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SAPS to ‘deal decisively’ with extortionists
SAPS to 'deal decisively' with extortionists
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has warned would be criminals that attacks on police officials will not be tolerated.
This after an attack on a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the base of the unit in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who are investigating allegations of extortion in the area.
During a media briefing following a visit to the NIU base in Mthatha on Sunday, Masemola said police bare the duty to protect.
“[We] are not going to fold our arms and allow a situation where our dedicated and hardworking police officers who are entrusted with investigating and tracing hardened criminals are targeted.
“We will not tolerate attacks on our men and women in blue who are doing all they can to put a stop to incidents of extortion and all other crimes. We continue to urge our members to act decisively when faced with danger.
“Our members have a duty to protect themselves and also protect the communities which they serve,” he said.
The National Commissioner expressed concern that extortion cases in the area are “under-reported” but added that at least 38 cases had been reported since the set-up of an extortion hotline some two weeks ago.
“We are assuring communities that a dedicated team of investigators and members of specialised units that are attached to the task team dealing with extortion are working on this information with a view to build up cases and bring those responsible to book.
“[From] mid-August, we have deployed additional members to support and augment the available capacities in this province to deal with extortion decisively. To date, a lot of work has been put in through intelligence gathering on suspected syndicates linked to extortion and protection fees. Tracing operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points and searching of persons have been conducted.
“[We] are sending a strong message out there to those who are involved in all forms of crime and especially those gangs, criminals and syndicates involved in extortion. We are going to deal decisively with you. We will not hesitate to assert the authority of the state where necessary,” Masemola vowed. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 15:54
135 views
Praise for SA sports
Praise for SA sports
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has congratulated the Springboks on their 18-12 triumph against the All Blacks.
“Congratulations Bokke! Mzansi is very proud!” the department said in social media post on X.
Saturday’s win at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town is a second consecutive win for the Springboks against New Zealand in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“The Boks outscored New Zealand by two tries to zero, clear proof of their eventual dominance, but they will be the first to admit that it was not the way they planned to execute the game plan. Like at Emirates Airline Park last weekend, the All Blacks led at the break, this time 9-3, but they could not maintain that, while a second yellow card by the visitors late in the game cost them dearly,” SA Rugby said in a match report.
The win saw the Boks clinch the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
“It was also the Boks’ fourth win in a row over the Kiwis, the first time they achieved this in the professional era, and as a result, they won back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.”
Meanwhile, the Springbok Women were also in action on Saturday, winning their match against the Barbarians Women’s side in Cape Town.
The Springbok Women claimed a 59-17 victory over their opponents.
In Friday’s match against Uganda, the men’s national football side Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with their counterparts in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
“Uganda had thought that they were on the cusp of a famous victory in South Africa, but debutant Thalente Mbatha had other ideas and snatched the precious equaliser deep in the referee’s optional time to ensure a sharing of the spoils,” said the South African Football Association (SAFA) in a statement.
In a post of X, DSAC Minister, Gayton McKenzie commended the team for their fighting spirit.
“Thanks for the great fight back Bafana Bafana ! You didn’t leave us heartbroken,” said the Minister adding that the team’s performance “made us jump for joy”. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 11:57
124 views
Tourism remains a key driver of the economy
Tourism remains a key driver of the economy
The tourism sector remains a key driver of South Africa’s economy, says Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu.
Speaking at the recent Tourism Women’s Stakeholder Engagement, Sotyu said the Department of Tourism, through its programmes, gives expression to its mandate for inclusive economic growth and to grow the tourism sector.
“It is in this context that government will continue to create a conducive environment for youth, women and people with disabilities in tourism to pursue tourism careers including entrepreneurship.
“The world's fastest growing employment sector, tourism continues to adapt to new trends and South Africa is building the sector to ensure its sustainability for future generations. To drive sustained and inclusive growth of [the] tourism sector, we need to boost the talent pool. A demand-led skill supply in the sector is therefore pivotal,” she said.
