Month: July 2023

South Africa remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine caused by Israel’s continued occupation, says International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes.

“The demolition of Palestinians’ properties, continued illegal settlement and expansion by Israel of Palestine territories, forced evictions of Palestinians by the Israeli army from their territories, as well as collective punitive measures, will not bring about peace,” Botes said on Wednesday at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau (CoB) on Palestine in Baku, Azerbaijan.

An operation by the Israeli Defence Forces, which was unleashed this week on the Jenin refugee camp — a Palestinian militant stronghold in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — killed 12 Palestinians during the raid.

Botes described the event as a contravention of international humanitarian law.

“This illustrates the extent that Israel is prepared to entrench its illegal occupation. What is worse is the impunity that Israel enjoys. This has emboldened the Israeli government to do as it wishes, in clear contravention of international law.

“These events, including the alarming increase in illegal settlements and the international response, or lack thereof, clearly shows that the so-called international rules-based system based on international law is selectively applied in some cases and ignored in others.”

Botes stressed South Africa’s “unwavering” support for the freedom of the Palestinian people, which he said was informed by the country’s history and experience in the fight against colonialism and apartheid.

“We remain steadfast to play a constructive role in this regard and ensure that the people of Palestine achieve their right to peace, sovereignty, freedom and justice. Their struggle for freedom has always historically been connected to our own.”

He told delegates that South Africa also backs the initiative to refocus the international agenda on the Palestine and Middle East peace process to achieve the two-State solution and establish a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side with Israel.

“South Africa’s solidarity with the Palestinian people is not rooted in sentimentality but a firm belief in the need for a just and lasting solution that would see the people of Palestine delivered from appalling and oppressive circumstances perpetuated by those who would rather stoke hatred and animosity than seek mutually beneficial peace.”

Botes believes that the situation of Palestinians remains a blight on the global collective conscience and the NAM.

“We all have a responsibility to impress the urgency of the need for an expeditious resolution to the ongoing occupation.”

He called on the movement to do all it can, by following international law, and principled humanitarian action.

“We cannot continue to witness generations of children and youth in the occupied territories and Israel growing up with hatred, which only fuels distrust and perpetual conflict.”

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of Israelis and Palestinians to go back to the negotiating table to resolve the conflict based on international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and previous agreements.

“In line with the spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, which demands independence for countries, we owe this to the people of Palestine to become an independent nation, practically, politically, and diplomatically.”

South Africa, he said, remains determined to contribute to reconciliation and peaceful settlement of conflict in the Middle East.

“We reiterate our firm commitment to assisting the parties to this conflict in their genuine pursuit for peace and co-existence.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has passed his condolences to the families of those affected by a gas cylinder leak which killed at least 17 people in Boksburg on Wednesday evening.

A further 11 people have been hospitalised with some of them in a critical condition.

The incident comes just six months after a gas tanker exploded – killing at least 40 people in the same area.

Addressing the media at the site of the incident, Lesufi said support will be given to families of those affected and the surrounding community where the incident took place.

“We want as national government, provincial government and local government to extend our sincere condolences to all the families that have been affected. It’s a tragic event.

“We have learnt from the previous incident and our systems…this time, were on par and they responded the way we advised them and the lessons we learnt from the previous explosion. We are strongly monitoring the situation and we keep our eye on it. We have asked our experts to remain here,” he said.

It is believed that the gas cylinder was cut by illegal miners in the area – causing the leakage.

Lesufi condemned the alleged criminality and said a specialised unit needs to be formed in the SA Police Service to combat the scourge.

“We are under siege. We are using outdated law enforcement mechanisms in a new era that needs new forms of law enforcement. We have to overhaul our law enforcement response.

“This thing of illegal mining is completely out of control. I am of the view that we need a specialised way of training our law enforcement. They try…[but] the fire power of the illegal miners and the resources that [police] have are not…at the level that they confront these things.

“I am calling for a completely new strategy in confronting this thing. A strategy that is well resourced and the capability of our law enforcement agencies that are at a higher level and they need to respond as if we are in a war zone,” he said.

The premier said police are doing what they can to combat illegal mining but, he said, the service needs to be further capacitated.

“The police are doing their best…[however] we are exposing them because they are confronted with a situation that is well resourced, well connected and that has the firepower to create problems for all of us. We just have to capacitate the police with the necessary firepower to respond.

“We need firepower… from technology and from the air. If people get out of those illegal mines and come out, we need to be able to pick them up and we need to know where these activities are taking place. We can’t do that with the naked eye or the resources that we have,” he said.

The Premier is expected to meet with community leaders in the area. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group and the leading end-to-end financial services provider in Nigeria, recently announced various Board appointments across the Group. These appointments are a reflection of the Group’s commitment to strengthening its leadership teams and driving continued growth and innovation in the financial services sector.

Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, a highly accomplished businesswoman and social entrepreneur, was appointed Independent Non-Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC. With an extensive experience and deep understanding of business development and sustainability, Ndidi will contribute invaluable insights to the Board’s strategic decision-making processes.

Mr. Yinka Sanni also joined the Board of the Holding Company as a Non-Executive Director. Yinka brings a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, and a strong track record of leadership. His robust industry experience and strategic insight will be instrumental in shaping the company’s growth trajectory. In addition to this role, Yinka will serve as a Non-Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Mrs. Funeka Montjane was appointed Non-Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC. Her rich expertise in banking and financial services across Africa and beyond will be instrumental in achieving the Bank’s strategic objectives and ensuring its continued success.

Mr. Efe Omoduemuke joined the Board of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management as an Executive Director. With broad knowledge in investment management and risk management, Efe will play a pivotal role in driving the next growth phase and development of the asset management business.

Mrs. Joyce Dimpka was appointed Non-Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Brokers. Her vast background across the financial services industry at Senior Management and Board levels will provide valuable insights and guidance to the company’s operations.

Similarly, Mrs. Temitope Popoola was recently appointed as an Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Insurance Brokers Limited. Temitope’s wealth of experience, which traverses Finance, Operations, Customer Service, Internal Audit, and Human Capital will be instrumental in achieving the Company’s strategic objectives in delivering excellent service and innovative insurance solutions to clients.

Mr. Oladele Sotubo was appointed as Executive Director on the Board of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited. With his expertise and experience in the capital markets, Oladele will bring valuable insights and contribute to the growth and success of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited.

Lastly, Mrs. Titi Ogungbesan was appointed as the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Ventures. With her demonstrated leadership skills and deep understanding of the Nigerian business landscape, Mrs. Ogungbesan will lead the company in identifying and maximizing investment opportunities, driving its growth, and expanding the company’s portfolio.

The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said: “These appointments represent a significant milestone in the flight plan of Stanbic IBTC as we continue to position ourselves as a leader in the Nigerian financial services industry. The newly appointed directors bring a wealth of multi-dimensional experience, diverse perspectives, and a deep commitment to driving excellence and innovation.”

“We are delighted to welcome these esteemed professionals to our Board of Directors. As we navigate the evolving financial landscape and continue to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders, clients, and communities, we recognise that people are the driving force behind any company’s growth. Hence, we prioritise people over profits at Stanbic IBTC,” Demola said.

Demola expressed his satisfaction with the newly appointed directors and reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to nurturing its workforce while maintaining exceptional service standards across its subsidiaries.

He encouraged the new appointees to make a meaningful impact in their roles while expressing confidence that their collective experience and skills would further strengthen the organisation’s corporate governance.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says tax administration tools are imperative to countering illicit financial flows and ensuring that governments can continue to collect revenue and serve society.

He was addressing the 13th Africa Initiative Meeting held by Tax Transparency in Cape Town on Thursday.

The Minister highlighted that in Africa, illicit financial flows are costing governments between €48 billion and €77 billion – valuable resources needed for functioning governments.

“[Tax administration] is one of the most valiant career callings because it is at the centre of enabling governments to provide infrastructure and basic services, and improve the lives of society at large, but especially the lives of the poor, vulnerable and marginalised. As tax administrators, you are tasked with the imperative responsibility of collecting what is due to governments in a timely and efficient manner.

“However, this task is not easy where tax evasion, tax crimes and illicit financial flows continue to spirit away revenues due to the State. A means to counter this scourge is [allowing] tax administrations, with the requisite tools and capabilities, measures such as tax transparency through Exchange of Information (EOI), as facilitated by the Global Forum and its regional partners,” he said.

Godongwana emphasised that although these tools are being improved, “this is only effective where the necessary political will is explicit”.

“We see this in the quality of laws that are passed, international agreements that are entered into, and the commitment to build competent and fully resourced tax administrations and the development of best international practices in effective tax administrations,” he said.

The Minister reflected on the efficiency of international tax standards and how these have become an “effective tool” in curbing tax evasion and other illicit financial flows.

“During the past eight years, the Africa Initiative has changed the tax transparency landscape in Africa, enabling the mobilisation of more than €310 million in domestic resources. However, continuous action is needed to ensure a long-lasting positive impact.

“Working with its regional partners, the Global Forum should continue to serve African countries and to support the Africa Initiative in its efforts to build or enhance their capacities to use the EOI standards at their full potential on the continent.

“From the South African experience, I can unequivocally say that [Exchange of Information on Request] and [Automatic Exchange of Information] are essential tools to drive tax compliance. As such, I want to urge members of the Africa Initiative to continue this important work, to collaborate closely, and to ensure that a sustainable legacy is left behind for future generations,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency