Day: March 17, 2024

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Moses ||Garoëb tries to bridge information gap on government assistance programmes


WINDHOEK: In a concerning revelation, the general population in the urban informal settlements is largely unaware of government small business support programmes and training initiatives for young people.

Despite the government’s efforts to roll out various support programmes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, many people in Windhoek’s informal settlements remain unaware of these opportunities.

The lack of information regarding such initiatives has left aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in these areas at a severe disadvantage.

Although Windhoek informal settlements like Havana and Goreangab have long been hubs for entrepreneurship, certain business activities are oversaturated.

And the lack of information further causes many young people including those who did not do well in school to miss out on training opportunities provided by various government ministries.

To bridge this knowledge gap, on 28 February 2024, Moses ||Garoëb Constituency councillor Stefanus Ndengu with a delegation pai
d a visit to Lucia Iipumbu, the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, at her office.

On Saturday, Ndengu and members of the constituency development committee held an information-sharing meeting with the business community at the constituency office in Havana.

Ndengu said they sought to provide feedback about the visit to the ministry and share with the community information about government support programmes.

‘We decided to go to the high authorities to get information and bring it to you, to help you improve your business and go into business. We have seen how much you are suffering when it comes to information. You might have registered a business, but you are sitting at home because you do not know which door to turn to or where to start,’ Ndengu said during the well-attended meeting.

The councillor spoke about various support programmes of the industrialisation ministry, such as the equipment aid scheme for small and medium enterprises. Ndengu said his office is going to share information about t
he ministry’s gemstone cutting and polishing training for this year.

Minister Iipumbu recently revealed that about 300 young people between the ages of 18 and 35 have been trained so far under this programme at its centre in Karibib. And that at least 90 per cent of this group have found employment in the diamond polishing and cutting sector.

‘The 2023 cohort has just graduated, and out of 24 graduates, we can report that 22 are about to start their employment within the diamond cutting and polishing sector. We are about to advertise for the 2024 cohort to apply,’ according to the minister.

Also speaking at the meeting, was the youthful councillor for Windhoek West Consituency, Emma Muteka. She called on the youth of Moses ||Garoëb to believe in themselves and take business risks.

‘Information is very important, but the main problem is that the youth want information to come to them. We don’t stand up and go look for information. You can even come to the office and ask the councillor for specific informat
ion. We need to keep motivating young people to start walking toward information,’ Muteka said.

However, efforts to bridge the information gap must include translating information into local languages. ‘That information needs to be translated in the sense that everybody is included and that it is inclusive for everybody to understand,’ said Muteka.

According to entrepreneur Talapombanda Mulunga, the oversaturation of some business activities in informal settlements is due to a lack of information and innovative business practices.

‘Tourism is one of the businesses we can initiate. I used to take foreign tourists to Babylon and Havana and bring them to the Soweto Market and Single Quarters. So this is another business our young people can think of as one way of income generation,’ she said, adding that women can also venture into childcare services.

Councillor Ndengu meanwhile said Minister Iipumbu has agreed to meet with the Moses ||Garoëb Constituency business community next month to provide more informa
tion about the ministry’s support programmes.

He added that he and members of the constituency development committee would be visiting other ministries and government agencies to learn more about government assistance programmes to inform people in his constituency.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Women have the responsibility to grab opportunities presented to them: Frederick


||Kharas Governor, Aletha Frederick said women should understand that they have the responsibility to grab opportunities presented to them to ensure that gender equality continues in the country.

Frederick was speaking at the belated commemoration of International Women’s Day at Aussenkehr on Saturday – the day is commemorated on 08 March each year, this year it was celebrated under the theme ‘Invest in women, accelerate progress’.

‘We do not necessarily need to be pushed by someone else to grab opportunities that are presented to us, you should have the willingness to grab it, because people will not be there forever, let us push ourselves and grab them because you will never know if you can do a certain task until you try it,’ she said.

Frederick urged ministries, agencies and the private sector to ensure that continual capacity building takes place for women, citing that as Namibia is moving towards the fourth industrial revolution which involve technology, women should not be left behind but must be ca
pacitated equally with men.

‘For us to build an equal society, we must start investing more in women’s leadership, health, education and economic development. Women have the ability and capacity, it is not that we do not have these things, we do, we just want equal opportunities to showcase our talent, to help and assist men so that society is not only built by men but both men and women,’ she stressed.

Also speaking at the event Aussenkehr Primary School principal, Susanna Kadhikwa said it is important that women take up responsibility to ensure that they contribute to the achievements of developmental agendas such as Vision 2030.

