Day: May 22, 2024

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has called on local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition.

The department made the call during a recent District Eskom Expo held at Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.

The South African Youth Water Prize competition is an important part of the department’s education programme and it aims to educate learners and society on various water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species.

The competition targets Grades 9, 10, and 11 learners who possess innovative ideas and projects that can help tackle the water and sanitation crisis in their communities.

The competition starts at the provincial level to the national level, and then proceeds to the global level in Stockholm, Sweden.

Mphothulo Eulicia from the department’s Gauteng regional office said taking p
art in the South African Youth Water Prize is a step towards empowering youth to become future leaders in water resource management.

‘By encouraging innovation and creativity, the department is nurturing a new generation of problem solvers who can help create a sustainable water future for South Africa,’ Eulicia said.

During the District Eskom Expo, the department presented the SAYWP to mobilise schools for the 2025 adjudications and encouraged them to start their preparations early.

Eulicia said that out of the 11 schools who were present at the expo, only five were recognised for the 2025 South African Youth Water Prize, which indicates the high level of competition and the need for schools to immediately start planning and working on their projects.

She said participating in the SAYWP can potentially change the life of a learner for the better, and emphasised the importance of not letting such opportunity slip by.

‘The prizes awarded to winners of the competition are quite substantial, including bursa
ries, laptops, trophies, and cash prizes, among others. These prizes can serve as a stepping stone for the youth towards a brighter future.

‘By engaging in these competitions, students not only have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges but also stand a chance to win valuable prizes that can positively impact their educational and career trajectories,’ Eulicia said.

A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg earned the top spot in the provincial leg of this year’s National South African Youth Water Prize competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.

Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.

The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second-place trophy.

The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a priz
e of R4 000.

Interested schools can access more information at https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/SAYWP/contact.aspx or contact Reshoketswe Malepe at [email protected] or on 083 8643 493.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Five months into 2024, and many a thing has happened, requiring us to sit down and catch our collective breath.

In the last five months, the country commemorated Human Rights and Freedom Months, experienced tragedy with the recent shooting of a five-year-old boy in a hijacking in Soshanguve as well as a deadly bus crash over the Easter holiday period.

Recently, the country was also on tenterhooks following the Victoria Street multi-storey George building collapse in the Western Cape, which claimed at least 33 lives.

Just as self-care Sundays are necessary to keep one’s wits about oneself, we need to do the same for our beloved country.

That oh so necessary routine of taking care of one’s skin, hair and reflecting on the week that was, accompanied by a delicious, nourishing meal, is the same kind of nurturing we ought to provide for the country on the southernmost tip of the African continent.

Reflection is a powerful tool that one can use to take stock of the goings-on in one’s life and with the country’
s upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections, it is a tool that we can use to move the country forward.

The beautiful thing about reflection is that while it can bring back painful memories of the past which was dominated by segregation brought about by the then apartheid regime, it also affords the country time to reflect on pockets of excellence, including the provision of housing; equal education and social grants to assist the less fortunate in our country.

While government has provided clean water, sanitation and continues to provide electricity – and yes, it is intermittent at the best of times – it has not swept the challenges under the rug.

With us approaching the half-year mark – yes can you believe it? – we can start the second part of our journey across the sun having taken action that will guide the future direction of our country.

As responsible citizens who despite our country’s challenges of unemployment, crime and gender-based violence, among others, we have to cast our votes in South
Africa’s seventh democratic elections on 29 May 2024.

And as responsible citizens, entrusted with the right to vote through the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, we ought to exercise that right.

Section 19 (3) of the Bill of Rights makes provision to vote in elections and to do so in secret, while also allowing adult citizens to stand for public office and, if elected, to hold office.

This is probably the best and most important self-care routine we cannot afford to miss as a country.

And while others may still be undecided as to who to vote for, the hourglass has not run out of sand yet. You can still make up your mind on who to vote for.

This year’s elections are believed to be the most contested in our history as a democratic dispensation and you don’t want to suffer from a bout of the FOMO (fear of missing out) post the elections that will see the participation of independent candidates for the very first time.

Voting is not a pointless exercise. Many died for the privilege we enjoy today. Additionally
, the World Economic Forum reported that 2024 is a historic election with elections being held in 50 countries around the world, including the United States.

Naysayers may say that project democracy has failed. In his Freedom Day speech commemorating 30 years of South Africa’s freedom and democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that our democracy is young, highlighting that ‘most of the world’s most established democracies are over a hundred years old.’

Nobody can say that democracy is perfect at 100 years old, no more so than at 30 years. What we’ve seen over the last three decades as citizens is the growth of a nation that is not without its faults.