Over the years, tourism has experienced continued growth and has undergone diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors.
Programmes by the department include the Wine Service Training Programme, Chefs Training Programme, Professional Cookery, Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, Food and Beverages Training, Tourism Monitors Programme and Tourist Guiding.
Deputy Minister Sotyu said the benefits of these programmes remain economic relief through stipends, placement in tourism establishments for exposure and experience and accreditation ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 2 to NQF level 4.
“We will continue working with social partners to identify essential and demand-led skills required in the tourism sector and build the requisite skills through our departmental funding.
“The Tourism Incentive Market Access Support Programme offers partial financial support through contribution towards the cost of exhibition space, return airfare and hotel accommodation to qualifying small tourism enterprises to participate and exhibit at selected international tourism marketing platforms,” Sotyu said.
Tourism Month
Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September and provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy.
It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.
This year’s World Tourism Day will be celebrated in the Northern Cape Province under the localised theme: “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting People to Places and Cultures”.
The event will be a celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural and historical heritage that continues to foster peace in South Africa, making the country a preferred holiday destination.
This global observance day by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Tourism Sector Recovery Plan
Tourism Month encourages South Africans to travel domestically to sustain jobs and support the recovery of tourism in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
The department developed the plan with the tourism sector, and it contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.
“Tourism is a significant pillar of our economy and presents us with the best chance of increasing social inclusion by making heritage and tourism work for social, spatial and economic growth. But tourism is so much more than generating revenue. It also generates goodwill. Tourism is about the people of South Africa – united in diversity,” Sotyu said.
South Africa recently welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites.
READ | Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
These heritage listings will add to the nation’s brand value and competitiveness of South Africa as a sought-after tourist destination as well as greatly support the country’s heritage tourism sector. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:27
214 views
Women in Limpopo Village Had to Dig Their Own Water Well
Vhembe District Municipality says repairs to faulty boreholes across Elim will be done by end September
Uif Online Services Frozen in Court Battle
Interim interdict stopped the UIF’s new service provider from rendering IT services
Durban Flood Victims Told to Vacate Emergency Housing
eThekwini Municipality says its planning to rehouse the affected families but can’t assist those who had previously benefitted from RDP projects
Police Committee Continues Deliberations on Latest Crime Statistics
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Police today further deliberated on the quarterly crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2023/24 financial year and the first quarter of this financial year.
The Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, released the quarterly crime statistics last week. Mr Mchunu attended the meeting with his deputy ministers, Mr Cassel Mathale and Ms Polly Boshielo.
In his opening remarks, Committee Chairperson Mr Ian Cameron said that today's deliberations provided an opportunity to engage in a critical and in-depth analysis of the statistics. “These statistics provide a stark reflection of the challenges we face in ensuring the safety and security of South Africa,” he said.
Major-General Norman Sekhukhune presented the statistics and told the committee that there was an increase in contact crimes over the two quarters, with 171 707 crimes reported in the fourth quarter – an increase of 4.6%. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 153 637 contact crimes during the first quarter of this financial year, an increase of 2.6% compared to the same period last year, the statistics show.
Some committee members also flagged the statistics on crimes against women and children as particularly concerning. The statistics show that although the overall number of women murdered in 2023/24 is lower than 2022/23 (a decrease of 1.92%), the significant increase of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2024/25 compared to the first quarter of 2023/24 is concerning. According to SAPS' statistics, 966 women were murdered during the first quarter of 2024/25, 1 644 murders were attempted against women, and 13 757 women were assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In 2023/24, 24 942 women were murdered, which is significantly higher than in 2021/22 (9.1% increase). Also, in the first quarter of 2024/25, 314 children were murdered, 424 murders against children were attempted, and 1 596 children were assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
One committee member, Ms Molebogeng Letlape, said the statistics do not present anything new as the numbers from previous quarters show that these crimes – murder and rape – continue to happen in the same areas as before. Ms Letlape asked the SAPS delegation what strategies and measures are in place to address this. “In terms of resources, in terms of crime intelligence, in terms of data collection – what are the measures and strategies that [you] have in place to ensure that there is a decrease in murders, rape and other crimes so that when we come back for the next quarterly report, we don't find ourselves in the same situation?” she asked.
