Day: September 8, 2024

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George says the circular economy has the potential to address some of Africa’s ‘environment complexities’.

The Minister was speaking at the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) Ministerial briefing dinner held in Côte d’Ivoire.

The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.

‘The circular economy holds the potential to address many of the environmental complexities we face, including the issues related to the theme of this AMCEN [African Ministerial Conference on the Environment] 10th Special Session – drought resilience, land degradation, and desertification.

‘Circular agriculture, for instance, offers solutions for regenerating degraded soils and reducing water stress. By utilising organic waste as a resource, we can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and restore ecosystems,’ George said on Friday.

He emphasised that tackling plastic pollution, ‘
which continues to degrade our lands and rivers’, is as important.

‘The ACEA must play a prominent role in providing technical knowhow on [the] circular economy and extended producer responsibility implementation in processes such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

‘In addition, the recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that agricultural soils may receive greater quantities of microplastics than oceans, affecting both the quality of our soils and our food systems. This is where a circular economy can play a key role in mitigating and addressing plastic pollution,’ the Minister explained.

Taking the lead

George told the gathering that Africa – with all of its rich natural endowments – must be at the forefront of change.

‘Africa must take the lead in developing sustainable alternatives, promoting recycling technologies, and integrating circular ec
onomy principles into the plastics value chain. Moreover, we must consider the role and governance of critical minerals, which are essential for the global green energy transition.

‘Africa’s mineral wealth is unparalleled, but we must extract and manage these resources in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. A circular approach can ensure that we maximise the value of these materials while minimising environmental and social harm.

‘This includes developing frameworks for ‘materials as a service’, extending the lifecycle of products, and fostering technological innovation to reduce the need for new extraction.’

The Minister highlighted that land has a ‘critical role’ to play in Africa’s future circular economy.

‘Africa’s rich biodiversity and vast landscapes are both our greatest asset and our greatest responsibility. The Abidjan Legacy Programme, launched at the UNCCD [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification] COP15 in May 2022, provides a clear roadmap for advancing towards Land
Degradation Neutrality by 2030.

‘I believe that integrating circular economy principles into this programme will not only help us restore degraded lands but will also contribute to building resilient communities and achieving food security.

‘We have the opportunity to redefine our economic model, not only for the benefit of our environment but also for the future prosperity of our people. Let us seize this moment, using the power of circularity to combat environmental degradation, create jobs, and build the sustainable Africa we envision in Agenda 2063,’ George concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie has joined South Africans in mourning the loss of kwaito music pioneer, Sandile Ngwenya.

Ngwenya who was popularly known as Mapaputsi, passed away at the age of 48 earlier this week.

‘We recognise the important contribution of this creative pathbreaker who was taken away from us too soon. Mapaputsi put kwaito on the map together with other legends like Zola 7, TKZee, Chiskop and many others,’ the Minister said in a statement on Saturday.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture said Mapaputsi’s unique talent and style has significantly impacted the kwaito music genre, broadening its appeal by fusing pantsula, pop and hip-hop elements.

‘He shall be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and legions of fans. The Ministry will respect the family’s wishes for privacy during this difficult time,’ the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane expressed sadness at the passing of t
he ‘Izinja’ hit maker.

‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of musician Mapaputsi. His influence on the sound of kwaito was unique. With his natural ability and swag, he took kwaito to a new level of appreciation by many fans of [the kwaito] music genre, infusing pantsula, pop, and hip-hop into one.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those [who] loved his music.’

The MEC said Mapaputsi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians ‘and his name will remain etched in the files of our music catalogue.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has moved to assure the nation that Minister Parks Tau remains committed to ‘stabilising governance and leadership at the DTIC and its entities.”

‘At the beginning of the seventh administration, the Minister focused on addressing issues related to vacancies and governance. The Minister underscored that for the DTIC to fully and effectively discharge its mandate, it is essential to stabilise governance within our department and its listed entities.

