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Basic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

Location: News

Basic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

Following recent cases of food poisoning among learners, the Department of Basic Education is working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools to effectively mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticide exposure in school environments.

This was announced by the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube at a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Gwarube said that learner safety is her top priority, and that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is taking the matter seriously.

“In response to these incidents, my department is working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools on how best to mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticides entering school environments. 

“These will be aimed at ensuring that communities and vendors near schools are aware of the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, especially those used for pest control purposes. I will ensure that these are finalised as soon as possible,” she explained.

This as the country has experienced a spate of deaths and children falling ill after eating snacks from local spaza shops across the country.  Six Soweto children died after they were said to have consumed snacks from a local spaza shop. At a recent media briefing, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that forensic tests unveiled that the six primary school children were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called Terbufos.

READ | Death of six Soweto children linked to Terbufos

At the briefing Gwarube highlighted that initial investigations have shown that incidents originated from food items purchased outside of school premises, particularly items tainted with hazardous chemicals such as organophosphates. 

READ | Mother and son hospitalised after consuming food from spaza shop

Organophosphate pesticides are highly toxic substances and pose a significant risk, especially to young children. In these cases, it appears that certain foods were contaminated, resulting in serious health consequences for the affected learners.

“I want to urge communities, parents, and vendors to exercise extreme caution when handling, storing, and selling pesticides, particularly those known to contain harmful chemicals. The proper handling of pesticides is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but of ensuring that our children are safe in the environments where they learn, play, and grow,” she said. 

The Minister said that she is exploring all possible legal avenues, within a basic education context, to ban these pesticides and insecticides from entering into school environments. 

“It is my view that no school should be permitted to store or use these dangerous chemicals on its premises. Our objective is to create a safe learning environment for every child, and we are committed to implementing the necessary steps to make this a reality.”

Learner safety

Within the DBE’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all learners, Gwarube said it was with a heavy heart that she addresses the deeply distressing incident of the rape of five Grade 12 learners in the Eastern Cape.

The incident occurred in Mqhekezweni, outside Mthatha, where the learners from Jongintaba High School were sexually assaulted by two armed intruders last week. 

“I want to express my deepest sadness for what these young people have endured. Such acts of violence are abhorrent and utterly unacceptable, particularly during a time when these learners should be focused on their studies and their futures.

“In response to this tragedy, the department has prioritised psychosocial support for the affected learners, ensuring that they have access to counselling and trauma care services. Our priority is to support them in their recovery, giving them the space and assistance they need to heal.”

She added that this incident also highlights the broader need for a more robust approach to safeguarding learners from gender-based violence (GBV) within and outside the school environment. 

She emphasised that schools are a space of learning and growth, and that this should be reflected in communities as well. 
“It is unacceptable that women and children should feel unsafe in this country, we must act with all urgency to end the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. 

“We are working closely with local law enforcement and community stakeholders to ensure that justice is served for those five learners,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 15:20

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KZN a hive of activity ahead of Presidential Imbizo

Location: News

KZN a hive of activity ahead of Presidential Imbizo

The province of KwaZulu-Natal has been a hive of activity ahead of the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo taking place on Friday.

Ministers, Deputy Ministers and provincial government officials have been visiting various communities to check on service delivery deliverables.

Friday’s DDM will be held in conjunction with South Africa’s 30 years of freedom and democracy celebrations.

On Wednesday, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, visited the Old Prison in Pietermaritzburg, the nearby Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) train station and the Nelson Mandela Capture site in Howick.

Addressing locals in Pietermaritzburg, Morolong said that as the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, it is also reminded of its painful past.

“We share our appreciation to those who laid their lives for our democracy. We convey our appreciation to the families of those who laid [down] their lives for democracy. We are reminded of our men who were brave and able to face the then apartheid regime. We are reminded of Nelson Mandela and others who stood firm and face[d] the apartheid regime so we could enjoy our democracy today.”

He emphasised the importance of preserving the Old Prison’s (which has been declared as an official heritage site) history for future generations.

According to Project Gateway, the prison houses “both a National Monument and a museum documenting some of South Africa’s diverse history."

“The Old Prison dates back to Voortrekker times, with more than 160 years of history, including the Colonial times, Apartheid, the Liberation Struggle, the Political Struggle and ultimately to the dawn of democratic South Africa in 1994,” said Project Gateway.

