Category: Government

Deputy minister Magwanishe launches multi-million rand black industrialist firm

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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Bulelani Magwanishe launched a multi-million rand Black Industrialist firm, Microfinish Automotive in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal today. Microfinish, an automotive valve guide and valve seat manufacturer, was co-funded by the dti Black Industrialists Scheme (BIS) and KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister Magwanishe said Microfinish is evidence that the Black Industrialist (BI) Programme is succeeding and transforming the economic landscape of the country.

“Being one of the beneficiaries, Microfinish alongside 16 other black industrialists manufacturers will inject R1 billion and create 2400 direct jobs and 1700 indirect jobs in the KwaZulu-Natal region. It also contributes to improved production efficiency, job creation and global competiveness,” said Magwanishe.

Magwanishe also said that the project strengthens the capability of components manufactured to support the automotive sector. He congratulated Toyota for giving market access to Microfinish as one of their suppliers.

“We are confident that KwaZulu-Natal provincial initiatives, such as Operation Vula will continue to pay a positive role in providing procurement opportunities to other Black Industrialists. Therefore, in our BI projects lies a renewed affirmation in job creation and social economic transformation,” added Magwanishe

Speaking at the same event, the Managing Director of Microfinish, Mr Brian Naidoo said as a company, their social objective is to invest in the development of our staff, increase employment in South Africa and support the localisation and empowerment initiatives that have been mandated by government.

“Hard work, dedication, commitment and financial support are what it has taken to get this facility up to the world class standard that is today. The international exposure received through interventions and collaboration with the dti is indicative of the expanding footprint South Africa has in the global market. Microfinish is grateful for this as most of our business is export,” said Naidoo.

He added that the company is eager and have an appetite to service national business partners and they are happy to report that collaboration in this regard is on-going.

“We hope to report on securing partnerships in the not too distant future and strengthen relations in the local market,” he said.

The BIS is a grant programme of the Black Industrialists Policy that aims to unlock the potential within black industrialists operating in South African economy through deliberate, targeted and well-defined financial and non-financial interventions.

Caption: From left, MD of Microfinish, Mr Brian Naidoo, the dti DDG, Ms Malebo Mabitje-Thompson, Deputy Minister Bulelani Magwanishe and acting CEO of KZN Growth Fund Mr Aubrey Shabane.

Enquiries:

Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokesperson

Tel: (012) 394 1650

Mobile: 079 492 1774

E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za

Issued by: The Department of Trade and Industry

Follow us on Twitter: @the_dti

MMC for Finance to Improve Revenue Collection in Joburg

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By Doctor Moyo

On Tuesday the 27th of June, member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance Cllr. Rabelani Dagada hosted a stakeholder engagement session at Joburg Theatre.

On his presentation, Dagada talked about the ways that they are going to implement as the Group Finance Department of Johannesburg to improve revenue collection in the city. He also mentioned that the department has several measures to address the Rates Policy and Tariffs problem that they are currently facing.

“The two big things that keep me awake at night; the billing problem is number one. Number two is revenue collection,”said Dagada. “We cannot ignore the fact that challenges in our billing processes have reached crisis level.”

During the month of March this year for the first time in the City of Johannesburg, the City collected R3 Billion, which exceeded the City’s revenue budget.

“We need the City that has a robust infrastructure and that services are delivered on time. We want Johannesburg economy to grow by 5%,” said Dagada.

Dagada compared Johannesburg to Cape Town by saying that the actual reading per month in Cape Town is around 95% coverage compared to Johannesburg which is less than 50%.

“We are targeting 95% meter reading by March next year and we are going to establish something called Revenue Nerve Centre, where Joburg Water, Pikitup, City Power and Group Finance will look at the revenue chain,” said Dagada.

The Revenue Nerve Centre that they are planning to establish is going to monitor the performance of the revenue value chain, detecting revenue loses.

Group Finance Department is also going to take over the responsibilities of reading meters from Joburg Water and City Power.

“Better metering management and bringing missing meters into the billing system will increase the revenue by 900 million to 1.2 Billion.” said Dagada.

He went on to state that as the department, if they are quick enough they will recover R200 million in the current valuation roll.

“There are properties that are overvalued, we are going to introduce a supplementary valuation panel and improve the capacity of the valuations department,” he added.

In conclusion, Dagada said that as the department they are committed to bring quality services to the residents of Johannesburg.

National Youth Month activities by Ministers and Deputy Ministers

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South Africa marks National Youth Month in June under the theme “The Year of OR Tambo: Advancing Youth Economic Empowerment”.

