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SAPPMA Launches Educational Campaign Aimed At Senior University Students And Future Industry Leaders

Location: MyPR

The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) has begun conducting a series of educational lectures at selected universities and professional associations as part of their ongoing initiative to promote knowledge and awareness about plastic pipes within the academic community. The campaign, aimed primarily at 3rd and 4th year engineering students, already witnessed engaging sessions …

Read moreSAPPMA Launches Educational Campaign Aimed At Senior University Students And Future Industry Leaders

Steyn and Khatala in the spotlight at the Absa DASH YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

Location: MyPR

The final event in the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K, is gearing up to be an intensely competitive race with the announcement that Comrades Queen Gerda Steyn and the ever-consistent Neheng Khatala from Lesotho will both be taking to the streets of Johannesburg on National Heritage Day, …

Read moreSteyn and Khatala in the spotlight at the Absa DASH YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K

SA benefits economically from BRICS grouping

Location: News

SA benefits economically from BRICS grouping

Outlining the economic benefits of South Africa's participation in the BRICS grouping, President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed Members of Parliament that South Africa’s trade with the bloc has increased by an average of 10% every year over the period 2017 to 2021.

“The total South African trade with other BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] countries reached R830 billion in 2022, which represents an increase of more than 70% from R487 billion in 2017,” the President said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Participating in a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly, President Ramaphosa explained that BRICS is an important source of foreign direct investment in key areas such as mining, automotive, transportation, clean energy, financial services and information technology (IT).

These investments and projects lead to significant job creation.

“South Africa has experienced significant benefits through its membership as well as its association with the BRICS grouping of countries. South Africa uses its BRICS membership to improve investment, trade, tourism, as well as capacity building, and it also flows into skills acquisition and technological capabilities that we see this relationship yielding for our country.

“Strengthening economic as well as financial ties between BRICS member countries is one of the key pillars of this cooperation that we have forged with all these countries,” the President said.

In 2020, the countries adopted the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership to increase access to each other’s markets, promote mutual trade and investment, and create a business-friendly environment for investors in all BRICS countries.

“Furthermore, the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women’s Alliance bring together important commercial networks that promote trade and investment partnerships among BRICS countries. In 2015, BRICS countries launched the New Development Bank to finance and largely support infrastructure and sustainable development projects,” President Ramaphosa said.

To date, the New Development Bank has provided funding to 12 projects in South Africa to the value of over R100 billion.

“Our membership of BRICS makes a valuable contribution to the implementation of our Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. For example, growing the tourism industry is one of the priorities of the Plan. The BRICS countries are becoming increasingly important tourism markets for South Africa.

“In terms of supporting energy security in South Africa, another pillar of our recovery plan, BRICS countries have the expertise and technologies to support energy cooperation. In 2020, BRICS adopted a Road Map for BRICS Energy Cooperation up to 2025 aimed at building a strategic partnership in energy cooperation,” the President said.

On infrastructure investment, which is another pillar of the recovery plan, South Africa will continue to access funding from the New Development Bank for energy, transport and water.

“The inclusion of Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as new members of the group will strengthen beneficial cooperation with South Africa in political, economic and financial matters.

“These countries will enhance economic partnership in key sectors such as oil and energy, telecommunication and information technology, agriculture, textile, logistics, air transportation and tourism and medicine,” the President said.

Last month’s three-day BRICS Summit wrapped up with several successful outcomes, including the expansion of the six aforementioned countries to become full members of BRICS effective from January 2024.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit from 22-24 August in Johannesburg. This year’s summit took place under the theme, ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism’.

The President said South Africa expects that its trade links and investments participation with all the additional countries will increase.

This addition is also expected to contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry.

“In economic terms, all these new additional countries are big players and on the horizon are a number of other countries that have indicated their willingness to be part of BRICS and they too will be considered in the next phase.

“We will obviously look at the economic value in terms of participation for all of us as BRICS members. These additional countries will be boosting our Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan and we expect great benefits from all this.

“The benefits for our countries has been very clear right from the beginning. It has led to enhanced activity amongst ourselves and all these countries. Being a BRICS member does contribute a great deal to economic growth as well,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 15:18

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Water and Sanitation together with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) believe 14 days to find answers to water shortages raised in petitions

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has resolved to give the departments of Water and Sanitation and of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) 14 days to respond and find solutions to the water shortages in Rustenburg in the North West and Warrenton in the Northern Cape. The committee today received two petitions on water shortages in these two areas and agreed that while the committee is dealing with them, there is a need for a broader discussion on solutions to water shortages in many areas in the country.

“Petitions are an important tool to ensure oversight and the committee will use these petitions to seeks answers from all spheres of government that are constitutionally mandated to provide quality water to the people of South Africa. We will thus send the petitions to the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to get answers for the residents of those areas,” said Mr Robert Mashego, the Chairperson of the committee.

The committee highlighted that there remains a concerning gap within the water value chain, with some stakeholders such as municipalities failing to deliver on their mandate. The decision to include the Department of Cooperative Governance in solving water shortages is to ensure that there is joint accountability and that all stakeholders contribute, as per their mandate, to resolve this challenge. Also, the committee highlighted that the District Development Model, which seeks to integrate planning and delivery of services, should be exploited by all spheres of government to ensure collaboration in the delivery of quality services.

In addressing the petitions directly, the committee highlighted that the responses to be submitted to the committee must include how grants, such as the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, have been spent in those areas to address inadequate infrastructure, maintenance of existing infrastructure and availability of bulk services. This information will assist the committee to assess where the problems lie and to find lasting solutions to the challenges raised.

The committee remains of the view that the availability of water is a critical enabler in overcoming many socio-economic challenges. “The lack of water is negatively impacting the ability of citizens to reach their full potential. Also, quality water is necessary to unlock economic activities in many areas that are struggling under the pressure of poverty and unemployment,” Mr Mashego emphasised.

Meanwhile, the committee has committed to the petitioners that it intends getting answers to their plight before the end of the sixth parliamentary term. “We have heard you and will work towards finding you the necessary answers,” Mr Mashego concluded. 

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

Read moreWater and Sanitation together with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) believe 14 days to find answers to water shortages raised in petitions

Anton Bredell Addresses Wide-Ranging Impact Of Climate Change

Location: News

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa
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The Western Cape Government is planning and coordinating projects to address the wide-ranging impact of climate change. A formal task team, under the leadership of Minister Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, supported by Minister Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, met yesterday to discuss progress on several climate change initiatives.

Minister Bredell said that according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report of 2023, the top four global risks for the next decade are all directly linked to the impact of climate change.

“We have developed a Climate Change Response Strategy and Implementation Plan that is based on a provincial vision of being a net zero emissions and climate-resilient region by 2050, while also building an equitable and inclusive economy and society that can thrive despite the shocks and stresses posed by climate change,” Minister Bredell said.

The Plan's focus areas are:

  • Responding to the climate emergency.
  • Transitioning in an equitable and inclusive manner to net zero emissions by 2050.
  • Reducing climate risk and increasing resilience.
  • Enabling a just transition through the public and private sectors together with civil society collaboration.
     

There are several priority focus areas which have been recognised by the Western Cape Cabinet, and climate change response strategies are currently being embedded in each one. As such, a Water Indaba and Infrastructure Indaba were hosted earlier this year.

Looking forward, Minister Bredell said climate change is being mainstreamed throughout the provincial growth strategy, Growth for Jobs (G4J). Climate finance and the role international partners can play is also being addressed.

A partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and the University of Stellenbosch will be formalised in October this year. “This is an important partnership for the provincial government and will give us access to the work of leading academics on climate change,” Bredell said.

Minister Meyer said the inter-ministerial committee on climate change signals the seriousness with which the Western Cape Government views climate change and that it is incumbent on all of us to take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector.

