Day: September 13, 2024

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on citizens to recommit themselves to the values of compassion, justice, and unity in honour of the late Ronnie Mamoepa.

‘Together, let us construct a future that affords everyone the chance to prosper, ensures no one falls behind, and upholds the principles of equality and dignity for all.

‘As President Oliver Tambo instructed, our task even in the conditions we find ourselves in today, remains that of bringing about the kind of society we visualised in the Freedom Charter,’ he said on Friday.

Deputy President Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.

The late Mamoepa was an esteemed struggle hero, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communication and a dedicated public servant.

He passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.

His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that ti
me, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture honoured the struggle hero, whose work in government communication helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.

The Deputy President’s address centred around the 30 Years of Democracy and citizen-centered government communication.

‘I am of the view that Ronnie was an optimist, determined to realise the goal of a national democratic society that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous.’

He described him as a revolutionary intellectual due to his critical thinking. ‘Mamoepa was an intellectual who, like other revolutionary thinkers, recognised the necessity of investing in research, reading, and critical theory and discipline.’

The Deputy President remembered that following his release from Robben Island, Mamoepa returned to his residence in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and resumed his political activities.

‘I must acknowledge that Ronnie Mamoepa, whose work ethic, and dedication to serv
ice remains unparalleled, also influenced some of the former student leaders of SASCO [South African Students Congress] who are currently members of my team in the Presidency.’

Together with Mamoepa, he said, they fought against the oppressor and equally stood against any form of discrimination.

‘Our resolve to resist colonialism and apartheid stemmed from our belief in the vision of a South Africa in which the people govern, the country’s wealth is restored to the people, and the land is shared among those who work it. Our vision was to establish a society free from human exploitation.’

Government of National Unity

The Deputy President said he believed the late government communicator would have backed the Government of National Unity (GNU).

He told the attendees that GNU parties have made a firm commitment to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, as well as to promote accountability, transparency, integrity, and good governance.

‘The GNU has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions
that will advance three strategic priorities – to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical, and developmental State.’

The Deputy President assured citizens that the GNU is working around the clock to build a better South Africa for everyone.

‘This means that we must work together to address all the challenges we face. We are at a time where we need to theorise and understand the context of the world we live in.’

The country’s second-in-command said as the seventh administration, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the goal is to create a society where every voice is acknowledged, and every citizen is empowered.

‘We are confident that the movement of Ronnie Mamoepa will reemerge! Long Live the Spirit of Ronnie Mamoepa long live,’ he added.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa’s education sector.

Delivering remarks during the signing ceremony held at the Union Buildings on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the signing of the Bill marked an important step towards resolving the longstanding challenges in the country’s education system.

Since the advent of democracy, the President said government has made notable progress in expanding access to education for the children of the country. However, he acknowledged that barriers to access still remain.

‘Despite the progress that has been made, there are challenges in basic education that hinder our progress. We have seen cases of learners being denied admission to schools because of their language policies.

‘We have had cases of children not being allowed back to school or to sit exams because their parents cannot pay school fees. We have seen great disparities in norms and st
andards, in governance and in access to resources,’ the President said.

He emphasised that the Bill seeks to address these challenges and is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable.

The Bill follows an extensive consultation process that sought to take account of views and suggestions from across society.

‘Consultation, engagement and debate are defining features of our democracy. They enrich the policies that are adopted and the laws that are passed. The law that we are signing today further opens the doors of learning.

‘It lays a firm foundation for learning from an early age. Grade R, the reception year before Grade 1, will now be compulsory. This will enhance our focus on Early Childhood Development. It will ensure young children are better prepared for formal schooling,’ the President said.

He added that the law requires schools to apply the same standards for the admission of learners.

The Bill contains provisions for improving sch
ool admissions policies, particularly with respect to vulnerable learners, like children of undocumented migrants.

The legislation promotes greater accountability with respect to the role of parents and caregivers in ensuring children attend school consistently. Home schooling will now be subject to more effective regulation and oversight.

To promote inclusivity, the new law guides schools on the development of codes of conduct that take into account respect for religious and cultural beliefs.

‘This is important for fostering a more tolerant learning environment and a more tolerant society.

‘As part of advancing diversity and inclusion, the new legislation addresses the issue of language policy. Schools have to consider the broader linguistic needs of the communities in which they are situated,’ the President said.

The law also seeks to align the role of the School Governing Body in determining language and admission policies with the responsibility of provincial education departments to ensure the const
itutional right to basic education.

It seeks to ensure uniformity and fairness in educational standards across all schools.

To improve safety in the learning environment, the legislation reinforces the ban on corporal punishment. It introduces stronger penalties for those who administer corporal punishment.

The legislation also introduces financial and public accountability frameworks for School Governing Bodies. It guides the oversight of their activities and work.

Implementation of the BELA Bill

In light of the different views expressed about the Bill, President Ramaphosa said he had decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of the Bill by three months.

‘In the last few days, the parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) have expressed their wish to further engage each other on sections of the Bill that deal with issues of admission and language.

‘In the spirit of cooperation and meaningful engagement, I have decided to delay the implementation date for clauses 4 and 5 of t
he Bill by three months,’ he said.

President Ramaphosa said this will give the parties time to deliberate on these issues and make proposals on how the different views may be accommodated.

‘Should the parties not be able to agree on an approach, then we will proceed with the implementation of these parts of the Bill,’ he said.

He said all agree on the need for a common framework for collaboration as government, as school governing bodies and as parents. ‘For our education system to work for all, we have to work better, smarter and in a more cooperative manner,’ the President said.

He called on everyone to work together to ensure that all children receive good quality education, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.