‘This will help the DTIC function optimally in executing the mandate of transformation, industrialisation underpinned by localisation, and an export-led growth strategy,’ the department said in a statement.

The Minister committed – during the department’s budget speech earlier this year – to filing critical vacancies.

‘The process of filling the vacancies has begun and is currently underway. On Friday, 13 September 2024…entities’ vacancies will be advertised. We believe this is the right step towards achi
eving good corporate governance and stability.

‘We invite qualified individuals who meet the requirements to apply and assist us in stabilising these entities so they can optimally execute their mandates. The finalisation of these appointments will be completed efficiently,’ the department said.

‘Additionally, [the Minister] committed to reviewing the organisational structure to ensure it is aligned and optimised to support the Department’s mandate and prioritised programmes. This review will promote a value chain approach, integrating the work of the department and its entities, thereby eliminating silos, duplication, and inefficiencies,’ the statement read.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, insists that a collaborative relationship between Nigeria and South Africa is a benefit to the African continent.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the Roundtable Discussion on the Media’s Influence in Shaping Africa’s indispensable relationship: Nigeria and South Africa.

The two countries have shared diplomatic relations since the dawn of democracy in South Africa 30 years ago.

‘Throughout this diplomatic friendship, both our governments have sought to place multilateralism high on the agenda of our international relations, both within and without Africa. I am certain that you as the media, have made copious reports on all of these efforts.

‘At times and more often than its necessary; this reportage has sought to craft a narrative of hegemonic contest between our two brother countries. This narrative is divisive and should through word and deed, be silenced,’ he said.

Morolong urged media practitioners to contribute to the enhancement of the relation
ship between the two countries.

‘A healthy society is one that is based on notions of social solidarity, democratic principles, prosperity and led by accountable leadership. It is a society that has the inherent capacity to invite and promote the wits and creativity of all its members to contribute to national and international life.

‘We therefore, have to make sure as South African and Nigerian media practitioners that we contribute our bit to ensure that the media power is wielded in a manner that contributes to a healthy society, thus defined.

‘Our first task when we leave from this round table discussion, is to utilise media effectively to enhance relations between our two countries. It is critical that our relations are not only viewed within the context of narrow and myopic confines of competition, but rather, collaboration that seeks to benefit the entire continent and influence international relations across the world,’ he said.

He also told the media to hold the two governments to account on the
several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understandings signed between the two countries.

‘The last session of the BNC [Bi-National Commission] was hosted in Abuja in December 2021 and the next session is expected be hosted in South Africa in December 2024.

‘You in the media, will have to report on the successes and failures of the bilateral agreements that have been made so far. We hope such reportage will be accompanied by the depiction of truthful state of implementation. Seeking to hold both our governments to account to both our peoples and the world,’ he said.

The Deputy Minister told the gathering that it is crucial for ‘us to take full advantage of the available rich content and formulate messages that build and strengthen the bonds between our countries’.

‘In your skills of trade and the nature of profession, critical reviews are important for the democratic values of the two countries.

‘Both countries would benefit from investing in using digital media to set and lead a positive narrative
and capitalise on the rich culture of both nations through Cultural Diplomacy exchange.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has warned would be criminals that attacks on police officials will not be tolerated.

This after an attack on a member of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the base of the unit in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who are investigating allegations of extortion in the area.

During a media briefing following a visit to the NIU base in Mthatha on Sunday, Masemola said police bare the duty to protect.

‘[We] are not going to fold our arms and allow a situation where our dedicated and hardworking police officers who are entrusted with investigating and tracing hardened criminals are targeted.

‘We will not tolerate attacks on our men and women in blue who are doing all they can to put a stop to incidents of extortion and all other crimes. We continue to urge our members to act decisively when faced with danger.

‘Our members have a duty to protect themselves and also protect the communities which they serve,’ he said.

Th
e National Commissioner expressed concern that extortion cases in the area are ‘under-reported’ but added that at least 38 cases had been reported since the set-up of an extortion hotline some two weeks ago.