“Today we are a nation proud of its democracy. Today we are proudly celebrating 30 years of democracy. But we should not forget that our democracy did not come cheap. Sacrifices were made to achieve our democracy.

“We are also reminded of those women who were brave who fought for our democracy. We should be proud of our democracy. We should be proud of our government which is taking care of its people,” Morolong said.

Meanwhile, representative of the Ghandi Foundation, David Gangen, spoke passionately about events which led to South Africa’s democracy.

Gangen said what happened to Ghandi was the beginning of South Africa’s democracy.

“So having come to SA to fight a case, [Mahatma Ghandi]  was to stay for 21 years, during which time he established the first formal political structure in SA in 1894, the Natal Indian Congress (NIC). 

“The NIC celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. It was during this time that he experimented with truth and developed the core tenets of his philosophy in all aspects of life,” Gangen said.

Mayor of Ungungudlovu, Nzi Zuma Nxamalala, said he appreciated the visit by the Deputy Minister.

“As we do in our work, we keep on reflecting back to remind ourselves of our past. We appreciate being part of the celebrations [of] our democracy,” Nxamalala said.

On Tuesday, the Deputy Minister and a delegation visited the Open Gate Special School, a school with special educational needs for the disabled.

The visit to the school coincides with the commemoration of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) which is observed from 3 November to 3 December 2024.

The Deputy Minister also visited households that benefitted from Set-Top-Box installations and mobilised qualifying community members to apply for the set top boxes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the second DDM Presidential Imbizo under the Government of National Unity (GNU), in Umgababa, at the Umnini Sportsfield in Ward 98 on Friday.

Cabinet adopted the DDM in August 2019.

The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance which seeks to be a new integrated, district-based, service delivery approach aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. It also seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Edwin
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 15:51

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Arts and creative industries can drive behavioural change

Location: News

Arts and creative industries can drive behavioural change

The arts and creative industries hold the unique power to build empathy and drive behavioural change, says Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.

Letsike was speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the empowerment of women, youth and people with disabilities held at The Playhouse Company in Durban on Tuesday.

Held under the theme: “Addressing social ills through the creative industry”, the stakeholder engagement addressed the creative industry as a vehicle to highlight the impact of violence against people with disabilities, sex workers, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals, and women and children, among others.

The engagement demonstrated other opportunities available to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the communities through sports, arts and culture.

In her address, Letsike said the arts and creative industries hold the unique power to influence social consciousness, build empathy and drive behavioural change.

“Music, theatre, visual arts and storytelling can reach the hearts and minds of audiences, raising awareness and influencing behaviour in ways that traditional methods sometimes fall short of achieving. 

"The creative industry also plays a vital role in educational prevention and intervention by using different art forms as vehicles for teaching respect, empathy, and non-violence,” Lestsike said.

Letsike said producing artworks that convey the harsh realities of discrimination and creating powerful theatre productions that depict stories of resilience, the arts can foster crucial conversations around what it means to be a healthy society and nation.

She said the arts can shift societal mindsets and challenge outdated norms that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women, girls and LGBTQIA+ people.

“In this way, the industry becomes not just observers but active participants in reshaping the narrative of our nation. Further, the wide reach of the creative arts fraternity offers long-term, comprehensive, adaptable, context-specific, and holistic approaches to prevention that target all people living in South Africa through its messaging,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister underscored the need for citizens to adopt an all-of-society approach, where every individual, community and institution takes an active role toward addressing the country’s social challenges.

She said every South African must understand that ending social challenges is a national obligation for all.

“This is the message that must be carried far and wide by the cultural and creative industries,” the Deputy Minister said.

Letsike encouraged every individual in the industry to continue their “astounding” work that touches the hearts and minds of the nation, and has the potential to turn the tide against violence directed at women, children, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disabilities, and eliminate the social acceptance of all forms of discrimination.

Continues to address GBVF

Letsike said government continues with efforts toward addressing GBVF through the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF.

“The NSP represents our unified, multi-sectoral approach to addressing this scourge across all levels of society. We have also launched the National Comprehensive GBVF Prevention Strategy, which broadens the scope of our interventions and places particular focus on preventive measures to stop GBVF before it starts.

“To date, these frameworks have led to the establishment of improved survivor support services, enhanced legal frameworks, and strengthened partnerships with civil society and the private sector. 