We all have faults and what matters most is that we still have the ability to recalibrate and make the necessary changes.

While there are many important issues that rile us up, including crime and corruption, that may fuel voter apathy, we cannot give up on our country.

At a recent District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Northern Cape, the
President called on citizens not to throw in the towel as government is committed to delivering services and addressing challenges.

‘We don’t want you, our people, to lose hope,’ he said.

We should not underestimate the power of a single vote if all 27.79 million of the country’s registered voters make their voices heard as we go to the polls on 29 May 2024. It’s a date.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng says the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Department of Defence is a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, respond to and recover from disasters.

‘We believe that this partnership will harness the strengths and resources of both departments, amplifying our collective ability to safeguard lives and livelihoods,’ she said on Wednesday.

Nkadimeng spoke at the launch of the MoC on Disaster Management, where she and Defence Minister Thandi Modise signed the agreement in Pretoria.

Nkadimeng announced that key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoC include the establishment of a Disaster Reserves Assurance Fund, joint development of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) and District Integrated Industrial Parks (DIIPs).

Through this MoC, the department would involve Community Work Programme (CWP) participants in disaster preparedness and community development.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defence
will be tasked with providing defence capabilities to safeguard the nation and oversee the South African Forces Institute (SAFI), which manages emergency strategic reserves and procurement.

Through this MoC, Nkadimeng said government will also be forging a strategic alliance to revitalise the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), which is responsible for coordinating disaster management interventions, CWP and SAFI by enhancing the collective ability to deal with disasters.

‘We believe that this MoC will go a long way to ensure that reaction to disasters is quick and efficient because we will be pulling resources together, and the skills found in Defence will be very handy in this area.’

Through concerted collaboration, Nkadimeng believes the State is paving the way for a future where disasters no longer wield a devastating impact.

‘Instead, we are building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adversity, propelling our nation forward on a path of sustainable development and prosp
erity.’

Climate change

The Minister emphasised the catastrophic impact of climate change, referring to it as a nightmare in South Africa.

‘We have seen that in recent years, the severity of these occurrences and their impact are progressively increasing because of the inevitable effects of climate change.’

She said these events often strike suddenly, leaving behind devastation that affects communities, families, and livelihoods.

Nkadimeng also spoke about KwaZulu-Natal, which is prone to floods and where the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was called to assist.

According to the Minister, government is currently in the process of reviewing the entire disaster management system, aiming to create a more adaptable framework that prioritises ‘resilience building’.

‘This comprehensive review seeks to ensure that our disaster management approach is agile and responsive, effectively addressing evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities against future risks.’

Despite these proactive meas
ures, Nkadimeng acknowledged there remains a pressing need to address gaps in post-disaster response.

‘Too often, communities find themselves in dire situations, lacking adequate support and assistance in the aftermath of disasters. This has highlighted to us the importance of continuously refining and enhancing our disaster response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches those in need and prevents further hardships.’

She also addressed the man-made disaster of the George collapsed building, which resulted in the loss of 34 lives.

READ | George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded

‘We have been working to have and implement plans to reduce risks, and be prepared. We aim to respond quickly and effectively when disasters happen, keeping everyone safe and minimising the damage they can cause,’ she told the media.

Modise believes that government needs to be more organised to deal with disasters. She stated that Treasury is on board and will provide resources to tra
in military personnel for disaster management.

‘How much a disaster will cost will not compare to the cost of life. Therefore, we will be talking to Treasury about that… But with us, we’ll want to make sure that we don’t lose South African lives because there’s a shortage of money,’ Modise said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Consumer Price Index, or inflation, has slightly slowed to some 5.2% in April – down from 5.3% in March and 5.6% in February.

This according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The institution said general food inflation slowed over that period except for fresh produce and hot beverages.

‘On average, vegetable prices increased by 7.4% in the 12 months to April, higher than the 6.0% increase recorded in March. Vegetable products that recorded relatively high price increases include potatoes, frozen potato chips, broccoli and beans.

‘The annual rate for fruit rose from 3.3% in March to 4.5%, mainly driven by higher prices for bananas and apples. Hot beverage inflation increased marginally from 11.2% to 11.4%. The rates for instant coffee and black tea remain in double-digit territory,’ Stats SA said.

The inflation for bread and cereal also slowed for the 12th month in a row in April.

‘The annual rate eased to 4.3% from 5.0% in March. Bread flour, cake flour, ready-mix flour, white bread, pasta, rus
ks, savoury biscuits and maize meal are cheaper than a year ago.