Minister Meyer continued: “within the agriculture sector, climate change causes unpredictable weather patterns, a change in the agricultural economy, forced technology adaptation, infrastructure changes on farms, adaptations in the type of input and machinery on farms, and changes on groundwater and surface water availability.”

“Given the potential impact that climate change could have on the agricultural economy, we must take the necessary steps to protect the economy and jobs,” added Minister Meyer.

Minister Bredell said that a Climate Change Indaba is being planned in the near future, where private sector stakeholders will be invited to engage with government on climate change specific projects and proposals. This indaba will be preceded by inter-departmental engagements as well as municipal engagements on climate change.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.

Read moreAnton Bredell Addresses Wide-Ranging Impact Of Climate Change

South Africa’s GDP grows by 0.6%

Location: News

South Africa's GDP grows by 0.6%

Stats SA has announced that South African real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2023, which measured is from April to June.

Six industries on the supply side of the economy grew in the second quarter, with manufacturing and finance driving much of the upward momentum.

“On the demand side, the country benefitted from a sharp rise in investments in machinery and equipment, which included products related to renewable energy. Despite a decline in the overall household consumption, consumers continued to spend more on restaurants and hotels,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.

The GDP growth in the second quarter follows a 0.4% rise in the first quarter.

“Manufacturing production expanded by 2.2%, mainly pushed higher by petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products. Manufacturers in metals, metal products, machinery and equipment also recorded a good quarter, driven in part by increased demand for crude steel.

“Increased investment in South Africa’s automotive sector helped lift the production of transport equipment and motor vehicles. The finance industry edged higher by 0.7%, boosted by financial intermediation, insurance and real estate services,” Stats SA said.

After two consecutive quarters of decline, South Africa’s agriculture sector recorded a positive performance with a 4.2% rise in output, which was driven by increases in the production of field crops and horticulture products.

“Favourable weather conditions, increased cultivation and a rise in export demand provided further support. Mining looked good too, posting a second straight quarter of growth. Platinum group metals, gold, minerals classified in the category ‘other metallic minerals’ and coal helped lift the industry.

“The personal services industry was positive on the back of higher growth in education and health. The rise in general government services was mainly due to an increase in staff numbers.

“Not all industries had a good second quarter. After 18 months of consistent growth, the transport, storage and communication industry stumbled, declining by 1.9%. Transport support services were lacklustre and there were declines in land freight and road passenger transport,” Stats SA said.

The trade industry was down on the back of weaker retail and wholesale figures.

The overall decline was partially offset by increased activities in the motor trade, tourist accommodation and restaurant, catering and fast-food sectors.

“After holding its head above water for nine months, the construction industry lost steam in the second quarter. A decline in economic activity related to non-residential and residential buildings pulled the industry lower. There was a small uptick in construction works, but this was not enough to lift the industry into positive territory,” Stats SA said.

Investments in machinery and equipment

Stats SA noted that a sharp rise in investments in imported machinery and equipment – mostly for electricity infrastructure – drove gross fixed capital formation higher.

“This was supported by an increase in sales of locally produced electric motors, generators and special purpose machinery. The demand for machinery and equipment contributed to the 3.3% rise in imports. Imported products included those related to renewable energy, batteries, vegetable products, artificial resins and plastics, base metals and articles of base metals, and animal and vegetable fats and oils.

“South African exports edged higher by 0.9%, driven by increased trade in chemical products; prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco; vehicles and transport equipment; mineral products and machinery and electrical equipment.

“Household consumption decreased in the second quarter as consumers cut back on a variety of goods and services. Despite the overall decline, households continued to increase their spending on restaurants and hotels, representing a seventh consecutive quarter of growth for this category,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 12:29

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Boxer Super Rush boasts an unprecedented Prize Purse of R142K in its debut year!