"We continue to work closely with our partners, including community organisations and faith-based groups to ensure that our interventions reach every corner of society,” the Deputy Minister said.

The event was held as a build-up to the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo that will take place on Friday, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will assess service delivery and engage with the people at Umnini Sports Field in Umgababa, south of Durban. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 11:27

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Young leaders encouraged to apply for NYDA Board positions

Location: News

Young leaders encouraged to apply for NYDA Board positions

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has encouraged young leaders to consider applying for positions at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, said the department is seeking individuals who are passionate, capable, and committed to creating meaningful change.

“[We are seeking] youth with a deep understanding of community needs and a drive to uplift and empower their peers. This is a valuable opportunity to be part of a transformative journey, shaping policies and leading initiatives that will impact the lives of young people across our country,” Letsike said.

Letsike’s call comes after the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities invited members of the public to apply, and organisations or individuals to nominate suitable candidates for appointment to serve on the Board of the NYDA, as mandated by the National Youth Development Agency Amendment Act, (No. 11 of 2024).

According to the application invite posted on 20 October 2024, all applicants/nominees will be required to complete an online application, https://forms.gle/prJNFC7kAezFmV439 on the parliamentary website. 

All applicants and nominees are required to upload certified copies (not older than six months) of their identity document and academic qualifications.

A list of shortlisted candidates and their resumes will be published on the parliamentary website to allow members of the public to comment on the suitability of candidates. Disclosure of personal information of candidates is subject to lawful processing and secure storage.

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening by the State Security Agency and verification of qualifications by Parliament’s Human Resources. All applications will be in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (No. 4 of 2013), and the Employment Equity Act (No. 55 of 1998).

On the recommendation of Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa will appoint members of the National Youth Development Agency Board for a term of office not exceeding three years.

“Members of the National Youth Development Agency Board may be appointed on full-time or part-time basis. Any person, whose term of office as a Board member of the National Youth Development Agency has expired, may be reappointed for one additional term, and may not be re-appointed for more than two terms,” the DWYPD said.

Requirements

Candidates must be:

  • A South African citizen between the ages of 18 and 35 years; 
  • Have the relevant knowledge, expertise, experience or qualifications in the youth development, social development, financial field, legal or any other field considered necessary for advancement of the agency’s mandate, and
  • Be allowed to finish their term of office, if they turn 35 years whilst in office, and be committed to advance the vision, mission, goal, objectives, values and principles as enunciated in the National Youth Policy.

Nominations or applications must contain the full name, address/email address and contact details of the person or organisation making nomination, as well as a signed acceptance of the nomination by the nominee, including the nominator.

Applicants should also have relevant experience or qualifications aligned with the NYDA’s mandate.

Applications will close at midnight on 18 November 2024. – SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 12:18

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Upington Residents Say Tobacco Bill Is Based on International Best Practice on Tobacco Regulation

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Health has concluded three successful public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) in the Northern Cape province. The committee is satisfied that contributions made by residents of the Northern Cape were insightful and will ensure consideration of broader perspectives by the committee when it reviews the Bill holistically.

In Upington, participants argued that the provisions of the Bill were in line with international best practice on the regulation of tobacco products. Those who support the Bill argued that countries across the world have proved that it is possible to regulate tobacco products such as the utilisation of plain packaging, use of graphics that highlight the dangers of consumption of tobacco products and the imposition of smoke free zones in the protection of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children and non-smokers.

There were strong views that without the proposed regulations, non-smokers are being exposed to harmful second-hand smoke inhalation and that the speedy implementation of the Bill would help curb this challenge. They also argued that the contribution made by the tobacco industry to tax revenue doesn't offset the dangers and harmful effects of tobacco products. They pointed out that the industry was mainly concerned with profit making and not public health.

Meanwhile, producers of electronic delivery systems argued that the Bill in its current form was not effective in its inability to set out a clear distinction between traditional tobacco products, like cigarettes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. They further argued that they are in support of regulation, but not as provided for in the Bill. They called for separate regulations addressing unique vaping environment.

Those supporting the Bill argued that vapes have inherent harmful products that are not clearly set out that might be harmful to consumers. They suggested that the vaping industry is using colourful packaging and social media to attract the youth into consuming their harmful products.

