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| PRES ZUMA WELCOMES DELEGATES TO DURBAN |
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| The conference was held in Africa for the first time. |
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President Jacob Zuma extended a warm welcome to all delegates who attended the World Routes Conference in Durban from 20 to 22 September.
“The World Routes Conference is the most prestigious event in the Routes portfolio. It attracts the most senior representatives from airlines, airports and tourism authorities, who meet, plan and discuss new and existing global air services,” The Presidency said.
The Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, officially opened the World Routes Conference on behalf of President Zuma. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER NKOANA-MASHABANE IN JAMAICA ON A WORKING VISIT |
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| Minister Nkoana-Mashabane addressed the International Women’s Forum on Sunday, 20 September 2015, under the theme: “Phenomenal Women”. |
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, arrived In Montego Bay on 19 September, on her Working Visit to Jamaica from 20 to 22 September 2015.
The Minister proceeded to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston, on 21 September where she held bilateral consultations with her counterpart, Arnold J Nicholson, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
The ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Political Consultations.
While in Kingston, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane also paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.
South Africa and Jamaica enjoy strong bilateral relations as symbolised by high-level visits and various agreements signed across a number of sectors since 1994.
The key sectoral areas of cooperation include education and skills development, science and technology, arts and culture and tourism. The move to develop Jamaica as a logistics hub has the potential to improve trade between South Africa and Jamaica.
The two countries have strong historical and political ties, with Jamaica having played an important role in supporting South Africa in the struggle against apartheid. South Africa has bestowed national orders on two former Jamaican prime ministers.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo (Gold) was bestowed on Michael Norman Manley posthumously in 2004 and on PJ Patterson in 2013. |
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| PRESIDENT ZUMA ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS OF NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (NPC) |
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| Established in May 2010 to develop a long-term vision and strategic plan for South Africa, the main objective of the commission is to rally the nation around a common set of objectives and priorities to drive development over the longer term. |
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President Jacob Zuma has announced 25 new members of the NPC in the Department of Planning‚ Monitoring and Evaluation‚ for a period of five years.
The NPC comprises 24 part-time external commissioners, a chairperson and a deputy chairperson appointed by the President on the basis of their specialist skills and expertise.
The commissioners are drawn from nominations made by the public throughout South Africa and are largely from outside government.
They advise government on cross-cutting issues that influence the long-term development of South Africa by a broad, independent and critical view of South Africa, by consulting with and drawing on the skills and expertise of multiple stakeholders, to build consensus and find concrete solutions to key challenges facing the country.
The mandate of the new commission, The Presidency said, would include promoting and advancing the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) across different sectors of society and to undertake detailed planning in a selected number of sectors to be determined from time to time.
The Minister in The Presidency responsiblle for Planning‚ Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, is the chairperson of the commission and Professor William Makgoba is deputy chairperson.
Other members, who come from various sectors of the economy include Tasneem Essop; Abdus Salam Mohammad Karaan; Vuyokazi Felicity Mahlati; Elias Masilela; Viviene Taylor; Miriam Altman; Siphamandla Welcome Zondi; Johannes Petrus Landman; Pulane Elsie Molokwane; Jarrad Gregory Wright; Ntuthuko Melusi Bhengu ; Professor Kholeka Constance Moloi; Tessa Gilda Dooms; Christina Marion Nomdo; Themba Thomas Cyril Dlamini; Susan Muriel Brouckaert (commonly known as Sue Bannister); Khanyisile Thandiwe Kweyama; Professor Jabulani Dennis Sithole; Capt Frank Kennan Dutton; Adv Lekolota Abram Makua; Poppy Audrey Mocumi; Thamsanqa Edmund Mazwai; and Thanyani Ramatsea.
The President congratulated the new members, saying: "We look forward to working with them to take this important process forward of implementing the NDP and also exploring new avenues for socio-economic development in our country as we implement the NDP.”
– Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER RADEBE RELEASES DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS 2014 REPORT |
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| The Development Indicators are numerical indications of changes and long-term trends in South Africa. Some of the indicators have data ranging from 1994 to 2014. |
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The Minister for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Minister Jeff Radebe, released the Development Indicators 2014 Report on 20 September 2015.
These indicators are used as criteria to measure progress and assist government to track, using quantitative measures, the effectiveness of government policies and interventions towards achieving the national goals in areas of development.
The data is sourced from various government administrative datasets, national official statistics and research by local and international institutions. Economic growth and transformation, Poverty and Inequality, Employment, Education, Health, Safety and Security, Social Cohesion, International Relations and Good Governance are some of the themes covered in the report.
The first Development Indicators were produced in 2007 as a mid-term document.
