Day: July 2, 2024

National Treasury says that whilst South Africa is on track to address all the outstanding Action Items to exit grey listing, it remains a tough challenge to address all 14 of the remaining Action Items by February 2025.

This assertion comes after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) published the latest update on South Africa’s progress in addressing the Action Items in its Action Plan on 28 June 2024, following the conclusion of the June 2024 FATF Plenary meetings in Singapore.

‘All relevant agencies and authorities will need to continue to demonstrate significant improvements, and also that such improvements are being sustained and are effective,’ National Treasury said on Tuesday.

When the FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 Plenary meetings, it adopted a jointly agreed Action Plan containing 22 Action Items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

South Africa is requ
ired to address all 22 Action Items so as to exit the FATF grey list. The Action Items have differing deadlines, falling between January 2024 to January 2025.

‘National Treasury is satisfied with the outcomes of the FATF Plenary meetings. Given the FATF process, Treasury does not expect South Africa to exit grey listing before June 2025, as per the Action Plan deadlines,’ National Treasury said.

The Minister of Finance has been leading a process within government to ensure that South Africa addresses all Action Items by February 2025, to enable South Africa to exit grey listing by June 2025.

‘The FATF Plenary did not discuss the delisting of South Africa from grey listing at this juncture but focused instead on the progress made by South Africa in addressing the 17 outstanding Action Items.

‘The FATF Plenary accepted the report of the FATF Africa/ Middle East Joint Group that South Africa has largely addressed three further Action Items, and hence has 14 outstanding items left to address (from the origina
l 22),’ National Treasury explained.

The January 2025 deadline serves as a general guide on the earliest time that South Africa can be expected to have addressed all the Action Items in the Action Plan, which is two years after the placement of a country on the FATF grey list.

FATF Joint Group

‘Once all the Action Items have been addressed, the country is required to confirm its progress via an onsite visit by the FATF Joint Group.

‘As such, if the FATF Plenary determines in February 2025 that South Africa has addressed or largely addressed all 22 Action Items, it will schedule an onsite visit of the Joint Group in April/May 2025 to confirm that assessment and make a recommendation to the June 2025 FATF Plenary to remove the country from the FATF grey list.

‘If any of the Action Items remain unaddressed by the January 2025 deadline, the country will be required to continue reporting to the FATF every four months, until all the deficiencies have been addressed,’ National Treasury said.

Deadlines

At the
June 2024 meetings, the FATF Plenary adopted a report by the FATF Joint Group for Africa/ Middle East, confirming that eight of the 22 Action Items are now addressed or largely addressed in accordance with the specified deadlines.

The items that are addressed or largely addressed relate to the legal provisions criminalising terrorist financing and underpinning South Africa’s targeted financial sanction regimes, increasing the use of financial intelligence from the Financial Intelligence Centre to support money laundering investigations.

The items that are addressed also introduce risk-based tools to identify higher-risk Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, the updating of the Terror Financing National Risk Assessment, and increasing the resources and capacity of relevant authorities.

‘South Africa is left with two reporting cycles in September 2024 and January 2025 in terms of the Action Plan. Many of the 14 outstanding items are due in the last two reporting cycles because South Africa has
to demonstrate that the improvements made are sustained over successive reporting periods.

‘In the next reporting cycle, South Africa is required to address (or at least largely address) nine of the outstanding Action Items in the Action Plan that are due in September 2024. The final five Action Items are due in January 2025,’ National Treasury said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has strengthened its hand to fight corruption through data analytics.

This as the unit has joined forces – through memoranda of understanding – with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Anti-Corruption Coalition (ACC), the Transparency, Integrity, and Accountability Programme (TIP) of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, explained how the partnerships pave the way for the unit to sharpen its tools against corruption.

‘Through these partnerships, the SIU will embark on statistical research efforts, proactive strengths and risk exposures, sector-based data analysis, awareness and advisory initiatives, capacity building, and integrating data analytics and predictive analysis into the institutions’ risk management systems,’ he said.

He added that the unit must take the lead in fighting the scourge of corruption by making it increasingly difficult for criminals to have their way.

‘To achieve this
, the SIU must direct strategic decision-making processes and drive prevention activities through data analysis. This will provide the SIU with a competitive market advantage and long-term sustainability,’ Mothibi said.

The unit stated that the memoranda of understandings signed with the institutions are part of the SIU’s drive to halt corruption through a ‘whole of society approach’.

