Month: June 2024

South Africa has this week requested the establishment of two panels at a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This was to examine what, in South Africa’s view, are unscientific and discriminatory measures placed on citrus imported from South Africa by the European Union (EU).

These steps were taken to address the EU’s regulations on two separate plant health issues: Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FCM).

The regulations are being challenged by the South African government to protect the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in the local citrus industry.

Currently, South African citrus growers are spending billions of rands per year to comply with CBS and FCM measures that the industry considers unscientific and unnecessarily restrictive as South Africa already has an effective world-class risk management system that ensures safe citrus exports.

Emerging citrus growers are especially hit hard by the EU measures.

The request to establish
the two panels is a significant development. This is the first time that South Africa progresses a dispute at the WTO beyond the panel state of the established DSB process.

On 15 April 2024, South Africa requested consultations with the EU on the CBS matter, which initiated a process that has ended without any results.

On FCM, South Africa initiated consultations in July of 2022, with no satisfactory conclusion as well. A panel will now also be formed on the FCM matter.

While the EU did not at this time accept South Africa’s request for the two panels, the set DSB procedure is that the requested adjudication panels will be established at its next meeting in July 2024. A DSB panel report can usually be expected after nine months.

The Government’s representatives reiterated the legal basis of their complaints at the WTO headquarters in Geneva this week. These included the following arguments:

The measures are not based on scientific principles and are maintained without sufficient scientific evidence.

T
he measures are applied in a manner that is not in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, of which the EU is a signatory.

The EU fails to apply the measures in a uniform, impartial and reasonable manner.

The measures are more trade-restrictive than required to achieve protection, and there are reasonably available alternatives which are technically and economically feasible, that would achieve protection in a significantly less trade-restrictive manner.

The SA Government has the support of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA).

“Last year we exported 36% of all our citrus to the EU. That shows what an important market it is for our growers. It is the very foundation of citrus profitability in SA,’ said Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA.

‘Should the EU continue with the implementation of these measures, or intensify them in any way, the profitability of hundreds of growers will be negatively affected and the industry wi
ll suffer severe revenue and job losses.

‘But this is also potentially good news for the European consumer. Their orange prices last summer were at an all-time high. However, if their supply is unfettered, consumers will benefit,” said Chadwick.

“The citrus industry supports 140 000 jobs at farm level alone,” explained Mooketsa Ramasodi, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

“The Government is acting to safeguard these livelihoods and the central role the citrus industry plays in so many of our rural communities,” Ramasodi said.

“The EU’s measures on CBS and FCM are not justified, proportionate or appropriate. It must be understood, however, that the WTO process is not confrontational or aggressive. The goal is scientific truth and fairness.

‘We are making use of the WTO mechanisms available to us to find an amicable solution,” the Acting Director-General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, further clarifie
d government’s actions at the WTO.

The South African citrus industry is currently entering its peak export season with oranges heading to the ports.

It is estimated that South Africa will export a total of 170 million 15kg cartons this year. The exceptional quality of local citrus has made it sought-after internationally. South Africa is the world’s second largest exporter of citrus.

Source: South African Government News Agency

In an effort to improve men’s overall health, the North West Department of Health will offer voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services during the winter school break.

The province has identified the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, where the intensified programme will take place.

According to the provincial department, the objective is to enhance capacity and ensure that the majority of clients are served during the peak winter season.

Dr KK District family physician, Dr Lesley Mahole, said that the district will assemble a team of physicians to ensure that the program proceeds smoothly and no clients are left behind due to the increased activity in all sub-districts during this season.

‘After identifying the need, the district will put together a team of physicians for each sub-district to deal with the influx,’ Mahole added.

The district is working together with Right to Care, a non-governmental organisation that is contracted to help the department with the VMMC service.

Mahole also encouraged t
raditional initiation school leaders to ensure that initiates are screened for different diseases before and after initiation to prevent and control certain pre-existing illnesses that they might have.

‘The department puts forward the wellbeing of initiates and would like to screen initiates without interference to traditional processes,’ he stated.

The VMMC main campaign will take place at the following venues:

Matlosana Sub District – Tshepong Hospital – 2 July 2024

JB Marks Sub District – JB Marks CHC – 3 July 2024

Maquassi Hills Sub District – Bophelo Clinic – 4 July 2024

Apart from the mentioned schedule, facilities in the district remain open every day to take appointments and consent forms for parents interested in the service.