Those against the Bill reiterated the concern that the ban of the display at the point of sale will negatively affect businesses of small-scale traders, something they said was undesirable given the high unemployment rate in South Africa. A view that the implementation of the Bill as is would create a fertile ground for the illicit market to flourish at the detriment of lawful traders was reiterated.

The committee noted the overwhelming contribution by young people in the Northern Cape who in their majority underscored the dire long-term effects of tobacco for future generations. Many of them argued that the Bill is a timely intervention in an environment of increasing consumption of tobacco products and hooka pipes in townships. They also called for clear and concise enforcement plans to ensure the effective implementation of the Bill.

Having concluded the Northern Cape leg of public hearings, the committee will next weekend, 8-10 November conduct the last provincial public hearings in KwaZulu-Natal. Following this, the committee will review all public submissions and engage organisations that made written submissions to the committee.

“We are generally satisfied with the public participation process we undertook this weekend. The public hearings affirmed the correctness of the decision by drafters of the Constitution in ensuring that the public is central to decision-making as this ensures that their views and aspirations are encapsulated in decisions made by their representatives,” said Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Chairperson of the committee.

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

Read moreUpington Residents Say Tobacco Bill Is Based on International Best Practice on Tobacco Regulation

Call to champion disability rights

Location: News

Call to champion disability rights

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for a disability-inclusive society that upholds a better quality of life and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

This call marks the beginning of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which is observed from 3 November to 3 December 2024.

“This month provides an important platform to champion disability rights and to work toward a South Africa where dignity and equality are universal. Whether disabled or able-bodied, all individuals must be empowered to contribute toward an inclusive society,” the Minister said on Saturday.

DRAM is taking place under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

This month-long campaign underscores the universality, interdependence, and fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for the full enjoyment of these rights without discrimination.

It aims to drive awareness, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across South Africa.

“Aligned with the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Framework, which seeks to address current socio-economic challenges, DRAM2024 serves as a bridge uniting South Africans to build a disability-inclusive, barrier-free society.

“It envisions a South Africa where persons with disabilities actively contribute to socio-economic empowerment within their communities.

“Government also urges all members of society to participate in the significant process of domesticating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, facilitated by the South African Law Reform Commission. This process will contribute to the development of the Disability Rights Bill,” the DWYPD said.

The purpose of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.  -SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 10:51

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Deputy Minister Letsike addresses Village Economy Indaba

Location: News

Deputy Minister Letsike addresses Village Economy Indaba

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Letsike, says more than 60% of jobs and 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the African continent comes from the agricultural sector which is rooted in the rural areas.

“This presents an opportunity for boundless growth through the potential that is inherent in the rural economy and for expansion to industries that ordinarily have not proliferated in rural areas,” Letsike said.

Speaking at the Village Economy Indaba ceremony held in the North West province, Letsike said over half of the population resides in rural regions, yet these areas often face higher poverty rates, lower access to basic services and limited economic opportunities.
“This divide is not only a matter of geography, it concerns social justice, economic necessity, and national progress.”

Letsike said rural areas in South Africa hold an enormous but often overlooked potential for lifting people out of poverty.

“When we invest in rural economies, we create jobs and boost incomes in areas where they are needed most. Imagine empowering smallholder farmers with access to better technology, training, and markets. 

“Not only could they increase their production, but they could also improve their livelihoods, leading to better education, healthcare, and overall well-being for their families and communities,” Letsike said on Friday.

The Deputy Minister said it was reported that about 75% of food produced on the continent is from small farms of less than 20 hectares, while 80% of the 51 million farms on the continent have an area less than two hectares.

“Developing rural economies helps curb urban migration. Every year, thousands of people leave rural areas, hoping for better opportunities in the big cities.

“By creating viable economic opportunities in rural areas, through initiatives such as The Village Economy Indaba whether in agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, or small-scale manufacturing, we can reduce the strain on our cities while enhancing quality of life in the countryside,” the Deputy Minister said.

Letsike said vulnerable groups such as women, youth, LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender or intersex), persons and persons with disabilities are the hardest hit by climate change.

“Therefore, renewable energy projects, like solar and wind farms in areas such as the Northern and Eastern Cape, to eco-tourism in Limpopo and the Western Cape, rural South Africa holds immense potential for green growth and sustainability, particularly as we engage the Just Energy Transition.

“By focusing on sustainable practices, we can preserve our environment for future generations while creating jobs today. 