‘These MoUs are also part of the SIU’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, in particular, the whole-of-society approach, which is an integrated approach to the fight against corruption and calls on all sectors to participate in the fight against corruption and encourages collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society as one of the fundamentals of the strategy.

‘Through these collaboration agreements, the SIU seeks to ensure that its anti-corruption tools are advanced and enable the SIU to move towards the prevention of corruption. The SIU plans to publish sector data intelligence a
nd use a prevention, advisory, and awareness capacity to advise stakeholders on systemic measures to proactively identify and prevent maladministration, fraud, and corruption,’ the unit concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Praises from around the world are rolling in for Dr Naledi Pandor as she steps down from her government position after serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) since 1994.

Pandor is one of the Ministers who is not returning to Parliament to serve in the seventh administration.

In February this year, the outgoing International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister alluded to her retirement during an African National Congress (ANC) event in Cape Town.

She stated that she would ‘in any case not hold public office’ after serving in the position since 2019.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, appointing Ronald Lamola to replace Pandor. Lamola had previously served as the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Since then, warm wishes and tributes commemorating Pandor’s work continue to pour in.

DIRCO Director-General, Zane Dangor, described Pandor as one of the most principled and dynamic Ministers he has ever worked with and someone w
ith an ‘unrivalled’ intellect.

Pandor, a former teacher and lecturer, has numerous qualifications under her belt.

In interviews, Pandor credits her love for books and education to her anti-apartheid activist parents, Joe and Fikile Matthews, during the years they spent with her in exile.

Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, she grew up in exile. She completed her education in Botswana and London in the United Kingdom, achieving a professional qualification in teaching and a Master’s Degree in Education.

She holds a PhD from the University of Pretoria, a Master’s Degree in General Linguistics from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Diploma in Leadership and Development from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

She received honorary doctorates from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch, University of Lisbon, and University College Dublin.

Dangor said Pandor made her mark in all areas she worked in.

‘In the last five years, she emerged as one of the world’s lead
ing and valued diplomats,’ he added.

Adoration of a daughter

Pandor’s daughter, Dr Aisha Pandor, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to also honour her mother.

She shared that her mom has been a member of the ANC and an activist for as long as she can remember.

‘I share a birthday with the ANC, and for most of my life, I proudly spent January 8th with other family or friends, while my parents served the party,” she said.

After being elected as an MP in 1994, Naledi Pandor quickly rose to the position of Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC caucus in 1995. Subsequently, she was elected Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces in 1998 and then became chairperson in 1999.

‘Since I was almost nine years old, she has served as a member of South Africa’s democratic government. During those three decades, she has led with dedication, integrity, intelligence, wisdom, a love for her country, and a focus on principles, those held high by her religion, upbringing, country and party,’ Pandor’s daughter sai
d.

Aisha mentioned that she admired her mother and was excited about the next phase of her life.

‘Yesterday, I told her countless times how much I love her; how much she inspires me, and how proud I am of her. I’m also hoping that as by far the most hardworking person I’ve ever met, she finally takes a bit of well-deserved time for rest.’

Gaza

Pandor is celebrated for her fearless advocacy for her country’s stance on Gaza. She has persistently called for increased action against Israel’s invasion of Palestine.

Under her leadership, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, as well as to provide more assistance to Palestinian civilians. This comes as Israel continues to engage in a conflict with Hamas militants.

The SKA and other ministerial appointments

During her time as Minister of Science and Technology, Pandor and her team successfully secured a competitive bid in 2012 to host part of the future Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope in
South Africa.

She has also served as the Minister in the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Education.

Serving with integrity

In 2022, she received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards for the role she played in government.

Former Minister and World Bank Group Executive Director, Ayanda Dlodlo, stated that Pandor’s integrity was unparalleled and that her work ethic was exceptional, demonstrating servant leadership.

‘What a woman. What a leader… Hope the next chapter of her life is even more fulfilling with more time with her family and many moments of love and laughter.’

The German Ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke, also expressed his thoughts on the matter.

‘We would like to thank Dr Naledi Pandor, outgoing Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, for her tireless diplomatic work. For Germany, it was a privilege to work with you. Re a leboga, Mme [Thank you, Mother],’ the Ambassador said.

Founder of the Kenya Climate Directory, Reuben Wamb
ui, expressed his disappointment at Pandor’s departure from the Cabinet.

