Day: July 28, 2024

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished Team South Africa the best success for the Olympic Games currently underway in Paris.

This as the 2024 Olympic Games got underway this week in France.

‘Having our flag held aloft by Team South Africa fills us with great pride and expectation for the team’s success in the Paris Games. Team South Africa also causes us to reflect on how our 30 years of freedom have opened the doors for South Africans from all backgrounds, walks of life and geographic locations to exercise their human potential and talents,’ said the President in a statement.

The Opening Ceremony of the Games was held on Friday evening with the President saying that the diversity of national team reflects the unity, social inclusion and shared vision ‘we have been able to build as a previously divided nation.’

‘Today, we celebrate our participation in global society, including in the sports arenas of the world.

‘From rugby sevens, aquatics, fencing and archery to track and field, canoeing, cycling and gol
f, our flag and our good wishes will accompany our athletes as they realise their dreams, which are our collective dreams.’

President Ramaphosa assured the athletes who will perform at the games as well as the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) of the nation’s full support.

The President similarly wished the host nation, France, and the International Olympic Committee a successful showcase of human ability and social solidarity.

The Paris Olympic Games which began on on 24 July, will conclude on 11 August 2024.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has congratulated Justice Mandisa Maya on her appointment as the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court.

‘This historic appointment of Justice Maya as the first woman in this position will serve as an inspiration that gender equality and equity can be achieved through a concerted effort,’ the CGE said in a statement on Friday.

In a significant milestone for the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024.

In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said the appointment follows the President’s consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.

READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

The CGE released a report titled ‘Gender Transformation in the Judiciary’ in 2016.

‘The
findings of this report decried amongst others lack gender transformation in the judiciary. The CGE believes that Justice Maya has over the years displayed strong leadership qualities since she became a member of the bench, and this will serve as a catalyst for her to do exceptionally well.

‘The CGE believes that the Commission’s report on transformation in the judiciary has decried lack of gender transformation in the judiciary, and this appointment is the first step in addressing that imbalance.’

It further added that Maya’s appointment will go a long way in ensuring that more women are considered for senior positions in the judiciary.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals who are alleged to have been receiving training at an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga.

The Libyan nationals allegedly entered the country with visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.

‘One operation at a time, we must restore the rule of law. Following a major joint operation by Home Affairs, [the] South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement authorities, the department is on the ground ensuring that anyone who breached immigration laws is processed through the court. Respect our laws, or there will be consequences,’ said the Minister in a statement on Saturday.

The Minister said that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has already cancelled the irregularly acquired visas and is working with other law enforcement authorities to look at all options, including deportation.

The visa cancellation means that all the affected Libyans are now undocument
ed foreign nationals.

Schreiber has instructed the department to provide full support to this multidisciplinary effort.

This as as the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola assured the nation that the SAPS will ensure a thorough investigation into allegations that the Libyan nationals were allegedly receiving military training at the site.

General Masemola welcomed the intelligence driven operation that led to the takedown operation on Thursday morning by a multidisciplinary team including detectives and specialised units within the SAPS.

A team of detectives is investigating alleged suspicious activities that are taking place at the farm in White River.

‘When a team led by SAPS detectives arrived at the farm they found the Libyans housed in military tents. Military training equipment was also found including licensed firearms. SAPS detectives cannot rule out the possibility that the farm that is accredited as a security training site is allegedly being utilised as an illegal militar
y training camp,’ said the SAPS which is working closely with the DHA on the case.

General Masemola said the police will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of what kind of activities have been taking place on the farm.

‘During the takedown operation, police also found dagga and cocaine. Some of the other drugs found in their possession are being sent to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria to identify them as illegal substances,’ he said.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted a walkabout of the site on Saturday.

‘Thorough investigations by various law enforcement agencies are underway,’ he said in post on social media platform, X.

Masemola said the safety and security of citizens is of paramount importance and that the SAPS remains committed to dealing decisively with transnational organised crime.

Source: South African Government News Agency

South Africa’s 30-years of democracy presents a chance to reflect on how far the country has come while also providing the opportunity to create a path that promotes economic growth and nation-building.

‘The thirty-year mark of democracy is a crucial turning point for reflection on both how far we have come and, most importantly, where we are going in the immediate future and in the next 30 years as a nation.

‘In my considered view, I believe that we can all play a role in creating the country of our dreams. Not only the Government, but all sectors of society, including politicians, public sector, policy specialists, and the academia, must collaborate to create a path for our country that promotes economic growth, overall prosperity, and nation-building,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

The Deputy President was speaking at the BBQ Awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Kempton Park on Friday.

READ | Deputy President to address BBQ Awards ceremony

With South Africa having held elections on 29 May the De
puty President said: ‘Once again, as in 1994, we have the opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa under the GNU [Government of National Unity]’.