The ceremony was attended by Basic Education Deputy Minister Reginah Mhaule, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane, Mpumalanga MEC for Education Cathy Dlamini, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka and Limpopo MEC for Education Mavhungu
Lerule-Ramakhanya, among others. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Government has noted Fitch’s decision to affirm South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-‘ and maintain the stable outlook.

According to the ratings agency, South Africa’s credit rating is constrained by several factors, including low real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, high poverty and inequality levels, a high government debt-to-GDP ratio, and a rigid fiscal structure that hampers deficit reduction.

However, the ratings are supported by a favourable debt structure with long maturities and mostly local-currency-denominated, strong institutions and a credible monetary policy framework.

The National Treasury said Fitch noted advancements in the implementation of the 35 priority reforms under Operation Vulindlela, initiated in 2020, aimed at modernising network industries such as electricity, water, and transport.

‘The agency views the Government of National Unity (GNU), where the ANC remains the largest party, as a factor that reduces short-term policy uncertainty and
facilitates the continuation of the implementation of the reform programme, which will contribute to a modest increase in real GDP growth.

‘Fitch also acknowledges significant improvements in the electricity generation, with no supply interruptions since March 2024 and the potential for further increase in the short term,’ said Treasury in a statement on Friday.

It said government’s strategy for fiscal consolidation over the medium term involves exercising expenditure restraint and implementing moderate revenue increases, while continuing to support the social wage and ensuring additional funding for critical services.

‘Furthermore, government has decided to further mitigate fiscal risks by reducing borrowing over the medium term through leveraging a portion of valuation gains in the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA). Extensive reforms in energy, freight, water, and telecommunications are also in progress,’ said the department.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.

Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.

President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal, and sister Shanta Harilal.

He said his thoughts were also with Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations he established relationships with, as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and member of the National Executive.

Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and 2015 until 2017.

He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his planned retirement in March
2024.

The late activist was also appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.

His involvement in the public sector stemmed from his participation in the anti-apartheid struggle.

This included his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and 80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress, and as a military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).

During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue. He was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.

Last year marked 50 years since Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. This led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.

In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissa
l from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.

President Ramaphosa said: ‘We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.

‘Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.’

President Ramaphosa commended him for his role as a leader in the country’s anti-corruption efforts during his later years of service to the nation.

‘Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.

‘During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family w
ere deprived of much-needed and deserved time together.

‘As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution.

‘We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has expressed sadness on the passing of former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan who was also affectionately known as ‘PG’.

The revenue service described Gordhan as a ‘true patriot, social activist and a steward leader.’

Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.

SARS, which joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing sadness in mourning his passing, described Gordhan as a remarkable steward leader whose contributions to the country and the revenue will be remembered for generations to come.

The former Minister served as the Commissioner of SARS from 1999 – 2009 after which he was appointed as the Finance Minister.

‘As the Commissioner of SARS from 1999 – 2009, it was PG who ushered in and evangelised the notion that SARS exists to serve a Higher Purpose of enabling government to build a capable democratic state that fosters sustainable economic growth and social de
velopment in the interest and wellbeing of all South Africans.

‘It was he who set the organisation on a path that still directs and inspires us today and will continue for decades to come. PG was, without doubt, the one who conceptualised and laid the foundation for a Modern Tax and Customs Administration,’ said the revenue service.

It added that Gordhan’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the public service has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s economic landscape.

It said that as a key figure in SARS, he championed policies and reforms that strengthened the institution, transforming it into a globally respected revenue service.

His tenure was marked by an unyielding dedication to integrity, good governance, and accountability, ensuring that SARS became the pillar of strength for the nation’s fiscal health.

Beyond his significant work at SARS, he served South Africa with distinction in various leadership roles, including as Minister of Finance, Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditio
nal Affairs and Minister of Public Enterprises, where his courage and vision guided the country through challenging times, it noted.

A social activist

It added that the former Minister’s– who held the portfolio of Public Enterprises prior to retiring—lifelong commitment to building a fair and just society for all will continue to inspire future generations of public servants and leaders.

‘I will remember him as a committed social activist who dedicated his life to the struggle and the improvement of the material conditions of South Africans at a time when we were in the steely grips of state capture, it was PG who stood fearlessly for justice and equality. He spoke with courage of his deep conviction and did not count the tremendous cost to him and his family,’ said the revenue service’s Commissioner Edward Kieswetter.

SARS said the former Minister was a life-long revolutionary and a struggle hero, who confronted apartheid unwaveringly, in the public arena and in the underground terrain.

‘His legacy
will continue to guide SARS and South Africa in its pursuit of ethical governance and economic justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Vanitha and daughters Anisha and Priyesha, his extended family and friends who experienced his love and friendship, and to all those whose lives were touched by his visionary leadership and dedicated public service,’ it said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has arrived in Washington DC, in the United States on Thursday for a weeklong working visit.

South Africa enjoys strategic relations with the United States and has strong political, economic, and social ties.

According to the department, bilateral cooperation with the United States covers various issues aligned with South Africa’s domestic priorities and the National Development Plan (NDP).

America is also the leading source of foreign direct investment, a market for value-added exports and agri-products, technology transfer, development assistance, investment finance, skills development, and tourism for South Africa.

These investments, according to the department, make a significant contribution to supporting government efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality.

During the visit, which will conclude on Thursday, 19 September 2024, the Minister will participate in meetings and attend various events.

These include the Cong
ressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Roundtable where delegates will also discuss critical issues facing Africa and the diaspora solutions, and the United States policy toward Africa.

He is also expected to meet with the business stakeholders, including the United States Chamber of Commerce.

George Washington University will host Lamola for a panel discussion on United States-South Africa relations.

‘There will also be an engagement with the Quincy Institute Responsible for State Craft and a meeting with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

‘Minister Lamola believes that this working visit will deepen and strengthen the political and economic ties between the two countries,’ the statement read.

Source: South African Government News Agency