“Many of us who have a rural background will understand that even our indigenous agricultural practices such as companion planting have been proven to promote soil health and maximise production on small pieces of land and it is still used by many farmers in rural areas,” Letsike said.  -SAnews.gov.za 

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 14:03

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Deputy President participates in Soweto Marathon 

Location: News

Deputy President participates in Soweto Marathon 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is today participating in the African Bank Soweto Marathon.

Sunday’s race has an estimated 25 000 participants in various race categories.

“The Deputy President will participate in the 10km category, whereas the Soweto Marathon has other categories such as the main marathon (42km) and half marathon (21km). He will later take part in the prize-giving ceremony at the close of the marathon,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The marathon is taking place at the NASREC Precinct.

In addition to the Deputy President taking part in the race, the men and women in blue are also partaking in the marathon.

“SAPS Gauteng has 123 members from stations and units across the province who are participating in The People’s Race. SAPS encourages members to partake in sports to stay physically fit and mentally alert in the commission of their duties,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in post on social media platform, X. -SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Neo
Sun, 11/03/2024 - 09:21

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Government accelerating land reform and redistribution

Location: News

Government accelerating land reform and redistribution

Accelerating land reform remains the key priority of government, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The Deputy President announced in Parliament on Thursday that in the past five years alone, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, through the relevant departments and State organs, redistributed 305 990 hectares of land. 

This includes 127 525 hectares allocated to women, 111 071 hectares to youth, and 2 781 hectares to people with disability between 2019 and 2024. 

Meanwhile, he said about 2.3 million people have benefitted from land restitution, where a total of R25 billion was spent on the restitution of 3 972 331 hectares. 

In addition, R22.5 billion has been spent on financial compensation for those beneficiaries who opted to receive financial compensation instead of the land being transferred.

The Deputy President was responding to a question from a Member of Parliament from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party who had asked about his role in leading government efforts to fast-track land reform and coordinating programmes to accelerate land reform and agricultural support. 

The MP asked whether the Deputy President intended to facilitate the introduction of a Bill by the government to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to give effect to expropriation without compensation instead of expropriation with nil compensation. 

“Regarding the matter of the introduction of a Bill to amend Section 25 of the Constitution, this is a matter that falls within the structures of Parliament. 

“Honourable Members would remember that the sixth Parliament established the Joint Constitutional Review Committee, which conducted public hearings in all the provinces of South Africa to get public inputs on the amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution.” 

The country’s second-in-command said this process culminated in the development of a Bill that was aimed at amending Section 25 of the Constitution to allow for expropriation of land without compensation. 

“However, the National Assembly could not pass this Bill since its support could not meet the required two-thirds majority vote for the 18th Amendment of the Constitution.” 

He told MPs that the current constitutional framework provides for the expropriation of property subject to just and equitable compensation. 

“To this end, Parliament has passed the Expropriation Bill which has been sent to the President for assent. The Bill provides for the expropriation of property for a public purpose or in the public interest and matters connected therewith.”

He assured Parliament that the agenda of accelerating land reform and land restitution will continue. 

“However, we are certain that once the President has completed his consultation process, and assented the Bill into an act, government will be in a better position to accelerate the pace of land reform, land restitution and sustainable development that will benefit all the people of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 11/01/2024 - 09:51

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100 days in office: Advancing the strategic priorities of the GNU

Location: News

100 days in office: Advancing the strategic priorities of the GNU

By Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts

The first 100 days as Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, under the Government of National Unity (GNU), have been a period of significant learning and action. 

It has allowed me to engage closely with stakeholders in the sector, developing a blueprint to drive the implementation of the GNU's strategic priorities which are to fostering inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

The experience has been invaluable, providing me with a deeper understanding of the department’s mandate, core operations, and both domestic and international context.

Alongside Minister Dr Dion George and fellow Deputy Minister Narend Singh, we recently briefed the media on our progress in the department during this period. 

A key highlight of these 100 days has been the opportunity to engage with staff and various stakeholders, including the forestry sector, traditional leaders, firefighting personnel, community forest owners, young beneficiaries of departmental programs, field rangers from entities such as South African National Parks (SANParks), and industry players like the South African Weather Service (SAWS). These engagements have helped shape a shared vision for the department's future.