He added that the nation-building process is extensive with government’s vision being to establish a society that is founded on the most superior aspects of human civilisation, including political and human freedoms, socio-economic rights, value systems, and identity.

‘Indeed, the 2024 election outcomes present us with an opportunity to return to the task of building a South Africa that will not be defined by race, class, or gender.

‘However, we must not ignore the structural and systemic inequality that persists across all sectors of our economy, particularly in business and industry, if we are to build a truly united South Africa. Our dedication to non-racialism and working together does not mean we are unaware that the apartheid legacy still systemically disenfranchises individuals based on race, gender, and class 30 years later. However, we m
ust be positive about our nation’s future,’he explained.

He added that government remains committed to investing in people through education, skill development, and high-quality healthcare.

‘We aspire to improve our communities’ spatial perspectives by constructing inclusive cities and delivering services. We urge all segments of society to work with us to ensure that our democracy is stable, efficient, and effective, bringing all people together.

‘The Government remains resolute in its pledge to cultivate an environment conducive to the flourishing of black, youth, and women-led businesses.

Altering SA’s economic growth trajectory

As Government, we are leveraging the black-owned business sector to rebuild after the global economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic. We are willing to have important conversations about how the informal economy can contribute to building our economy.’

He stressed that increase in the number of unemployed South is a concern.

‘The increase in the number of unemployed South Af
ricans, particularly among the youth, necessitates more immediate steps to assist us in fundamentally altering our economic growth trajectory. We must therefore have an open and inclusive conversation about rebuilding, which will result in increased economic activity.

‘We must acknowledge that there is a more pressing need to support aggressive means and forms of economic integration for black-owned firms, particularly in the historically untransformed sectors of the economy. We must pay close attention to how governments at all levels can create supportive policies and regulatory environments that support the informal economy.’

Hope and eradicating poverty

He added that amid the current discourse on the country’s economic trajectory, there is room for growth, development, and hope.

‘The Government’s efforts to restructure the economy through the B-BBEE [Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment] policy, legislative framework, and other interventions have made progress, but further efforts are still required
. Despite the obstacles encountered since the passage of the B-BBEE Act two decades ago, our government remains unwavering in its mission to enhance and broaden economic empowerment and inclusion across all sectors.

‘This will continue to be the case even under the Government of National Unity.’

The Deputy President also called for collaboration in eradicating poverty.

‘If we do not collaborate, the Government alone cannot create stability or fulfil the National Development Plan and Vision 2030 goal of eradicating poverty. We must collaborate to broaden the scope of black-owned businesses beyond the convenience store chain, such as spaza shops.

‘Our economy has much to offer, and the informal sector, which is dominated by black-owned businesses, should take advantage of this reality.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Minister, Parks Tau has concluded a successful visit to the United States of America (USA).

The Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Deputy Minister of dtic, Andrew Whitfield, government officials, the private sector and organised labour. The delegation was participating in the 21st Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum that ran from 22-26 July 2024.

This followed the successful hosting of the 20th AGOA Forum in November 2023, in Johannesburg.

READ | Patel supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA

The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with sub-Saharan Africa.

With AGOA expiring in 14 months, the African Ministers of Trade urged the Biden Administration and the Members of US Congress, for expeditious renew
al of AGOA with non-controversial enhancements and amendments for a minimum of 16 years to provide the required predictability and certainty to buyers, exporters and investors.

The Ministers called for the renewal of AGOA to be concluded by the end of 2024. There was an agreement to promote stronger and closer investment relations to complement AGOA and change the structure of Africa’s trade towards value-added exports.

‘We welcome the support expressed by both the Biden Administration and Members of Congress for the renewal of AGOA,’ said Tau.

The forum also highlighted the critical role that South Africa plays in the development of regional value chains on the African continent in a number of sectors, including the auto sector.

The delegation held extensive engagements with members of the US Congress and House of Representative, US Administration, US private sector and think tanks. The engagements focused on sharing information on the political developments in South Africa in particular the establishmen
t of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

‘We welcome the warm reception, as well as productive and constructive discussions we had with Members of Congress across the aisle and with the US Administration. There was a lot of interest in the GNU and its priorities, including efforts to deepen and enhance bilateral relations with the US,’ Tau said.

The delegation also used the engagements to advocate for the early reauthorisation of AGOA including exploring enhancements that facilitate greater utilisation and create the necessary policy stability to promote private sector investment and African exports into the US.

There was broad support for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between South Africa and the United States.

TIFA

‘We welcome the positive discussions with the US Trade Representative, Ambassador [Catherine] Tai and the agreement by both sides to resuscitate the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) at a Ministerial level, that last met in 2014.

‘We instructed our
officials to prepare for our first meeting which will provide a good platform for constructive discussions and effective resolution of trade related matters from both sides. The resuscitation of the TIFA provides new impetus to our strategic partnership,’ Tau said.