Location: MyPR

The organisers of the Boxer Super Run are thrilled to reveal an unprecedented R142K prize purse for the inaugural event that is set to create a stir within Durban’s running community on Sunday, 15 October 2023. “We are excited to present a prize purse of R142K for the Elite Race at the first-ever Boxer Super …

Read moreBoxer Super Rush boasts an unprecedented Prize Purse of R142K in its debut year!

Your lesson for World Cleanup Day – when you recycle your PET bottles, place nothing in the bottle

Location: MyPR

Our country’s post-consumer recycling rates for beverage bottles are high but they could be higher if South Africans would learn one simple rule – put nothing in the bottle. This is the view of South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, who urges those South Africans who will be actively participating in World …

Read moreYour lesson for World Cleanup Day – when you recycle your PET bottles, place nothing in the bottle

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Location: News

Rand Water Station 5 purification plant ensures Gauteng’s water security

Rand Water has been hailed for completing Phase 1 of the 150 megalitres a day (ML/d) Station 5A filtration plant on schedule.

The plant, which is one of Rand Water’s flagship projects, will bring assurance to the sustainability of water supply to the Gauteng province and surroundings.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, joined by the Emfuleni Mayor Sipho Radebe, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and Rand Water Chief Executive Sipho Mosai, have commissioned the first part of the mega water project situated at the Zuikerbotch Water Treatment Works outside Vereeniging in the Vaal.

Mchunu said there is a great need to increase infrastructure and to ensure that operation and maintenance are undertaken to existing infrastructure, and that Rand Water is doing exactly that.

The Minister commended Rand Water in its forward thinking and keeping its eye on its mandate.

“Whether it is in terms of actual water supply or the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, Rand Water has continued to ensure that it keeps its eye on the mandate. Those of you doubting our commitment as DWS to infrastructure development, forget it. We're ahead of the curve. It is not a matter of when, but rather where are we today,” Mchunu said.

Rand Water has built the completely new purification plant at the existing Zuikerbosch Plant, referred to as Station 5, in an effort to augment water supply, ensure sustainable water supply, and to meet current and future demands.

The Station 5 plant is divided into two phases (5A and 5B). The completed Phase 1, Station 5A, will produce 150ml/d of potable water, adding to the current available supply by Rand Water to its customers, including Gauteng municipalities, parts of Free State, Mpumalanga and North West provinces, as well as industries.

Upon completion of Phase 2 (Station 5B) at the end of 2024, the plant will add another 450 ML/d, totalling to 600ML/d of water to users.

The purification plant is part of the Rand Water's capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility’s system to ensure water security to the provinces it supplies.

Speaking at the recent ribbon cutting to officially commission Phase 1 of the newly built Section 5A purification plant, Mchunu emphasised the need for new water infrastructure to address current and future demand of water in the province. 

He said the commissioning of Station 5A is demonstrative of the department’s seriousness about increasing infrastructure capacity.

Mchunu said while the mandate of the sector was to ensure access to clean drinking water and to manage water resources, “one cannot have access to water without the proper infrastructure”.

Since 2019, the Station 5A project has created 871 job opportunities, providing employment to people with diverse skill levels, ranging from unskilled to semi-skilled, and skilled labourers.

The project has also supported more than 48 Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with small work packages from the core activities of the 26 projects.

Vision 2030 infrastructure build programme

Monyokolo said the project is part of Rand Water’s Vision 2030 Infrastructure Build Programme and that they are well within their timelines and in some instances, they are ahead.

“… This additional 150ML/d Station 5A programme ensures that there is more than enough water for all our customers and therefore consumers.

“As a board, we have a full and comprehensive understanding of the importance of infrastructure upgrading and refurbishment to ensure uninterrupted bulk water supply to our customers. As we celebrate the 120th year anniversary of our existence, we recognise and embrace inherent challenges that we continue to turn  into opportunities,” Monyokolo said.