Source: South African Government News Agency

An employee of a contractor at Eskom’s Matla Power Station has been arrested on suspicion of theft of copper cables.

He faces charges of theft and unlawful possession of a copper cable valued at some R4 000.

Eskom Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, said the utility’s security teams have cracked down on crime at Eskom.

‘We commend the security teams from Matla Power Station for their vigilance. The arrest of the suspect aligns with Eskom’s zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities. Furthermore, the collaboration with law enforcement is also bearing fruit.

‘Eskom has also recorded a 5% decrease on crime incidents across the company in the 2023/24 financial year compared to 2022/23 financial year,’ Sikhwitshi said.

Meanwhile, Eskom says repairs to a vandalised transformer affecting at least nine areas in Soweto are progressing.

The transformer was damaged when a fire broke out due to illegal connections and vandalism.

‘While repairing the damaged transformer, we have managed t
o provide electricity supply to all the affected areas using three other existing transformers in the Zola sub-station. However, this temporary measure has led to increased electricity consumption beyond the capacity of these three transformers.

‘As a result, Eskom is implementing load rotation between 5pm and 10:30pm daily until June 30. The schedule has been communicated to customers. It’s important to note that load rotation is not the same as load shedding; load shedding has been suspended for 90 consecutive days,’ Eskom said.

The utility expects all repairs to be concluded by Sunday.

‘Eskom strongly condemns the continuous theft and vandalism of its equipment across Gauteng. There has been an increase in incidents of theft and vandalism, resulting in the loss of revenue and increased replacement costs for Eskom.

‘These criminal acts do not only affect the power utility, but they inconvenience law-abiding, paying customers and affect community service points such as healthcare facilities, education fa
cilities, businesses and the economy at large as seen with the Zola incident,’ Eskom said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Newly-inaugurated KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to rebuilding the areas affected by the recent devastating storms and to implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future occurrences.

Ntuli made the commitment during an oversight visit to uThongathi on Tuesday to assess government relief interventions.

UThongathi was hardest hit by the storms earlier this month, which left a trail of destruction in six district municipalities of the province with a cost estimate of over R1.3 billion.

Accompanied by MECs for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Keith Zondi and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Dominic Buthelezi, amongst others, Ntuli evaluated the effectiveness of the government’s relief interventions.

He also inspected the distribution of aid supplies and the provision of essential services, ensuring that the assistance reached those who are most in need.

Ntuli
also engaged with community members who were affected by the devastating storm, where he offered support and listened to their concerns and needs.

He said the provincial government will continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy and improve the quality of life for all those affected.

‘Plans include improving infrastructure resilience, enhancing early warning systems, and supporting community preparedness initiatives. The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but together, we can rebuild stronger and more resilient communities,’ Ntuli told the community.

The Premier also took the opportunity to speak with local leaders and community representatives to gain a deeper understanding of realities on the ground.

“Listening to the stories of those affected and witnessing the destruction first-hand has reinforced our resolve to support the communities in uThongathi and beyond. The resilience and strength of the people here are truly inspiring, and it is our duty to ensure they receive all the support
they need to rebuild their lives,” Ntuli said.

Ntuli expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all social partners for their invaluable contributions during this challenging time, and acknowledged the critical role played by Non-Government Organisations, donors, and volunteers in providing immediate relief and support to the storm victims.

He said the spirit of unity and cooperation observed in uThongathi, serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the KwaZulu-Natal community.

“The swift and generous response from our social partners has been overwhelming. Their efforts have provided much-needed relief and hope to those who have lost so much.

‘On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest thanks to everyone involved in these recovery efforts.,” Ntuli said.

The Premier further emphasised the importance of collaboration between government entities, private sector partners, and community organisations to effectively address the aftermath of such natural disasters.

Sourc
e: South African Government News Agency

The Department of Health has confirmed that the country has recorded three more cases of Mpox and another death, as efforts to curb the spread of this infectious disease are ongoing in the affected communities.

This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa to 16 since the outbreak in May 2024, while the death toll is now sitting at three.

According to the department, the latest cases involve a 40-year-old man from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, who presented with smallpox-like symptoms, including a rash all over his body.

He did not go to the hospital and passed away at home. His results came back positive for Mpox on Sunday, 23 June.

Two additional cases have been confirmed in Gauteng. One case involves a 43-year-old man, who was diagnosed on 22 June at a local private health facility in Johannesburg.