‘The average price of a loaf of white bread was R18.43 in April 2024, down from R19.07 in April 2023. On the other hand, sharp price increases were recorded for rice, pizzas and pies, instant noodles and sweet biscuits. Annual rice inflation accelerated to 26.4%, the highest reading since May 2009 when the rate was 41.9%,’ the institution said.

The annual rate for sugar, sweets and desserts also slowed to 16.8% in April with egg inflation also cooling for the fifth month in a row.

‘[This] after peaking at 39.9% in November 2023, then receding to 25.1% in April 2024. Except for whiteners, condensed milk, Gouda cheese and fresh cream, most products in the milk, eggs and cheese category recorded lower annual rates in April. This pulled overall inflation for the category down to 8.7% from 10.1% in March,’ Stats SA said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in a ceremony at the Union Buildings on Friday.

According to the Presidency, the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill is a ‘critical step forward in ensuring the safety and security of women from all walks of life’.

‘The establishment of a council dedicated to drive a whole-of-society approach to combat this scourge is fundamental.

‘The council will be the statutory body charged with providing strategic leadership in the elimination of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,’ the Presidency said.

Meanwhile, National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill paves way, among others, for the provision of the establishment of the Investigative Directorate against Corruption.

‘The Directorate, which will over time incorporate the existing Investigating Directorate, will have investigative capacity with priori
ty given to particularly serious criminal or unlawful conduct committed in serious, high-profile or complex corruption, commercial or financial crime.

‘The legislation directs that the Directorate be given the infrastructure and resources needed to perform its functions,’ the Presidency said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Director-General (DG) in the Presidency Phindile Baleni says Operation Vulindlela has made significant progress in reforming the economy since its announcement nearly four years ago.

She was speaking during a media briefing aimed at providing an update on progress in the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.

Operation Vulindlela is a government-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of structural reforms in key sectors to achieve inclusive growth in the economy.

‘Significant progress has been made in reforming our economy since the President announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela in October 2020.

‘Our economic challenges are complex and deep rooted. However, the progress that we have made in implementing the economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela give us confidence that they will be overcome. While the impact of these reforms may not be immediate, they will be significant.

Electricity

In the electricity sector, government has moved to do
away with some barriers to private electricity generation – resulting in massive investment in that space.

‘In the energy sector, regulatory changes have resulted in a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation with a pipeline of more than 22 500MW of confirmed projects in development.

‘The reform of the energy system has now far advanced with the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, amongst other key milestones.

‘We are already seeing the impact of these reforms in reduced load shedding and in the proliferation of new energy projects across the country,’ Baleni said.

Logistics

Regarding logistics, Operation Vulindlela is aimed at growing exports in the country through the improvement of efficiency.

‘Greater private participation in port terminal operations has been enabled and the freight rail network is being opened to competition. These reforms will allow more volumes to be transported vi
a rail and support export growth while making our logistics systems more efficient and competitive.

‘The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which was adopted by cabinet in December last year, continues to guide the implementation of these reforms,’ the DG said.

Telecoms and water sector

Baleni asserted that strides made through Operation Vulindlela in the telecoms sector are already bearing fruit with decreased costs in data just but one example.

‘One of the earliest milestones in the economic reform programme was the completion of the spectrum auction – ending a more than 10 year delay and contributing to reduced data costs and improved network quality and reach,’ she said.

Turning to the water sector, Baleni said reforms have led to the clearing of the backlog in water use license applications which stood at more than 1000.

‘[The] license application system has been improved to reduce processing times. Concrete steps have been taken to strengthen institutions in the water system, to improve regulation as well
as to encourage investment in the infrastructure,’ she said.

Visa reforms

Government has also embarked on reforms for South Africa’s visa regime in order to attract skills and to encourage growth in tourism to the country.

‘The e-Visa system is now available in 34 countries while visas have been waived for visitors from 135 countries. The recommendations of the work visa review task team, which was completed last year, are now being implemented including the establishment of the Trusted Employer Scheme and a points based system for work visas,’ Baleni said.

Working together

The DG emphasised that one of the key drivers to achieving the progress that Operation Vulindlela has produced is collaboration.

‘Perhaps the most important lesson of Operation Vulindlela is that we can achieve significant progress by enabling collaboration across government and putting in place clear, time bound plans and by establishing systems to support delivery and ensure accountability.

‘More than 15 government departments and
entities have contributed to the implementation of these reforms through new ways of working and a singular focus on implementation and results. Above all, this report demonstrates that government is fully committed to staying the course on the reform agenda and removing constraints on growth,’ Baleni said.

Source: South African Government News Agency