Ms Letlape said it is alarming that despite all the efforts and the budgets made available, improvement remains lacklustre. She also said that of those murdered, over 1 000 are women and are exposed to crime, to murder and rape on a daily basis.
Another committee member, Ms Lise-Mare Schickerling, reminded the meeting attendees that the chilling statistics on rape mean that there is a high probability that one of the women in the (meeting) room could be the next victim of rape.
The acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tobello Mosikili, said figures showing arrests of gang members, rapists and extortionists indicate that communities' cries are not falling on deaf ears. She said SAPS' focus remains on serious crime, such as murder, gender-based violence and extortion, among others, and will continue to receive the necessary attention.
Committee members also raised concern over the state of some police stations, which are in serious disrepair and are not conducive to quality policing. Others raised concerns over the lack of crime intelligence and limited resources, such as police vehicles, which hamper crime fighting efforts. Given that resources are scarce, Mr Cameron stressed the need for an integrated strategy where both SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority work towards common goals, “streamlining efforts to ensure that cases are effectively investigated, prosecuted, and brought to a successful conclusion”, he said. “Only through such collaboration can we hope to restore trust in our justice system and provide the safety and security that the people of South Africa deserve,” Mr Cameron said.
Minister Mchunu acknowledged that although crime is coming down, more should be done. He assured the committee that plans are in place and support to SAPS management will continue. “We are working on turnaround times. We need to improve that. We just need a little bit of time,” he said. “We don't expect these numbers to persist. It will go down,” he assured members.
The minister also conceded that crime intelligence is a major worry, especially in terms of capacity (numbers, technology and skills). He reminded the committee that crime intelligence has been hollowed out over the years and improving the situation will take time.
Lieutenant-General Mosikili, in turn, reminded the committee that scarce resources are a challenge across the board. She acknowledged poor maintenance of police stations as a challenge but said SAPS is working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to attend to this.
Mr Cameron thanked the delegation. “As we work together to protect our communities, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to build a safer, more just South Africa for all. We cannot and dare not fail,” he said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Understanding Hair Loss and Exploring Treatment Options
Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide, and finding the right solution can be challenging. While some individuals experience minor thinning, others may suffer from conditions like alopecia that require medical attention. Fortunately, specialized hair clinics provide a variety of treatments tailored to address different types of hair loss. …
How To Tell If Your Prepaid Meter HAS Been Upgraded (or Not)
By 24 November 2024 ALL prepaid meters in South Africa will need to be recoded. The current Token Identifier (TID) code will expire on 24 November 2024 and after this date all Standard Transfer Specification (STS) compliant meters will stop accepting credit tokens. Most meters in the country fall within this category. This project is …
Gauteng Legislature honours former Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Pandor
Gauteng Legislature honours former Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Pandor
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has paid tribute to former ministers, Dr Naledi Pandor and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in a special sitting of the legislature.
Pandor retired from government following nearly 30 years of service in roles including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Minister of Higher Education and Training, twice as Minister of Science and Technology, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Education.
Dlamini Zuma also served in various positions, including as Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Health from 1994 to 1999 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs before her retirement.
Both played roles in the struggle against Apartheid in South Africa.
Addressing the public gathering, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the two women represent the epitome of what it means to be a South African patriot.
“Our presence today is nothing else but an endorsement for the hard work, the dedication and commitment that they had for our country. They didn’t only love our country, they loved our people. They didn’t only sacrifice for our country, they sacrificed for everyone who is here now to understand that indeed our freedom was not free.
“They represent every epoch of our freedom and every epoch of our revolution. We don’t have silver, we don’t have gold but we have are these words: Thank you. We are indeed indebted to these two powerful women,” he said.
