Category: Government Opinion Pieces

Government is expected to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town on Thursday.

The event – which will mark two years since SAA returned to the skies – will also be used to announce the restart of the state-owned airliner’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the relaunch was a milestone for the airliner which had run into turbulence after it was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue and averted liquidation.

“The upcoming event marks a very significant step in the resurgence of South African Airways. We look forward to the official relaunch of SAA, along with the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan said.

In a statement earlier this year, SAA revealed that it will fly four times a week to São Paulo with two flights each departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

At the time, SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the airliner took the decision to introduce the long haul flight following thorough sustainability analysis.

“We are overjoyed to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since the airline successfully emerged from an intensive Business Rescue process and COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks our return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town. The teams at SAA are working hard behind the scenes to gear our operations for this much-anticipated route launch to South America.

“Our decision to begin the relaunch of our long-haul service with São Paulo was taken based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route. Sustainability has been at the heart of SAA’s approach since our restart,” he said.

The first flight to the South American country is expected to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday with the Johannesburg flight to follow suit on November 6.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa is leading the South African delegation at the Ninth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP9) to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.

The conference, which starts on Wednesday until Thursday in France, will consider issues of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), compliance to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, and governance in anti-doping policies.

Kodwa will also attend COP9 in his capacity as Vice-President of the International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS).

The Minister was elected to this role at MINEPS VII, the Seventh International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport.

As Vice-President of MINEPS, Kodwa plays a leading role in the only global platform of its kind, which engages governments, intergovernmental organisations, the sport movement, academia and non-government organisations in intellectual, technical and strategic exchanges in the field of physical education and sport.

At COP9, Kodwa will advance South Africa’s position to encourage the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to improve and strengthen its compliance mechanism.

The Minister Kodwa will also play a leading role in uniting African states at this gathering.

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has commended the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for delivering another clean audit outcome in the financial year 2022/23.

In a statement, the department said the endorsement by the office of Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) will strengthen the organisation’s continued commitment of expeditious dispute management, prevention and resolution services.

The CCMA, in maintaining an unqualified audit opinion with no findings audit for the 2022/23 financial year,  further reported that a 94% performance was achieved against planned targets of the approved 2022/23 Annual Performance Plan (APP).

Nxesi said the clean audit opinion means that the CCMA’s 2022/23 audited Annual Financial Statements (AFS) were free from material misstatements, that no irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure incidents were reported, and no issues of supply chain management were observed.

A clean audit further confirms that reported performance is supported by valid, reliable and complete performance evidence.

“The above noted audit opinion and performance results are registered amidst fiscal constraints, an increased caseload and difficult labour market conditions brought about by the current socio-economic challenges confronting the South African labour market.

“Despite these challenges, the CCMA remained undeterred in its delivery of its mandate, the commitment to the adherence of good corporate governance is re–affirmed in this regard,” Nxesi said.

The Minister commended the CCMA’s governing board, senior management team, the Commissioners, the Commission Staff Association (CSA) and all employees for their passionate work and patriotism to the country as they work under extraordinary times as they execute their duties.

With the national matric exam season about to get underway, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is aiming for an improvement in the pass rate for inmates writing matric exams.

National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, said: “Education fosters a sense of self-worth and purpose among inmates. As a result, this can boost their self-esteem and reduce the likelihood of returning to criminal activities. [Through] strategic partnerships and hard work by educators and correctional officials, DCS is more optimistic of a promising future”.

Last year, inmates obtained an 87.5% pass rate with some 11 schools reaching a 100% pass rate.

“As if that was not enough, four inmates went on to achieve six distinctions, wherein, the best performing offender scored an average of 87.9%. With a better level of preparedness in the 2023 academic year, DCS is confident of an improved performance for the current year,” the department said.

The department explained that at least 198 inmates will sit for the exams.

“They commenced with Computer Applications Technology on 24 October 2023 and shall go full steam on 30 October 2023 tackling English Paper 1. [The department] had 204 registered inmates for the [National Senior Certificate] examinations but six benefited from the special remission of sentences, thus taking them out of Correctional Centre schools.

“The NSC examinations are an important yardstick for Correctional Services as we seek to inspire positive change within the correctional system, empower inmates with the tools for personal growth and rehabilitation, and to ultimately reduce the crime rate in the country,” the department said.