We kicked off our 100 days in the office by presenting the department's Budget Vote to Parliament on July 15, 2024. We delivered our department’s budget vote in a month where we celebrated our national unifying figure in the form of uTata Madiba – which seemed to tie in well with our mandate of unifying our people through the Government of National Unity.

In the first 100 days, we have initiated efforts to reengineer and repackage the department’s approach to wildland fire management. This involves building firefighting skills, especially in vulnerable rural communities, with a focus on women and youth. We aim to strengthen stakeholder engagement across both state and non-state actors to better deliver on our critical priorities.

As part of this initiative, I hosted stakeholder engagements with on the National Veld and Forest Fires Act, 1998 (Act No. 101 of 1998). These engagements were hosted with various stakeholders within the wildland fire management sector from both the North West and Free State. Some of the stakeholders who attended these engagements included local and provincial government departments, fire protection associations (FPAs) and other key players in the sector. 

Through these stakeholder engagements, I have instructed the officials to address challenges raised in these interactive engagements such as payment delays for FPAs, challenges on the use of government firefighting vehicles, training of FPA members as well as the clarification of the roles of different stakeholders. I am satisfied with the honest discussions and note the commitment of all parties to find practical solutions.

I have recently led the 2024 Forestry Summit at the Freedom Park in Pretoria. The Summit brought all stakeholders within the forestry sector under one roof to discuss pertinent issues within the sector such as the growth and transformation of the sector, forestry sustainability and the contribution of the sector in addressing climate change.

The Summit was interactive as it provided role players with an opportunity to freely engage with us on the challenges they face in the sector. What was even more fascinating was the involvement of traditional leaders who came from various parts of the country to raise issues their communities were facing. I am pleased with the decision that came out of this frank engagement, which includes plans to go to communities to address issues they have raised.

In the month of September, I had the privilege to lead both the launch and closing ceremonies of the 2024 National Arbor Month campaign. The launch was hosted at Freedom Park in Pretoria and the closing ceremony at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift, Eastern Cape. A total of 6000 trees were planted in both the localities that hosted these ceremonies.

The Arbor Month campaign is aimed at raising awareness among South Africans about the importance of conserving, protecting, and planting trees for the benefit of both the environment and society.

As part of the Arbor Month launch, I planted the first tree to officially initiate the Forest of Freedom at the designated site at Freedom Park in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa's democracy and liberation struggle. The first 30 trees planted at the Forest of Freedom marks the 30 years of Freedom and Democracy in South Africa. World leaders and other luminaries visiting Freedom Park will get an opportunity to plant a tree in the Forest of Freedom, when it is ready. 

During the Arbor Month, I also took a deliberate decision to heighten the Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme, which is a clarion call by President Cyril Ramaphosa to all sectors of society led by DFFE. As the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, I am currently driving an ambitious campaign to relaunch the Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme by planting 1 million trees in one day, on a day to be announced soon.

I want to call on all South Africans – the three spheres of Government, forestry sector, private sector, labour, academia, civil society and many others to join this ambitious campaign by pledging and committing to providing and planting trees on that specific day and going forward. 

Trees are important for life. I call on all South Africans to plant trees today and build a better future for generations to come!
On July 31, we celebrated World Ranger Day at Kruger National Park, honoring the dedication of rangers who protect our natural heritage. Their commitment inspires our ongoing conservation efforts.

I also participated in the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL), a UN initiative aimed at protecting people from hazardous weather events by 2027. We are committed to developing systems that not only safeguard the economy and infrastructure but also protect the lives and well-being of our people.

The first 100 days have been marked by hard work and significant strides towards delivering the priorities of the GNU. 
I look forward to continuing our work, confident that together we will achieve our shared goals for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable South Africa.

*Bernice Swarts is the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Janine
Thu, 10/31/2024 - 10:24

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DPWI to accelerate EPWP work opportunities

Location: News

DPWI to accelerate EPWP work opportunities

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says it will accelerate the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to meet the set target of millions of work opportunities.

This was said by Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala during a Portfolio Committee meeting on Wednesday.

The implementation of the EPWP Phase V will focus on key service delivery interventions such as the restoration of the dignity of the indigent through vocational and Further Education and Training skills development and certification.

The department said the programme would be intensified to create job opportunities for the youth, women and rural poor communities, who bear the brunt of low economic growth and unemployment.