In response, former Minister Dlamini Zuma said: “Defend the gains of the revolution and push the frontiers. You must bequeath to the next generation a better Gauteng and a better South Africa than the one you have”.
Meanwhile, former Minister Pandor said: “There’s a lot of young people who have time to do a great deal of things and if you can change our nation’s thinking of itself…all you need is the will to make the difference”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:24
1810 views
Nelson Mandela University Celebrated Women’s Month With Empowerment Event in Digital Public Relations.
Nelson Mandela University hosts a Women’s Empowerment Event. Equipping students with the skills to succeed in the digital PR industry. Insights into the rapidly evolving PR landscape. Gqeberha, 04 September , 2024: The event took place on the 29th of August 2024 at the Ocean Science Campus at Nelson Mandela University. The event commemorating Women’s …
SA called to learn Sign Language
SA called to learn Sign Language
South Africans have been encouraged to learn South African Sign Language as the country joins the global community in commemorating International Month for Deaf People.
International Month for Deaf People is observed annually in September to promote awareness of the rights of deaf people around the world, and bring to the fore challenges faced by deaf people.
The month is used to promote the understanding of the deaf community, and to encourage people to take steps to be more inclusive and celebrate diversity. This includes learning sign language so that people can communicate with the deaf community.
This year’s International Month for Deaf People is commemorated under the theme: “Sign up for Sign Language Rights”.
In celebrating Deaf Awareness Month, the Minister of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, called on South Africans to learn Sign Language, as “it is the most effective way to communicate with and connect with deaf individuals”.
“Public activities should be focused on mainstream and advocacy for the rights of the deaf community, to foster social cohesion, and education on disability inclusive language to eliminate any form of unfair discrimination,” Chikunga said.
She noted that South Africa's deaf community is well established, with over four million deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
The amendment of section 6 of the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill to include South African Sign Language as the 12th official language in the country is a major stride towards effective protection and promotion of the linguistic rights of the deaf community.
“The year 2024 stands out as a significant year in South Africa, as Mia Le Roux made history by becoming the first individual with a hearing impairment to be crowned Miss South Africa. This month-long celebration aims to encourage inclusivity, advance Sign Language education, and cultivate a deeper understanding of deaf culture,” Chikunga said.
In leading socio-economic transformation and the implementation of empowerment and participation of people with disabilities through mainstreaming and advocacy, the department further called upon all sectors of society to develop initiatives to commemorate this month and afford the deaf community the dignity they deserve. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 13:54
47 views
Springboks vs All Blacks: Park and ride for free around CT on Saturday
Springboks vs All Blacks: Park and ride for free around CT on Saturday
The City of Cape Town is rolling out an expanded free park and ride service on Saturday, 7 September 2024, as the Mother City hosts four-time Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, for their Castle Lager Rugby Championship game against New Zealand at the DHL Stadium.
A sold-out crowd is expected at the DHL Stadium for the 5pm kick-off as the Springboks return to play in Cape Town for the first time since their victory against Wales in front of a 52 000 strong crowd in 2022.
It is also the first time the Springboks go head-to-head with the All Blacks in the Mother City since 2017.
“Cape Town is a city united in pride and excitement as we prepare to host our world champion Bokke for this historic clash against our greatest rivals. To support this major event, the city is pleased to announce an expanded and free MyCiTi shuttle service for spectators,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
This will cover fans from Century City, the University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Thibault Square and Civic Centre stations.
Stadium gates are expected to open at 12:30pm ahead of the curtain raiser between the Springbok Women against the Barbarian Women at 1:30pm.
The first shuttle from all pick-up points will depart at 12pm.
At the Civic Centre, the city will open its 475 parking bays for ticketed rugby fans on a first-come, first-served basis from 11am.
The free parking areas are accessible from Hertzog Boulevard and Civic Road.
The shuttle service from UCT’s Upper Campus and Century City Steelbridge E-parking will operate until 4:45pm to ensure that all spectators get to the event before the kick-off of the Springbok game at 5pm.
At UCT, spectators can park on the Upper Campus and catch the shuttle at the UCT Shuttle North Stop (beside the dam).
Century City Steelbridge E-Parking will have 500 free parking bays for match ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking area on Century Boulevard will be monitored by security but is at the owner’s risk.
On-street parking in the CBD is available for free from 1pm.
The last return bus from the stadium to the pick-up points leaves at 9:30pm.
“With the game sold out, we anticipate our roads will be congested on match day. But working with the event organiser, we have provided alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles to ensure people avoid being stuck in traffic.
“We would like to encourage spectators to make use of the park and ride system to alleviate the pressure on the roads,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
However, according to Smith, parking around the stadium is limited and people are discouraged from parking illegally in the residential areas.
“Illegally parked vehicles will be fined and/or towed away. We are deploying our safety and security personnel to work with SAPS in taking care of safety at this event. This is a wonderful occasion that a lot of people have been anticipating for some time. Let’s work together to make it a seamless and memorable experience for all,” Smith added.
Meanwhile, a dedicated e-hailing area will be established on P13 on Greenpoint Main Road between York Road and Wigtown Road.
Residents and motorists are advised that several roads will be closed and restricted on Saturday. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:07
63 views
A Waterblommetjies Celebration
The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday 7 September. Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities suitable for the whole family. The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos, Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae) is an indigenous delicacy that is only found in the Boland area of …
CSA Names Proteas Women Squad For Pakistan Series And T20 World Cup In UAE
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September is a month of renewal and positive change. It’s also when South Africa celebrates Heart Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to make impactful lifestyle choices that improve heart health. As it stands, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA cites cardiovascular disease as the second-leading cause of death in the country, responsible …
Chikunga pays tribute to Thabiso Sikwane and Jessica Mbangeni
Chikunga pays tribute to Thabiso Sikwane and Jessica Mbangeni
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has lauded the late broadcaster Thabiso Sikwane and Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni’s roles as advocates for women empowerment.
The renowned media broadcaster, Thabiso Sikwane, and praise singer, musician and church Bishop, Jessica Mbangeni, both passed away on Saturday, adding to the list of personalities the country recently lost during Women's Month.
Paying tribute, Chikunga said Sikwane and Mbangeni were the epitome of hope to many women and girls in South Africa, particularly those in the creative and art sector.
“We drop our heads and spears to the ground at the two women who have contributed to the development and transformation of art by carrying the message of socio-economic empowerment of women and girls to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) to the world.
“They have served as role models, showing women and girls that they too can express themselves and make an impact by breaking barriers through achieving recognition for future generations and inspiring them to be at the forefront of social change,” Chikunga said.
She noted that through mediums including radio music, literature, visual arts and performance, these women made a significant impact, by challenging norms, and inspiring action on social issues.
“We should continue to advocate and mainstream for socio-economic empowerment of women and girls through government programs such as the Young Creatives Programme that encourage women and youth to get involved in community activism to foster social cohesion, nation-building, and patriotism by investing in the creative economy to end poverty among women and girls,” Chikunga said.
The Minister extended her sincere condolences to the Sikwane and Mbangeni families. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:12
94 views
Hemantha Five Stings SA ‘A’ in Potch
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Pinkdrive Empowered by Incredible Support at Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024
The Totalsports Women’s Race has much to celebrate in 2024. Each of the three events drew record-breaking numbers, with a combined total of 30 000 runners (7500 in Durban, 12 500 in Cape Town, and 10 000 in Joburg) participating during Women’s Month. In addition to this remarkable turnout, the event proudly raised an impressive …
Acting President Mashatile Congratulates South African Sports Stars
Acting President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has extended heartfelt congratulations to several South African sportsmen and women for their exceptional achievements over the past weekend.
Their victories have ushered the nation into the spring season, filled with hope and a renewed sense of national pride.
"Sports have a unique ability to bring South Africans together and uplift the nation's spirits, even amidst our challenges," said Acting President Mashatile.
