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Nzimande calls for urgent need to transform South Africa’s science landscape

Location: News

Nzimande calls for urgent need to transform South Africa's science landscape

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has called on the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to convene a summit to discuss transformation within South Africa’s national system of innovation (NSI).

Speaking in Pretoria at the launch of the 2024 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report, Nzimande said that the summit should bring together stakeholders to address the remaining barriers to achieving a fully transformed innovation system.

Despite the report highlighting increases in the numbers of women and Black academic staff at higher education institutions in South Africa, the Minister said there is still much room for improvement. 

“We must recognise the ongoing challenges in transforming our STI landscape. We need to ensure that our NSI truly reflects the demographics of our nation, particularly in terms of race, class and gender,” he added. 

According to the report, university enrolments in South Africa increased by 12% between 2012 and 2021, with a 41% rise in the number of graduates.

Black African academic staff representation rose to 43%, marking substantial progress in gender and racial equity. 

Meanwhile, scientific publications increased from 3 693 in 2000 to 27 208 in 2022, securing a global share of one percent.

Diversity among authors has also improved significantly, with the percentage of women authors rising from 32% in 2005 to 45% in 2022, and contributions from black academics growing from under 15% to over 52%. 

The Minister said the ongoing transformation of the NSI is about ensuring that the benefit of innovation is shared equitably across society. 

This includes enhancing access to science and technology education for young people from working-class and poor backgrounds to ensure they can become future scientists and innovators. 

However, he said the positive increases in university enrolments and graduates, coupled with the growing representation of women and Black African academic staff, were testament to government’s commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive scientific community.

The National Research Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, said that, among 4 212 rated researchers in South Africa, Black South Africans account for 38%. 

Nzimande believes this was testimony to the commitment to transform the country’s research landscape. 

The STI report, titled ‘Measuring science, technology and innovation to guide their contribution to socio-economic development’, highlights South Africa’s advancements and the challenges that remain. 

Commissioned by NACI, the report provides data and insights that inform policy decisions by government, helping to shape strategies aimed at improving the country’s STI landscape. 

The report reveals that South Africa invested R2.4 billion in national research infrastructure and R1.2 billion in the National Equipment Programme, strengthening research capabilities across the country. 

The nation’s e-Government Development Index improved from 0.49 in 2012 to 0.74 in 2022, with its global ranking jumping from 101 to 65 out of 193 countries, reflecting significant progress in digital inclusion. 

Manufacturing exports increased by 11.7% between 2021 and 2022, with medium and high technology (MHT) exports showing strong growth. 

The sector saw a notable rise in patent filings and publications in emerging technologies, including digitalisation and nanotechnology, indicating a robust commitment to innovation.

The report identified ongoing challenges, including low research and development (R&D) intensity, declining international patent applications, and reduced venture capital investment. 

South Africa’s patenting activity has declined significantly over the past few years. 

Domestic patents granted decreased from 694 in 2019 to 513 in 2022, while patent applications abroad dropped from 1 457 in 2020 to 968 in 2022. 

Additionally, patents granted by the European Patent Office decreased from 80 in 2020 to 38 in 2022. 

However, there was a slight increase in patents granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office, from 125 in 2021 to 150 in 2022. 

“As we move forward, it is imperative that we make targeted and sustainable policy, institutional, and resource interventions to address the challenges identified in the 2024 STI Indicators Report. Our goal is to place science, technology, and innovation at the core of South Africa's national development agenda, the Minister. 

CEO of NACI, Dr Mlungisi Cele, underscored the importance of addressing these challenges with a comprehensive strategy. – SAnews.gov.za
 
 

Gabisile
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 15:23

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How South Africa Got Its First UFC Middleweight Champ

Location: MyPR

In the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo meets Dricus du Plessis, a professional kickboxer hailing from Hartbeespoort Dam who made history as the first ever South African to become Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion. Mixed martial arts (MMA) is continuing its rise on the African continent. Du Plessis’ win came in …

Read moreHow South Africa Got Its First UFC Middleweight Champ

Ntuli to launch KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund

Location: News

Ntuli to launch KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, says the provincial government is making significant strides towards advancing the lives of women and putting them at the forefront of the economic mainstream.

This follows an announcement the Premier made during his State of the Province Address that within the first 100 days in office, he would unveil the KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund (KZNWAF).

The KZNWAF is a pioneering initiative designed to empower and support women entrepreneurs in the province by addressing the unique challenges they face in business.