‘Vision 20230 is around the corner, it is watching us, what did we as women do to implement this sustainable development goal, what do we do when it comes to poverty, zero hunger, providing clean water and sanitation, quality education – are we working towards that vision. If we want our voice to be heard and our cries to be answered, let us invest in one another, only then will
we accelerate progress,’ she said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Dr Phil Mjwara takes a bow as Director-General of Science and Innovation


Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande has announced the retirement of Dr Phil Mjwara, the country’s longest-serving Director-General, from his role as Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation said Dr Mjwara has a long and distinguished career as a senior public servant. With 18 years of service, he holds the distinction of being the country’s longest serving Director-General.

‘He played a leading role in shaping the policy and institutional architecture of South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). He led the establishment of some of our country’s key science institutions, such as the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).

‘He also played a leading role in laying the basis for and repositioning our NSI through policy interventions such as South Africa’s first national Science and Technology Foresight Exe
rcise in the 1990s and later, the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation,’ the ministry said.

As chairperson of the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), he also played a critical role in coordinating some of the key projects of government and ensuring inter-departmental synergies.

‘Dr Mjwara leaves the public service with a solid reputation of visionary and ethical leadership,’ said Nzimande.

READ | Dr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA

Nzimande also announced that Mr Daan Du Toit has been appointed as acting Director-General for the Department of Science and Innovation,for a period of 12 months.

Du Toit brings with him a wealth of experience. He started his career in government at the then Department of Foreign Affairs, where he trained as a diplomat. Since 2002, he has been attached to the Department of Science and Innovation and served as the department’s representative in Euro
pe.

Du Toit is currently the Deputy Director-General at the Department of Science and Innovation, responsible for International Cooperation and Resources. Through this position, he has played a significant role in initiating and maintaining some of South Africa’s key global engagements and partnerships in the area of science, technology and innovation.

‘The Minister thanks Dr Mjwara for his service to the nation, and wishes Mr Du Toit well on his appointment as Acting Director General,’ the Ministry said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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A visionary and a freedom fighter: President Ramaphosa pays homage to King Dinuzulu


President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo as a visionary and freedom fighter, who fought and greatly sacrificed for the freedom enjoyed by the country today.

President Ramaphosa was paying tribute to King Dinuzulu at the 110th commemoration of the death of the former Zulu monarch at KwaCeza Sports Field in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

The President commenced the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial in Emakhosini, where the honours of a wreath laying ceremony took place.

Reflecting on his legacy, the President said it was an honour that the late King’s life is being celebrated at a time when the country is also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom.

‘…The honour is even greater in that as we commemorate and celebrate the life of King Dinuzulu, we are also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom in South Africa.

‘It is a freedom that many, including iSilo uDinuzulu, fought for and greatly sacrificed for. We are here to pay homage to Inkosi Yama
khosi, a visionary and a freedom fighter, who, despite the yoke of oppression and bondage inflicted on him and his people, never wavered,’ President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.

The President said like many before him and elsewhere who led their people in fighting against colonial invaders, his fight was not only for one group of people, in one area. He said it was a collective struggle for freedom for all the oppressed people of South Africa, even though his battle theatre was in KwaZulu.

‘Since the colonisers first arrived on our soil, our forebearers, the Khoi, the San, the amaXhosa, the amaZulu, AbeSotho, Batswana, BaVenda, BaShangane, ba Dzonga, BaPedi, the Xhu and the Khwe, Ama Swati all took up arms in defence of our sovereignty, in defence of the land, and in defence of our people.

‘Long before the founding of the African National Congress in 1912, it was traditional and indigenous leaders at the forefront of the resistance against colonialism,’ the President said.

The President further elaborated
on King Dinuzulu’s love for education and music, which went on to have a big impact on the Zulu Royal Household.

He said that he embraced education and his children, including Princess Magogo and her brother King Solomon, were all sent to school.

‘He became deeply involved in the arts. Earlier in his life, he had been a prolific composer of Amahubo esiZulu. On St Helena [where he was exiled], he played the piano and the organ, and developed a love for church hymns that he sang in isiZulu and English.

‘This love for music led to the spread of choral music and other transitional styles like isicathamiya, maskandi and others, which are unique to the Zulu Kingdom,’ he said.

President Ramaphosa described King Dinuzulu as one of the country’s greatest forebears.

‘On this 110th anniversary commemoration of one of our greatest forebears, we must ensure that the story of this son of the African soil is not lost in the annals of history, but that it continues to be told by generations to come.

‘As government depa
rtments, provinces and municipalities, we continue to embrace our cultural heritage and liberation history,’ he said.

The President told the gathering that liberation tourism has a key role to play in developing the economy of the province and the country as a whole. He called on the private sector to be part of this endeavour aimed at preserving the story of South Africa’s liberation.