The department launched Phase V of the EPWP in April this year. Phase V covers the period from 2024 to 2029 and aims to create five million job opportunities. The department is enhancing the EPWP to make an impact and ensure effective exit plan. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated over the celebration of 20 years of the programme in the Eastern Cape in April.

At the time, the Presidency said the EPWP was a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.

READ | President Ramaphosa sets sights on five million EPWP jobs in next five years

The improvement of data collection, verification, and recording of employment opportunities per EPWP sector will be important, said the Deputy Minister.

“Hence some of the sectors of focus in phase V will be waste management with recycling being the focal point, road paving, potholes patching and maintenance of public facilities," Zikalala said.

He emphasised the need to ensure collaboration between all spheres of government and the private sector. 

“The private sector can add value through their social corporate investment to augment a programme and projects like waste removal into recycling, which could in turn ensure environmental preservation,” he said.

In his closing remarks, Zikalala indicated that EPWP is needed in the country as a key job creation driver as it plays an important role in poverty alleviation, skills development, clearing of service backlog and the reduction of high unemployment rates. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 10/31/2024 - 09:18

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Read moreDPWI to accelerate EPWP work opportunities

Afreximbank Calls for Increased Collaboration to Accelerate the Green Energy Transition in Africa

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Afreximbank

The eighth Babacar Ndiaye Lecture held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C., on 26 October 2024, under-scored the need for African nations to strike a balance between short-term development imperatives and long-term climate goals. 

Under the theme “Saving Lives Today versus Saving the Planet for the Future: Can the AfCFTA Resolve the Climate Change Dilemma” discussions centred on how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Africa's most ambitious trade initiative, could serve as a vehicle for economic growth and environmental sustainability, positioning the continent as a leader in the global green transition.  

The Lecture drew a distinguished audience of policymakers, academics, financial experts and climate advocates.  

Speaking about Dr. Babacar Ndiaye in his opening remarks, H.E. Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank Group, said “Dr Babacar Ndiaye was most concerned by the long-term threats posed to humanity by climate change. He once said, "Climate change is the greatest threat to development, particularly in Africa, where millions of people depend on the environment for their livelihoods … Africa's economic transformation cannot happen without addressing climate change.”  

Dr. Ndiaye's reflection on the impact of climate change was spot-on and intellectually deep.” But, “disappointingly, the global debate on climate has been so much focused on emissions reduction with the question of reducing its impact on Africa and other developing countries always reduced to a footnote. A call for Africa to decarbonise, when the continent has not even carbonised, poses a serious threat to the socio-economic development of a gas-rich continent that has at least six hundred million people without electricity.” 

The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement “is seen as a potent means of reducing carbon emissions as it is helping to domesticate industrial activities and minimise the carbon emissions caused by shipping of commodities to far-away lands for value addition and reshipping to Africa and elsewhere. We believe that The AfCFTA could offer a pathway to a just transition, enabling local industrial value addition while protecting the planet.”  

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, the Immediate Past Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, delivered a powerful address titled “Sustainable Infrastructure for Africa's Future: Harnessing Innovation and Partnerships.” He spoke passionately about the advantages of the AfCFTA and its potential to transform Africa's trade landscape, reduce carbon emissions and foster innovation in green industries. 

“There are two obvious advantages to a fully operational AfCFTA.The first is that 42% of African countries, aside from North Africa, now have legislation prohibiting the export of raw ores or minerals before being processed. This legislation gives African countries the benefit of jobs and revenues from local processing and manufacturing.  

“The second advantage of the AfCFTA is that shipping is a major source of carbon emissions. Under current trade practices, a large share of African raw materials are exported to other regions, where they are processed or manufactured into finished products, usually using fossil fuel power sources, before being shipped back to Africa for consumption. This cycle contributes to higher emissions and constitutes a loss for African countries that do not reap the value chain gain from beneficiation. Intra-African trade in finished goods will substantially reduce this massive cause of global emissions,” he said. 

The reduction of emissions by intra-African trade has been the subject of several empirical studies. Professor Osinbajo referred to a recent ECA/ CEPII study titled “Greening the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement's Implementation" published in December 2023, which found, inter alia, that implementing the AfCFTA can boost intra-African trade by 35% in 2045 while increasing GHG emissions by less than 1%, compared to no AfCFTA or climate policies.  