‘Naledi is the true embodiment of diplomatic genius, and we will really miss seeing her conduct international affairs on the world stage. Thank you Naledi for your excellent service.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has encouraged men to prioritise their health as the province observes Men’s Health Month.

Ntuli made the call during the launch of Men’s Health Month, which included a law enforcement parade held in Durban on Monday.

Men’s Health Month seeks to engage men on issues they face. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government also uses the month to create awareness on the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

READ | KZN Premier lays down the law on GBV

‘Let us use this Men’s Health Month as an opportunity to prioritise our health, break down barriers, and foster a culture of well-being,’ the Premier urged men.

Ntuli said Men’s Health Month will see health screenings taking place across the province, which will cover essential aspects of men’s health.

Outlining the programmes and initiatives that KwaZulu-Natal has earmarked to commemorate during Men’s Health Month, Ntuli said the initiative holds a significant relevance for the province, as it focuses on raisi
ng awareness about the health challenges confronting men, and advocates for early detection and treatment of diseases.

Ntuli said throughout July, the province will organise health screenings, which will cover essential aspects of men’s health, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and prostate health.

‘We will collaborate with local clinics, community centres, and workplaces to ensure that men have easy access to these screenings. The awareness campaigns will emphasise the importance of regular check-ups and early intervention,’ Ntuli said.

The month will also include awareness campaigns, including mental health support, physical fitness and active lifestyle, nutrition and healthy eating, and fatherhood and family support.

Ntuli said mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, noting that men often face unique challenges in seeking help for mental health issues.

Ntuli said during the month, targeted campaigns will be launched to destigmatise the discussions on mental h
ealth.

He said counselling services, including helplines and support groups specifically tailored for men, will be expanded.

The Premier encouraged men to reach out and share their struggles and seek professional assistance when needed.

‘We will promote physical fitness through community events, sports programmes, and recreational activities. Let us encourage men to engage in regular exercise, whether it is walking, jogging, or participating in team sports.

‘We will celebrate responsible fatherhood and encourage positive parenting practices. Workshops, seminars, and parenting classes will equip fathers with essential skills to support their children’s emotional and physical development,’ Ntuli said.

He said the province will also collaborate with schools, workplaces, and local markets to raise awareness about balanced diets, and further provide practical guidance on healthy eating, emphasising the importance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Source: South African Government News A
gency

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) board is reviewing the judgment handed down by the Labour Court on the termination of the contract of former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Zolani Kgosietsile Matthews.

‘We are currently reviewing the judgment in detail, in consultation with the legal department, and we will communicate any further actions in due course,’ PRASA said on Tuesday.

The PRASA board terminated Matthews’s contract in December 2021 after an investigation by seasoned senior counsel that established whether Matthews deliberately and intentionally failed to disclose material information to PRASA in respect of his dual citizenship.

According to media reports, months later, retired judge Robert Nugent ruled that PRASA should reinstate Matthews with back pay during arbitration proceedings.

PRASA applied to the Labour Court to review Nugent’s ruling. On Monday the Labour Court reportedly ruled that Matthews’s contract was still valid.

‘In promoting good governance, the PRASA Boar
d is committed to ensuring that our actions align with legal obligations and the company’s best interests. The Board Of Control (BOC) remains dedicated to ensuring that PRASA builds on its successful rail rebuilding turnaround.

‘PRASA is focused on fulfilling its primary mandate of providing rail commuter services and long-haul passenger rail and bus services in the public interest. The BOC continues to discharge its fiduciary duties whilst upholding a high standard of fairness and integrity,’ the agency said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Pontederia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, might be admired for its striking purple flowers, but it is also one of the most aggressive and problematic invasive plants globally. Originating from the Amazon basin, the species was first recorded in South Africa at the beginning of the 20th century and has since become a significant environmental threat in this country. Water hyacinth’s rapid growth and reproduction capabilities pose severe challenges to water bodies in South Africa.

Under ideal conditions, water hyacinth can double its biomass every 5 – 10 days under ideal conditions. Each plant can produce up to 22 daughter plants, which mature, break off, and produce their own daughter plants, creating a vicious cycle. A single inflorescence with 20 flowers produces up to 3000 seeds depending on the site and time of year. Seed dispersal is also an important factor to consider as seed germination from seed banks or reservoirs takes only 3 days on average, with a combination of contributing factors
such as water fluctuation, eutrophication and decomposition influencing the dispersal of seeds. The predominant dispersal strategy used by water hyacinth is via the daughter plant propagation through the formation of stolons.

Water hyacinth’s rapid growth and reproduction capabilities pose severe challenges to water bodies in South Africa. It easily overwhelms small ponds are easily overwhelmed by the species, leading to desperate pond owners removing the plants and improperly disposing of them in nearby rivers or dams, exacerbating the spread.

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Water hyacinth covering the Roodeplaat dam, Gauteng. (photo credit: D. Muir – DFFE)

Despite this bleak scenario, there is hope. Biological control agents, specifically insects, mites or even pathogens that feed on water hyacinth, serve as our ecological warriors. There are eight biocontrol agents known to attack water hyacinth effectively. However, their success is closely tie
d to water quality; the more eutrophic the water, the longer it takes for these agents to control the invasive plant effectively. Some biocontrol agents are also limited by environmental conditions such as temperature and seasonality. For example, the mirid (Eccritotarsus catarinensis) does not respond well to excessive cold or heat so releases of these biocontrol agents should be in coastal areas or areas with sufficient canopy cover, whereas the planthopper (Megamelus scutellaris) is much more adaptable and can withstand colder climates – meaning it can be released inland and in the coastal areas. This is the reason why M. scutellaris was chosen for the testing of the integrated approach at the Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria.

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The biocontrol agent, Megamellus scutellaris, showing adults and nymphs (photo credit: Julie Coetzee)

In September 2020, the Department applied a biocontrol with sub-lethal spraying of an aquatic-safe her
bicide, such as a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) without the carcinogenic co-formulant polyethoxylated tallow amine (POE-T), to the Roodeplaat Dam. Large numbers of the biocontrol agent, M. scutellaris, were released over three months. Initially, the water hyacinth infestation covered approximately 60% of the dam.

The intervention at Roodeplaat Dam demonstrated the potential of this method. Mass rearing stations were set up around the dam to boost biocontrol agent numbers, facilitating quicker establishment. By the third month, the water hyacinth cover had dropped below 45%.

The biocontrol populations were monitored until the water hyacinth mass dropped to below 20% at which stage a sub-lethal strip spray was applied by spraying 2 strips in the centre of the floating water hyacinth mass, ensuring the herbicide did not harm the biocontrol agents.

Care was also taken to ensure that the swaths that were sprayed were not within 5m of the shoreline to mitigate against riparian contamination and spray drift (R
iparian contamination occurs when pollutants from nearby land enter rivers, streams, or other water bodies. This can harm aquatic ecosystems, affect water quality, and disrupt the natural habitat of riparian zones).

This approach not only controlled the water hyacinth but also made the plants more palatable for the biocontrol agents, accelerating their feeding and control efforts. Within three months, the water hyacinth was effectively managed without disrupting the aquatic ecosystem.

Given the success of the integrated approach on Roodeplaat Dam, the Department embarked on the process of formalising this approach as the standard policy for controlling floating macrophytes nationally. The integrated approach would then serve as the protocol to be applied on all water bodies, especially dams and rivers battling water lettuce and water hyacinth, amongst others.

The Roodepoort Dam is now ‘free’ of alien invasive plants with 1.99% of water hyacinth biomass (pic: RU-CBC)

The protocol stipulates that any contro
l method used should be the combination of a sub-lethal herbicide spray with a polyethoxylated tallow amine free glyphosate-based herbicides, either aerial or foliar. This ultimately means that the use of a full dose spray of herbicide is no longer necessary or used as this combination is registered under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Stock Remedies and Agricultural Remedies Act, (Act No 36 of 1946) as a registered agricultural application.

And it’s envisioned that this strategy will be deployed on the Vaal River and Dam, which is battling water lettuce (Salvinia molesta) growth. Scientists assigned with dealing with the Vaal River are currently in the process of researching the appropriate biocontrol agent for the water lettuce, in order to be able to calculate the effective sub-lethal dosage to apply in this novel integrated approach.

By embracing an integrated strategy that combines biocontrol and targeted sub-lethal herbicide use, we can protect our water bodies and ensure the health and productivity of
our ecosystems. It is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation among various stakeholders, including government, research institutions, and local communities.

During this Environment Month, we call on all stakeholder to work together so we can combat the spread of alien and invasive alien plants and safeguard our natural resources for future generations. Let us unite in our efforts to restore and protect our precious terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

*Debbie Muir is Biodiversity Officer and Pesticide Risk Manager at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Source: South African Government News Agency