Furthermore, other inmates will also be taking up their pens to write other examinations.

“The same push is to be experienced with another cohort of inmates involved in examinations, being Adult Education and Training (AET), and Tertiary Education and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in various facilities across the country. A total of 1 180 inmates will be sitting for AET Level 4 examinations, whilst 1 471 will be writing TVET papers,” the department said.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.

“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.

The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.

“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry.

“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.

The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.

“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.

“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.

She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to participate and speak at a gathering convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

According to the Presidency, he will meet with the leaders as Chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, at the Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Free State, on Tuesday, 24 October.

The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo, will focus on promoting development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with government and the private sector.

The meeting will emphasise the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.

Xivijo is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the traditional leadership.

Representatives of the National, Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), the Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa), National Khoi-San Council, government and private sector representatives are expected to attend the gathering.

The aim, the Presidency said, is to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.

“Established by the President, the inter-ministerial task team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session, present progress reports on work carried out by various work streams led by Cabinet Ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.”

This programme will include progress achieved in several areas including:

• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.

• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to traditional and Khoi-San leaders.

• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.

• Promoting unity, social cohesion and nation-building in rural communities.

• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.

“Government is committed to work together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country and it is also dedicated to strengthening the significant role they play, in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas,” said the Presidency.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and senior government officials.

Cabinet has welcomed the acknowledgement of the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, of the seriousness with which President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the Lady R matter.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was addressing media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

This is after Sullivan’s call with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Security Advisor, Sydney Mufamadi, early this month.

The two officials, according to Ntshavheni, also reaffirmed the strong relations between the two countries.

According to the statement released by the White House, the two advisors reaffirmed the strong partnership between South Africa and the United States.

The parties also recommitted to advancing shared priorities, including trade and investment, infrastructure, health and climate.

This is after the United States Ambassador, Reuben Brigety, accused South Africa of having weapons, intended for Russia, loaded onto the Lady R when the container ship docked near Cape Town in December.

However, the independent panel appointed by President Ramaphosa found no evidence that weapons had been loaded.

Sullivan, according to the White House, also thanked the South Africans for hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in early November.

He also underscored the importance of this landmark legislation for United States relations with the region.

“In addition, he expressed his condolences on the passing of South African politician, diplomat, and anti-apartheid activist, Aziz Pahad, who inspired both South Africans and Americans for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and racial equality,” the White House statement read.

Just Energy Transition 

Meanwhile, Cabinet said it noted progress on developing the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) implementation plan.

“Cabinet further welcomed the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Denmark as members of the JET IP International Partners Group (IPG) and welcomes the new JET IP pledges made by these countries, as well as by Canada, Spain and Switzerland in 2023.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Authority, said it remains concerned about the non-commitment of developed countries to meaningful funding through grants to the JET and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a just transition in line with its energy needs.

Cabinet announced on Thursday that it has given the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy (GHCS) the green light for implementation.

The move, according to the Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will ensure South Africa becomes a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen.

“Government has identified possible funding for green hydrogen projects and the draft Green Paper received extensive feedback from stakeholders,” she said on Thursday.

The Minister was briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Ntshavheni explained that the GHCS gives effect to the Hydrogen South Africa Strategy that was approved by Cabinet in 2007 to prepare the country for a hydrogen economy.

The strategy is framed within the Hydrogen Society Roadmap developed by the Department of Science and Innovation and approved by Cabinet in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Executive Authority welcomed the hosting of the second South Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town last week.

“Green hydrogen has the potential to add additional renewable energy generation capacity and to support the local development of renewable energy,” the Minister said.

On the sidelines of the summit, South Africa concluded Heads of Agreements with the intention of launching an SA-H2 Fund that will facilitate the development of the country’s green hydrogen sector.

The aim, the Minister said, is to attract $1 billion in funding.

She estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to the country’s gross domestic product by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs.

Electricity 

In addition, Cabinet was on Wednesday updated about Eskom’s Generation Systems Performance for the period ending 16 October 2023.

Data shows that Eskom’s power generation capacity is currently averaging 28 615 MW in comparison to 27 410 MW in May 2023.

Cabinet was also informed of the decline in unplanned outages due to plant breakdown to average 13 743 MW compared to 17 369 MW in May 2023.

“This is largely as a result of effective plant maintenance,” Ntshavheni explained.