"The incredible performances by our athletes this past weekend serves as a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of our people."
The weekend's achievements highlights include: Mpumelelo Mhlongo who secured a gold medal in his 100m event, while Bayanda Walaza made history in Peru, becoming the fastest young man on earth with the remarkable times of 10.19 seconds in the 100m sprint and 20.52 seconds in the 200m sprint.
Also in Peru, Hannah Van Niekerk won a silver medal in Kima 400 m hurdles in the World U20 tournament.
In team sports, the National Rugby Team, the Springboks (Boks) defeated New Zealands All Blacks 31-27, while Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates proceeded to the Final of the MTN 8 Cup.
These remarkable results demonstrate the athletes' prowess, showcasing the strength and talent of South African athletes on both local and international stages.
"The triumphs of Mhlongo, Walaza, and our esteemed sports teams are not just victories for them but for every South African who finds joy, pride, and unity in our nation's sporting successes," Acting President Mashatile added.
"We celebrate these achievements and look forward to many more moments of national pride and joy."
Acting President Mashatile concluded by emphasizing the power of sports in fostering unity and hope, urging all South Africans to continue supporting and celebrating their athletes as they represent the country on various platforms worldwide.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Welcoming the Next Generation of Incredible as Schools SA20 Launches Nationally
SA20 and Cricket South Africa (CSA) are proud to announce the launch of Schools SA20, designed to discover and nurture...
China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - As part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of South Africans, China has committed to assist the country in tackling poverty.
This commitment was revealed in a joint statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China.
“China is committed to sharing with South Africa its experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation; in building poverty alleviation model villages and offering support for South Africa's coordinated urban and rural development,” the statement said on Monday.
During the State Visit, the two countries recommitted to working together towards building a high-quality China-South Africa community, with a shared future.
“To carry forward the friendship, consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance coordination, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to an All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era, underpinned by strong political ties and focused on a prosperous future with balanced trade, and accelerated transformative economic growth,” the statement said.
Improving lives
China expressed its firm support of national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen. It also said it respects efforts by the South African government to safeguard its national interests to improve the lives of all South Africans.
“The two sides agreed to work on strengthening cooperation and synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to continue implementing the 10 Years Strategic Programme of Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), as a blueprint towards more substantive outcomes on priority political and socio-economic issues between the two sides.
“The two sides agreed to fully leverage the role of mechanisms such as the China-South Africa Joint Working Group (JWG) and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) to further expand economic and trade ties by improving the current trade structure, increasing market access and the export of value-added goods from South Africa,” the statement said.
Trade and investment
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
“The two sides encouraged the respective business communities to enhance new two-way investments and increase their manufacturing bases within the proximity of the relevant source of raw materials to enable the transfer of skills technology and job creation.
“The two sides committed to providing a stable, fair and enabling business environment for companies from both sides and to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the relevant personnel, projects and institutions.
“The two sides encouraged mutual visits by economic and trade delegations, including co-hosting the New Energy Investment Conferences with South Africa and holding the Jobs Fair of Chinese-invested Enterprises in South Africa to boost local employment and improve people’s lives,” the statement said.
READ | President calls for narrowing of SA, China trade deficit
Deepening cooperation
The two sides agreed that promoting modernisation is the joint goal in building a high-level South Africa-China community, with a shared future.
“The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, health, medical sciences and infrastructure development. However, they will further seize opportunities presented by the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focusing on key areas such as the digital economy, new energies and artificial intelligence, boost cooperation on quality productive forces, and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy, energy storage and power transmission and distribution,” the statement said.
The two sides further agreed to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, women, health, youth, education, sport, media, tourism and other people-to-people cooperation fields.
