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Eligible voters encouraged to register for 2024 elections

Cabinet has called on all eligible voters to register online for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

“The Electoral Commission (IEC) launched an online voter registration campaign on 20 February 2023 and appealed to the youth who are eligible to vote to register so that they can exercise their democratic right to vote,” Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said on Thursday.

Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, Gungubele said voters must register where they reside and vote where they are registered.

“Citizens already registered to vote are also encouraged to check their voters’ roll address, and update their address if they have moved since the last general elections.”

According a recent statement by the IEC, nearly 220 000 eligible South Africans have heeded the call to visit the Electoral Commission’s Voter Portal to register online to vote since the launch of a national campaign on 20 February 2023, in preparation for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

South Africans aged 16 years and older, who have a South African identity document (ID), smart ID card or valid temporary ID are encouraged to use the Electoral Commission’s Voter Portal to register to vote for all future elections.

To register, visit: https://registertovote.elections.org.za.

The intensive two-week online voter registration campaign, themed ‘Your Vote Is Your Voice’, continues to feature on digital and traditional media until 3 March 2023.

The campaign forms part of a multi-faceted year-long campaign by the Commission to encourage and facilitate eligible South Africans to register to vote.

The campaign is aimed particularly at unregistered youth, so that they can vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections and all future elections. –SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

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President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts President Samia Suluhu Hassan on State Visit

President Ramaphosa to host President of Tanzania on a State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this month of March 2023, host his Tanzanian counterpart, President Samia Suluhu Hassan for a State Visit scheduled to take place in Pretoria.

The State Visit will simultaneously include the hosting of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between both countries.

Members of the media are invited to apply for accreditation separately for both the BNC and State Visit using the Accreditation Template(link is external) provided.

Accreditation application and enquiries should be directed to:

Bi-National Commission: Kgopotso Rapakuana on 073 058 3876 / [email protected](link sends e-mail)

State Visit: Shadi Baloyi on 072 571 6415 / [email protected](link sends e-mail) and Naledi Malatji on 078 633 6302 / [email protected](link sends e-mail)

NOTE: Deadline for accreditation application is Monday, 06 March 2023 at 16h00. Late applications not accepted.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Source: Government of South Africa

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Mchunu to inspect water projects in Mpumalanga, Limpopo

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and his Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi, will on Friday officially launch National Water Month by conducting inspections of bulk water supply projects in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

The Department of Water and Sanitation celebrates National Water Month from 1 to 31 March, which is an expansion of the United Nations (UN) annual World Water Day, which is observed on 22 March.

This year’s National Water Month will be observed under the theme, ‘Accelerating change’, and it is a call on governments of the world, the water sector and society at large to work together to accelerate change to solve water challenges.

The department said the inspections will include a visit to Loskop Bulk Water Supply Project, a cross-boundary project that will benefit communities in both Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga and Elias Motswaledi Local Municipality in Limpopo.

The water scheme project entails three work packages of laying pipelines from Loskop Dam to a Water Treatment Works in Verena.

“These project packages are implemented simultaneously to accelerate the project. The Minister, together with the provincial leaders from both Mpumalanga and Limpopo, will inspect progress made at the water scheme in Verena.

“Following the site inspection visits, the Minister will engage with different stakeholders and community members in the area and provide feedback on the progress made on the water supply project thus far. The Minister will later proceed to assess the Moutse Drought Relief Project in Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo,” the department explained.

Mchunu assess Vaal Dam infrastructure

Mchunu, together with Mahlobo, will today visit Vaal Dam and the Vaal Barrage operated by Rand Water and surrounding areas to assess infrastructure and the aftermath of the recent floods in the area.

Department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said due to torrential rains in the last few weeks, the department had to implement dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and ensure that there was full storage capacity after the rainfall season.

“Twelve sluice gates were opened between 11 and 18 February 2023 as part of dam safety standards and procedures to manage water inflows upstream the Vaal River. Seven flood gates have now been closed, leaving 5 gates remaining open as the dam continues to decline towards 100% mark,” Mavasa said.

The Minister will also conduct an inspection of the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Works, as well as Leeukuil Dam in Vereeniging. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Cabinet approves plan for HIV, TB and STIs

Cabinet has approved the publication of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis (TB) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 2023-2028.

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said the NSP proposes to deal with HIV, STIs and TB through a holistic approach that includes preventative and therapeutic measures.

“This is the fifth NSP for HIV, TB and STIs and it outlines the progress South Africa has made to deal with the three diseases thus far. The five-year plan provides a strategic framework for a multi-sectoral approach that is people-centred to eliminate HIV, TB and STIs as public health threats by 2030,” Gungubele said.

