Day: June 1, 2024

The Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has described the pre-election and voting phases of South Africa’s National and Provincial Elections as having being held in an ‘orderly, peaceful and free atmosphere’.

South Africa’s elections were held by the Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday, 29 May.

In a preliminary statement, Former Zambian Vice President and SEOM Head, Enock Kavindele, said some 84 observers were deployed to all nine provinces and they engaged with stakeholders from all parts of society on the elections.

‘The mission observed that the country was calm and peaceful in the pre-election, election-day, and the immediate post-election period. I must emphasise that this was a very conducive environment for the elections, where only a few isolated incidences of political violence were reported.

‘It was the concern of stakeholders that the incidences prevented special voting and final election campaign events in the areas. Apart from these isolated inciden
ces, our observers deployed across the country witnessed numerous peaceful, well planned, and highly attended political rallies,’ he said.

He noted that the South African Police Service (SAPS) ‘maintained its vigilance and preserved peace’ during the election period with ‘more resources to high-risk areas to address eventualities’.

Best practice and recommendations

The mission praised the IEC for its best practices on the following:

Online voter registration for citizens, including in the diaspora, which encouraged young and first-time voters to register;

With the support of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, for facilitating voting by South African residents abroad;

Implementation of special voting, particularly to include voters who for reasons of infirmity or other challenges, would not have been able to cast their votes at the polling stations;

Swift responsiveness to false, misleading information, particularly online/social media; and

Openness to the public and close liai
son with political parties and independent candidates.

Kavindele said that while the mission to the South African elections has not expired yet, it has made some recommendations.

These include:

Government and the National Assembly are urged to ensure that substantive electoral law reforms are debated and adopted early in the next electoral cycle in order to avoid the introduction of electoral reforms close to the election periods

The IEC is urged to assess options on how best to ensure that the Voter Management Devices do not present challenges encountered on Election Day. The IEC could consider a manual voter’s roll to be displayed at polling stations so that voters can verify where they are registered

The IEC is encouraged to review its civic and voter education programmes, learning from the challenges experienced in 2024, and design new programmes that comprehensively address the new electoral processes.

The SAPS should consider recruiting adequate police officers to be permanently stationed all poll
ing stations.

‘In conclusion, the SEOM observed that the pre-election and voting phases of the 2024 National and Provincial Assembly Elections were professionally organised, and conducted in an orderly, peaceful and free atmosphere, which enabled the voters to express their democratic will and those who sought office to campaign freely.

‘The Mission commends the people of South Africa for the political maturity, spirit of tolerance and calm that generally prevailed during this electoral period. In the event of any electoral disputes, the Mission appeals to all contestants to channel their concerns through established legal procedures and processes,’ Kavindele said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill of 2023, which establishes a ‘two-pot’ system that gives members of retirement funds access to retirement savings without having to resign or cash out entire pension funds.

The amendment law introduces a ‘two-pot’ retirement system to address the concerns related to lack of preservation before retirement and lack of access to retirement funds by households in financial distress.

According to a statement by the Presidency, this retirement system comprises a savings and retirement component for contributions made after 1 September 2024, while historical retirement benefits will be housed in a vested component.

Individuals will have access to amounts in the savings component before retirement for times of financial distress, and the amounts in the retirement component are preserved until retirement.

‘The primary objective of the two-pot retirement system is to provide flexibility for fund members to access their retirement savings
during emergencies, without necessitating resignation.

‘The reform introduced by the legislation strives to strike a balance between long-term security and immediate needs, recognising life’s unpredictability,’ said the Presidency.

It permits fund members to access a portion of their savings during crises, such as those seen during the COVID-19 challenges.

These changes ensure the retirement system remains responsive to diverse financial needs, supporting both long-term financial security and immediate assistance during emergencies.

Traditional retirement systems primarily focus on long-term savings, often lacking the adaptability to address immediate financial crises.

President Ramaphosa said: ‘While we are continuing the task of growing our economy to create more opportunities for all South Africans and reduce the financial vulnerability affecting many individuals and households, the new retirement system offers protection and dignity to those who need it the most to overcome financial stress.’

South
African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill

Meanwhile, the President has also signed into law the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill, which effects a number of amendments that bring South Africa in line with the World Anti-Doping Code of 2021.

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) role is to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is a public entity under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and is defined in the amended legislation as the national anti-doping organisation.

The legislative amendment also clarifies the powers of SAIDS.

The SAIDS has major role to play in preventing the use of prohibited substances in the South African and international sporting environment that are contrary to the principles of fair play and the health and well-being of athletes.

The amendments enacted by President Ramaphosa have been induced by a World Anti-Doping Agency review of relevant South Afri
can legislation in 2022.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has assured the citizens of South Africa that the election results management process has been compliant with electoral legislation.

This comes as some political parties have raised concerns about how votes are being handled.

‘The commission wishes to assure this nation and everyone else that is following our elections that indeed we continue to place priority on the finalisation of this result in a transparent and orderly manner,’ said IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya at a briefing on Saturday.

Moepya said they have engaged with the Party Liaison Committees (PLCs) and that the IEC has agreed to a request to look at the objections that have been filed late.

This comes after some parties claimed there were several result discrepancies in some districts across the country.

‘I’m pleased to indicate that the commission has agreed to that request. Because there is a lot of goodwill that must be shown throughout this election compilation process, we have agreed that
the process will be continued until 18:00 this afternoon,’ Moepya said.

The deadline for the public and political parties to lodge objections and disputes had officially closed yesterday.

Speaking at the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand, the Chairperson said the IEC welcomed the constructive way of allowing political parties and independent candidates to bring their deep-felt concerns to the commission.

‘This is very important in an electoral contest,’ he stressed.

Moepya reiterated that every objection raised will be considered.

‘We are going to look at the issues that are brought before us and we are going to consider them in the process of assuring the integrity of these elections.’

Where the commission finds ‘materiality’ through the results process, the Chairperson promised that the IEC would apply the appropriate remedies, which in some instances may include specific recounts.

‘We are not going to rush; we are not going to overlook anything. We are going to walk as we look at e
very area of the work that is before us,’ he promised.

Chairperson highlighted the commission’s commitment to transparency and the need for calmness and reasonableness in the final stages of the election process.

‘We ask for all electoral stakeholders, especially the esteemed leaders of contesting political parties and independent candidates, the media, civil society, faith-based institutions, institutions of traditional leadership, organised labour, organised business and every one of the citizens of this beloved country to please remain calm and for leaders to lead this nation at this time and for voices of reason to continue to prevail.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) has urged stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem to embrace a blend of multi-generational and futuristic aesthetics and designs to drive inclusion.

The President of the association, Dr Jennifer Chukwujekwe, said that this would also help to safeguard the future of interior design in Nigeria.

Chukwujekwe made the assertion during the association’s celebration of the 2024 World Interiors Day, on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 World Interiors Day was celebrated on May 25 with the theme: ‘Bridging the gap for a better multi-generational future’.

Chukwujekwe said that the theme indicated designers’ responsibility to create spaces that would not only reflect aesthetical aspirations but also meet the functional needs of people across all ages.

She said that interior designers had the unique privilege and duty to shape environments that would foster connection, inclusivity and well-being.

According to her, d
esigns must transcend the present, anticipate the needs of future generations while honouring the legacy of those who lived in the past.

‘While trends come and go, the essence of good design is timeless, and we should strive to create spaces that blend contemporary style with classic elements, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing across generations.

‘We must embrace inclusive design principles, ensuring that our spaces are accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

‘This includes thoughtful considerations for mobility, sensory needs and comfort.

‘Our designs should celebrate cultural heritage and diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our society,’ she said.