As part of the State Visit, the two Presidents jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation instruments in the following areas:
• Cooperation of the Application of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System;
• Sustainable Housing and Human Settlements Development;
• Deepening Bilateral Trade Cooperation;
• Cultural Heritage;
• Cooperation in Prevention and Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease;
• Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Dairy Products Exported from the Republic of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China; and the Protocol on Greasy Wool. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:41
188 views
Eskom lights the way to women empowerment
Eskom lights the way to women empowerment
Following the conclusion of Women’s Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the leadership of Eskom and other state-owned entities for their efforts in promoting gender equality in the workplace.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President called on other companies, both public and private, to put in place deliberate programmes to eradicate workplace discrimination and make workplaces more conducive to women’s participation and development.
“Companies need to empower women in decision-making and technical roles. This is to ensure that every workplace and every occupation reflects the demographics of our country.
“We must commend the leadership of Eskom and of other state-owned entities, as well as many other businesses, for all they are doing to advance gender equality in the workplace.
“By continuing and intensifying this work, we can make sure that we have more and more to celebrate during Women’s Month in the years to come,” the President said in his newsletter on Monday.
During Women's Month, President Ramaphosa said the nation has celebrated the remarkable achievements of South African women in various aspects of life, acknowledging the significant progress made in advancing women's positions in society.
However, the President said government also recognises the persistent challenges and the crucial work ahead to achieve a truly non-sexist and equal society.
Keeping the lights on
Concurrently, the country has surpassed 150 days without load shedding. The President said this is a testament to the dedicated efforts of Eskom's leadership and staff in improving the performance of its power stations.
While there is much attention on what Eskom is doing to stabilise the electricity system, President Ramaphosa said another significant change has been quietly underway at the company over the course of the last few years.
He noted that women are taking a more prominent role in the work of Eskom and are playing a pivotal role in keeping the country’s lights on.
Transformation
“Two years ago I met with Eskom’s power station managers and I was pleased to see that a number of them were women. I found this to be a complete departure from the past where power station managers were always white men. This represented tremendous transformation on a demographic as well as gender basis.
“The inspiring story of Maserati Lesolang, the general manager of the Matla power station in Mpumalanga, is a demonstration of Eskom’s successes in growing a new generation of female leaders. Under Lesolang’s able leadership, Matla power station has implemented a turnaround plan resulting in it now being among Eskom’s better performing power stations,” he said.
The President further noted that at a number of state-owned enterprises, women are excelling not only in management and leadership positions, but also in technical roles and occupations that were previously the preserve of men.
Women Advancement Programme
He highlighted that within Eskom itself, women are working as power station managers, engineers, artisans, operators and technicians.
“This is the result of a deliberate and sustained initiative to increase female representation in the form of Eskom’s Women Advancement Programme. The programme was launched ten years ago to redress the under-representation of women in leadership and technical roles at Eskom,” the President said.
The programme’s focus has been on creating a pipeline of female leaders. It has also focused on transforming workplace culture to make it more gender-friendly, on skilling and training more women to occupy specialist roles, to conduct outreach in communities where Eskom operates, and to address issues of equal work for equal pay.
Among the achievements of the programme since its inception has been that just over 33% of Eskom’s workforce is now female, 20% of Eskom executives are women, and women occupy approximately 43% of senior management roles.
The President said this is important progress, but there is still same way to go to achieve gender parity.
“Eskom has succeeded in narrowing the gender pay gap from 41% to below 6%. The company’s procurement spend on black-women owned businesses has increased from R6 billion in 2013 to over R16 billion by 2022.
“The national power utility continues to invest heavily in skilling and training for women, with just over half of further study opportunities at Eskom taken up by women,” he said.
Another key focus area of the programme is conducting outreach at schools and in communities to encourage female learners to consider future careers at Eskom.
Earlier this year Eskom also launched a Young Professionals Development Programme, a graduate trainee programme that places participants in positions across the span of its operations. Eskom has made a concerted effort to encourage female graduates to apply.
South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August.
This year’s commemoration of Women’s Day on 9 August, marked 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched on the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of pass laws to women. – SAnews.gov.za
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Mon, 09/02/2024 - 13:45
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