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| PRESIDENT ZUMA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA |
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| President Zuma said President Sata, who was Zambia’s fifth President, would be remembered for his commitment to improving the lives of the people of Zambia. |
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President Jacob Zuma has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, sent a message of condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia following the passing of His Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata.
President Sata belongs to the generation of leaders produced by Zambia during the colonial times and gallantly pursued the anti-colonial struggle. His death reminds the people of South Africa of Zambia‘s immeasurable sacrifice and the sterling leadership role that Zambia played in ridding the African continent of the yolk of colonial domination and apartheid rule.
President Zuma said: “On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Sata family as well as the Government and people of Zambia.”
“President Sata supported robust economic transformation of the country, which led to positive economic growth and increased investment in Zambia. His contribution to the work of bodies such as the Southern African Development Community and the African Union would be sorely missed,” said President Zuma. |
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| DEPUTY PRESIDENT ADDRESSES LAUNCH OF 2016 INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE |
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| This will be the second time that South Africa and the city of Durban host this conference, having hosted the event in 2000. |
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“It is a great honour for South Africa to host the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban in July 2016,” said Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on 27 October 2014 at the launch of the 2016 International AIDS Conference.
The conference, commonly known as AIDS 2016, is organised by the International AIDS Society, the world’s leading independent association of HIV and AIDS health professionals, together with its partners from the United Nations family, the South African Government and international civil-society organisations.
“Though we have made progress in many areas, we are still concerned about the stubbornly high numbers of new infections, the challenges we face in ensuring that those who are on treatment are supported to continue taking their medication and that stigma continues to undermine the impact of our programmes,” the Deputy President said.
“As we prepare for AIDS 2016, we will intensify our efforts to address these challenges. We are determined that by the time we meet again in Durban, we will be able to report significant progress on all these fronts.” |
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| SA DELEGATION IN LONDON FOR BRICS CONFERENCE |
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| Through the conference, South Africa will also publicise its National Development Plan, which aims to end poverty and reduce equality by 2030. |
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South Africa is set to promote itself as a prime business destination through its participation in the innovaBRICS conference. The conference, hosted in the United Kingdom (UK), is partly sponsored by the South African Government through Brand South Africa.
South Africa’s Ministerial delegation is led by the Minister in The Presidency, Jeff Radebe, and includes the ministers of trade and industry: Rob Davies, finance, Nhlanhla Nene: and communications, Faith Muthambi.
South Africa and the UK have extensive trade and economic relations, which continue to strengthen despite the global economic challenges. Last year, the UK was South Africa’s eighth-largest export market globally, and the second- largest in the European Union after Germany.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TREASURY'S SPENDING PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS |
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| The mini budget, as it is also known, detailed government’s spending priorities over the next three years, including the proposed division of revenue to provinces. |
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National Treasury has proposed increasing its spending over the next three years on initiatives that will boost job creation, education and skills development. The Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, announced this when he tabled the National Treasury’s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in Parliament last week.
The Minister proposed expenditure growth of 7,6% a year over the next three years, reaching R1,55 trillion by 2017/18.
“Over the past decade, we have increased public spending of the main budget from 26% to 31% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Much of this increase has gone to programmes that contribute to the social wage, including schools, roads, hospitals, housing and municipal services.
“Our medium-term objective is to ensure that public spending promotes growth and creates an environment for greater private-sector investment,” he said.
Minister Nene said government planned to spend budget on, among other things:
- Reinforcing support for export competiveness and job creation. This includes over R18 billion for manufacturing incentives, the establishment of special economic zones and the employment tax incentive.
- Supporting cities to improve living conditions, modernise transport and communications infrastructure, expand the urban economy and promote trade and investment. Government will also work with development finance institutions to increase investment in the urban landscape and expand the municipal debt market.
- Expanding the skills base, with R800 billion to be disbursed on education and skills over the next three years. Post-school education and training has received the fastest-growing share of the budget over the past three years, and will continue to expand.
“Alongside these priorities, there will be real growth in spending on local development and social infrastructure. As in the past, the largest allocations will go to education, health and social protection,” he said.
The Minister said one-third of this year’s budget would go to the compensation of employees.