She added that, by incorporating traditional elements and local craftsmanship, designers would create spaces that would resonate with a sense of identity and continuity.

The IDAN president also emphasised the need for stakeholders across the interior design ecosystem to embrace sustainability practices and integrate tec
hnology in envisioning the future of interior design.

She said that designs should prioritise sustainability and ensure that a positive environmental legacy would be left behind.

Chukwujekwe said that, by using eco-friendly materials, energy- efficient systems, and sustainable practices, designers could create spaces that would support a healthier planet.

‘The integration of technology in our designs must be thoughtful and forward-thinking; from smart home systems to adaptive lighting and climate control, we need to ensure our spaces are equipped to evolve with technological advancements.

‘Let us commit to continuing our professional development, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies, and always striving for excellence in our craft.

‘Together, we can design a future that bridges generations, creating environments that nurture, inspire and endure,’ she said.

Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye, emphasised the need for stakeholders to commit t
o designing with empathy, sensitivity and inclusivity.

Adeleye said that the stakeholders should create spaces that would meet the functional needs of all ages and inspire and connect people across generations.

She said that doing so would facilitate creation of a future where generations would lead, learn and trade together, enriching communities.

‘We are united by shared love for design and our collective commitment to fostering an environment that showcases the richness of diverse generational perspectives, using our creative talents to bridge the gaps that exist between generations.

‘By doing so, we can create more harmonious and inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and understood.

‘The theme of today’s event points to an inherent challenge: the communication gap between different age groups which can lead to misunderstanding, isolation or loss of valuable knowledge and experience.

‘However, design has a pathway to address and overcome these challenges, and in creating spaces that encou
rage dialogue and interaction, we can facilitate greater understanding and cooperation between generations, ensuring that wisdom of the past is not lost,’ she said.

The commissioner added that familiar elements of design could be seamlessly integrated with cutting edge technologies, such as smart lighting, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive furniture to cater for the diverse needs of different generations.

She said that such blend would not only harness or preserve the cultural legacy but would also engage the younger generation by introducing them to the beauty and significance of the heritage.

The Treasurer of IDAN, Mrs Titi Fowora, said that the association was determined to be a steward of the environment by advancing the built environment in trans-generational design practices.

‘The idea is to leave the environment better that one met it; hence, the importance of using materials that are sustainable, eco-friendly, recyclable and reusable.

‘We have to be as green as possible, as forward-thinking
as possible, and design not just for ourselves but design for the future so that people do not feel the need to constantly re-invent the wheel or re-design,’ she said.

Also, Dolapo Amole, Professor of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, said that there was the need to fill the gaps in design created by generational differences to drive harmony, productivity, innovation and a strong community.

‘In design, bridging the gap is understanding the differences, adopting technology, providing variety of spaces, amenities and opportunities and an inclusive process to preserve the future of design,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The election results management system remains functional and uncompromised as the collation of votes process nears completion at the national Results Operations Centre in Midrand.

This is according to Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson Mosotho Moepya, who briefed media on Saturday afternoon.

South Africa took to the polls on Wednesday in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

‘The results management process, anywhere in the world in any election, is the most sensitive part of election management,’ IEC Chairperson said, calling on electoral stakeholders to remain confident in the integrity of the results management process.

Moepya said the results management process used in the elections was developed in-house and was not a shelf-based product.

‘It was developed with specific compliance to our electoral legislation, particularly the Electoral Act.

‘We emphasise that it is a system that takes into account the amendments made in the law where the Electoral Commission has engaged service providers
in the electoral process. These service providers were procured openly and the award of their services was publicly published,’ he told the journalists at the ROC.

According to Moepya, the result systems used in this election were specifically developed and tested.

The IEC also employed the services of professional auditors, Deloitte and Touche South Africa, who then reviewed the system.

