Day: April 30, 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to revered black business pioneer, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, who has died at the age of 97.

Motsuenyane was the co-founder of the pivotal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and played a leading role in the establishment of African Bank – both at the height of apartheid.

‘The passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane 60 years after the establishment of NAFCOC is a profound reminder of the breadth, durability and longevity of his vision and passion for self-reliance and development.

‘The remarkable sweep of his life as an entrepreneur, leader of organised business, parliamentarian and diplomat among other roles embodied our resilient national character and values of ubuntu.

‘His philosophy of self-sufficiency is today entrenched in the constitutional right each of us enjoys to freely choose our trade, occupation or profession and in the socio-economic rights that our constitution safeguards,’ the President said in a statement on Tuesday.

The businessman was a
Member of Parliament and served as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He was also an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements

The President passed his condolences and those of government to Motsuenyane’s family, friends and associates.

‘Dr Motsuenyane’s passing on the eve of the 2024 National Orders Ceremony [to be held on Tuesday] causes us to recall the honour bestowed on him in 2002 as the nation paid tribute to an outstanding patriot and source of inspiration for our then fledgling democracy.

‘May his soul rest in peace,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The deadline is looming for those who wish to apply for a special vote in this year’s National and Provincial Elections (NPE).

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), all applications for special votes for home and voting station visits opened on 15 April 2024 and will close on Friday, 3 May 2024.

Home visits are intended for those voters who cannot travel to voting stations, while special votes at voting stations are for citizens unable to be at the voting station on Election Day.

Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day – on 27 and 28 May 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Voters can apply as follows:

Using the IEC’s secured online application at www.elections.org.za.

By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.

By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.

By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special v
ote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, and someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.

Meanwhile, the IEC has distanced itself from a widely circulated message claiming that it has granted permission for everyone over the age of 60 to cast a special vote on 27 and 28 at the polling station where they are registered.

‘This is not a message from the Commission. The Electoral Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.’

However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on Voting Day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and must identify the voting station where they wish to cast the vote.

Known as Section 24A notices, the IEC explained that these are live at www.elections.org.za and will close on 17 May 2024.

South Africa will hold its elections on 29 May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declared Election Day as an additional p
ublic holiday in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday bestowed National Orders to 32 recipients during a ceremony held at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane.

The awards are the highest honour that can be given in South Africa.

In the National Orders Book for 2024, Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni – who is Chancellor of National Orders – heaped praise on the recipients.

‘These men and women have given concrete meaning to the eternal values of selflessness, love for freedom, racial harmony, equality and self-application, so as to reach seemingly impossible heights of achievement that we proudly acknowledge today, and from which our nation benefits,’ Baleni said.

The recipients are as follows:

The Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver:

Ms MaWilliams Kekana

Mr Ignatius ‘Iggy’ Mthebule (Posthumous)

Mr Makhwezi McDonald Mtulu (Posthumous)

Mr Robert Anthony Basil Waterwitch (Posthumous)

Ms Coline Denise Williams (Posthumous)

The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold:

Ms Nontando ‘Noni’ Helen
Jabavu (Posthumous)

Dr Aggrey Klaaste (Posthumous)

Dr Muziwakhe ‘Madala’ Kunene

The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver:

Mr Angus Gibson

Mr Emile Lester Jansen

Ms Saray N’kusi Khumalo

Ms Sophie Msoziswa Mahlangu

Dr Latozi ‘Madosini’ Mpahleni (Posthumous)

Mr Trevor Dundas Mweli Skota (Posthumous)

The Order of the Baobab in Gold:

Ms Blanche Valeria La Guma (Posthumous)

Ms Zukiswa Patricia Matolengwe

The Order of Luthuli in Gold:

Mr Mxolisi ‘Dicky’ Jacobs (Posthumous)

Mr Peter Cyril Jones (Posthumous)

Mr Benjamin Langa (Posthumous)

Mr Thobekile ‘Topsy’ Madaka (Posthumous)

Mr Siphiwo Mtimkhulu (Posthumous)

Prof Harry Ranwedzi Nengwekhulu

Mr Kenneth Hlako Rachidi (Posthumous)

Ms Annie Silinga (Posthumous)

Ms Nokuthula Simelane (Posthumous)

The Order of Mapungubwe in Silver:

Prof Mulalo Doyoyo (Posthumous)

The Order of The Companions Of Or Tambo In Silver:

Mr Huub Bammens – The Netherlands

Ms Donna Katzin – United States of America

Mr Ken Luckhardt – Canada

Sir Nicholas Stadlen (Posthumous) -U
nited Kingdom

Mr Fulco Van Aurich – The Netherlands

Ms Brenda Wall – Canada

‘They have, without exception, proffered worthy contributions to the development of our society so that we may not only aspire to, but actually become who we want to become. Indeed, they have contributed to our state of liberty.

‘We commend to you these noble men and women of our country, our continent and our common world, as recipients of the prestigious National Orders. We salute them, one and all,’ Baleni said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid homage to the South African citizens and others who received their National Orders today – calling them an invaluable part of South Africa’s history.

The 32 recipients, some posthumously, were honoured and bestowed during a ceremony held at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane on Tuesday.

READ | National Orders: Heroes and heroines receive SA’s highest honour

The prestigious National Orders – the highest awards in South Africa – are the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.

‘This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom. This would not have been possible without the bravery, fortitude and noble acts of those the preamble of our Constitution recognises as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land.

‘The men and women we honour here today have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Af
rica that we all enjoy today. Our nation owes each of them a great debt.

‘By bestowing these National Orders, we want to ensure that their contributions are recognised and spoken of by generations to come,’ President Ramaphosa said.

The awards

The Order of Mendi for Bravery recipients were anti-apartheid activists who received the honour posthumously.

‘They lived at a time when apartheid repression was at its zenith, and they displayed the utmost courage. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their memories live on,’ said President Ramaphosa.

This year, the recipients of The Order of Luthuli was awarded to South Africans who contributed to ‘the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace’.

‘Several of the recipients of this year’s Order of Luthuli were brutally killed by the apartheid regime. One of them is Ms Nokuthula Simelane, who was abducted and tortured by the apartheid Security Branch. Her remains were never found.

‘This is a wound that will never heal for her
family, like the scars of many other South Africans whose loved ones disappeared during the repressive years of apartheid. By honouring those fallen heroes with National Orders we are saying that no matter how great the passage of time, they have not been forgotten,’ President Ramaphosa said.

South Africans who excelled in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport were honoured with The Order of Ikhamanga.

‘In this, the 30th year since we achieved our freedom, we also celebrate the democratic gains we have made in enshrining the principle of a free and independent media.

‘Among those being honoured today are legendary journalists who were the voice, words and conscience of an oppressed people during the darkest periods in our history. The standard they set for media ethics and freedom are embodied in today’s generation of journalists and media workers,’ the President said.

On the recipients of The Order of the Baobab, President Ramaphosa said: ‘As we strive to bring about social and econo
mic transformation in South Africa, we are keenly aware of the importance of every endeavour, be it in business, in science or in innovation, being put in the service of social justice for all’.

He praised the recipient of The Order of Mapungubwe who ‘undertook valuable research in the aerospace field and set a standard that today’s generation of researchers will strive to emulate for time to come’.

The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises those who are not from South Africa who stood in solidarity and cooperation with South Africa’s struggle for liberation.

‘We honour journalists who helped amplify the voice of the liberation movement abroad, campaigners and fundraisers for the anti-apartheid movement, and activists who played an important role in the sports boycott against the regime,’ President Ramaphosa said.

The President hailed the heroism and personal endeavours of this year’s recipients.

‘The recipients of the National Orders are chosen by the South African people themselves. It is the
South African people who makes nominations for consideration. This is most appropriate because the recipients are the heroes and heroines of the entire nation.

‘The truest test of heroism is that these acts are not done for the sake of name, prestige, fortune or fame. They are done out of conscience and an unwavering sense of responsibility. They are born of a burning quest for social justice. They are anchored in the belief that the achievement of equality and human dignity for all is the highest aspiration of humankind.

‘Congratulations to all who are being honoured today and to their families. The recipients shall henceforth be honoured as esteemed Members of the Orders. The people of South Africa salute them all,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Leaders from all sectors of society must join hands to build a resilient economy and fight corruption, says the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.

‘We must collaborate, with each playing a distinctive part, to generate employment and boost trade and investment between our nations, the continent and the world,’ he told delegates during a dialogue on the role of leadership in fostering economic growth, hosted by the African United Business Confederation (AUBC).

The roundtable dialogue held on Tuesday focused on the role of leadership in economic growth.

The Deputy President said he believed that effective leadership significantly affects the economic landscape of nations and societies.

‘We are convinced that to build our economy, leaders from all sectors, including business, politics, government, and civil society, must work together,’ he said.

‘Our roles are all important, and if one lags behind, it will affect the growth of our economy. It is our duty as political leaders in government to formulate po
licies that promote an environment conducive to economic growth.’

The country’s second-in-command said effective economic policies can stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and drive innovation.

‘As you may have observed, since the advent of democracy, we have created political stability by promoting free and fair elections, which will continue to be the case in the upcoming election on 29 May 2024.’

The Deputy President said a stable political environment is critical for investor confidence and economic growth.

He told the private sector leaders that they have a responsibility to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, both of which are vital to economic expansion and job creation.

In addition, he said, the private sector is key to enhancing the competitiveness of the South African economy.

‘Together, as leaders, we possess the foresight to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and make strategic decisions that drive sustainable economic development.’

He acknowledged that despite attai
ning political freedom and substantial advancements since 1994, South Africa is yet to realise economic freedom and an economy that adequately provides for the majority of its population.

‘As present-day leaders across various sectors of our society, we must set aside our differences and concentrate on fully rousing the potential of South Africa’s economy.

‘We must proactively address socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, inequality and corruption.’

Corruption

He added that in order to reach the goal of ending poverty and boosting economic growth set out in the National Development Plan, ‘we must all work together to fight corruption and support accountability, openness, and good government’.

The fight against corruption should be multifaceted, involving both the public and private sectors.

‘We have to strengthen anti-corruption partnerships, intensify efforts, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to corruption led by capable leaders, who are resilient, highly adaptable and
willing to implement bold reforms to surmount our challenges and transform the economy.’

Inclusion

In addition, he called on leaders across sectors to be intentional in their inclusion of women, youth and other marginalised groups in economic reform efforts.

He also touched on the Red Tape Reduction Team introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further stimulate business development.

‘The team focuses on reducing red tape in priority areas such as mining rights, tourism operator licenses, travel visas, work permits, and the informal sector, aiming to create a competitive and vibrant economy.’

In addition, he said government has also reduced regulatory hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives, reduced VAT refund processing time from 15 weeks to four to five weeks and reduced the corporate income tax audit process from 32 weeks to 17 weeks.

‘We have a collective role to play in paving the way for future generations
of leaders to contribute to the transformation of our economy. Through strategic leadership, we unlock the countries’ potential, drive innovation, and create a better future.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Over the past 30 years government has empowered its citizens by implementing programmes aimed at improving their lives for the better.

As South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa has reflected on the country’s development journey and applauded government for making significant strides in improving the lives of its people, while navigating challenges that have impacted South Africa’s development trajectory.

‘Over the three decades, South Africa has faced systemic and contextual challenges that have impacted the country’s development trajectory,’ Ramokgopa said.

In 2023, the National Planning Commission (NPC) released the Ten-Year Review of the National Development Plan (NDP). The review reflects on the nation’s progress and assesses the key NDP indicators and targets, such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.

‘The NDP set a goal of achieving an annual average of 5.4% GDP growth and aimed to create
11 million jobs. Over the past 30 years, the South African economy has grown and is expected to be Africa’s largest economy in 2024 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

‘Our labour force expanded from 11.3 million in 1994 to 28.3 million in 2023. Due to progressive labour legislation, the race, gender, age, and skills composition of the labour force and employment have altered considerably promoting more inclusive economic development,’ the Minister said.

She said government seeks to create an enabling environment for economic growth by addressing obstacles to transformation, innovation, competition and development.

‘South Africa’s social sector indicates notable progress in education, social wage, and health, with young people benefiting greatly from this progress. The country is moving towards universal access to education at all levels and improved overall educational outcomes.

‘More individuals aged 20 and older have attained Grade 12 as their highest level of education, rising from 16%
in 1996 to 38% by 2022. In 2002, there were 295 special schools for learners with disabilities. By 2022 there were 489 (435 public and 54 independent),’ the Minister said.

The matric pass rate has improved to 82.9% in 2023, from 53.4% in 1995.

‘Enrolment in public universities has more than doubled, steadily edging closer to the NDP target of 1.6 million enrolments by 2030. Access to higher education has been bolstered by the establishment of more institutions of higher learning and increased National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding,’ the Minister said.

She noted that South Africa’s health system has evolved and has led to improved life expectancy and increased access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services from 68 million in 1998 to 138.8 million in 2022/23.

‘Furthermore, South Africa’s social wage is one of the most advanced in the world and has proven to be an effective anti-poverty tool. It grew from 2.9 million beneficiaries in 1994 to more than 18 million in 2022. The COVID-19 grant incre
ased reach to 27.6 million beneficiaries. Studies conducted over the two decades have shown that the child support grant is associated with a decline in incidents of poverty,’ the Minister said.

She said government has taken steps to address the youth unemployment challenge.

The Presidential Employment Stimulus has assisted in creating more than 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities.
Source: South African Government News Agency