“Over the period ahead, we have budgeted for nominal wage-bill growth in line with consumer price inflation.
“In the present economic circumstances, it is especially important that we maintain a careful balance between personnel spending and other resources required for public-service delivery,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA UPSCALES MEASURES TO PREVENT SPREAD OF EBOLA |
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| Addressing media on the outcomes of the recent Cabinet meeting in Cape Town, Minister Radebe said surveillance at all ports of entry had been strengthened to identify viral haemorrhagic fevers, and Ebola in particular. |
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The Minister of Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, says South Africa has put in place the necessary measures to prevent Ebola from spreading to the country. Government has also established a national response team in case of an outbreak and 11 hospitals are on standby at Ebola treatment centres.
During the tabling of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene announced that the National Treasury had to make several adjustments to the budget of national departments to cater for unavoidable spending needs.
Funds had to be moved from less urgent areas to enable the Department of Health to implement measures aimed at protecting the country’s borders to curb the spread of the Ebola virus. This included R32,6 million for the Department of Health for control and prevention measures, including support for affected countries.
Nearly six months after the first case of Ebola in West Africa was reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 5 500 people have contracted the disease and over 2 500 have died.
Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone remain the epicentre of the outbreak, while the WHO has declared that the outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated.
“Cabinet supports the efforts by the World Health Organisation in establishing Ebola treatment centres and strengthening capacity for laboratory testing, contact tracing, social mobilisation, safe burials and non-Ebola health care in West Africa.
“Cabinet also appeals to individuals and business worldwide to contribute to the Ebola Response Fund,” said Minister Radebe.
The Ebola Response Fund was established to assist all affected West African countries in their fight against Ebola.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA PARTICIPATES IN THE TRIPARTITE MECHANISM ON DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION IN ANGOLA |
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| South Africa believes that the Tripartite Mechanism has the potential to serve as a vehicle for the three member countries to consolidate political and economic integration, in line with the aspirations of the region and the continent. |
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A South African Government delegation comprising the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister of State Security, David Mahlobo; Minister of Energy, Tina Joemat-Pettersson; and the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, participated in the Second Session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Tripartite Mechanism on Dialogue and Cooperation, held in Luanda, Angola, on 22 October 2014.
The Tripartite Mechanism, made up of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, was established in March 2013 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the heads of state of the three countries. With the signing of the MoU, the three countries made a commitment to strengthen cooperation in four areas, namely: politics and diplomacy; security, defence and public order; economy and infrastructure; and public administration and local government.
Among other things, the meeting decided to set up a permanent secretariat, to be domiciled in Angola. It is expected that the secretariat will coordinate the work of the Tripartite Mechanism.
South Africa will host a meeting of senior officials from the three member countries in November 2014 to finalise details relating to the operationalisation of the secretariat. |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE LEADS SA DELEGATION AT THE JOINT MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE SADC AND ICGLR |
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| The purpose of the Third Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) was to consider the political and security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in line with the decisions of the previous meetings of the two regional bodies. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, led a South African delegation at the Third Joint Ministerial Meeting of the SADC and ICGLR, taking place in Luanda, Angola, on 20 October 2014.
The meeting received feedback from the Joint Mid-Term Mission on the progress of the voluntary disarmament of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (known by its French abbreviation FDLR) since the last meeting held in July 2014.
The South African delegation's participation in the meeting was informed by the country's foreign policy, which, among other things, is geared towards the maintenance of regional peace, stability and development. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER LANDERS UNDERTAKES WORKING VISIT TO CUBA |
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| The Working Visit highlighted the celebration of South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and significantly, the achievement of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. |
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, led a South African delegation to Havana, Cuba, for a Working Visit from 25 to 28 October 2014.
The Deputy Minister participated in several events to commemorate 20 years of freedom and diplomatic relations, involving several key stakeholders, including government, the diplomatic community and academia.
The celebration of 20 years of diplomatic bilateral relations between South Africa and Cuba is a major achievement. There are over 30 signed bilateral agreements in place between the two countries, covering vast areas of cooperation, including, arts and culture, defence, education, science and technology, health services, as well as housing.
The Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) and Joint Bilateral Commission are the two main instruments utilised by the two countries in the conduct of bilateral and economic relations. Deputy Minister Landers hosted his Cuban counterpart for the 11th JCM in September 2014.