The Premier is expected to launch the fund on Friday.

“This launch will provide a platform to connect visionary women entrepreneurs with corporate and government leaders, promoting long-term investments, collaboration, and innovation,” said the Premier.

Meanwhile, a lack of funding, limited support, gender bias, and access to markets which result in exclusion from the mainstream economy are among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Ntuli said the fund will provide women with financial resources, mentorship, and business development services.
“We are excited to be launching this fund which is led by the Office of the Premier and is a result of engagements with the private sector and leading women, who saw a need to empower and develop other women.

“We appreciate the partnership between government and the private sector. This partnership will support our vision of ensuring that women do not remain disenfranchised, but they become active participants in our economy,” Ntuli said.

At Friday’s launch, the Premier will present the private sector partners who collaborated with government to support women entrepreneurs.

The KZNWAF launch will be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, under the theme “Igniting Her Future: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment."

“Various women entrepreneurs will speak about their business journeys through a panel discussion. About 15 women-owned businesses chosen from across the province will exhibit their products,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:11

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SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally

Location: News

SA groundbreaking study transforms TB treatment policy globally

A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first programme in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the international TB treatment policy of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The principal investigator leading this study, Dr Francesca Conradie, explained that the study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step toward a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for TB.

“The BEAT-Tuberculosis study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology. 

“By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics,” said Conradie. 

The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB compared with the established standard of care. 

The standard treatment consisted of a regimen of seven drugs administered over a minimum of nine months, in comparison to a regimen of four to five medications, which included newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, and was administered over only six months.

The BEAT-Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years. 

The study began in 2019 and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in both provinces.  

The study’s other objective was to build research capacity for DR-TB in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, through community engagement and training healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.

“This collaborative effort received crucial support from the National and Provincial Departments of Health that provided essential medication and laboratory infrastructure for safety and efficacy assessments,” said Conradie.

The local research study was made possible by the collaboration of the National Department of Health, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand. 

The results from the study have influenced the WHO policy on the treatment of TB, and at the same time put the Global South centre stage for driving improved treatment for all. 

National Department of Health’s Chief Director of TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, said that in 2022, an estimated 280 000 people developed TB in South Africa, while 54 000 died from the disease. 

TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa.

“With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative changes in RR-TB management worldwide. 

“While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.” 

USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Leslie Marbury, believes that the National Department of Health and his organisation have improved TB patient care worldwide.

Marbury said the organisation celebrates the 400 participants who made this trial possible and brought the world closer to ending TB. 

“We also thank all BEAT Tuberculosis stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Health Departments, and local medical facilities, for their dedication and commitment to this globally recognised study,” she added.  

TB symptoms

The most common symptoms of TB are a cough that lasts more than two weeks, weight loss, drenching night sweats and a fever. 

Anyone with these symptoms is urged to go to their local clinic. 

“You will be asked to produce sputum or phlegm which will be tested for TB. If the test is positive, the correct treatment will be started.” – SAnews.go.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:16

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Godlimpi to lead Women’s Month seminar

Location: News

Godlimpi to lead Women’s Month seminar

With Women’s Month drawing to a close, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will host a seminar for women entrepreneurs on Friday.

Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi is expected to lead the seminar that is aimed at promoting  women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

According to the dtic, the event will offer a unique opportunity for dialogue, building valuable connections, and exploring success strategies essential for women in business. 

“It will also serve as a platform to showcase the work of businesses supported by the dtic and its entities and the role the entities play in helping women entrepreneurs through various mechanisms, including funding, regulation and exports among others.

Friday’s seminar which will get underway at 9 am, will take place at the Industrial Development Corporation in Sandton.– SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:19

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Chikunga reacts to brutal killing of two Limpopo women

Location: News

Chikunga reacts to brutal killing of two Limpopo women

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has commended law enforcement agencies for their speedy arrest of the farm owners, who allegedly killed two Limpopo women.

The owners of Onverwacht farm, near Sebayeng, outside Polokwane, have appeared in court on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.

“The ferocious murder of the two women confirms that South Africa is struggling to overcome the burden of race, class, and gender-based inequality inherited during the periods of colonialism and apartheid.

“Women in rural, remote and severely underprivileged areas remain one of the most vulnerable groups to violence in their communities and their homes,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga said violence against women has reached alarming proportions in South Africa and it affects all women in this country.

The Minister emphasised the need to give attention to the extent of the vulnerability of rural women and women living on farmlands to have access to the justice system.

