Latest news with #SouthAfricanGovernment
IOL News
16-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Mashatile in China: Uniquely South African products showcased at China International Supply Chain Expo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is on a weeklong strategic Working Visit to the People's Republic of China. Image: South African Government/X Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is on a strategic Working Visit to the People's Republic of China, has addressed the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opening ceremony in Beijing. The tour of China started on Monday and is scheduled to continue until Friday. Mashatile is accompanied by a delegation that includes Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka; Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams; Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen. In its third year, CISCE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to global supply chains. It is hosted under the auspices of the Chinese Central Government and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). 'It is my honour to address you today at the opening ceremony of the third China International Supply Chain Expo, a prestigious event that showcases the latest developments in supply chain management,' said Mashatile. He said the high-level expo is crucial for both South Africa and China because it promotes trade, investment, cooperation, innovation, and learning within the global supply chain ecosystem. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'South Africa is committed to strengthening global supply chains and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In today's rapidly changing world, the global supply chain landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, from natural disasters to political upheavals,' said Mashatile. During his address, Mashatile acknowledged Chinese Vice Premier, He Lifeng; China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) chairman, Ren Hongbin, Chairman; Deputy Permanent Ministry of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand, Ekachat Seetavorarat; and multiple CEOs and business executives. Despite ongoing challenges, Mashatile said South Africa's supply chain sector is experiencing growth, driven by increased e-commerce activity and technological advancements. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is in Beijing at the invitation of the chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Ren Hongbin. Image: Paul Mashatile/X 'Our business communities have been resilient and adapting through strategies like diversifying suppliers, holding more inventory, and investing in digital transformation,' he said. 'As government, we have also adopted policies and strategies that are conducive for business to strive. We understand the importance of building robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions and ensure the efficient flow of goods and services.' The deputy president said South Africa's diverse economy and strategic location make it a natural gateway for trade and investment, connecting Africa to the rest of the world. 'As we gather here in China, a key partner in our economic journey, I see great opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. Together, we can leverage our strengths and capabilities to further build supply chains that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also sustainable and resilient,' he said. 'The fact that China and South Africa have a strong desire to diversify and expand trade between Africa and China is crucial to our efforts to create a solid supply chain.' South Africa's export portfolio to China comprises mainly basic commodities. Mashatile said while the trade volumes confirm South Africa's natural endowment, the heavy slant towards mineral-based exports fails to give a true impression of South Africa's advanced infrastructure, its diversified industrial base, and leading service sectors. 'Our inaugural participation at the China International Supply Chain Expo provides the opportunity to showcase this diversity. Once again, let me reiterate our gratitude for the facilitation and the courtesies extended to the South African official and business delegation,' said Mashatile. The deputy president's delegation was accompanied by 30 manufacturers and producers of uniquely South African products and services. 'These products and services showcase the diversity of South African exports, ranging from ethically sourced and clean cosmetics comprising pure natural extracts as well as durable electro-technical equipment that has passed the tests of extreme African climate conditions,' said Mashatile. 'Naturally, our offering would not be complete without companies that are showcasing the finest of South African clothing, leather, and footwear. 'We are exceptionally proud of the delegation that comprises plastics, chemical and mining engineering firms whose services have met the Chinese standards such that they have been able to jointly complete infrastructure projects with Chinese firms,' he said. It is believed that the CISCE will be instrumental in linking up Chinese buyers and importers with the South African producers at the stands during the expo. South Africa has invited its Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of Pretoria's G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent. 'Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa's G20 presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South,' said Mashatile. 'Against this backdrop, we also look forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that we will arrange on the margins of the G20 Summit in November 2025,' he said. For more than a decade, China has been South Africa's largest trading partner. This position has been held by China since 2008, when it surpassed the United States. China is also South Africa's largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade between the two countries accounting for a significant portion of China's total trade with the continent. IOL News
eNCA
20-06-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Concourt landmark rulings as it celebrates 30 years
JOHANNESBURG - This year marks 30 years since South Africa's highest court opened its doors not just as a courtroom and as a beacon of hope for justice, equality and Constitutional supremacy. Established after apartheid the Constitutional Court doors were first opened by former President Nelson Mandela in the land in 1995. Its first President was Justice Arthur Chaskalson under then Chief Justice Michael Corbett. Among the first justices on the bench were Richard Goldstone, Pius Langa and Ismail Mohamed. The court Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya. She takes over from Raymond Zondo, as the first woman to hold the position. According to Maya the ConCourt was entrusted with the responsibility to enforce constitutional limitations on the exercise of public power and safeguarding human rights. She was speaking at a celebratory event held in Braamfontein, Johannesburg on Friday. She says the court functions as an independent and impartial institution tasked to ensure compliance and provision of the constitution and serve as the ultimate arbiter of all constitutional matters. 📸| The 30th anniversary of the Constitutional Court. The @ConCourt is the apex court in South Africa and was established following the first democratic election in 1994. #GovZAUpdates — South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 20, 2025 And over the three decades, it has done just that, handing down landmark rulings that transformed the law, protected rights and deepened constitutional democracy. Here are some of the most influential Constitutional Court rulings that changed South Africa. S v Makwanyane (1995) Issue: The death penalty Outcome: The death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment and it should be declared unconstitutional. It was the court's first ruling. National Coalition for Gay and Lesbian Equality v Minister of Home Affairs (1999) Issue - Same-sex marriage Outcome - The impact of discrimination on gays and lesbians is rendered more serious. And their vulnerability increased by the fact that they are a political minority, not able on their own to use political power to secure favourable legislation for themselves. This also led to the legalisation of same-sex marriage- the first in Africa. Government of the RSV v Grootboom (2000) Issue: Right to housing Outcomes: The state must devise and implement within its available resources a comprehensive and coordinated programme progressively to realise the right of access to adequate housing. Minister of Health v Treatment Action Campaign (2002) Issue - Inheritance under the African customary law of intestate succession Outcome - This ruling struck down male-only inheritance promoting gender equality. It found that the rule that male primogeniture wherein the eldest son inherits property was declared inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid, to the extent that it excludes women and extra-marital children from inheriting property. Bhe and Others v The Magistrate, (2004) Outcome - This ruling struck down male-only inheritance promoting gender equality. It found that the rule that male primogeniture wherein the eldest son inherits property was declared inconsistent with the Constitution and invalid, to the extent that it excludes women and extra-marital children from inheriting property.