Ministers and Deputy Ministers will engage in various activities aimed at promoting youth development and empowerment. The President launched Youth Month with a meeting of the Presidential Youth Working Group which brings together government and leaders of youth organisations, which took stock of progress done thus far in the socio-economic advancement of young people.

The National Youth Day commemoration event will take place in Ventersdorp, North West Province on 16 June 2017.

The government youth engagement activities are as follows:

06 June 2017

School Shoes handover and Imbizo
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Mr Buti Manamela
Time: 08h30
Venue: Mahamane Location, Mount Free, Eastern Cape

Tourism Buddies Learnership & Tourism
Tourism Deputy Minister, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe
Time: 09h30
Venue: Ferdi Meyer Hall, Cnr Tulbagh Street & Stateway, Welkom, Free State

Young Workers Forum, Clothing Industry
Economic Development Minister, Mr Ebrahim Patel
Time: 13h00
Venue: Cape Town, Western Cape

Youth Build Launch and handover of 100 houses
Human Settlements Minister, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu
Venue: Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng

07 June 2017

Economic Summit for Young Entrepreneurs
Economic Development Deputy Minister, Mr Madala Masuku
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga

08 June 2017

Social Safety-net Programme with active Participants as facilitators and beneficiaries
Public Works Deputy Minister, Mr Jeremy Cronin
Time: 11h00
Venue: 21 Calderwood Street, Whittlesea, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Eastern Cape

Follow-up meeting with the Traditional Leaders and addressing the matter of incomplete Built Arts and Culture Multipurpose Centre for the Youth and Community Engagement
Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Ms Maggy Sotyu
Venue: Bumbane Great Palace, Dalindyebo Kingdom, Bumbane, Eastern Cape

09 June 2017

Youth Expo Focusing on employment opportunities
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Deputy Minister, General Bheki Cele
Time: 09h00
Venue: Umzumbe, KwaZulu Natal

Victim Empowerment Programme
Public Works Deputy Minister, Mr Jeremy Cronin
Time: 09h00
Venue: Khululeka Community Education Development Centre, 10 Queens Drive, Queenstown, Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Eastern Cape

Youth in Agricultural and Non Agricultural initiatives
Rural Development and Land Reform Deputy Minister, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini
Time: 10h00
Venue: Burgersfort Community Hall, Burgersfort Sekhukhune District, Limpopo

Community Engagement
Economic Development Minister, Mr Ebrahim Patel
Time: 18h00
Venue: Atlantis, Cape Town

Engagement with youth at the Sekhukhune Youth Opportunities Expo on Human Settlements youth programmes
Human Settlements Minister, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu
Venue: Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo

Ministerial Imbizo, focusing on youth challenges, especially the issue of gangsters
Police Minister, Mr Fikile Mbalula
Venue: Botshabelo, Free State

Youth in Science and Innovation Indaba
Science and Technology Minister, Ms Naledi Pandor
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Tshwane, Gauteng

Project Mikondzo Outreach
Social Development Deputy Minister, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu
Venue: Katlehong Special School for the Deaf and Blind, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province

The Fisheries Sector Expo
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Venue: South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal

10 June 2017

Movie screening in Phillipi (Kalushi) public awareness about the role of Solomon Mahlangu in the struggle for liberation, a session on child protection and cyber safety
Communications Deputy Minister, Ms Thandi Mahambehlala
Venue: Phillipi community in Western Cape, movie to be screened at Ster Kinekor, Claremont

Youth Career Development Expo
Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Fatima Chohan
Time: 10h00
Venue: Mew Way Hall, Khayelitsha, Western Cape Municipality, Western Cape

13 June 2017

Conversation with the youth on safety, business and Education
Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
Time: 14h00
Venue: Sol Plaatjie Municipality, Northern Cape

14 June 2017

Youth and Land Reform, Educating youth on Land Reform related topic
Rural Development and Land Reform Deputy Minister, Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha
Time: 09h00
Venue: Cape Winelands, Boland Region, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Youth in Tourism Imbizo
Tourism Deputy Minister, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe
Time: 09h00
Venue: Ikageng Stadium, NW405 Municipality, Potchefstroom, North West Province

15 June 2017

Dialogue with the youth around issues of social cohesion and the importance of youth developing society. This is part of the youth month build-up activities
Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa
Venue: North West University, Mafikeng

Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign
Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Mr Mduduzi Manana
Time: 08h00
Venue: Tibane, Limpopo

Youth Careers Expo: Launch of Skills Development Project
Labour Deputy Minister, Mr Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa
Time: 10h00
Venue: Nkantolo Sports Ground, Nkantolo Village, Bizana, Eastern Cape

Launch of the Internet For All
Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister, Dr Siyabonga Cwele
Time: 10h00
Venue: Uncle Toms Community Hall, Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng

The Sector Agriculture Expo
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Venue: Mpumalanga

16 June 2017

National Youth Day Commemoration
President Jacob Zuma accompanied by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa
Time: 09h00
Venue: Tshing Ext 2, Sports Ground, Ventersdorp, North West

Youth Imbizo
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande
Time: 09h00
Venue: Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga

Manenberg Development Co-ordinating Structure, skills development and sport activities
Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Fatima Chohan
Time: 09h00
Venue: Greens Sportsfield, Manenberg, Western Cape

NSF Bursary Hand Over
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande
Time: 17h00
Venue: Gert Sibande District Municipality, Mpumalanga

Youth Engagement and Career Expo
Public Enterprises Minister, Ms Lynne Brown
Venue: Paarl East, Western Cape

17 June 2017

Youth Imbizo
Health Deputy Minister, Mr Joe Phaahla
Time: 10h00
Venue: Tongaat, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

19 June 2017

Oversight visit to the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State and Imbizo for Professional/Semi/and Non-Professional Artists of all genres
Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Ms Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu
Venue: Botshabelo Stadium, Bloemfontein, Free State

Youth Indaba
Police Deputy Minister, Mr Bongani Mkongi
Time: 09h00
Venue: Thembalethu, George

Second Chance Matric Programme (National Senior Certificate Learner Retention Programme) and Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy programme stakeholder engagement aimed at out-of-school youth
Basic Education Deputy Minister, Mr Enver Surty
Time: 14h00
Venue: Greater Taung, North West

Youth Participation in Circular Waste Economy
Environmental Affairs Minister, Ms Edna Molewa
Time: 10h00
Venue: Rustenburg, North West

20 June 2017

Colloquium on international migration working alongside the Wits’ African Centre for Migration and Society as well as the National Youth Development
Home Affairs Minister, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize
Venue: University of Witwatersrand - African Centre for Migration and Society, Gauteng Province

21 June 2017

Community Imbizo
Justice and Correctional Services Deputy Minister, Mr Thabang Makwetla
Venue: Katlehong, Ekurhuleni Municipality, Gauteng

Youth in programmes
Rural Development and Land Reform Deputy Minister, Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha
Time: 09h00
Venue: Mollemole Local Municipality, Dendron, Limpopo

22 June 2017

Stakeholder Engagement Session
Telecommunications and Postal Services Deputy Minister, Ms Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
Time: 10h00
Venue: Cape Town ICC, Western Cape

23 June 2017

Youth Day Symposium under the theme “Economic Diplomacy and Youth Development”.
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Mr Lluwelyn Landers
Time: 09h00
Venue: DIRCO: OR Tambo Building, Pretoria, Gauteng

Youth Imbizo on child marriage and intimate partner violence
Minister of Women in The Presidency, Ms Susan Shabangu
Time: 10h00
Venue: Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall, Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province

Imbizo platform to dialogue about the ongoing and rising incidents of women and child killings and abuse
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo
Time: 10h00
Venue: Karoo/Southern Cape

Launch of the WiFi project in OR Tambo District to connect schools and clinics to the internet
Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister, Dr Siyabonga Cwele
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ruban Ntuli School Hall, Tsolo, Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Eastern Cape

Second Chance Matric Programme (National Senior Certificate Learner Retention Programme) and Kha Ri Gude Mass Literacy programme stakeholder engagement aimed at out-of-school youth
Basic Education Deputy Minister, Mr Enver Surty
Time: 14h00
Venue: Kimberley, Northern Cape

Graduation for Further Education and Training of students on Environmental
Practice (National Qualification Level 4)
Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Barbara Thompson
Time: 14h00
Venue: Mmabatho Civic Centre, North West

Ministerial Dialogue with the Youth on drug abuse
Police Minister, Mr Fikile Mbalula
Venue: Attridgeville, Pretoria

Youth in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Awards
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Venue: Kievits Kroon, Pretoria, Gauteng

24 June 2017

Imbizo with Young People focussing on their rights in the workplace.
Labour Minister, Ms Mildred Oliphant
Time: 10h00
Venue: Pongola Community Hall, KwaZulu-Natal

26 June 2017

Sports Day with prominent sporting personalities
Police Deputy Minister, Mr Bongani Mkongi
Time: 09h00
Venue: Secunda, Mpumalanga

Opening of a R1 million Science Lab. This program is part of the SANPARKS Social Responsibility Program towards youth development
Environmental Affairs Minister, Ms Edna Molewa
Time: 10h00
Venue: Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga

Youth Engagement and Career Expo
Public Enterprises Deputy Minister, Mr Ben Martins
Venue: Utrecht, Emadlangeni Local Municipality, KZN

