SOUTH AFRICA OPEN FOR BUSINESS FOR NIGERIANS @KASIBCNEWS

President Cyril Ramaphosa SA-Nigeria Business Roundtable Remarks on the occassion of the working visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 3 December 2024, Tuynhuys, Cape Town

His Excellency, the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, Mr Parks Tau,

Minister of Trade and Industry of Nigeria, Dr Jumoke Oduwole,

Ministers and Deputy Ministers,

High Commissioners,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Leaders of business, 

Distinguished guests, 

It gives me great pleasure to address this South Africa-Nigeria Business Roundtable.

We see the purpose of this roundtable as three-fold:  firstly, to deepen economic cooperation; secondly, to provide a platform to address challenges; and, thirdly, to explore strategies for unlocking the full potential of trade and investment between the two countries.

Nigeria and South Africa enjoy strong diplomatic ties and expanding trade and investment flows. 

The strategic positioning of both countries in their respective regions presents enormous opportunities for collaboration. 

In West Africa, Nigeria is the main destination for South African exports and investments. 

But more needs to be done to improve trade and commercial relations between the two countries. 

South Africa runs a large trade deficit with Nigeria, mainly due to its import of Nigerian oil and gas. 

There is a need to diversify our trade to ensure a mutually-beneficial partnership.

We are greatly encouraged by the presence of South African companies in Nigeria, just as we welcome Nigerian companies in South Africa. 

We do recognise that challenges still exist within our respective operating environments that limit the expansion of investment and sometimes impact on the operations of companies.

We do recognise that challenges still exist within our respective operating environments that limit the expansion of investment and sometimes impact on the operations of companies.

During my State Visit to Nigeria in 2021, the Ministers of Trade launched the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.

Today, we agreed on the full operationalisation of the Council.

This will support a conducive environment for improved trade and investment.

Through the Council, we hope to ensure the efficient resolution of trade- and investment-related challenges.

As governments, we have committed in our Bi-National Commission to create an enabling environment for doing business in our respective countries. 

We have an opportunity to drive industrialisation.

In the automotive sector, for example, we can create value chains in the manufacture of components and electric motorcycles. 

In critical minerals, we can use lithium to manufacture electric batteries.

There is also much opportunity for cooperation on pharmaceuticals. 

Our two countries are in a strategic position to benefit from the rapid growth of clean energy manufacturing industries.

South Africa has developed a Just Transition Framework and an Investment Plan that anticipates massive investments in renewable energy and the green economy over the next few years. 

As part of the broader global transition to a low-carbon economy, we must leverage the abundant natural resources that exist in our countries to promote green industrialisation. 

We should leverage each other’s capabilities in minerals processing. 

We must work together to ensure critical minerals are beneficiated at source. 

We call on business to support and involve themselves in these initiatives. 

Our development finance institutions can work together to support infrastructure development.

South Africa has embarked on a massive infrastructure investment drive that encompasses projects in electricity generation and transmission, bulk water supply, roads, railways, bridges and ports.

We need to explore how we can mobilise our respective capabilities and resources to develop social and economic infrastructure in our countries

The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully implemented, will enable a massive growth in intra-African trade and investment. 

We must identify what products can be traded among ourselves that we are now importing from elsewhere.

Given the size of a common African market, we can build substantial industries – and integrated regional value chains – merely on the basis of what we sell to each other.

Many economies are reconfiguring their supply chains, but they are also reconfiguring their supply chains as well.

They are bringing them closer to home to promote economic resilience and address strategic vulnerabilities. 

We need to do the same. 

We encourage the private sector to identify opportunities for sourcing key inputs and products from each other to boost bilateral trade and industrial development.

Let me conclude by congratulating Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on her reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation. 

This provides continuity as we prepare for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, to be held in March 2026 in Cameroon. 

South Africa and Nigeria need to work closely to shape a strong developmental agenda that ensures better terms for integration of Africa in global trade.

South Africa and Nigeria seek the same things.

We seek a global economic order that is fair, inclusive and rules-based.

We seek to develop our people by expanding investment and trade ties with partner countries.

We see in the relationship between South Africa and Nigeria enormous opportunities to pursue these objectives together.