‘It is important that these events and activities be translated into sustainable socio-economic endeavours aimed at job creation in the related sectors.

‘It will also be important that our academics and intellectuals are engaged in the documentation of our history. For us to know where we are going, we have to know where we come from as a people,’ he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that with the foundation laid by forebears such as King Dinuzulu, the country shall overcome poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment.

‘We are mindful that the struggle for liberation was waged by those who were robbed of enjo
ying their own youth, as was the case with Inkosi uDinuzulu.

‘We shall not fail to make them proud. We shall ensure that their struggle and sacrifice was not in vain. We shall ensure that we leave no-one behind,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium


Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 between 17 and 19 March 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.

SIDSSA is a pioneering event aimed at bringing together key stakeholders, experts and decision-makers in the field of infrastructure development.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the symposium on Tuesday, 19 March, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver an address at the stakeholder dinner on Monday.

Various Ministers and Deputy Ministers will anchor panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.

‘The symposium serves as a platform to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as pivot investment opportunities in infrastructure in South Africa. Additionally, the symposium is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, innovative funding models for infrastructure, and investing in infrastru
cture for a shared prosperity for all,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said.

This year, the symposium will feature the following milestones:

Launch of the construction book: A repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with other Ministers invited from the continent.

Top 12 infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.

Signing of MOUs with important partners and stakeholders.

The symposium will also provide the following updates:

Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.

Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.

Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Mineral Resources and Energy committee chair welcomes passing of ERA Bill


The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, has welcomed the passing of the Electricity Regulations and Amendment (ERA) Bill by the National Assembly (NA).

In a statement, Luzipo said the Bill is a product of the collective wisdom of everyone who participated in the process, including the public hearings held in all nine provinces and those who made written submissions.

The provincial public hearings were held from 26 September 2023 to 29 January 2024 and the majority of those who participated supported the Bill.

The Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 and once enacted into law, it will enable the transformation of the country’s electricity sector to ensure electricity sustainability, supply and affordability.

READ | National Assembly passes Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill

‘It proposes an end to the monopoly-driven market and allows competition through key legislative reforms. This move is underscored in the Department of Publ
ic Enterprises’ 2019 Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry.

‘The Bill, however, does not propose the privatisation of Eskom, which the majority of participants in the public hearings said they opposed,’ the statement read.

Furthermore, the Bill proposes the establishment, within five years, of a State-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO) that is legally distinct from Eskom; the expansion and alignment of the powers of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to regulate the competitive market and the empowerment of NERSA to set and approve tariffs and prices, as well as regulate the participation of independent power producers (IPPs), among other things.

In the interim, it authorises a ring-fenced subsidiary of Eskom Holdings, in the form of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, or NTCSA, to fulfil the functions of the TSO.

The TSO is an enabler of a competitive market. Therefore, the functions of the TSO are grid ownership and operation, system operatio
n, market operation, and the creation of a Central Purchasing Agency that will take care of the legacy and vesting contracts.

‘I am happy that the NA has passed the Bill that is responding to the people’s concerns about the need for setting parameters on the competitive behaviour of IPPs [independent power producers], as this will ensure that the sector delivers sustainable electricity at competitive prices,’ Luzipo said.

According to Luzipo, this is important not only for competition but also because it addresses global commitments around climate change issues with regards to the country’s transition within the context of the Just Energy Transition framework. This is because the participation of multiple players will result in diverse electricity generation technologies, such as renewable energy.

‘It is anticipated that, in the long-term, the Bill will drive down the cost of electricity generation, which will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower electricity bills.

‘Further, new investment in th
e industry will bring new technologies and multi-year capital programmes that will enable new local industries and local businesses to empower youth and create new-age skills and digital capabilities because individuals who generate electricity for their use will be allowed to sell surplus to the government,’ Luzipo said.

The ERA Bill criminalises the unlawful destruction and damage of electricity infrastructure, inclusive of transmission, distribution or generation equipment and infrastructure.

This provision ensures that cable theft and unlawful electricity damage, amongst other things, are decisively addressed.

The Bill states that if a person is convicted of these offences, a fine not exceeding R1 million will be imposed.

If a person is found guilty of unlawful trading of the electricity infrastructure as listed above, a fine not exceeding R5 million will be charged, or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both such a fine and imprisonment.

Luzipo said that the committee intends for the Bill to no
t only address the immediate electricity challenges and load shedding but also to enable long-term electricity supply for businesses and the broader society.

He thanked all political parties that supported the Bill in the NA and for putting the interest of the country and its citizens ahead of their political interests in the forthcoming elections.

Luzipo further thanked members of the committee and the staff for their dedication.

Source: South African Government News Agency