The DPME thereafter produced the indicators on an annual basis in line with its mission to facilitate, influence and support effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of government programmes aimed at improving service delivery, outcomes and impact on society. |
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| UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION’S (UNWTO) TOURISM FOR DEVELOPMENT FACILITY SET TO GROW TOURISM IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES |
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The working group met at the 21st General Assembly of the UNWTO taking place in Medellin, Colombia, recently. The theme
of the General Assembly centred around
how tourism could promote inclusive
development and social transformation. |
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UNWTO working group, chaired by the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, has led to the UN establishing a new facility to grow tourism in developing countries.
More than 900 delegates from 120 countries – including over 70 ministers of tourism and secretaries of state – attended the General Assembly, which was opened by Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos Calderon.
The working group was established by the UNWTO Executive Council in 2013, and chaired by South Africa. It includes representatives from Egypt, Flanders, France, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritania, Mexico, the Republic of Korea and Spain.
“The working group has now agreed on the terms of reference of the Tourism for Development Facility (TDF),” said Minister Hanekom.
“The facility will support projects and activities that reduce poverty and promote responsible and sustainable development.
“Tourism is a powerful catalyst for economic and social development. More than one billion tourists travel to destinations around the world every year. The economic activity they generate supports jobs, reduces poverty and creates mutual understanding among people from different cultures,” he said.
UNWTO Secretary-General, Dr Taleb Rifai, praised South Africa for its leadership in bringing the new facility to life. He said the TDF would help to raise awareness and address the gross underfunding of tourism development.
The working group will continue to oversee the implementation of the TDF. It will develop guidelines and policy recommendations for governments to establish mechanisms to provide loans and loan guarantees to support the tourism sector.
The TDF will be administered by the UNWTO Secretariat and will become operational in January 2016. |
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| MINISTER GIGABA MEETS WITH AFRICAN DIASPORA FORUM |
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| The African Diaspora Forum is an umbrella body comprising various migrant communities living in South Africa whose objectives include restoration of peace through promoting integration and social cohesion. |
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The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, recently met with the African Diaspora Forum in Pretoria. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways in which the Department of Home Affairs could improve services offered to asylum seekers and migrants in general.
Minister Gigaba has undertaken to meet with various formations with a view to gathering their views and proposals on international migration. The meeting with the African Diaspora Forum formed part of these continued interactions. |
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| MINISTER RAMATHLODI LEADS SA DELEGATION TO HONG KONG JEWELLERY AND GEM FAIR |
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| The fair, organised by UBM Asia, is a platform for international jewellery and gem exhibitors and buyers to trade and network. It is also an effective channel to tap into the Asian market, including the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong markets. |
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The Minister of Mineral Resources, Ngoako Ramathlodi, led a South African delegation to the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair, held from 16 to 22 September, Republic of China.
The Minister, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa’s Consul General in Hong Kong and the State Diamond Trader, promoted South Africa’s diamond industry to ensure that the country remained an attractive investment destination of choice.
In addition, the country showcased, through the national pavilion launched in 2013, jewellery and gem products by 20 South African entrepreneurs. |
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| DEPUTY MINISTER LANDERS DELIVERS PUBLIC LECTURE AT UKZN |
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| The public lecture was hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, in partnership with the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). |
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On 21 September, the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, delivered a public lecture at the UKZN on the topic: “Strengthening the African Agenda through AU, BRICS and FOCAC”.
Deputy Minister Landers discussed South Africa’s foreign policy priorities, focusing on the outcomes of the 25th African Union Summit in June 2015; the Seventh BRICS Summit and launch of the BRICS New Development Bank in July 2015; and South Africa’s hosting of the upcoming Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in December 2015. |
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| SA PARTICIPATES IN LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE |
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| The conference took place as part of the OGP Global Legislative Openness Week (GLOW) 2015, from 7 to 15 September. |
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South Africa’s Special Envoy to the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Ayanda Dlodlo, recently participated in the Legislative Openness Working Group Conference in Georgia.
GLOW comprises a series of in-person and online events and activities intended to raise the profile of legislative openness issues and provide an opportunity for engagement across countries and sectors.
The Legislative Openness Working Group was launched at the OGP Global Summit in London, in October 2013.
Co-Chaired by the Congress of Chile and the National Democratic Institute, the working group was created with the intention of deepening the exchange of knowledge across governments, parliaments, civil society and international institutions on the opportunities and challenges associated with opening the legislative process.
The conference focused on the development of commitments or action plans that advanced legislative openness, technologies that could improve transparency or opportunities for citizen participation, and international standards that could help support good practice, specifically in the area of legislative openness.
Deputy Minister Dlodlo addressed the conference on the Role of the Legislature in Advancing Open Government, as well as shared perspectives for the future of the OGP in relation to South Africa’s upcoming chairpersonship.