‘We are assuring communities that a dedicated team of investigators and members of specialised units that are attached to the task team dealing with extortion are working on this information with a view to build up cases and bring those responsible to book.

‘[From] mid-August, we have deployed additional members to support and augment the available capacities in this province to deal with extortion decisively. To date, a lot of work has been put in through intelligence gathering on suspected syndicates linked to extortion and protection fees. Tracing operations, roadblocks, vehicle check points and searching of persons have been conducted.

‘[We] are sending a strong message out there to those who are involved in all forms of crime and especially those gangs, criminals and syndicates involved in extorti
on. We are going to deal decisively with you. We will not hesitate to assert the authority of the state where necessary,’ Masemola vowed.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George says the National Parks Week serves as a profound reminder of the shared heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes that define South Africa.

‘We celebrate the deep and lasting connection between South Africans and the natural world that surrounds us. South African National Parks Week is about fostering that connection by inviting everyone to experience the wonders that these parks have to offer free of charge,’ George said.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of National Parks Week at the Marakele National Park in Thabazimbi, Limpopo on Sunday. This year the National Parks Week will run from Monday, 09 September- 15 September.

On the dates of 13 to 15 September only selected parks will still provide free entry to South African day visitors.

‘South Africa presides over a network of 21 national parks, each of which is managed by SANParks [South African National Parks] in six provinces,’ George said.

The Minister added that the parks belongs
to South Africans and that everyone should take collective responsibility to protect and preserve them for generations to come.

‘Now in its 19th year, National Parks Week has become a powerful platform to showcase the invaluable natural and cultural treasures we hold. By offering free access, SANParks is extending an open hand to all South Africans in order to foster a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity and historical significance found within our parks.

‘As we reflect on the importance of the National Parks Week and our shared responsibility, it is equally important to look ahead. Our vision for South Africa’s national parks cannot be limited to conservation, it must extend to revitalisation and growth.

‘By involving young people in conservation efforts, we create a virtuous cycle. As up-and-coming generations connect with nature, they develop a sense of ownership, which in turn drives them to protect these resources for themselves and future generations.

Career pathways

‘More than that, the
development of our parks will present a wealth of opportunities and potential career pathways,’ he explained.

The Minister said that by learning about biodiversity, ecosystems and the tourism industry, young people will be able to leverage these natural assets into fulfilling careers in fields such as conservation, ecotourism and environmental management and protection.

Nation building

‘Our national parks serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. By combining the efforts of local communities, business leaders and political representatives in the success of these parks, we strengthen the ties that bind us as a nation,’ the Minister said.

A Thabazimbi resident, Prince Ngaoko told SAnews that he is happy with the SANParks initiative and that he is going to use the opportunity to teach his two kids about wild animals.

‘Our children grow up without knowing the different types of animals, this is an opportunity to show them the animals,’ Ngaoko said.

Echoing same sentiments was Nthati
Serorisi from Belabela who said she is going to take her kids to Marakele National Park.

‘It is important that our kids should know the different kinds of animals and that they should learn about preserving the country’s heritage,’ Serorisi said.

Visiting national parks

The annual South African National Parks Week provides all South Africans with the opportunity of exploring their local national park at absolutely no cost.

The inaugural National Parks Week was held in 2006 and was aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the global national movement and to also showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks.

The week grants free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors, especially people from the local communities. It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

Some of the parks will be extending the week to include weekends. For individual park dates and participating parks please
visit: https://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/default.php

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

SANParks Vision 2040

SANParks recently embarked on an ambitious project, the SANParks Vision 2040 which in part is about cultivating a collective sense of community, healing, and inspiration that resonates with all South Africans.

Vision 2040 is about looking to the future and reimaging the way we conservation is done.

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.

Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through pa
rtnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.

Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to national parks.

Since the start of the programme, some 785 621 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter national parks.

Source: South African Government News Agency