These studies do not factor in using renewable energy sources in the processing and manufacturing of traded goods, an assumption of the Climate Positive Growth paradigm, which would again substantially reduce emissions.  

Professor Osinbajo cited mining bauxite in Guinea as an example. If Guinea, which has 25% of global deposits of bauxite, processed the bauxite it mines to aluminium with renewable energy in readiness for export, Guinea could save the world 335 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year, which is approximately 1% of global emissions, and create 280,000 jobs and generate $37 billion of additional revenue. If it chooses to sell the aluminium within Africa, it will again save the huge shipping cost to countries thousands of miles away.  

A Bloomberg study done for the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2021 on the manufacture of battery precursors found that manufacturing battery precursors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has plenty of lithium and cobalt, is three times cheaper than manufacturing it in the US, EU and China. Manufacturing in the DRC would extend value chain opportunities to other African countries, they would need manganese from Zambia, Tanzania, Gabon and South Africa to contribute to its capacity to produce these battery precursors. Manufacturing using renewable energy could significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing. Africa's abundant renewable energy has very low seasonality or intermittency, making it possible to reliably provide a renewable baseload to power continuous industrial production.  

“The AfCFTA empowers African countries first to add value to materials and specialise in areas of national comparative advantage, and also to work together to trade more beneficially with the rest of the world,” said Prof Osinbajo. 

He futher said that “Most African countries depend on fossil fuels for their energy needs and for fossil fuel rich African countries, this is also a major source of export earnings and fiscal revenues. Ostensibly in keeping with their net zero obligations, there has been a growing trend amongst development finance institutions to withdraw from fossil fuel investment. These actions include the World Bank's decision to cease funding for upstream oil and gas development in Africa and the restrictions on financing downstream gas development by the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Clearly, the implications of these actions are dire, where there are no immediate alternative sources of power and the cost of the transition to cleaner fuels may be prohibitive. Some studies show that divesting from fossil fuels could reduce GDP by as much as USD$30 billion for Nigeria, USD$22 billion for Algeria, and USD$19.3 billion for Angola.” 

H.E. Dr Rania A Al-Mashat, Minister for Planning, Economic Development and International Co-operation, Arab Republic of Egypt said that while the “African continent is the least responsible for carbon emissions, it has the biggest burden in terms of financing climate change for developmental needs - such as food and water security, and access to energy. 

She called for greater collaboration with national and international stakeholders “We need to work together; we need to bring the experiences from other places so that Africa can push forward with respect to development and sustainable economic growth.” 

In her Goodwill Message, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, spoke about the rapidly closing window to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. She addressed the fact that many African countries are mired in debt, exacerbated by extended crises with little access to long-term concessional financing to invest in sustainable development. 

“With adequate access to financial resources at a reasonable cost, renewables can dramatically boost economies, grow new industries, create jobs and drive development, including by reaching the over 600 million Africans living without access to power,” said Ms Mohammed. 

She also stressed the importance of prioritising inclusive policies that empower women and youth when building climate-resilient economies.  

“By harnessing the collective might of the AfCFTA, Africa can make strides in addressing both climate action and sustainable development by promoting regional integration and fostering green industrialisation.  

“The AfCFTA can help build climate-resilient economies while creating jobs, reducing poverty and strengthening food security.”  

The eighth Babacar Ndiaye Lecture also reinforced Afreximbank's commitment to leadership in financing sustainable infrastructure and trade policies across the continent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact: 
Vincent Musumba 
Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) 
Email: press@afreximbank.com 

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com  
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About the Babacar Ndiaye Lecture 
The Babacar Ndiaye Lecture is an annual event designed to foster dialogue around Africa's development challenges and explore practical solutions through policy, trade and diplomacy.  

The Lecture honours Babacar Ndiaye, a former President of the African Development Bank, for his visionary leadership in advancing Africa's economic growth. 

Afreximbank has hosted this Lecture every year since 2017 in honour of the late Dr. Babacar Ndiaye, the fifth President of the African Development Bank. Dr. Ndiaye transformed the Bank during his decade-long leadership and was also instrumental in establishing several other enduring Pan-African institutions, including Afreximbank, Shelter Afrique and the African Business Roundtable. 

About Afreximbank 
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance, facilitate and promote intra and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative instruments to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The AfCFTA Secretariat and the Bank have created a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA.  

At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.  

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