“Cabinet welcomed the addition of another 800 MW to the grid with the return of Kusile Unit 1 ahead of schedule. The additional capacity will help reduce higher levels of load shedding.”

Cabinet has welcomed investments in the energy and transport sector, as they are expected to create jobs and assist small business owners in the transport sector.

“Cabinet welcomed the R100 million investment by electrical components supplier ACTOM in the expansion of its plant in Pretoria. This builds local capacity in manufacturing of electro-mechanical equipment, as the renewable energy market grows,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday in Pretoria.

Addressing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, the Minister said the investment will create jobs and solutions for renewable energy.

“Furthermore, Cabinet welcomed the roll out of a R284 million investment by Moove, which will assist small business owners in the transport sector. Moove has purchased over 2 000 vehicles, which will be for use by transport entrepreneurs,” Ntshavheni said.

Meanwhile, Cabinet commended interagency search and seizure operations led by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) on 12 October 2023, with close cooperation between intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

These targeted operations helped to prevent revenue losses to the fiscus, which amounted to more than R500 million and 14 individuals targeted during the operation.

Addressing greylisting deficiencies

Cabinet noted progress in addressing greylisting deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Operating Framework, progress with the re-rating of at least 14 technical compliance deficiencies and positive progress in 17 of 22 action items against the original Action Plan.

“Cabinet approved the Updated Operational Framework for Targeted Financial Sanctions to bind the conduct of all agencies involved in the process of designating individuals and entities in terms of amended section 23 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities Amendment (POCDARATA) Act,” the Minister said.

Media Monitoring Africa Head of Programmes Thandi Smith has recognised government’s role in supporting and promoting media freedom while reflecting of the 30 years of media freedom in the country.

“We can be confident in celebrating the gains that we have made. The 2023 World Press Freedom Index has shown that South Africa ranks 25 out of 180 countries in terms of a free press, which is something to celebrate,” Smith said on Wednesday.

The 21st edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which is compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), evaluates the environment for journalism in 180 countries and territories.

Addressing a webinar reflecting on the 30 years of community media in South Africa, she said Namibia is the only African country that is ahead of South Africa, ranked at 22.

“In the continent we are in the top two of the most free media countries. Government has had an important role to play in promoting and supporting the free media that we do enjoy in South Africa,” Smith said.

As part of commemorating Media Freedom Day, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a webinar reflecting on the 30 years of community media in South Africa.

While government’s efforts of creating an environment for a free media are being recognised, Smith cautioned government against reversing the gains that have been made.

She mentioned that the sustainability and lack of funding for community media was a threat to media freedom.

“The importance of community media cannot be challenged. It is one of the three tiers of the media that plays a critical role in the country. We are also seeing that we are taking a few steps back in supporting and promoting the media freedom that we have enjoyed over the years.

“We are backsliding in terms of the legislation and regulation being drafted at the moment that is clamping down on those gains in the sense of media freedom. This is reflected in the recently publicised SABC Bill and the White Paper,” she said.

The SABC Bill among other things proposes reducing the size of non-executive Board members from 12 to 11 and the executive members from three to two. It revised the governance structure and funding model of the SABC.

The Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Content Services Policy Framework: A New Vision for South Africa 2020 sets out new mechanisms to regulate audio and audiovisual content services.

Smith expressed concern at the lack of funding of the SABC.

“The lack of funding around the public broadcaster is an issue. In South Africa, you need a sustainable public broadcaster in order to counter misinformation. A sustainable public broadcaster is of utmost important. When we talk about media freedom, it comes with the issue of credibility. Credibility and media freedom go hand in hand,” she said.

Alex FM Station Manager Takalane Nemangowe called for an improvement in the working relationship between government and community media.

With government’s commitment to push through the 30% quota for advertising spend as a set aside for community media, he called for this to be implemented.

“The day that that commitment is met, part of our problems as a sector are going to be resolved. If government utilises community media to share its message, our problems will be solved,” Nemangowe said.

He said the sector is faced with challenges of access to funding to ensure sustainability, ability to retain staff and compensate staff with a stipend and lack of resources.

“We need to engage and find each other. We need to meet each other halfway and assist each other and get our people to benefit from government’s content. There is a lot of good that government is doing. Government must work with us, we do have people who listen to us and read our content,” Nemangowe said.