She said unequal access to education, segregated communities and massive economic disparities persists particularly among rural women and women on farms who are the most marginalised groups of women in South Africa.

“Approximately 55.5% (30.3 million people) of the population is living in the national upper poverty line while a total of 13.8 million people (25%) is experiencing food poverty.

“Action has never been more urgent to reduce inequality in society, the department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is leading the socio-economic empowerment of women youth and persons with disabilities, by ensuring that gender-responsive planning and budgeting becomes a norm for the whole country as it works towards ensuring equality,” Chikunga said.

The accused remained in custody and the case was postponed to 30 August 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:15

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Public Safety Survey Highlights Magnitude of Work the SAPS Must Do to Regain Trust

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has expressed concern that only 58% of housebreaking victims report the crime to the police, mainly because they believe that the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not do anything about it. The Chairperson was responding to Statistics South Africa's release of the 2023/24 Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey.

“The trust deficit between the SAPS and communities is a major Achilles heel in the fight against crime. It is up to the South African Police Service to work hard, through deeds and action, to reverse this negative sentiment,” Mr Cameron said.

The Chairperson welcomed the release of the survey, as it gives a deeper analysis of the crime picture in the country. What is worrying, Mr Cameron said, was the general decline in reporting acts of crime across the board, especially sexual offences.

“The decline in reporting sexual offences from 92.3% to 78.4% should be reversed through training of police officers to adequately handle sexual-related crimes to prevent secondary victimisation. Also, the effective investigation of crimes leading to prosecution and the constant updating of victims will enhance trust between the police and victims,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

“It is extremely concerning, as SAPS is not currently equipped to really support victims and unfortunately when protection orders are not adequately enforced victims lose faith in the system,” Mr Cameron said. “Part of the budget adjustments the committee wants to propose can help address some of these shortcomings,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson underscored the serious concern that the use of illicit firearms, the weapons of choice in many criminal incidents, continues unabated. “We need more capacity within the SAPS to do destruction of firearms handed in and seized by police, as well as effective consequence management against those involved in smuggling firearms. The ease with which criminals access firearms is unacceptable,” Mr Cameron said.

The Chairperson also highlighted that it is unacceptable that people feel unsafe walking the street after dark. Statistics SA revealed that this fear is particularly pronounced among women, who reported feeling less safe walking in their neighbourhoods after dark than men. Additionally, the percentage of people who feel safe walking alone during the day fell from 86,6% in 2019/20 to 84,8% in 2020/21, continuing to decline throughout the reporting period and reaching 80,4% in 2023/24. The Chairperson called for heightened police visibility to curb this worrying trend.

Furthermore, the Chairperson encouraged communities to actively participate in community neighbourhood watches and community police forums, and to continue to be the ears and eyes of the police. “It is crucial that communities exhaust all lawful remedies to help prevent and combat crimes as we work to help adjust resources and budget of the SAPS,” Mr Cameron said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson welcomed yesterday's multidisciplinary operation undertaken in eThekwini where at least 123 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested. The police also recovered counterfeit US dollars equivalent to R4.1 million, seized 117 rounds of ammunition of various firearm calibres and a large amount of liquor. Also, one suspect was arrested after he was found in possession of cocaine, crystal meth and an undisclosed amount of money. Mr Cameron emphasised that these kinds of disruptive operations are necessary in the fight against crime, and he called the SAPS to intensify such operations.

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

Read morePublic Safety Survey Highlights Magnitude of Work the SAPS Must Do to Regain Trust

Procuring for a better SA

Location: News

Procuring for a better SA

The recently signed Public Procurement Act is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and curb corruption while also ensuring that taxpayer money is used responsibly.

“It is a good move for many reasons,” says Kamogelo Mampane, the Executive Chairman of the Supply Chain Council (SCC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa assented the act that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, in July.

“It is a consolidation of all guidelines, practice notes and procurement guidelines that were found in other regulations into one legislative framework. The Procurement Act introduces standardised procedures that streamline the procurement process, making it more efficient and transparent. This will significantly reduce bureaucratic delays and curb corruption, ensuring that taxpayer money is used responsibly and effectively,” Mampane told SAnews.

The SCC is a non-profit association that was set-up in 2010 to provide quality and professional supply chain services to organisations across the globe. The association helps organisations to make improvements in supply chain processes.

The act also complies with the Constitution’s Section 217 that states that the contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective, among others.

According to the Presidency, the act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains the justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.