South Africa is a beneficiary of Cuba’s ongoing assistance in support of the five priorities of the South African Government, through joint programmes in health, labour, social development, housing and infrastructure.
Under the auspices of the South Africa-Cuba Health Agreement, more than 1 800 South African students are currently receiving medical training in Cuba this year with a further 620 preparing to add to these numbers during October 2014. So far, more than 420 South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds have graduated in Cuba as medical doctors, providing much-needed primary healthcare services to their local communities.
While in Havana, Deputy Minister Landers also interact with the South African expatriate community as part of government’s Public Participation Programme |
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| POSITIVE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR AFRICA: AFDB REPORT |
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| The African Economic Outlook report is produced annually by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Centre and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This year’s report shows that Africa has weathered internal and external shocks and is poised to achieve healthy economic growth rates. |
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Africa can achieve sustainable economic growth and development if it plays a more active role in global economics, according to the latest African Economic Outlook report from the AfDB.
“In order to sustain the economic growth and ensure that it creates opportunities for all, African countries should continue to rebuild shock absorbers and exercise prudent macro management. Any slackening on macro management will undermine future economic growth,” said Mthuli Ncube, chief economist and Vice-President of the AfDB in a statement.
“In the medium- to long-term, the opportunity for participating in global value chains should be viewed as part as part of the strategy for achieving strong, sustained and inclusive growth,” he said.
The report is bullish on Africa’s growth potential. It anticipates the continent’s economy to push to 4,8% in 2014, and then 5% to 6% in 2015, driven by domestic demand, infrastructure and increased trade in manufactured goods. However, the report states Africa has to participate more effectively in regional and global value chains, a move that will serve as a catalyst for economic diversification, domestic resource mobilisation and investment in critical infrastructure on the continent.
Commenting on the Africa’s economic potential, director of the OECD Development Centre, Mario Pezzini, said countries on the continent had a great potential “to build on their demographic dynamism, rapid urbanisation and natural-resources assets”.
“The challenge now for many of them is to ensure that greater insertion into global value chains is achieved and has a positive impact on people’s lives." – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| SA TO HOST GENDER, WATER AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE |
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The Department of Water and Sanitation, in partnership with the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW), the Water Research Commission of South Africa, Southern African Development Community and Women for Water Partnership, will host the Gender, Water and Development Conference in East London from 3 to 7 November 2014 under the theme: “Gender, Water & Development – the untapped connection”.
The agenda of the conference will be set by the AMCOW Policy and Strategy for Mainstreaming Gender in the Water Sector in Africa, which has seven objectives focusing on policy, resources, strategic research, capacity-building, cooperation and monitoring and evaluation, to reach the overall objective of gender equality in water policy. |
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| CABINET APPROVES A SUBMISSION OF THE CAPE TOWN AGREEMENT OF 2012 |
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| This is in line with Operation Phakisa’s objectives of developing an institutional framework for the management of South Africa’s ocean space, improving the protection of South Africa’s oceans, particularly around critically endangered ecosystems, and addressing the skills gap, among others. |
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Cabinet has approved a submission of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 on the implementation of the provisions of the Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977 for ratification by Parliament.
The Torremolinos Convention and its Protocol of 1993 lay down safety standards, such as life-saving appliances, radio communications, fire protection, machinery and electrical installations, as well as specific requirements for seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres and longer.
This binding international safety regime will contribute to improving safety standards in order to reduce the number of fatalities at sea, estimated at 24 000 annually worldwide. South Africa’s fishing vessels will be subject to the provisions of the protocol when in the waters of a State party to the 1993 Torremolinos protocol |
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MINISTER FACILITATES REPATRIATION OF STRUGGLE STALWARTS REMAINS |
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| “The repatriation of these stalwarts, Moses Kotane and JB Marks, is part of the on-going programme to tell our own stories and celebrate the lives of some of our heroes,” Minister Mthethwa said |
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The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, was recently on a six-day Official Visit to Russia to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of struggle stalwarts Moses Kotane and JB Marks.
President Jacob Zuma tasked the Department of Arts and Culture in February to lead and coordinate preparations to return the remains of Kotane to the country, after his widow asked him to bring back the remains of her late husband.
The family of the late JB Marks also approached the Department of Arts and Culture regarding the return of the remains of JB Marks.
“We hope that their return to home soil will contribute to the healing of wounds, deepen understanding of where we come from and create inter-generational discourse that will see us connect the past, present and future,” Minister Mthethwa said.
He said the Kotane and Marks could be considered the founding fathers of the liberation struggle, who inspired the likes of Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Walter Sisulu to become the selfless leaders.
The repatriations are part of the department’s national legacy projects which highlight and celebrate the role of all South Africans who contributed in the liberation of this country.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| 2014 SOUTH AFRICAN COMPETITIVENESS FORUM |
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| Top minds from business, government, civil society and the academic world will come together to discuss our position in the world, and uncover ways to give South Africa a competitive edge on the global stage. |
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Brand South Africa will host its second South African Competitiveness Forum in Johannesburg on 4 and 5 November 2014 under the theme "Active Citizenship and its Role in Changing the South African Brand Reality".
At the 2014 forum, Brand South Africa will ask participants to give their views on a number of themes, from youth and innovation to foreign direct investment, the labour market, expansion into the rest of Africa, and active citizenship.
A first at this year’s forum is a session on expatriate South Africans, which aims to explore ways Brand South Africa, business and civil society can work with South Africans living abroad to tell the country's story, and improve South Africa's global reputation.
Other exciting sessions include a workshop on the nation brand’s "outgoing strategy". This will focus on business expansion strategy into African markets, and the role perceptions and reputation play when entering peer markets elsewhere on the continent. Guest speakers from Kenya and Nigeria will give insight into South Africa's place in these markets. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S PICK N PAY INVESTS IN GHANA |
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| South African retailers The Foschini Group, Mr Price, Truworths and Pick n Pay rival Shoprite already have successful operations in the country. |
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Ghana’s growth is attracting South African investors. Local retail giant Pick n Pay will open stores in the country next year to make the most of the West African nation’s predicted 6,9% growth.
Speaking to local newspaper "Business Day", Pick n Pay CEO Richard Brasher said Africa was emerging as the company’s second engine of growth, and that the company’s “like-for-like sales in Africa, outside its home market, rose 7,8% in its half-year to August”.
"Ghana … has a lot of the similarities to the business we’re developing in Zambia. I think Pick n Pay can add value to that marketplace.”
Ghana’s growth is, according to Nielsen, “driven by political stability, sound macro-economic policies, high gold and cocoa prices, and oil revenue”. The World Bank describes the country as the “sixth-easiest place in Africa to conduct business”.
The retailer has a strong footprint on the continent, with well-performing franchises in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland, and a company-owned business (or privately owned business) in Zambia. It plans to expand further into West Africa, with an eye on Nigeria. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| SOUTH AFRICA’S OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEST IN AFRICA |
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| The survey rates airports based on business and leisure travellers’ reports on comfort, convenience, cleanliness and customer service. |
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Three South African airports have been voted the top three airports in Africa by frequent travellers in the sleeping in airports net’s 2014 Best Airports in Africa survey.
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport tops the list, with Cape Town International Airport coming second, followed by Durban’s King Shaka International Airport in third place, taking all the top spots in the top five airports in Africa.
The winning airports all sport modern conveniences: wi-fi, premium lounges, shower facilities and especially for those needing a place to work or snooze during layovers, quiet areas. – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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| BIG GAME AND BIG LUXURY MAKE LONDOLOZI THE BEST RESORT IN THE WORLD |
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| South Africa’s natural beauty places it competitively among the world’s tourist hotspots, and this year, yet again, global leisure travellers have agreed on the allure the country’s bushveld holds. |
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The Condé Nast 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards have singled out seven South African game reserves and bush lodges in its Top 100 hotels and restaurants list.
Every year, some 76 000 travellers vote in the awards: this year they chose, in another coup for the country, the famed Londolozi safari camp in Kruger National Park as their number one choice for away stays.
Other South African lodges or resorts on the list include Lion Sands at Sabi Sand, in 24th place, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg (41), Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (54), &Beyond Lodges Sabi Sand (55) and Singita Kruger National Park (69). – Source: www.southafrica.info |
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