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Watch: Comrades glory as Dijana makes it 3, Steyn 4
Tete Dijana has again won the men's Comrades Marathon, while multiple title holder Gerda Steyn took the women's title. Steyn has once again proven she's in a league of her own, claiming her fourth title with unmatched strength, grace and determination. Russia's Alexandra Morozova finished second to win her sixth gold medal. Shelmisth Muriuki became the first Kenyan woman to finish on the Comrades podium, placing third. Dijana crossed the finish line in a time of 05:25:28, seconds ahead of 'Flying Dutchman' Piet Wiersma, who won the race last year. Russian runner Nikolai Volkov came third. This is Dijana's third win. He triumphed in 2022 and 2023, but finished 14th last year. No DNA, ke RSA 🇿🇦 Her name is Gerda Steyn!!! 🇿🇦💪🏽 🔥FOUR-TIME Comrades Marathon winner! 🔥⁰ Gerda has once again proven she's in a league of her own, claiming her 4th title with unmatched strength, grace, and determination. 🥇🏆 Halala Gerda, Halala!🏃🏼♀️#ComradesMarathon2025… — South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 8, 2025 Congratulatory posts for the winners are flooding social media: The Queen of the Comrades Marathon, the people's champion, Gerda Steyn did it in style at People's Park when she won the Comrades Marathon today. Steyn made herself a new piece of history when she became the first South African woman to win the Comrades Marathon four times. In… — The Witness (@WitnessKZN) June 8, 2025 'I just run on wings' Here's your 2025 Women's Comrades Marathon winner, Gerda Steyn. She was ecstatic to get a roar from Caster Semenya #ComradesMarathon @gerdarun @MightyCaster @ComradesRace — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) June 8, 2025 Sure @Vee41449940 remember our discussion regarding comrades marathon . Look at Tete holding a caduceus, two snakes entwined around a winged staff is itself a pagan symbol. It is a symbol of the Greek god Hermes. This cant be a coincidence 😭 #ComradesMarathon2025 — ReconcileWithGod (@Mickzo) June 8, 2025
News24
30-05-2025
- Business
- News24
18 months for a visitor visa? Here's how long popular tourist visas now take to process in SA
Visa applications are a necessary process for many South African travellers, but delays are jeopardising some travel plans.
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Minister Solly Malatsi welcomes launch of Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government
Minister Solly Malatsi welcomes launch of Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of the South African Government The government has launched a plan to modernise the delivery of essential services, aiming to make it easier for citizens to conduct administrative tasks with the state. This initiative is outlined in the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government, which provides a strategic plan for enhancing government services through investment in digital public infrastructure. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi welcomed the roadmap's launch at the Gallagher Convention Centre on May 12. 'With this roadmap, we are moving from a fragmented past to a unified, people-first, whole-of-government approach,' Malatsi stated. 'This roadmap is more than just a plan to use technology, it is a transformative vision to fundamentally change how citizens interact with their government.' Also read: Government prioritises water and sanitation security at national indaba The roadmap supports the digital transformation pillar of phase two of Operation Vulindlela, which President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated on May 7 this year. It aims to fulfill the Government of National Unity's commitment to inclusive growth, efficient service delivery, and ensuring that all South Africans can access government services. As a flagship initiative of the 7th administration, the roadmap is based on Digital Public Infrastructure principles, focusing on delivering integrated public services safely, securely, and seamlessly. At its core, the roadmap seeks to establish a 'one person, one government, one touch' system – a single, trusted platform that connects citizens to services. Collectively, these initiatives will help us achieve our vision of an inclusive, secure, and people-centred digital government. 'Together, they will demonstrate to the world what we mean by 'one person, one government, one touch.' Our goal is to ensure that citizens have a convenient, cost-effective, reliable, and user-friendly digital experience with government services.' Also read: Ward 80 councillor vows to contest 2026 local government elections The Inter-Departmental Working Group, co-chaired by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and National Treasury, will collaborate with various government departments to implement the initiatives outlined in the roadmap. These initiatives include the rollout of a Digital Identity System for remote identity verification, the creation of a Data Exchange Framework to streamline government processes, the introduction of a Digital Payments System for secure transactions, and a zero-rated Digital Services Platform that allows citizens to access government services without incurring data charges. Read more: State of the City: Johannesburg mayor pledges better services, power for informal areas For ordinary South Africans, this means that tasks such as renewing a driver's licence, applying for social grants, or accessing health records will become simpler, faster, and more affordable. The roadmap is not just about modernising systems, it is about reclaiming people's time, reducing the cost of accessing services, and ensuring that government services operate as efficiently as the best private sector platforms. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