Monyokolo also noted some of the challenges faced by the water utility in the implementation of its CAPEX [capital expenditure] projects, which include population growth in its areas of supply, vandalism of infrastructure, encroachment on servitudes, quality of raw water, and non-payment of invoices by customers.

“The porous municipal water reticulation infrastructure also creates a simulated shortage. We are working hard to assist and collaborate with municipalities through the capable leadership of our Minister to mitigate this challenge.”

In February this year, the water utility launched the 210ML/d Vlakfontein Reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni. The reservoir is post-tensioned concrete, the biggest in the world and is part of the Mapleton Booster system augmentation programme. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 13:46

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Achieving Net Zero in the Mining Industry: Challenges, Opportunities, and Action Sandrine Pfister – Sustainability Market Leader, Bureau Veritas Africa

Location: MyPR

In the year 2050, the world has successfully reduced carbon emissions, with the contribution of efforts of mining and metal industry players who achieved their targets in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Through project-specific approaches, these companies assessed their carbon footprints, identified emissions hotspots, developed tangible net-zero roadmaps and invest in low-carbon technologies leading to improved …

Read moreAchieving Net Zero in the Mining Industry: Challenges, Opportunities, and Action Sandrine Pfister – Sustainability Market Leader, Bureau Veritas Africa

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

Location: News

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the tragedy in which 74 people died during a fire in Johannesburg must not be allowed to happen again.

He was speaking during a meeting of the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Friday.

The PCC meeting was attended by Cabinet members and provincial Premiers and was preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the fire.

“We are meeting here just a day after a catastrophic building fire in central Johannesburg claimed the lives of more than 70 people. As we await further information on the cause of the fire and the huge loss of life, we must ask hard questions about the effectiveness of our interventions to improve the living conditions of our people.

“As we grieve this devastating loss, let us learn from this tragedy and make sure that it never happens again,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the Presidency, the meeting discussed various issues of national importance including service delivery, the District Development Model and crime and “the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination”.

“The meeting…deliberated on service delivery constraints and proposed interventions; the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM); and corrective action plans to address the worst performing municipalities in terms of the Blue Drop and Green Drop assessments of water and wastewater treatment quality.

“The meeting reaffirmed the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination, with a particular focus on infrastructure development and related financing mechanisms in view of the constrained fiscal environment. The meeting also welcomed proposals on the institutionalisation of the District Development Model and the roll out of the DDM support tool that will enable more focused and improved serviced delivery.

“On the ongoing fight against crime, the PCC resolved to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the various provincial crime fighting initiatives to address illegal mining, intimidation of contractors and other security threats, and to bolster community based crime fighting capacity,” the Presidency said.

The PCC is the President’s platform for consultation and engagement with provinces and local government in order to raise matters of national interest, ensure alignment of strategic priorities, strengthen coordination, and discuss performance.

The PCC transcends local boundaries and coordinates action across spheres of government in a holistic and transversal manner, according to the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 10:16

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Independent Power Producers programme reaping rewards

Location: News

Independent Power Producers programme reaping rewards

The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) is having a positive socio-economic impact on the industry and the economy.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was speaking during a media briefing on the Energy Action Plan on Saturday.

Thus far, some 134 IPPs have been selected as preferred bidders, 11 904MW have been procured with 6180MW already operational and investment of R334.5 billion has been attracted for energy infrastructure.

Ramokgopa said that through the programme, “about R85 billion…has been placed in the hands of black business”.

“This is significant if we talk about the deracialisation of the South African economy. We are able to use our transition towards cleaner forms of energy to ensure that they provide significant meaning on this agenda of the deracialisation of the South African economy and we are having new participants, new entrants in the form of black players so that the democratic dividend is equitably distributed to all South Africans.

“[The programme] has been able to produce over 72 153 job years. It is a computation that we are using for us to be able to account for the number of employment opportunities that have been created in the South African economy as a result of the interventions of the Renewable Energy Programme. This speaks to the areas of during construction and also during operations.