The drafting of the NSP was coordinated by the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), which brings together government, civil society, and other social partners to build consensus and drive a well –coordinated, unified response to the three epidemics over a five-year period.

“The process to develop this fifth iteration of our national plan was extensively consulted across society to secure the widest range of views and ideas, and building on the lessons learnt from our previous plans. The NSP emphasises the need to break down barriers and maximise equitable and equal access to services through resilient and integrated health systems.”

He noted the inclusion of mental health services and social support is based on the strong association between HIV, TB, and STIs with Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), human rights violations and inequalities.

“The new plan features an expanded scope for the management of STIs, including viral hepatitis and Human Papilloma Virus, which are common coinfections in HIV, infected individuals,” the Minister said.

He announced that the full version of the NSP 2023-2028 will be released to the public on World TB Day event to be held on 24 March 2023 at Rustenburg in the North West. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

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St Kitts and Nevis Receives Support in Plan to Launch Education for Sustainable Development

Basseterre, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ministry of Education in St Kitts and Nevis will receive a grant of US$90 000,00, from the Japanese Fund-in-Trust to equip them to develop an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework for the country’s education sector.

UNESCO identified the Cape Verde Islands and St Kitts and Nevis to receive technical assistance in the context of ESD for 2030. Both countries that are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were recognised as probable success in efforts to integrate education for sustainable development.

In 2022, the Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Tricia Esdaille, submitted the St Kitts and Nevis’ ESD plan that included the 2023-2024 feasibility of delivery timeframe and anticipated outcomes in the country. UNESCO together with Japan-fund-in-trust considered to provide technical assistance to Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs) and SIDS to deploy the ESD project.

The ESD project will consist of policy development and related training policymakers; pilot school-level projects; educator training; support for youth-driven project-based learning; and local community-level activity including various stakeholders.

On 23 February 2023, St Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris, H.E. David P. Doyle, met with the Japan Ambassador for UNESCO, His Excellency Atsuyuki Oike, and his Deputy Permanent Delegate and Minister, Ms. Hirayama Naoko, to extend their appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Henley.

“The Japan-fund-in-trust is very welcome and will significantly scale up St Kitts and Nevis’ institutional capacity in developing an ESD plan applicable across all sectors of the Federation’s education and training framework.” Ambassador Doyle said.

Ambassador Oike added that, “The Government of Japan is proud to be associated with supporting this ESD initiative in St Kitts and Nevis, which marks a tangible example of my government’s ESD technical assistance programme targeting LDCs and SIDS.”

The current total contributed funds for the ESD project that will bring the two UNESCO fund-granted initiatives into the country, has reached a total of US$136 000,00, with the aim to strengthen the national educational policy framework. UNESCOs education projects are active in parallel with each other across the country, under the guidance of the country’s Ministry of Education and the St Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO for the 2022-2023 period.

“We are thankful for the ongoing support and technical assistance of UNESCO in bolstering our national efforts to advance ESD for 2023. With the additional aid of Japan-fund-in-trust, we are further heartened and empowered to carry out a programme of work that will result in the development of national ESD policy framework and action plan.” Emphasised Dr. Tricia Esdaille.

Dr. Tricia Esdaille had also stated that the ESD targets need to remain clear and the outcomes for the country that communicate education as the Federation’s forefront for sustainability.

With the St Kitts and Nevis education sector showing promise with the aid from the ESD, St Kitts and Nevis is primed for growth. The focus on development is an invitation to the sustainable business-minded investors to take advantage of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, with its recently updated regulations that set a new tone for the whole investment migration industry.

Not only is the St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme the oldest, but it is also the most trusted in securing investor’s second citizenship in the one of the most idyllic islands in the Caribbean.

On 1 April 2018, the Sustainable Growth Fund Option (SGF) was introduced to advance St Kitts and Nevis’ economic development. The SGF is a transparent process, whereby investors have full visibility into where the funds are being used in the economic development of the Federation.

The SGF has an exclusive Limited Time Offer (LTO) for qualifying applicants to have the opportunity to obtain their citizenship for themselves and qualifying dependants, under the accelerated application process.

The LTO is from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023, the Government and Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) have offered qualifying applicants to contribute a reduced amount of US$125 000,00 for LTO and non-accelerated applicants.

The processing time of the applicant for the 60 days starts as soon as the CIU formally acknowledges the qualifying investor’s application; the applicant will be mandated to undergo background and due diligence checks, to ensure that they meet all the requirements to obtain citizenship, which includes documentation that will be reviewed and approved by the CIU through an authorised agent; once the qualifying applicant receives an approval letter from the Government, the applicant may then submit their contribution fees, and as soon as this is completed they will receive their Citizenship certificate; and may then apply for a St Kitts and Nevis passport.