Mampane said the act also creates clarity on what is legal, possible and creates many possible options for state organs to drive economic transformation while also forming a basis for investments in technology and best sourcing practices.

Recently, National Treasury indicated that the provisions of the act are not in force yet and that the President will bring the provisions of the Act into operation through a new proclamation in the government gazette.
The Public Procurement Act, 2024 (Act No. 28 of 2024) was approved by the President and published as an Act in the Government Gazette on 23 July 2024. 

According to Treasury, Section 69 of the Act enables the President to bring the provisions into operation on different dates (phased approach) and to determine different dates for different categories of procuring institutions such as national and provincial departments, national and provincial public entities and municipalities and municipal entities.

Public Procurement Tribunal 

Chapter 6 of the Act makes provision for a dispute resolution mechanism and a Public Procurement Tribunal to review decisions taken by procurement institutions. 

Asked about his thoughts on the tribunal, Mampane said that small businesses often lack the resources to engage in prolonged legal battles.

“The tribunal offers a more accessible and cost-effective platform for resolving disputes, ensuring that their grievances are heard and addressed promptly. By upholding transparent procurement practices, the tribunal also assists small businesses to understand the criteria and processes used in awarding contracts.”

He added that this clarity can help small business to better prepare and compete for future opportunities. 

“We foresee a tribunal receiving a huge number of applications in the beginning as small businesses seek a hearing.”

“The tribunal will also hold procurement officials accountable for their actions, encouraging them to adhere to the Act and code of conduct. This can lead to more diligent and conscientious behaviour in the execution of their duties. 

“It is our view public procurement officials did not have a place to go if they felt threatened by people in authority, politicians, or suppliers. The tribunal will be a place to go as an independent body that can listen to their challenges,” he explained.

Asked about what type of individuals must sit on the tribunal, Mampane said this institution must be chaired by a retired judge supported by individuals with many years of experience in public procurement. This also includes someone who has experience in contract management and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) to ensure the consistency of the application of the rules. 

According to the Act, a member of the Tribunal holds office for a period of five years, or the shorter period that the Minister of finance determines.

Additionally, a member of the Tribunal may be re-appointed at the expiry of a term for a further term not exceeding three years. 

Transformation 

In the year that marks 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa, the act is cognisant of the need to continue to foster economic transformation.

The act contains set asides for designated groups like women and persons living with disabilities who have historically been disadvantaged.

According to the chairman, this inclusive approach is expected to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all businesses to compete and thrive.

“Our economy is not growing, unemployment remains a challenge, youth unemployment is an indication of a non-productive economy. In any developing country like South Africa, SMMEs [small, medium, and micro-enterprises] play a crucial role in developing the economy, creating jobs and reindustrialisation. The protection and advancement of designated groups is crucial in creating sustainable projects in our communities.”

He added that the setting aside of opportunities for the productive sector of the economy will encourage innovation and investment by local and international organisations.

“A key aim of the bill is to drive economic transformation by mandating that a substantial portion of procurement contracts be awarded to historically disadvantaged individuals and SMMEs, the bill promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity. This is a major win for economic empowerment and growth.” 

In an earlier media release, the SCC said a highlight of the act is its strong support for local production and manufacturing. 

“The law stipulates that government entities prioritise locally produced goods and services in their procurement decisions. This provision aims to boost local industries, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth within the country. 

“Supply chain professionals will need to cultivate robust relationships with local suppliers, ensuring that the procurement of locally manufactured products meets quality and cost-efficiency standards,” it said.

Reducing bureaucracy

Asked about whether the act will reduce government bureaucracy, Mampane said the Act provides a clear framework for efficient, fair and sustainable development for the more than 700 state organs, government departments and municipalities.

“The implementation of electronic procurement platforms to facilitate online submission and processing of bids, reducing paperwork and speeding up the procurement cycle will reduce bureaucracy of public procurement. 

“Some processes were completely unnecessary e.g. having to go to National Treasury to ask for permission for minor deviations. The need to submit manual reports to National Treasury even though some were hardly ever used or perused by National Treasury, was also onerous.”

Concerns

Chapter 6 of the Act which speaks to dispute resolution, also refers to the Stand Still Process which speaks to the “prohibition on concluding contract during reconsideration or review proceedings”. 

According to the process, if a procurement process is subject to a reconsideration in accordance with section 37, a procuring institution may not conclude a contract with the successful bidder within 10 days after completion of the reconsideration or review process.

Section 37 (Reconsideration by procuring institution) of the Act states that a bidder may submit an application for reconsideration to the procuring institution if that bidder is not satisfied with a decision to award a bid by that institution.

Mampane expressed concern over the process saying that in its current form, the clause creates “an automatic stand still, as it requires an organ of state not to conclude a contract with the successful bidder prior to completion of the review process by a Tribunal.”

“Projects will be stopped even if the request is frivolous and has no basis. The prima facie rule is ignored by this clause. We are extremely concerned that this will create inefficiencies in the process,” he said.

Taking supply chain forward

Asked about what the act means for the supply chain sector as a whole, Mampane is of the view that the act elevates the profession.

“This is a boost to the supply chain professionalising agenda as it elevates the profession to its right full place, i.e. a strategic function to assist government in achieving their social and economic objectives.

“Supply chain professionals must be at the forefront of driving this change, leveraging their expertise to assist their organisations in delivering their strategic objectives. Supply Chain professionals must build on this foundation that is created by this Act and build strong cases for SMME development, increase spend on locally produced products and deliver tangible value to their organisations and communities,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 14:58

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The sky’s not the limit for SAPS pilot

Location: News

The sky's not the limit for SAPS pilot

Meet Lieutenant Colonel Kgothatso Khunou, the first African female chief helicopter pilot attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS) Airwing in the Free State, and one of 17 female pilots nationwide.

Khunou is certainly living up to her first name, Kgothatso, which means ‘courage,’ loosely translated from Setswana. 

During the month of August, SAPS continues to celebrate its women in blue by celebrating those who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also break barriers in male dominated environments.

Khunou hails from Rustenburg and she fondly describes her humble upbringing as a "village girl". Her career in aviation found her and not the other way around, she insists. As a teenager, Khunou kindled a dream of following a career in science. 

In 2010, the Royal Bafokeng Administration offered Khunou a scholarship to obtain a commercial pilot licence, just shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Biotechnology. Having a fear of flying, Khunou courageously jumped at the opportunity to overcome this fear. 

This ultimately led her to join the SAPS in 2014 as a junior pilot at the rank of warrant officer. 

As a helicopter pilot, Khunou’s duties include operational flights by providing aerial support as requested from ground units, stock theft and stolen vehicle searches as well as assisting with search and rescue operations. 

Khunou is currently deployed to Operation Vala Umgodi which continues to register commendable progress in dealing decisively with those involved in illicit mining activities across the country. 

She played a pivotal role in a recent women-led Vala Umgodi operation in celebration of Women’s Month. 

On 1 August 2024, the team arrested 178 illicit miners and recovered over 400 pendukas and various other illicit mining equipment during that particular operation in Benoni.

"When you set goals, always tell yourself that the sky is not even the limit. I was once afraid of flying, but now I serve my country fearlessly as an SAPS helicopter pilot," said Khunou.

With a bird’s eye view, Lieutenant Colonel Khunou continues to serve the people of South Africa with dignity, honour and pride. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 09:20

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Urology Hospital Tackles Myths and Prioritises Women’s Urological Health at Wellness Day

Location: MyPR

Gender dynamics and South African societal roles can hinder women’s healthcare as one-in-three women suffer from urinary incontinence, and one-in-four have pelvic floor disorders, conditions often overlooked, leaving many to suffer in silence. Additionally, CANSA reports breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers as the top three cancers affecting women. “At Urology Hospital we aim to dispel …

Read moreUrology Hospital Tackles Myths and Prioritises Women’s Urological Health at Wellness Day

A Celebration of Waterblommetjies

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

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 …

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Cooking Up Success – From Kitchen Dreams to Leading Teams

Location: MyPR

First Group’s Chef Samantha Stone serves up inspiration this Women’s Month In the culinary world, the competition can be as intense as the heat in the kitchen. Chef Samantha Stone, Group Food and Beverage Development Manager at First Group, one of South Africa’s leading leisure and hotel management companies, knows this firsthand. Having risen through …

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Course Records for Xaba and Mofolo as Thousands Celebrate ABSA Run Your City Tshwane 10K

Location: MyPR

South African 10km sensation Glenrose Xaba delivered a career-defining performance this morning (Sunday 25 August 2024) at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K, blazing through the course in a remarkable 31:51. This marks her third sub-32-minute finish this year, solidifying her status as one of the country’s best elite women of all times. The …

Read moreCourse Records for Xaba and Mofolo as Thousands Celebrate ABSA Run Your City Tshwane 10K

Strong municipalities needed to grow economy

Location: News

Strong municipalities needed to grow economy

Efficient and strong municipalities are key to ensuring that South Africa’s economy grows and jobs are created, says President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

The President addressed the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, on Friday.

The Presidential Imbizo is a platform for communities to interact with government leaders from all three spheres of government on service delivery challenges, and for the executive to respond to the community on what they are doing to resolve those issues.

WATCH | 

“We have said as the Government of National Unity, our key priority is to grow the economy, and to create jobs and fight poverty. But to do this, we need strong municipalities. It is municipalities that are the engine room of development because they provide the services to our people but they also are economic engine rooms.

“We want our municipalities to work efficiently. To our councillors, we should not be continuously hearing that our people don’t even know their councillors. That must come to an end. Councillors have been elected to serve the people and they must show themselves in the community. They must hold meetings with our communities. We must not wait for an Imbizo to come and listen to our people raising their concerns,” the President said.

Turning to the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, President Ramaphosa said it is one of South Africa’s most important hubs.

“The Ekurhuleni Municipality is well positioned as an economic driver of job creation.  Ekurhuleni is a major transportation hub. But apart from that… it is the manufacturing capital of our country. Ekurhuleni plays a very important role in the life of our province, and in the life of our country and our economy.

“It is home to Africa’s largest and busiest airport… OR Tambo International Airport. It’s also a major centre for freight corridors in our country. This makes the metro a substantial economic player because manufacturing is one of the key contributors to the GDP,” he said.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged, however, that service delivery in the area must be improved. He assured the community gathered at the imbizo that government has heard their cries.

“We want to improve the services that are delivered to our people. We know that service delivery is one of the key challenges and particularly water and electricity.

“We are going to be giving more focus on water…building new reservoirs, increasing our bulk water delivery. We are also going to be focusing on housing. Housing shortage is one of challenges many of our people face and we will address that,” he said.

Another area of concern raised by community members is crime and the President said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is focusing “on how we can deal with extortion, the construction mafia and gender based violence”.

“Those men who play football with the women of our country must stop and we are going to be focusing on that. Gender based violence is a pandemic and our people are working in a very focused manner on that,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 17:03

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Youth is a strategic resource essential for moving the country forward

Location: News

Youth is a strategic resource essential for moving the country forward

The youth is a strategic resource and an intellectual reservoir of ideas essential for moving the country forward, says the Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga.

“Our youthful population represents a blessing with limitless potential—a strategic asset for the current and future well-being of this country and continent,” Chikunga said.

Delivering a keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) 3rd annual job imbizo, held at Melrose Arch on Thursday evening, Chikunga argued that while the current socio-economic conditions pose a direct threat to national stability and undermine future prospects, it is not the youth who are a threat to national security.

According to Chikunga, the conditions under which the youth continue to exist, create opportunities for both known and unknown threats to emerge and become institutionalised.

“Without a more purposeful, quantifiable, and deliberate investment in their potential and capabilities, South Africa will not be in a position to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend.

“No country on earth has been able to industrialise or re-industrialise while neglecting the role of youth in the economy. A trained, capable, and industrious youth is the crucial ingredient currently missing in South Africa’s industrialisation puzzle,” Chikunga said.

She emphasised that placing the youth at the centre of re-industrialisation must be accompanied by fundamental changes in the structure, systems and institutions.

This must also be accompanied by fundamental changes in patterns of ownership, management, and control of the wealth producing resources in favour of all South Africans, particularly the marginalised, vulnerable and poor, who are primarily Africans and women.

She said youth participation in the economy should not be reduced to hopping from one internship to another.

To prepare the youth for meaningful participation in South Africa’s era of industrialisation, the Minister stressed the need for a reimagined industrial strategy that is both fit for purpose and responsive to rapidly changing global economic patterns.

“These patterns range from automation and the rise of artificial intelligence in manufacturing to the ongoing geopolitical realignment. Such a strategy should be anchored on robust economic and market intelligence in order to enhance the quality of decision-making in support of our goals of productivity, industrialisation, commercialisation, and beneficiation,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga added that addressing youth unemployment requires targeted, sustainable interventions with clearly articulated exit opportunities.

"High levels of youth unemployment require special programs. The National Youth Service Programme must better educate, develop, train, and empower youth, and enable them to participate in the reconstruction of society,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/23/2024 - 11:40

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