Day: October 19, 2022

Invitation to the launch of a Promise without Commitment: Overview of state compliance with President’s 40% procurement allocation’

On 24 October 2022, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will launch a report titled: A Promise without Commitment: Overview of state Compliance with President’s 40% Procurement Allocation. In a virtual address to mark National Women’s Day in 2020, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa announced government’s plans to expand women’s access to economic opportunities by setting aside 40% of public procurement for women-owned businesses.

The pronouncement generated great interest and enthusiasm, particularly within the gender sector. It is against this backdrop that the CGE conducted the research study to assess the extent to which the President’s promise was turned into reality by state government departments at national and provincial levels through necessary preparations, planning, and allocation of resources towards this goal.

The CGE has reviewed the existing procurement expenditure data at national and provincial government for the 2017/2018 to 2020/2021 financial years to assess the level of compliance with the President’s commitment.

Objectives of the Study were:

•             To examine and assess the extent to which national and provincial government departments comply with and implement the President’s state 40% target for allocating public procurement resources towards supporting women-owned businesses.

•             To assess and determine if national and provincial government departments have set alternative and clearly stated targets for allocating procurement resources to comply with the 40% procurement target for allocating public procurement resources toward women-owned businesses.

Government Departments that were selected for this study:

•             Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

•             Civil Secretariat for Police Services

•             Correctional Services

•             Employment and Labour

•             Government Communication and Information System

•             Home Affairs

•             International Relations and Cooperation

•             Mineral Resources

•             Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

•             Public Services and Administration

•             Science and Technology

•             South African Police Service

•             Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation

•             Communications and Digital Technologies

•             Traditional Affairs

This launch will therefore communicate the findings and the recommendations of the study.

Source: Government of South Africa

North West Legislature to conduct public hearings on Children’s’ Amendment Bill, 2020 

On Thursday, 20 October 2022, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development chaired by Hon. Gavin Edwards will be conducing public hearings on the Children’s’ Amendment Bill, 2020 in Thutlwane Community Hall in Ratlou Local Municipality; Magopa Community Hall in JB Marks Local Municipality;  Taung Agricultural College Hall in Greater Taung Local Municipality and Madibeng White Hall in Madibeng Local Municipality at 10h00.

Amongst others, the Children’s’ Amendment Bill, 2020 seeks to amend the Children’s Act, 2005, so as to amend and insert certain definitions; to extend the Children’s court jurisdiction; to further provide for the care of abandoned or orphaned children and additional matters that may be regulated; to provide for additional matters relating to children in alternative care; and to provide for matters connected therewith. 

Members of the media are invited to attend the public hearing and can contact Kabo Letlhogela on 0798791448.

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President David Mabuza to give oral replies to the National Council of Provinces

Deputy President David Mabuza will on Thursday, 20 October 2022 respond to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces relating to the work of government in the sixth administration.

The questions that have been posed to the Deputy President include, but are not limited to progress made in improving Eskom’s plant performance, as well as measures taken to ensure that Eskom’s infrastructure is protected. In this regard, the Deputy President will reassure members of Parliament of the competency and capability of the newly appointed Eskom Board to carry out its mandate. 

Regarding his role as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture, Deputy President Mabuza will update the House on how the implementation of resolutions of the Communal Land Summit will assist in fast-tracking land reform and assist communities residing on communal land.

In addition, the Deputy President will brief members of the National Council of Provinces on the interventions government is putting in place to accelerate Information and Communication Technology connectivity in rural and township economies.

Source: Government of South Africa

The Deputy Minister in The presidency Ms Thembi Siweya, to unveil the brand-new studios at Kasie FM 97.1 community radio station

On Friday 21 October 2022, The Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA), led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Thembi Siweya, (MP), will unveil the brand-new state-of-the-art broadcast studios at Kasie FM 97.1, in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni Municipality in Gauteng province, South Africa.

Kasie FM 97.1 is a community radio station based in Spruitview Shopping Centre, Ekurhuleni and it broadcasts in the southern regions of Ekurhuleni, which include Katlehong, Thokoza, Vosloorus (Kathorus), Alberton, Germiston, Boksburg, Tsakani, and surrounding areas. The broadcast area has a population of about 1-million people, that are relatively cohesive with similar needs and interests.

The Kathorus community radio station is widely known by all residents of Ekurhuleni and the surrounding areas by its slogan: A Kasie station for Kasie people. It was founded in 1997 but started broadcasting full-time late 2007.

“Kasie FM strives to express community initiatives, needs, aspirations, commitment and concerns through better communication and to act as a forum for community members to exchange development ideas and to debate local, regional and national issues.”said Mr Jabu Mpembe,Kasie FM Station Manager.

The programming format is 40% talk, 60% music and 30 minutes a day is dedicated to news. The language format is isiZulu 40%, Sesotho 20%, English 30% and 10% is divided into township lingo and other languages.

The new state-of the art studios will elevate the quality of broadcasting, making it appealing to potential partners and propel Kasie FM 97.1 to even greater heights.

Source: Government of South Africa

Pinelands North Primary School does the Western Cape proud in the World’s Best School competition

Pinelands North Primary School has placed in the top 3 of the World’s Best School Prize, awarded by T4 Education.

In June this year, we celebrated with the school when they were announced as one of the top 10 finalists in the category “Overcoming Adversity”. The school’s inclusive environment, and recognition of their learners’ unique needs and potential, caught the attention of the T4 Education judges.

Another of our excellent schools, West End Primary, was also announced as a top 10 finalist. Pinelands North Primary then proceeded to the top 3, which was announced in September.

We congratulate Project Shelter Wakadogo in Gulu, Uganda, on winning the category’s prize. They have done incredible and inspiring work in difficult social circumstances, transforming lives through education.

While Pinelands North Primary did not make it all the way to first place, it remains a fantastic achievement for our country and for the Western Cape. We congratulate the staff and SGB, learners and parents, and the entire school community.

Premier Alan Winde joined me in congratulating Pinelands North Primary, saying:

“Pinelands North has made the Western Cape and South Africa proud. To have made it to the finals of the Overcoming Adversity category was a huge achievement all by itself. This reflects the hard work of the school’s educators, staff, School Governing Body and learners. I urge the school community to forge ahead and keep up with the good work.”

Ann Morton, Principal of Pinelands North Primary, said:

“The fact that we have made it to the top 3, we’re exceptionally very proud too. We are the top school on South Africa out of 300 000 schools all around the world that entered this competition so we’re very proud to come in the top 3. But a very special congratulations to Project Shelter Wakadogo.”

We cannot wait to see what new heights Pinelands North Primary will achieve!

Source: Government of South Africa

Premier & MEC Mitchell to cycle to mark Mobility Month

Put on your cycling gear, pump up those tyres. The media are invited to join Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Mobility MEC Daylin Mitchell and Pedal Power Association SA on a cycling trip in Cape Town.

As part of Mobility Month, MEC Mitchell handed over 20 bicycles to the Ned Doman High School in Athlone this week. Now he and the Premier will themselves take to the road to promote cycling, not only as a means of transport but also a way to stay fit in the process.

By enabling a safe cycling culture in the Western Cape we can address traffic congestion and offer an additional mobility option for our citizens.

Date: Thursday, 20 October 2022

Time: 12 pm to 2 pm

Venue from where we will embark: Pedal Power Association SA’s offices, 9 Hill Park Lane, Mowbray

Source: Government of South Africa