‘Once Deloitte and Touche had audited the systems and assured us that indeed they do what they’re designed to do, that process was open to contestants in the national Political Liaison Committees (PLC). We have a history of doing so. We did not move away from that rich history,’ he said.

He said the commission was pleased to indicate that the results systems have remained functional and uncompromised throughout the results compilation process.

The Chairperson said the technical fault with the results’ leaderboards on Friday was ‘regrettable’.

‘It had nothing to do with the tampering or otherwise of the results manag
ement systems. It was a technical glitch that was experienced momentarily and it has been resolved.’

He called on all parties and citizens to continue to follow the results systems and bring any faults or errors to the commission’s attention.

‘Because this is a transparent process and open to all…where you find faults or errors we were not too distant to look at those.’

IEC said they were currently processing the results and that the few that remain must also complete the audit process and every measure specified for purposes of transparency.

‘Grant Thornton, the consortium of auditors we procured for this process, are aware that all of you want a credible outcome to this election.

‘They are under no illusion that the job they have to do a solid job and that it’s important to you. It’s important to us and it’s important to the rest of the world.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

The African Development Bank (AFDB) has reiterated its commitment to promote mutual reliance on the continent in procurement diagnostic tools and social environment safeguards.

The AfDB’s Senior Vice-President, Swazi Tshabalala, said this at the Annual Development Effectiveness Report held on the sidelines of the 2024 AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi.

Tshabalala said the Bank would continue to adapt its operational model, simplify its business processes, and further collaborate with other Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to promote mutual reliance.

‘The report provides supportive development results of AfDB’s global finance projects, which demonstrate its increased efforts in normalising and catalysing other sources of finance from the private sector.

‘These development results represent a collective achievement delivered in collaboration and partnership with other international development banks and development partners, and of course, our client partners.

‘In this year’s report, we have incorporate
d innovative tools and methods like satellite imaging to better capture and analyse the development impact of our investments.

‘For instance, using high-resolution impact mapping, we were able to assess the impact of Bank-financed water and sanitation projects on the living conditions of residents in 28 urban areas in Kenya,’ she said.

She said the report also provided the supportive development results of our global finance projects, which allowed us to demonstrate the Bank’s increased efforts in normalising and catalysing other sources of finance.

The vice-president said that, in spite of the pandemic’s lingering challenges and geopolitical tensions, the bank group had earned its triple-A award.

‘The Bank generated a historically high net income and approved projects to the value of 10 billion dollars, the second-highest funding level.

‘The Bank will also support member countries or regional member countries in establishing appropriate platforms for business coordination at the country level.

‘The Af
DB is recognised for its leadership in financial innovations, implementing many of the recommendations of the G20 Capital Adequacy Framework,’ she said.

Tshabalala said this was coming at a time when the Bank inaugurated a 10-year strategy (2024-2033) that served as an answer to the continent’s current complex hurdles.

She said it also boldly outlined the Bank’s determination to support Africa in overcoming multiple challenges.

Tshabalala said the strategy reflected the ambitions ‘for the Africa we want’ and came at a time when the continental body was prioritising the fully operational African Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTA).

‘The new 10-year strategy outlines the vision of a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and integrated Africa.

‘It is supported by twin strategic objectives, accelerating inclusive green growth in Africa and driving prosperous and resilient economies.

‘To pursue these twin objectives, the Bank has defined clear pathways for addressing Africa’s challenges and to help the continen
t stay on track toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

‘The five high-five operational priorities will continue to shape the implementation of the strategy as they continue to be aligned with the objectives of Agenda 2063 and the SDGs,’ she said.

She said the implementation of those priorities will be underpinned by the cross-cutting priorities to promote gender equality, invest in young people, and respond to climate change.

She said it would also depend on building resilience to shocks, conflicts and fragility and of course, strengthening economic governance.

‘The strategy outlines AfDB’s response to the complex threats facing Africa, the global and regional challenges and answering the G20 call for MDBs to reform, become better, bigger and more efficient,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria