Day: August 1, 2022

Minister Creecy announces recipients of the Driving for Change II Youth Challenge

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, will announce 16 young green entrepreneurs in the Driving Force for Change (DFC) II Youth Challenge, during the award ceremony at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg on 2 August 2022.

The DFC II Youth Challenge builds on the 2020 DFC Youth Initiative to create opportunities for young green entrepreneurs/Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to access the much-needed business acumen support (develop early-stage entrepreneurship skills and competencies) and further develop/refine their businesses plans, respectively.

Minister Creecy launched Driving Force for Change II Youth Challenge in August 2021 in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), through the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) Programme, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUZ) and in collaboration with the Departments of Employment and Labour (DEL) and of Small Business Development (DSBD) and with support from the National Business Initiative (NBI).

Support provided through the DFC II Youth Challenge will assist South Africa’s young green entrepreneurs/SMMEs to advance green business enterprise development and invariably, an inclusive green economy agenda and create decent job opportunities. Youth entrepreneurs/SMMEs were invited to submit proposals within the following thematic areas:

Climate Change Mitigation:

• Best Greening of Manufacturing Sector SMME (resource efficiency: water, energy)

• Best Circular Economy – symbiosis/integrated waste management – recycling SMME.

Climate Change Adaptation:

• Most Innovative Ecosystem Service SMME

• Most Innovative Agriculture or Agro-processing SMME.

Cross–cutting:

• Eco-Tourism – SMME.

Source: Government of South Africa

Government welcomes swift arrests

Government acknowledges and appreciates the tireless efforts made by the South African Police Service in addressing the issue of crime in the country. Fighting crime in the country is one of the apex priorities of this administration.

The mass arrest of over 80 illegal miners in connection with the rape of eight women in Krugersdorp, bears testament to efforts made by the police in fighting crime. The suspects are expected to appear at the Krugersdorp Magistrates Court today. Police operations to crack down on illegal activities and arrest undocumented persons as well as wanted criminals in the West Village area, in Krugersdorp continue. These operations consist of multi-disciplinary teams from Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, the National Intervention Unit, the Tactical Response Team, K9 units, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders.

In addition, government welcomes the arrest of three suspects for allegedly killing Moses Maluleke, the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality. The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday 01 August 2022. They were arrested during intensive police investigations that commenced immediately after the incident took place.

Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said: “We are encouraged by the good work done by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in ensuring the arrests of the perpetrator’s in both cases, and we are confident that justice will be served. These are just two examples, amongst many, of the swift work done by SAPS in turning the tide on crime in our country. The efforts by the SAPS is recognized and we call upon communities to play their part and work with the police to deal with crime in communities.”

Source: Government of South Africa

In a space of two days the South African National Anthem was played and the country flag raised four times as the 2022 Commonwealth Games celebrated South Africa’s four gold medallists in Birmingham (UK).

Chad le Clos’ silver medal in the 200m butterfly makes him the most decorated Commonwealth Games athlete in history with a record 18 Commonwealth Games medals accumulated over 4 Commonwealth Games since 2010. .

Having missed out on the medals four years ago, the Blitzboks (i.e.South African Rugby 7s Team) made sure they returned to the top of the podium at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The South Africans comfortably beat Australia in their semi-final on Sunday and then defeated two-time Olympic champions Fiji in the final to secure gold with a score of 31-7.

Olympic champion swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker added another gold in the pool, cruising to victory in the 200m breaststroke in which fellow South African, Kaylene Corbett, also claimed the bronze medal.

South Africa are making a rapid climb up the medal table after teenage swimming stars Lara van Niekerk and Pieter Coetzé kicked things off with two gold medals on Saturday.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa showered with felicitations at the medallists, saying they have brought glory to the nation.

“We are especially thrilled with this rugby result considering South Africa will very soon be welcoming the world this year to the Rugby World Cup Sevens, being hosted in Cape Town from 9-11 September 2022 followed by the 2023 Netball World Cup which will be held next July at the Cape Town Convention Centre,” said Minister Mthethwa.

“We look forward to many more phenomenal medal-winning performances from Team South Africa in Birmingham in the week ahead.”

Source: Government of South Africa

PEPFAR commits to support SA to fight HIV/AIDS

Montreal, Canada: The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has committed to continue with support to South African government in the fight against HIV infections, especially new infections amongst young people.

This commitment was made during the bilateral meeting between Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla and Dr John Nkengasong, the newly appointed PEPFAR Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of the United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, on the side-lines of the 24th International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Canada.

Both leaders agreed that the fight against HIV infections will remain difficult to win, unless young people are actively involved, capacitated and participate in the development of interventions and policies to fight the spread of the disease, and ensure those who test positive are initiated on treatment immediately.

Minister Phaahla and Dr Nkengasong have also agreed on a robust sustainability framework to ensure alignment of programmes and continued bilateral partnership to discuss the achievements made through PEPFAR support and identify gaps that require attention.

Source: Government of South Africa

Briefing to unpack actions to achieve Long-Term Energy Supply

Ministers who serve in the Energy Crisis Committee will brief the media following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Monday , 25 July 2022, to further outline measures to ensure long- term energy supply in South Africa.

Details of the briefing are as follows:

Date: Monday, 1 August 2022

Time: 15h30

Venue: GCIS – Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre , Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield in Pretoria

Media Participation: Journalists may view the briefing via live streaming on the South African Government social media channels. Links to be provided.

Source: Government of South Africa

259 rhino poached in South Africa in first six months of 2022

A total of 259 rhino have been poached for their horn in South Africa in the first six months of 2022.

“Recent trends in rhino poaching show a move away from the Kruger Park to private reserves and KwaZulu-Natal where the majority of rhinos have been killed this year. This makes it all the more important for national government to shift its focus to supporting provincial authorities and private reserves in the war on rhino poaching” said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy.

The number of rhino poached between January and June 2022 is 10 more than the 249 poached countrywide in the first six months of 2021. From January to end of June 2022, 82 rhino were poached for their horns in the Kruger National Park.

2022 Poaching statistics show a loss of 210 rhino on state properties and 49 in privately-owned parks. As indicated, hardest hit during this period is KwaZulu-Natal which recorded a loss of 133 rhino. This is more than triple the 33 rhino killed in the first six months of 2021.

The demand for rhino horn remains a constant threat to our rhino populations as crime syndicates continue to operate within our borders. The number of successful arrests and prosecutions recorded over the past 6 months, can be attributed to the continued successful collaboration between the law enforcement agencies, including the SAPS, DPCI and the Green Scorpions, Customs officials and the National Prosecuting Authority. These efforts are supported by private security.

Partnerships between the public and private sector remain key to combating wildlife trafficking. In addition to work being undertaken within the seven Integrated Wildlife Zones, the partnership now includes both the financial and transport sectors, as well as transit and end user countries in Southeast Asia, especially with the People’s Republic of China, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Between January and June, 69 people were arrested in connection with rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking. Of these, 13 alleged poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park.

As a result of the ongoing work of integrated enforcement teams at OR Tambo International Airport, 4 alleged rhino horn traffickers were arrested between January and June this year for trying to smuggle 56 pieces of rhino horn out of the country. In one instance, cooperation between the Hawks, Malaysia and Qatar authorities led to the arrest of another alleged rhino horn trafficker and his haul of rhino horn pieces at Doha Airport in Qatar. This arrest demonstrates the success of country-to-country cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking at an international level.

The Hawks are also working with the US Fish and Wildlife service in an investigation arising from the discovery in June of a suspect parcel at FedEx that was destined for the USA. The parcel contained 8 kilograms of rhino horns pieces concealed as wooden art pieces.

A number of search and seizure operations took place countrywide, with the Hawks arresting one suspect and confiscating 29 rhino horn during an operation at storage and packing facilities in Bedfordview where rhino horns are prepared and packed for the illegal markets in Southeast Asia.

In combined law enforcement operations two suspects were arrested in June when they were stopped by the Highway Patrol in Bedfordview and found to be in possession of two fresh rhino horn. Two suspects, one an ex Ezemvelo-KZN Parks ranger, were arrested earlier this month after their vehicle was searched and two fresh rhino horn were seized. One of the accused had previously been arrested for possession of rhino horn in the Kruger National Park.

On 23 April 2022 an integrated operation was conducted to address money laundering and corruption linked to rhino horn trafficking activities within the Kruger National Park. Various search and seizure warrants were authorised and executed at multiple premises in and around the Park with the aim of effectively dismantling the operations of some of the main targets. A multi-dimensional team led by the Hawks, with the support of the Kruger National Park and Stock Theft and Endangered Species in Skukuza was assembled and premises in Limpopo and Mpumalanga were searched during the operation.

Three suspects were arrested during the operation, which included two Kruger National Park field rangers. The arrests and the success of this operation had a significant impact on the rhino poaching activities within the Kruger Park, and has sent out a strong message that corrupt and illegal activities will not be tolerated. One of the rangers was dismissed during the departmental hearing on 21 July 2022. The other ranger’s departmental hearing is ongoing pending the outcome of the court process.

In total 51 cases in which 51 people were convicted have been finalised. The heaviest sentence handed down was 34 years imprisonment, while two Mpumalanga men were sentenced to 28 year behind bars for killing rhino and being in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.

In the Skukuza court, two Mozambican nationals were convicted for poaching a rhino in the Kruger National Park, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition and being in the country illegally. They were sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. In another matter, two Mozambican citizens were convicted of poaching two rhino Kruger National Park, possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition and sentenced to 19 years imprisonment. In addition, three South Africans were sentenced on charges of rhino poaching in the Kruger National Park and firearm related charges, and sentenced to an effective 24 years in jail.

The global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), had completed an assessment in 2019 of the threats posed to South Africa, and the effort being made to fight these crimes. During this process the contribution of wildlife trafficking to the generation of proceeds of crime was found to pose a medium to high risk to the country.

Responding to the recommendations of FATF, earlier this year, the National Prosecuting Authority obtained its first conviction on stand-alone charges in terms of Section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (money laundering). In this matter, the individual was accused of laundering the money earned from, amongst others the buying of rhino horn, through a casino. Ping Wu was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. The success of this prosecution demonstrates the importance of the government’s integrated approach to combat rhino horn trafficking, with increased focus on targeting the financial crimes involved. We are expecting numerous similar successes in the near future.

To mark World Ranger Day, Minister Creecy last week paid special tribute to field and game rangers working in conservation areas countrywide for their continued commitment to protecting South Africa’s iconic species from poaching.

“Following the murder earlier this week of well-known anti-poaching field Ranger, Anton Mzimba, at his home in the Timbavati, we are reminded of the threats that rangers face from poachers and their crime bosses on a daily basis. These are men and women that deserve our respect and support as we join hands to improve their safety,” said the Minister.

In May, Kruger National Park field ranger and dog handler, Shando Mathebula, was killed by a buffalo while on patrol in the Shangoni Ranger Section. He has been remembered by his family and colleagues as a young man who was dedicated and who served with discipline and distinction.

In recent years, the work of rangers has changed from a general focus on the conservation of species to a more militant way of operating against well-armed criminal gangs entering national parks and private and state-owned conservation areas to poaching rhino, elephant and other species. Rangers often spend weeks away from home, living in the bush in an effort to protect the country’s natural environment from plunder.

“Our rangers need all the support we can provide them. These are men and women who, despite numerous challenges, remain committed to the task at hand despite not knowing what a day will bring,” said the Minister.

** Members of the public can report any suspicious activities around wildlife to its environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS number 10111.

Source: Government of South Africa

Speaking notes by Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla during a panel discission on – “how countries work towards achieving national and global prevention targets as defined in the road map” – Montreal, Canada

South Africa has made remarkable progress against HIV and AIDS, showing us that a lot can be achieved. Since 2010, new HIV infections have declined in the country by a remarkable 45% representing one of the steepest declines in HIV incidence in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. More than 90% of South Africans know their status and we have initiated more than 5 million people on treatment (ARVs).

Despite successes, new infections remain high in South Africa (200 000) with more than 150 AGYW (15-24) being infected daily. An intensified focus on HIV prevention is a priority for our country to achieve the 2025 prevention coverage target of 95% and the target of fewer than 74 000 new infections by 2025.

Critical priorities for South Africa in HIV prevention

HIV infection irreversibly shapes the lives of hundreds of thousands of adolescent girls and young women so reaching our national targets for reducing HIV is unthinkable without prioritizing adolescent girls and young women. It is estimated that a third of all new HIV infections in the country occur in AGYW age 15-24 years.

Approximately 20–25% of new HIV infections in young women in South Africa are attributable to gender-based violence. In addition, early sexual debut and age disparate relationships are common for AGYW. Genotyping

shows that such relationships fuel the cycle of HIV transmission in South Africa. Tailored integrated SRHR and HIV interventions which focus on adolescent girls and young women remains a priority for the South African HIV response.

Though South Africa has a generalized HIV epidemic, it is characterized by distinct sub-epidemics. The national, HIV prevalence is estimated at 53% among female sex workers, 25.7% among men who have sex with men, 21% among PWID and although no national HIV prevalence estimates exist, programmatic data indicates HIV positivity as high as 49% among Transgender populations. We continue to prioritise a ‘precision prevention approach’ for key and priority populations.

Medical science has given us new HIV prevention tools and even more options are on the horizon. We have prioritised the expansion our basket of combination prevention tools to include recent evidence based long-acting HIV prevention technologies such as the Dapivirine containing vaginal ring (SAHPRA approved) and the long acting injectable Cabotegravir (Still awaiting approvals). A priority is ensuring all vulnerable persons, particularly young people, have choices of a prevention method that works for them.

Taking the right steps now could mean HIV prevention options fulfil their lifesaving, epidemic-ending potential, and to do so requires working faster and more efficiently than ever before. In addition we continue to provide male and female condoms and water-based lubricant in all public health facilities and other non-traditional sites (in communities).

We know that Education is one of the best HIV prevention tools available. We are committed to keep adolescent girls in secondary school (at least till Matric) to reduce their risk of HIV infection, child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

South Africa’s commitment to HIV prevention through national strategies and targets

South African understands the urgency to address the priorities I have mentioned above in order to turn off the tap of new HIV infections.

In addition to the updated National Health Prevention Strategy (2020-2025), South Africa launched a three-year the National Youth HIV Prevention Campaign 2022 to 2025 on 30th June, 2022.

• The strategy focuses on the 9.6 million young people in South Africa aged 15-24 years in and out of school including the 700,000 young people living with HIV.

• It seeks to reach all young people in their diversity to ensure that adolescent boys and young men, youth with disabilities and youth living with HIV are not left behind in the country’s response to HIV, TB and STIs.

• The development of the strategy has been guided by priorities outlined in various policy documents as well as a robust youth-led consultative processes.

• The youth-led HIV prevention strategy aims to strengthen the integration of quality health and social services with youth development programmes that combat poverty and other inequalities.

• The Youth HIV Prevention strategy will be driven through a robust communications campaign including stepping up engagement in digital spaces to reach young people.

Furthermore, South Africa is also developing our 5th generation National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023-2028.

• This will be the final Strategy before the Sustainable Development Goal of ending AIDS as a pandemic by 2030.

• The new NSP will align with the Global AIDS Strategy 2025 prevention coverage target of 95% and the new global road map for combination HIV prevention.

• It will prioritise the critical programmatic, policy, legal and societal enablers for scaling up primary prevention of HIV infections.

• The COVID-19 pandemic and other humanitarian crises have widened inequalities and are pushing the HIV response further off track. We are committed to build resilient health and HIV systems to respond to pandemics and protect the gains we have made in the HIV response.

South Africa’s political leadership and commitment to domestic HIV prevention financing

1. In 2021, Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. David Mabuza and other heads of state came together at the United Nations in New York and agreed on a ground-breaking Political commitment for ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030. We have less than 8 years to go to reach this common goal.

2. In light of this renewed commitment, South Africa is mobilizing leadership structures at all levels to engage all relevant sectors to take meaningful actions for HIV prevention.

3. As you are all aware, the world is facing the worst economic downturn in a century, adding additional pressure to already stretched public health budgets. This crisis comes sharp on the heels of a devastating Covid-19 pandemic from which they have not yet fully emerged.

4. Nevertheless, based on the South African HIV investment case, we are committed to ensuring sufficient investments in HIV prevention, sustainable financing, and improvements in allocative efficiency.

5. Based on the country’s investment needs, the South African Government is committed to provide domestic funding to support financing transitions of pilots and evaluations of biomedical interventions such as PrEP based interventions, as well as engaging in sensitisation for health care workers and implementers to provide services for key populations among others.

6. We are grateful for the partnership with PEPFAR, the Global Fund, UNAIDS and all our development partners for your commitment to South Africa’s efforts to end AIDS and TB pandemics.

Source: Government of South Africa