing the tech skills shortage needs to become a national imperative, says MANCOSA South Africa has faced two major cyber security breaches this year and has been the victim of ongoing cyber abuse over a significant period, which cost millions of Rands in losses. Over the past ten years, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) …
Local company sets sights on international markets
A Mamelodi-based detergents company is determined to take full advantage of the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme and export their products to international markets.
This was said by the Founder and Managing Director of TOSH Detergents, Lufuno Rasoesoe.
She was speaking during the recent alumni event of the programme that was hosted by South Africa and Germany in Sandton.
According to Rasoesoe, participating in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme has been of significant benefit to her Gauteng company.
In April, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation to formalise a programme to train and mentor emerging exporters from South Africa to access the German market.
“Through the business-to-business meetings and visits to various manufacturing plants in Germany, I gained valuable insights into how we can improve our own manufacturing plant.
“The exposure to advanced processes and operational standards inspired the factory plans that we are currently developing, as well as the implementation of more efficient standard operating systems. This experience has given us a clearer vision of how to elevate our production capabilities and meet global standards,” Rasoesoe said.
She explained that after participating in the programme, her company was invited to participate in the Africa Start-up Connect Week in Berlin, Germany.
At that event, she met entrepreneurs from across the African continent and was exposed to a wealth of export opportunities within the continent.
“This has broadened my network and opened doors for potential collaborations and expansion into various African markets, bringing us closer to our goal of growing TOSH Detergents' presence internationally."
She added that her participation in the Partnering in Business with Germany Programme and the Rand Show Exhibition, both with the assistance of the dtic has impacted positively on her business.
“Both experiences were incredibly valuable for my business. The Rand Show Exhibition provided us with great exposure to a wider audience, allowing us to showcase our products and build new connections.
“The Partnering in Business with Germany Programme offered insights into international markets, manufacturing best practices, and potential export opportunities.
“These experiences have been instrumental in growing our brand and expanding our market reach,” Rasoesoe said.
TOSH Detergents was formed in March 2021 as a business initiative aimed at addressing the need for affordable, high-quality cleaning products in South Africa.
The company was inspired by the desire to create a sustainable business that could provide essential household products while also empowering local communities.
“TOSH Detergents does not only fill a gap in the market, but also promotes job creation and economic development, particularly in the previously disadvantaged areas,” she said.
READ | SA-Germany to place trade and investment under the spotlight
The company currently employs 15 people, nine in the production area, and six as merchandisers and sales agents.
TOSH Detergents products can be found at Shoprite, Checkers, Makro Online, Takealot, Zulzi and distributors in various provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:12
South Africa, 18 September 2024 – As South Africa grapples with a staggering rise in road accidents, IQTech, a leader in telematics technology, is spearheading efforts to enhance road safety through cutting-edge solutions. Recent statistics from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to curb road fatalities, which have reached …
Green Hydrogen programme makes progress
Since the gazetting of nine Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) by Infrastructure at a Capex value of R300 billion, the Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has attracted projects with the Capex value of over R800 billion with about 20% of the total investments at the bankable feasibility stage.
This is according to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, who was speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The gazetting of the SIPs was done by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2022.
According to Zikalala, most of these projects are at different stages of development ranging from prefeasibility to execution.
These projects include the Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) in Johannesburg which entails a fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng, the Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape, Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project driven by the Northern Cape provincial government.
Other projects include the Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape, Arcelor Mittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape and the Sasolburg 60MW H2 production in Gauteng.
Zikalala said South Africa only needed one percent of the country’s land area to support green hydrogen economy initiatives, creating jobs and improving the economy. He said this was unusable land for agriculture and human settlements.
The Deputy Minster said ISA acted as one of the government enablers for the South African green hydrogen opportunity.
He said that by gazetting the GHNP as a SIP, ISA enabled projects to be placed on an expedited path to development with prescribed and shortened timeframes for various project approvals and authorisations.
‘The seventh administration has identified three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state," said the Deputy Minister.
He called on green hydrogen players to work with government in the creation of jobs in the green hydrogen economy.
“We look up to you to take a lead in facilitating green hydrogen manufacturing capability in a manner that localises the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Working together, South Africa can realise its potential to produce six to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives per year by 2050.
“We reiterate that South Africa as a green hydrogen investment destination still offers substantial additional investment opportunities including green shipping, green fertiliser production, electrolyser manufacturing, pipeline development, green field port developments’, said Zikalala. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:26