The contribution under the SGF LTO period are as follows:

  • US$125 000,00 per main applicant.
  • US$150 000,00 per main applicant and spouse included.
  • US$170 000,00 per main applicant and up to three dependants, whether or not a spouse is included and irrespective of age of dependants.
  • US$25 000,00 for each dependant 18 years and over.
  • US$10 000,00 for each dependant under 18 years of age.
  • LTO and non-accelerated applicants are required to submit a due diligence fee of US7 500,00, and US$4 000,00 for each depedant 16 years and over.
  • There is a separate process after the issuing of the citizenship certificate, for the applicant to apply for their St Kitts and Nevis passport.

As of 1 July 2023, the processing time will revert to the legislated 90-day processing, after official acknowledgement from the CIU, and the minimum contribution will be US$150 000,00, which is an increase of US$25 000,00, per main applicant. The Government fees will also increase, depending on the number of dependants. If the applicant wishes to apply under the accelerated route, the applicant will be required to pay a premium due diligence fee.

PR St Kitts and Nevis
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
+44 (0) 207 318 4343
chantal.mabanga@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8779365

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Henley & Partners: Invest in Namibian Real Estate and Secure Residence Rights

LONDON, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world’s latest investment migration option — and Africa’s second — the Namibia Residence by Investment Program has been launched by Henley & Partners, the global leaders in residence and citizenship planning.

The Namibian government is actively seeking foreign investment to boost the country’s economic growth and diversify the economy. The program provides numerous opportunities for international investors seeking a foothold and growth on the African continent, including tax incentives, financing, and a one-stop bureau service for international companies. For a minimum real estate investment of USD 316,000 in the new luxury golf and eco-friendly President’s Links Estate in Walvis Bay, successful investors will receive a five-year, renewable work permit which gives them the right to live, do business, and study in Namibia.

Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, Dominic Volek, says, “We are delighted to announce this innovative new residence by investment offering in Africa. Namibia’s stunning landscape, attractive tax system, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal option for international entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, or retirees. There are fewer than 600 real estate units available in this exclusive coastal estate that qualifies for residence, so investors need to move quickly if they want to take advantage of this limited opportunity to secure residence rights in one of the most nature- and wildlife rich countries in the world.”

One of Africa’s fastest growing private wealth markets

The total private wealth currently held on the African continent is USD 2.1 trillion and is expected to rise by 38% over the next 10 years, according to the Africa Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners in partnership with New World Wealth. Namibia is expected to be one of Africa’s fastest growing markets going forward, with high-net-worth individual (those with wealth of USD 1 million or more) growth of over 60% forecast for the next decade (until 2032). According to New World Wealth’s December 2022 statistics, Namibia holds USD 26 billion in total investable wealth. The average wealth of a resident of Namibia (wealth per capita) is USD 10,050, ranking as the third highest in Africa after Mauritius and South Africa. The nation is home to around 2,100 high-net-worth individuals and three centi-millionaires (with wealth of USD 100 million or more).

To attract inward investment, the government has made major improvements to its tax system in recent years. Namibia operates a source-based tax system, which means that foreign residents are generally only taxed on the income they generate in the country. What is more, tax rates are relatively competitive compared with many other emerging markets and particularly with neighboring countries such as South Africa. The top rate of income tax in Namibia is a modest 37%, but perhaps most notably there are no capital gains, estate, gift, inheritance, or net wealth/worth taxes.

Unprecedented interest in domicile diversification

Currently, the President’s Links Estate is the only investment route for the Namibia Residence by Investment Program. Group Head of Real Estate at Henley & Partners, Thomas Scott, says international real estate has always been a reliable asset class for global investors due to its long-term staying power. “Real estate–linked investment migration programs such as the offering in Namibia have the additional advantages of enhancing your global mobility and expanding your personal access rights as a resident or citizen of additional jurisdictions, creating optionality in terms of where you and your family can live, work, study, retire, and invest. The potential gains over the lifetime of this investment include the core value of the asset, rental yields, and global access as an ultimate hedge against both regional and global volatility.”

Volek points out that there has been significant and ongoing growth in the demand for residence and citizenship by investment options over the past few years. “The appeal of investment migration for affluent families is truly universal due to its many benefits, ranging from domicile diversification to global mobility enhancement, to accessing world-class education and healthcare, to having a plan B in times of turmoil. No matter where you were born, or where you currently reside, wealthy investors can futureproof themselves and their families for whatever might lie ahead through investment migration options such as the new Namibia Residence by Investment Program.”

Media Contact

Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of PR
[email protected]
Mobile: +27 72 464 8965

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000795319