We invite businesses, state-owned companies, development finance institutions and others to be part of this exciting journey to build a prosperous Africa that meets the needs of all its people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces National Executive changes @KASIBCNEWS

President Cyril Ramaphosa announces National Executive changes @KASIBCNEWS 

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“Constitution”) vests executive authority of the Republic in the President. The President exercises executive authority together with other members of cabinet in fulfilling various provisions of the Constitution and national legislation.  

In order to ensure the effectiveness of cabinet in delivering to its mandate and in accordance with section 91(2) of the Constitution, I have decided to make the following changes to the national executive; 

1. Ms Mmamoloko Tryphosa Kubayi, currently the Minister of Human Settlements is appointed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

2. Ms Thembi Nkadimeng, currently the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is appointed the Minister of Human Settlements

Furthermore, in accordance with the section 93(1) (a) of the Constitution,

3. Ms Phumzile Mgcina, is appointed the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. Ms Mgcina has been serving in the national executive as the Deputy Minister of Labour and Employment.

4. Ms Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala is appointed the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour. Ms Nemadzinga-Tshabalala has been serving in the national executive as the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

The changes to the national executive are effective immediately. I would like to wish these members of the national executive well in their new positions. 

CLARITY ON THE BELA ACT PROCESS @KASIBCNEWS 

THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS  WELCOMES CLARITY ON THE BELA ACT PROCESS 

African National Congress (ANC) welcomes clarification of the processes surrounding the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act. It is important that all parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) uphold the integrity of the agreed Clearing House Mechanism to ensure transparency and collective decision-making. 

The ANC strongly condemns attempts by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to bypass established processes in a desperate effort to perpetuate apartheid-era standards in our education system. Such actions are a direct affront to the principles of transformation and equity that underpin our democracy. 

The ANC remains committed to ensuring that legislative processes, including the BELA Act, reflect the shared vision of a united and transformed South Africa. 

We call on all GNU parties to respect the spirit of collaboration and work towards resolutions that benefit all South Africans. 

BELA BELA BILL CHAOS @KASIBCNEWS 

MEC CHILOANE REJECTS BILATERAL AGREEMENT ON BELA BY MINISTER AND PARTNERS

The Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane, wishes to express his disappointment and firm rejection of the so-called bilateral agreement between the Minister of Basic Education and her partners regarding the BELA Act.

The so-called agreement among others proposes that:

“Sections 4(d), 4(f), and 5(c) of the BELA Act should not be implemented until national policies, regulations, and norms and standards are developed. Furthermore, Sections 4 and 5 are to be introduced on a phased basis, subject to these developments”.

This bilateral agreement, entered into by the Minister, National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and Solidarity, represents the minority and as such undermines what was intended by the President.

MEC Chiloane is deeply concerned that this agreement effectively “ring-fences” certain public schools for the exclusive use of specific societal groups. The agreement also suggests that Heads of Departments (HODs) must seek permission from, or consult, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to change a school’s language policy or to administer learner admissions. 

This approach, the MEC asserts, will enable SGBs to block transformation efforts. It might also allow some single-medium schools to resist introducing additional languages, even when local demographics dictates inclusivity to accommodate learners residing in the same area.

MEC Chiloane criticised the agreement for representing the interests of only one sector of society, describing it as a thinly veiled attempt to preserve culture at the expense of transformation.

He questioned why the Minister of Basic Education consulted only one segment of society and intends to present to the President such recommendations based on this one-sided engagement as a solution for the broader education sector.

It is paramount to note that National and Provincial spheres of government have concurrent legislative competence in accordance with Schedule 4 of the RSA Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) in terms of Sections 43 and 44 of the constitution. 

It is common cause that the President signed BELA Act into law in September 2024, and the implementation was subsequently, suspended for three months for consultations of two clauses. The Minister is expected to work with the provincial departments in the implementation of BELA Act, it is our view that the approach adopted by the Minister is against the constitutional principles, that of engaging the provinces for matters of concurrent powers.  In our opinion, the clauses that have been put on hold allow for sufficient consultation and adequately follows due processes with regards to admissions and language.

Therefore, MEC raised concerns about the Minister making public statements and agreements that implicate provincial HODs and MECs without prior consultation. He described this approach as foreign to a sector that thrives on collaboration and consensus for effective governance.

MEC Chiloane called for a more inclusive and consultative approach to addressing the transformation challenges in education, ensuring that the interests of all South Africans are considered in shaping the future of the sector.