“The Rand value of about R3.2 billion is what has been accumulated to the South African economy and this has got to significant impact in relation to socio-economic development and the areas of enterprise development so that we are able to expand the floor of opportunities to local communities, we are able to provide new skills that helps them to participate in this energy transition,” he said.

Ramokgopa revealed that some R69 billion actual spend has been spent on local content.

“There’s been a significant industrialisation on the back of the localisation of the components that are necessary to help us to decarbonise and transition. Our view is that on the back of this transition, on the back of this crisis, we must be able to expand the industrial base of the country.

“And on the back of this decarbonisation, on the back of this resolution of this crisis, we are also able to address the challenge of unemployment, we are able to address the challenge of structural unemployment in the form of the skills that are required to support the kind of economy that we are constructing and this economy will be underpinned by renewable energy sources,” he said.

On the environmental side, the Minister said REIPPPP projects have been able to offset some 97Mton of Carbon Dioxide with 114.7 million kilolitres of water saved.

“This is meaningful. There’s a multiplicity of matrices that underpin the renewable agenda. It’s not just only on the complexion of the generation mix, on the reduction of the emission levels but it also plays an important role on the deracialisation of the work that we are doing,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sat, 09/02/2023 - 11:12

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Compass Insure joins forces with specialist partners to support Chefs with Kindness in the #67000 litres for Mandela Day challenge

Location: MyPR

In a collaborative effort to address pressing community needs, Compass Insure, alongside its specialist partners, have successfully contributed to the Chefs with Compassion #67000litres for Mandela Day Challenge. The collaboration resulted in raising funds to supply a substantial 50,000 litres of clean, bottled water to Chefs with Compassion’s soup kitchens, significantly exceeding the initial target …

Read moreCompass Insure joins forces with specialist partners to support Chefs with Kindness in the #67000 litres for Mandela Day challenge

President Ramaphosa meets with SOE chairpersons and CEOs

Location: News

President Ramaphosa meets with SOE chairpersons and CEOs

Implementing reforms will serve to enhance the ability of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) not only to adapt to industry developments but also to serve South Africans into the future.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who met with chairpersons and chief executives of SOEs on Tuesday.

“It is quite clear that the success of our economic recovery relies on the effective functioning of state-owned entities. We are implementing reforms to ensure that SOEs are able to adapt to new economic conditions, including rapid developments in technology, their respective operating environments and changing global trends, and to serve the country well into the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement, the Presidency said the meeting sought to “discuss the implementation of measures to stabilise their financial and operational performance and harness their economic potential”.

“Government has, since 2018, embarked on a process of reform to address the legacy of state capture in SOEs, including through the appointment of capable leadership, the recovery of stolen assets and the pursuit of those responsible for perpetrating acts of corruption.

“In addition, as part of Operation Vulindlela, fundamental reforms are being implemented in the energy, logistics and water sectors to address structural challenges and reposition SOEs for the future.

“President Ramaphosa called on the management and boards of SOEs to accelerate this reform agenda and fulfil their developmental mandate. He emphasised the importance of SOEs, as strategic national assets, in driving inclusive growth, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs. President Ramaphosa will continue to prioritise the turnaround of South Africa’s SOEs in order to drive economic growth and transformation,” the statement read.

Also at the meeting, the Presidential State Owned Enterprises Council tabled a report while the National Treasury presented an update on its review of the procurement system of SOEs.

“Since its establishment, the Council has undertaken in-depth analyses at 21 SOEs to inform its recommendations. It has proposed changes to the governance framework and shareholder ownership model to enhance oversight, separate the ownership, policy and regulatory functions of the state, and leverage the combined balance sheet of SOEs.