The second case is a 29-year-old male, who was diagnosed at a Mamelodi health facility on 21 June.

‘They presented with symptoms indicative of disease and had no internat
ional travel history,’ the department said.

Of the 16 infections, eight cases are from KwaZulu-Natal, seven cases are from Gauteng, and one case is from the Western Cape.

All individuals involved in the cases are male and aged between 23 and 43 years old.

The department, working with provinces and other stakeholders in the sector, has embarked on health education with funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains of suspected and confirmed cases.

‘The department would like to allay fears of possible travel restrictions or lockdowns due to the Mpox outbreak because the World Health Organisation has not recommended any travel restrictions. However, it is important for travellers from Mpox endemic countries to seek healthcare if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance.’

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can be transmitted to a person through contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.
It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and a fever.

Citizens are urged to support all those who are showing symptoms to present at their nearest healthcare facilities immediately for screening and diagnosis, instead of self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medication.

‘Anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, TB and diabetes.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, says the seventh administration remains committed to modernising the province, boosting the economy and ensuring its success.

‘This will be done with much greater speed and underpinned by the six priority areas of the 2024 ANC election manifesto,’ Saul said on Monday.

These priority areas, he said, include creating jobs, building industries for an inclusive economy, tackling the high cost of living, investing in people, defending democracy and advancing freedom, and building a better Africa.

The Premier was delivering his inauguration speech in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley.

The address follows the first sitting of the Provincial Legislature on 14 June 2024, where Saul was sworn in as the seventh democratically elected Premier of the Northern Cape.

He outlined his vision and plans for this seventh administration in his speech.

Progress

Saul believes government has made significant progress in delivering basic services to the poor.

‘Before
1994, many communities were deprived of basic services, which included clean running water, electricity, housing and education. Since the dawn of our democracy, we have reduced the backlog of basic services and have improved living conditions for many citizens.’

In addition, he said the total number of households in the Northern Cape with access to flush toilets increased to 73% in 2022.

‘This indicates a huge improvement in the provision of basic services. We have indeed improved the quality of public education and all indicators attest to that.’

Meanwhile, he said, in his province, the proportion of people aged between five and 24 who attend an education institution increased from 64.2% to 70.3% in 2022.

‘This represents the largest increase in attendance observed in all provinces. The percentage of persons aged 20 years and older without schooling in the Northern Cape declined from 22.7% to 6.7% in 2022.’

Saul said he was glad that the country had surpassed three months with no load shedding, which he
believes is a clear indication power cuts will become a thing of the past.

Unity

He acknowledged that the sixth administration was riddled with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of State Capture.

‘As a party and government, we have learnt from our mistakes and want to assure the people of the Northern Cape that we will do anything possible to close the trust deficit. We will do things differently – it won’t be business as usual.’

The next five years, he said, will require intensive engagement with political parties, civil society, the private sector, academia, and all spheres of government.

‘The seventh administration will work tirelessly to bring all stakeholders together towards the realisation of the Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan Vision 2040 for the realisation of a modern, growing, and successful province. This plan outlines a bold and ambitious path to transform our province into one that provides opportunities for all.’

He also touched on the youth,
who comprised about 60% of the population.

‘They are crucial to the current and future development of our country, particularly this province. We should actively involve young people in the development initiatives of the province as co-creators. We should continue to give special attention to addressing the challenging circumstances our young people face.’

Last month, he said the province introduced the Labour Activation Programme through the Unemployment Insurance Fund of the Department of Labour.

This programme will offer skills development opportunities valued at over R545 million to benefit 23 000 unemployed young people in the province.

Government of national unity

The Premier believes that the government of national unity (GNU) marks a new era where diverse parties cooperate to improve the citizens’ lives and foster national solidarity.

‘We are entering uncharted waters, with a capable captain, His Excellency President Ramaphosa, to take the country through this murky situation,’ he told the atten
dees.

As the Premier, he committed to lead with honesty, empathy, and hard work.

‘Following the national goals that the President has set forth, we will work together to give economic growth, job creation, social welfare, infrastructure development, and good governance priority.’

He pleaded for support and vowed to work with the provincial administration to create a better future for the people of the Northern Cape.

Saul also outlined improved outcomes in education and health as key priorities.

‘Let us continuously collaborate, motivated by the spirit of progress and solidarity that characterises our country at this critical moment.’

Source: South African Government News Agency