Honouring the Living Legends in the Creative Sector @KASIBCNEWS

Honouring the living legends in the creative sector - “giving the living legends their flowers, while they can still smell them” 

Yesterday, 28 November, Minister Gayton McKenzie and Deputy Minister Peace Mabe honoured some of South Africa’s greatest living legends in the creative sector. Hosted at Radisson hotel in Ekurhuleni, the session launched a newly envisioned approach to supporting and honouring senior creative giants for their immense contribution to the creative industry.

In his address, the Minister emphasised that the department was working on a new funding model so that legends can have sustainable livelihoods. An honorarium payment of R100,000 is also being made to selected legends ahead of the Christmas break.

Living legends such as Lillian Dube, Dr John Kani, ⁠⁠Sue Williamson, ⁠⁠Noria Mabasa, ⁠⁠Helen Sebidi, ⁠⁠David Mothibi, Andrew Chabeli, ⁠⁠Omar Badsha, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Marah Louw, Ouma Katrina Esau, ⁠⁠Hilda Tloubatla, Abigail Kubheka, Esther Mahlangu, Nombi Flatela and Babsy Mlangeni and many others from all corners of South Africa attended the event.

#DSACLivingLegends #LivingLegends2024 #CelebratingOurOwn

REA VAYA BUS SERVICES VERSUS TAXI ASSOCIATION @KASIBCNEWS 

JOHANNESBURG POLICE METROPOLITAN DEPARTMENT AND SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE GETS INVOLED WITH THE REA VAYA BUS SERVICES BEING HALTED BY TAXI ASSOCIATION 

On Friday, November 29, 2024, the Rea Vaya 45 feeder buses began operations, as confirmed in a media statement from the Executive Director (ED) for Transport on Thursday, November 28, 2024. 

However, the Taxi Association (TA) defied a court order and disrupted the bus services by blocking roads with their patrol cars.

In response, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) acknowledged a shortage of personnel to handle the situation but has pledged to bolster their presence going forward. 

 A meeting will be held this weekend between the JMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to discuss the ongoing situation. 

The 45 feeder buses are scheduled to resume operations on Monday, December 2, 2024. 

SOUTH AFRICA’S HISTORIC G20 PRESIDENCY @KASIBCNEWS

SOUTH AFRICA’S HISTORIC G20 PRESIDENCY @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress (ANC) proudly welcomes the announcement that South Africa, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, will assume the Presidency of the G20 for the year 2025 from the 1st of December 2024. 

This historic milestone marks the first time an African nation will lead this important global forum, providing a platform to champion the development priorities of South Africa, the African continent, and the Global South. The ANC commends President Ramaphosa for his bold and inclusive vision, encapsulated in the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” This aligns seamlessly with the ANC’s 2024 Manifesto commitments to create jobs, reduce inequality, and drive inclusive economic growth. Under this Presidency, South Africa will focus on three critical areas: inclusive economic growth and industrialisation, food security, and innovation through artificial intelligence and sustainable development. 

The focus on inclusive economic growth and industrialisation will bring much-needed investment into key sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure, creating sustainable jobs and driving transformation in communities. The emphasis on food security will strengthen agriculture, particularly in rural areas, boosting food production and providing opportunities for employment. Additionally, the prioritisation of artificial intelligence and innovation will prepare South Africans, especially the youth, for future jobs, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed in a rapidly changing global economy. 

Hosting 130 G20 meetings across South Africa will also stimulate local economies, generate tourism opportunities, and showcase South Africa as a global hub for investment and innovation. These engagements will open doors for increased international partnerships and access to funding for critical national projects, ultimately contributing to the upliftment of communities and economic growth. 

The G20 Presidency will also focus on advocating for fair financing mechanisms to address the debt burdens faced by many developing countries. This is critical to freeing resources for developmental programmes, which will help reduce poverty and drive job creation across the Global South. As the gateway to this beloved continent, South Africa will ensure that its G20 Presidency maintains a strong symbiotic relationship with the African Union (AU). This unprecedented opportunity will allow South Africa to champion the development of the African agenda, ensuring that the aspirations of the continent are central to the global discourse. The Presidency provides a platform to advance priorities such as regional integration, infrastructure development, and sustainable industrialisation, in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063. The ANC is confident that President Ramaphosa’s leadership will advance South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, social justice, and building a better future for all. We call on all South Africans to rally behind this once-in-a-generation opportunity to position our country and continent at the centre of global decision-making and to ensure that the benefits of this Presidency reach every corner of our society.