The US remains South Africa’s strategic trading partner and South Africa is the largest non-oil Sub-Saharan Africa exporting partner to the US and through AGOA has been able to boost both agriculture and value-added exports, thus creating much-needed jobs for South Africans.

The AGOA Forum is held on an alternate basis between Africa and the US. The 2025 AGOA Forum will thus be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Labour Ministers of South Africa, Brazil and Spain have expressed concern that labour inequality remains an unmet challenge in many societies across the world.

‘The only way to address this challenge properly is to abandon traditional models and responses, such as those favouring deregulation and market-based solutions, that have already been proven not to work and to accept that an expansive social response must be consensual and shared.

“Thus, in an expression of strengthened cooperation from three different continents, the Labour Ministers of Brazil, South Africa and Spain seek to advance towards a fairer distribution of the products of labour at a global level, adopting a common approach to tackling this problem that reflects our collective commitment to expanding labour rights the world over,’ said the Ministers in a joint statement on Friday.

Luiz Marinho is Minister of Labour and Employment of Brazil and South Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.

Yolanda Díaz is the
Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy of Spain.

The Ministers comments come on the occasion of the G20 Labour Ministers’ Meeting in Fortaleza.

The three leaders said the decline in labour share has been observed in many of the world’s economies, particularly since the wave of neo-conservatism in the 1980s.

The term “labour share” refers to the proportion of national income allocated to workers in the form of labour compensation, as opposed to that going to capital owners. The decline means that a smaller share of economic income is reaching workers, with most of it being distributed as returns to capital.

They said the undesired effects of a digital transition at the service of the few, labour flexibility and deregulation policies, and painful and ineffective austerity measures are just some of the causes behind this worrying trend.

‘Such developments sometimes result in the delocalisation of production, in the absence of social dialogue and trade union participation, in the gro
wing precariousness of working conditions, in an imbalance in collective bargaining that gives rise to low salaries or to fiscal policies that prioritize capital over work, or restrict natural growth in salaries. Neither Brazil, South Africa nor Spain is unaffected by these trends.’

In Brazil, the recovery of the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic has been underscored by positive milestones, including robust growth of gross domestic product (GDP) and improvements in employment metrics.

Despite these positive results, enduring challenges persist within the Brazilian labour market. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Brazil exhibited very slight productivity growth between 2015 and 2023 (an annual average of 0.1%), while real wages fell 6.9 % in 2023.

South Africa’s labour market is also a prime example of declining labour share. Real wages have shown significant fluctuations, failing to keep pace with steady productivity growth.

‘This has led to a situation where workers are not
proportionally benefiting from the wealth they help create. The volatility of real wage growth compared to productivity underscores the disparity, which has been further exacerbated by shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted economic growth, job stability, and both productivity and wage levels, leading to declining living standards and economic inequality for many South Africans.’

These disruptions highlight the vulnerability of workers’ livelihoods and contribute to widening labour inequality.

In Spain, productivity growth over the past few decades has been sluggish, with certain significant exceptions such as the upturn seen in 2022. However, salaries have grown at a considerably lower rate than corporate profit.

Overcoming challenges

‘In order to expand labour rights, our countries must overcome at least four fundamental challenges. Firstly, we must continue to raise wages. Real wages are growing at a far slower pace than productivity. As we have already demonstrated, abandoning neol
iberalism and embracing policies aimed at increasing labour compensation -and in particular the legal minimum wage- contributes decisively to ensuring that productivity gains are distributed to workers, reducing inequality and the scourge of the gender pay gap. We are committed to doing what we know to work.’

The Ministers said that while substantial progress has been made in terms of equality and diversity in the world of work, there are major challenges that must still be overcome in order to ensure that all people -irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation or gender identity- enjoy equal opportunities, fair treatment and decent working conditions.

‘Thirdly, the digital transition must be just, and workers’ individual and collective rights must be safeguarded throughout. We must make certain that digitalisation is placed at the service of decent work and not the other way around, ensuring that the use of technology makes human work less onerous.

‘Fourthly and lastly, we must combine our effo
rts to strengthen collective bargaining, halting, once and for all, the continuing decline in its coverage rate across the world. In this regard, we have trust in social dialogue as a powerful tool for mutual understanding and collaboration and thus as a means of achieving better living and working conditions.’

‘This is why, today, the Labour Ministries of Brazil, South Africa and Spain -reaching across the traditional and antiquated North-South divide- have agreed to establish a permanent and strengthened framework of collaboration and exchange on social and labour matters between our countries.’

According to the Ministers, the framework will guide policies in defence of increasing labour participation to ensure that workers receive a just share in national wealth.

‘In short, Brazil, Spain and South Africa will advance towards a new labour international, a global alliance that is fully aware that the major challenges to be overcome -the climate crisis, rising inequality, the erosion of democracies- must b
e tackled by expanding labour rights, and not by cutting them,’ said the Ministers in the joint statement.

Source: South African Government News Agency