South Africa will provide leadership to the OGP when it assumes the position of Chair of the Steering Committee at the Global Summit scheduled to take place in Mexico, in October 2015. – Source: www.SAnews.gov.za |
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DEPUTY MINISTER THOMSON HOSTS WORLD RHINO DAY
AT ST LUCIA |
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| World Rhino Day is observed annually on 22 September. |
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The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Barbara Thomson, led events to mark World Rhino Day at St Lucia in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and World Heritage Site on 22 September 2015.
South Africa has a proud conservation record, having brought the rhino back from near extinction in the 1960s to a healthy estimated 20 000 black and white rhino by the end of 2013. South Africa has been described as the only remaining hope for the world in terms of rhino conservation. It is a reputation that the country and Government, wishes to maintain.
Communities living adjacent to national parks, state and privately-owned conservation areas, as well as private rhino owners, rely on the rhino, as a key member of the Big Five, as a source of income and job creation. The rhino is an important part of South Africa’s cultural, economic and natural heritage.
Cabinet approved the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros in South Africa in August 2014.
The key aspects of this programme are managing rhino populations, compulsory interventions (including proactive anti-poaching measures), international and national collaboration and cooperation, as well as long-term sustainability measures. Significant progress has been made with regard to the implementation of the interventions.
The Department of Environmental Affairs, in partnership with the iSimangaliso Park Authority, ZAP-Wing, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, African Conservation Trust, Wildlands, Project Rhino KZN, Wildlife ACT, Peace Parks Foundation and Vega Archipelago Verdensarv (Norwegian World Heritage Site) celebrated World Rhino Day 2015 at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on 22 September 2015.
The theme for the 2015 World Rhino Day was “Not on our watch”, and the slogan for this year’s event was “My Rhino, Our Future!" |
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| SA MAKES TOP THREE FOR ITS TRANSPARENT BUDGET SYSTEM |
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| The International Budget Partnership’s Open Budget Survey 2015, which measures countries according to their budget transparency, ranked South Africa third out of 109 countries, just behind New Zealand and Sweden. |
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South Africa has ranked in the top three for the transparency of its budget system, according to a global survey.
South Africa’s score dropped to 86 out of 100 having been as high as 90 in 2012 when it ranked second behind New Zealand.
The survey measures the degree to which governments make key documents available to the public in a timely manner and the degree of usefulness of the data.
According to Overberg Asset Management, the ranking confirms that some of South Africa’s institutions are world-class.
According to National Treasury previous survey results have been used to address gaps in budget transparency. Between 2010 and 2015 Treasury implemented several “measures and mechanisms”, it said in a statement.
"Among others ... a framework for annual performance plans ... enhanced transparency in bidding for government contracts ... and engagement with civil-society organisations to ensure increased participation in the budget process," it said. – Source: www.fin24.com |
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| SA THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR FILMS |
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| “There is no better time for you to invest in the South African film and television industry than now. South Africa is a perfect location for film productions,” said the Deputy Minister. |
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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina, urged Canadian businesspeople to invest in the South African film and television industry.
He said the South African Government was committed to supporting the country’s film and television industry to stimulate its growth because it recognised its importance in creating employment opportunities.
Government spent about R850 million supporting the industry last year.
“We give you the assurance that now and beyond, the South African Government will give you the support that you require to produce films in South Africa,” he said.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at a networking session on the sidelines of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.
Twenty South African filmmakers, who were funded by the department to participate in the festival, which ran from 10 to 20 September 2015, also participated in the session.
The Deputy Minister said he was on a mission to woo major role players in the Canadian film industry to invest in South Africa, adding that the country had good film production facilities and outstanding human capabilities. |
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| TOURISM INSTITUTIONS SHARE COMMON VISION TO ADVANCE TOURISM |
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| The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a mutual agreement that will enable students and staff from both institutions to participate in exchange programmes in the field of tourism and hospitality. |
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The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) recently signed a MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) at a prestigious event that was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Tourism at the CPUT's hotel school.
“We are pleased to have been part of this momentous occasion. Since the signing of the bilateral agreement on tourism between South Africa and the Seychelles, relations between the two countries have grown,” said Bulelwa Seti, Chief Director within the Branch: International Tourism Management at the Department of Tourism.
The Department of Tourism and Seychelles Tourism have been instrumental in the realisation of this partnership, which has been two years in the making.
“The signing of this MoU will ensure that we continue to work together in tourism to find solutions to challenges surrounding skills development and job opportunities on the continent and Indian Ocean Rim region,” added Seti.
The CPUT and the STA are both post-secondary educational institutions that desire to cooperate in the fields of training and research.
“The partnership between our institutions will be beneficial to both countries, and will enable young professionals to advance their careers in the industry,” said Ms Mandisa Silo, Head of Sports, Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management at CPUT.
The two institutions will facilitate the placement of young chefs in both countries, promote the exchange of research and postgraduate employees during sabbatical leave and promote postgraduate joint research projects and publications. |
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| TOP 50 BRANDS IN SOUTH AFRICA NAMED |
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| A brand's performance, its relationship with its customers, and the money the brand spends on equity, were the key pillars of success, Thebe Ikalafeng, the chief executive officer of Brand Africa Finance said at the announcement of the country's Top 50 Brands. |
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The Top 50 South African brands have been announced by Brand South Africa and Brand Africa Finance. These brands are said to contribute not only to the country's economy, but to the image they portray when doing business internationally.
Brand South Africa and Brand Africa Finance hosted the breakfast announcement, which took place in Houghton, Johannesburg.
It was the third annual study undertaken by Brand Africa Finance, said the organisers. The study found that the top 50 corporate brands in South Africa were valued at approximately R1,5 trillion, with many of these companies also contributing to national priorities such as uplifting identified and targeted communities.
Retail group Woolworths and First National Bank are the strongest brands in South Africa for 2014/15. The cellphone network MTN is the Top Valuable Brand in the country. – Source: www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com |
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| AFRICANS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUTURE – PEW SURVEY |
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| The study, published by the Washington-based Pew Research Center, says that "relatively high rates of economic growth" are giving African nations more reason to believe in their short-term futures and in the prospects of the next generation. |
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Sub-Saharan African nations feel more optimistic about the future than many others around the world, a survey released on 15 September found.
"Having experienced relatively high rates of economic growth in recent years, African publics are more likely than citizens of many wealthier nations to believe their economies will improve," the report says.
According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa's growth is projected at an average of 4,2% in 2015, down from 4,6% in 2014.
The growth will be driven by domestic demand, supported by continuing infrastructure investment and private consumption fueled by lower oil prices, the bank says.
The report examines public opinion in nine African countries, including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
It says that despite the optimism, sub-Saharan Africa still recognises that their countries face "tremendous challenges".
Across the nine nations in the study, a median of 68% feel that their country needs more foreign aid than it gets today. The exception is South Africa, where a mere 26% hold this view.
The report, based on 9 062 face-to-face interviews with adults 18 years and older, was conducted from 25 March to 21 May.
– Source: www.fin24.com |
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| BUILT IN SA: FIRST NEW RANGER ROLLS OFF THE LINE |
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| The Silverton factory is one of three around the world responsible for producing the current Ranger, in conjunction with the plant in Rayong, Thailand, and Ford's Pacheco plant in Argentina. |
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Ahead of the launch of the Ford's new bakkie later in 2015, the first customer-ready Ranger rolled off the production line at the automaker's factory in Silverton, Pretoria.
According to the automaker, "Ford has been verifying quality, processes and suppliers at its facility in South Africa as it prepares to ramp production of the new Ford Ranger, which is exported to 148 markets."
The new Ranger will be exported from the Silverton plant to 148 markets around the world. Updates for the new model include a vast array of new technologies matched to improved comfort, refinement, efficiency and quality.
The new Ranger will be available with Ford's 2.5 litre Duratec petrol capable of 122kW/225Nm of torque. – Source: www.Wheels24.com |
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| THE COUNTDOWN TO TREVOR NOAH’S DAILY SHOW DEBUT! |
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| 29 September has been declared unofficial “Trevor Noah Day”, as the nation gets behind the South African comedian who is set to make United States broadcasting history. |
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With only a few days to go, the countdown has begun to Noah’s highly-anticipated debut on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah on Comedy Central.
South Africans can catch Noah’s first episode on Tuesday, 29 September, at 21:00 on DStv channel 122
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It’s a gigantic move for Noah, as he steps into the shoes of acclaimed Daily Show alumnus Jon Stewart, who left the show in August after 16 years at the helm.
To celebrate the upcoming debut, DStv and Comedy Central are opening the channel to DStv Compact customers for the first week of broadcast (28 September to 2 October). – Source: www.news24.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN BOY TRIUMPHS AT BALLET AWARDS |
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| The 15-year-old, who was awarded the top prize by the judging panel, also won the Margot Fonteyn Audience Award. |
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Young South African dancer Leroy Mokgatle was the winner of the gold medal at the prestigious Genee International Ballet Competition, held a few days ago. The silver medal was won by Lania Atkins from Australia, while the bronze went to her compatriot Makensie Henson. Held at London's Sadler's Well Theatre, the contest was streamed worldwide for the first time in its history.
The Royal Academy of Dance's Genee Competition is named after its first president, Dame Adeline Genee. Dancers from 16 countries took part in this year's competition, which was held over three days leading up to the final.
For the first time, nine entrants were given financial assistance to take part, through the Darcey Bussell Genee Bursary, aimed at assisting those who otherwise could not afford to attend. Next year's competition will be held at the Sydney Opera House in Australia. – Source: BBC |
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