“In addition, the National Treasury provided an update on its review of the procurement system to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture while enabling SOEs to operate in an efficient and competitive manner. Legislative and regulatory reforms are underway to strike an effective balance between preventing corruption and abuse and allowing innovation, agility and responsiveness in procurement,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 09:38

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Plastics SA Celebrates 27Th Year Of Coordinating South Africa’s Participation In International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Location: MyPR

South Africa is not only known for its stunning coastlines but also for its commitment to preserving them. Plastics SA’s annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, which will take place this year from 11-16 September 2023, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating the waste crisis plaguing our beautiful country. “Plastics SA …

Read morePlastics SA Celebrates 27Th Year Of Coordinating South Africa’s Participation In International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Economic reforms to create growth, jobs

Location: News

Economic reforms to create growth, jobs

Through economic reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela, President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is steadily laying the foundation for a revival of economic growth.

In his weekly newsletter, the President noted the release of a progress report, which highlights a number of key milestones that have been reached during the past quarter.

“Since Operation Vulindlela was established, we have built significant momentum in economic reforms to create growth and jobs.
 
“Through these reforms we are steadily laying the foundation for a revival of economic growth. By restructuring our network, industries like energy, telecommunications, ports and rail, we are opening the space for investment and a renewal of our nation’s infrastructure,” the President said. 

The President highlighted that the first of the reform milestones was the digital migration process which government implemented by switching off analogue transmission for all frequencies above 694 MHz on 31 July 2023. 

“This marks a significant step in migration from analogue to digital signal. This means that radio frequencies that were being used for television broadcasting can now be used for mobile telecommunications, which will make network communications more accessible and increase the speed and reduce the cost of data. The implementation of this reform will bring new investment in the telecommunications sector,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa told citizens that work is underway to implement necessary reforms in the  logistics sector to address the challenges that have held back the growth of South African exports.

He highlighted that the lack of investment and the increased cost of doing business have added to the many challenges that need to be addressed.
 
Another key milestone was reached with the selection of an international terminal operator to partner with Transnet at the Durban Pier 2 container terminal. This terminal handles close to half of South Africa’s port traffic.
 
“This partnership will increase investment for upgrading equipment and expanding terminal capacity. A key aspect of this partnership is that port infrastructure will remain state-owned and all jobs will be protected,” he said. 

The President further highlighted that two critical pieces of legislation were tabled in Parliament this month, that will advance economic reform.
 
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will support the restructuring of Eskom into three separate companies owned and controlled by Eskom Holdings, including an independent grid operator. 

“Through this bill we will introduce competition in electricity generation, enabling a number of independent generators, alongside Eskom, to produce electricity to meet our country’s demand. This reform will fundamentally transform, modernise and improve South Africa’s energy sector to ensure energy security into the future.
 
“Meanwhile, the reforms we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have unlocked new investment in renewable energy sources, both to end load shedding and to use our unique wind and solar resources to power economic growth,” he said. 
 
One of key reforms that government has prioritised is in the water sector. Government has introduced the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Bill to establish a dedicated national water agency to design, plan and finance water resource infrastructure.
 
This agency will enable significantly greater investment in bulk water infrastructure to guarantee water security in the years and decades to come, while creating jobs and unlocking new agricultural potential.
 
“We are implementing a range of other reforms to unlock economic growth, from creating an enabling regulatory environment for hemp and cannabis production to eradicating the backlog of title deeds for subsidised housing,” he said. 
 
Despite difficult global conditions, the President said investors continue to see value in the South African economy and the benefit of the reform agenda government is pursuing.
 
He added that he is pleased that the BRICS Business Forum held last week was attended by 1 500 investors and business people from all five member countries. 

The President said the Summit was able to showcase the potential of South Africa and the African continent as the next frontiers of productivity and growth.
 
“Many of the participants remarked on the enormous potential of our economic reform agenda to drive growth in the green economy, the digital economy and other key sectors.
 
“In all of the work that we do, our ultimate goal is the same: to build an inclusive, fast-growing and dynamic economy and thereby create a better life for all South Africans,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 09:57

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Read moreEconomic reforms to create growth, jobs