27 June 2017

Youth Workshop
Justice and Correctional Services Deputy Minister, Mr Thabang Makwetla
Venue: Sunnyside Park Hotel, Johannesburg, Gauteng

Visit to a Labour Activation Program which is training Young People.
Labour Minister, Ms Mildred Oliphant
Time: 10h00
Venue: Accelor Mittal, Vanderbijl Park, Gauteng

Major Communication Campaign: Youth career and skills engagement
Labour Deputy Minister, Mr Nkosi Patekile Holomisa
Time: 10h00
Venue: Coffee Bay Sports Ground, Coffee Bay, Mqanduli, Eastern Cape

Ministerial Outreach Programme: handover of a Multipurpose Sport Court
Sport and Recreation Minister, Mr Thulas Nxesi
Time: 10h00
Venue: Khayakulu Village, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West

Launch of the Small Enterprise Development Agency Rapid Youth Incubator Programme
Small Business Development Minister, Ms Lindiwe Zulu
Venue: Motheo TVET College, Bloemfontein, Free State

28 June 2017

2017 Water and Sanitation Youth Indaba
Water and Sanitation Minister, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane
Time: 08h00
Venue: OR Tambo Premier Hotel, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng

Media breakfast briefing on the Youth Accords
Economic Development Deputy Minister, Mr Madala Masuku
Time: 09h00
Venue: Vilakazi Street, Soweto, Gauteng

4th Annual Green Youth Indaba
Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister, Ms Barbara Thompson
Venue: University of Pretoria, Gauteng

Tour of Robben Island, discussions and dialogues on legacy of OR Tambo, and consultation on DSD Sector Youth Policy and Strategy
Social Development Minister, Ms Bathabile Dlamini
Venue: Robben Island, City of Cape Town

29 June 2017

Workshop and Information Session: 6th Annual Eastern Cape Careers Week and Business Development Workshop
Small Business Development Minister, Ms Lindiwe Zulu
Time: 09h00
Venue: Lusikisiki Teachers Training College, Lusikisiki, OR Tambo District, Eastern Cape Province

Disability Workshop
Water and Sanitation Minister, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane
Time: 09h00
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, Pretoria, Gauteng

Conversation with the youth on safety, business and Education
Public Service and Administration Deputy Minister, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
Time: 14h00
Venue: Sol Plaatjie Municipality, Northern Cape

30 June 2017

Youth Imbizo
Health Deputy Minister, Mr Joe Phaahla
Time: 10h00
Venue: Witbank, Emalahleni, Mpumalanga

Youth & Women in 1hectare 1household
Rural Development and Land Reform Deputy Minister, Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini
Time: 10h00
Venue: Kwa Nokuthula Community Hall, Bitou, Western Cape

Enquiries: Dr Bongani Ngqulunga on 082 308 9373 or bongani@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Gauteng Department of Community Safety on Road Safety in Cosmo City

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By Doctor Moyo

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety in partnership with South African Police Service (SAPS) and Johannesburg Police Department (JMPD) held an awareness day where they were teaching members of the public about the road safety on Wednesday 10th of May. This awareness day is also a result of United Nations’ Global road safety week, which started on Monday the 8th of May until Friday the 12th.

“This week is actually UN Global road safety, so we decided to come to Cosmo City, because we noticed that the behavior of the taxi drivers had become hazardous.

Most of the Avanza taxi drivers do not have licenses and they do not respect pedestrians or the safety of their own passengers”, said MonkieRammala, Senior Road Safety Officer. “We decided as the department to visit the area and do awareness speaking to the taxi drivers and owners,” he added. There have been numerous complaints from passengers and other road users, about how Avansa taxi drivers conduct themselves when driving. Although some of the complaints have been addressed, the parties involved still believe that awareness is a necessity for the taxi drivers. “It is the responsibility of a driver or any individual to respect rules and regulations of the roads. It start with you as an individual, you have to respect other road users. We should not need to bring law enforcement to tell people what the right thing to do is, people should know that they should do the right thing, and that starts with respect” Said Rammala Randburg United Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (RULLDTA) were invited to the awareness day. NgwokoMokoala , who is the spokesperson for the association said that they working effortlessly to make their drivers to comply with road laws. “We as the association, have a disciplinary office.

Whenever we get a bad report about a certain driver, they go through the disciplinary committee,” said Mokoala. When taking about a situation whereby other taxi drivers drive without licenses, Mokoala said that whoever the owner of the taxi decides to employ is the responsibility of the owner not the association. “Taxi owners should take responsibilities for their drivers. All the Toyota Avansa’s that belong to the association have an association sticker,” he added Officer OomaMorudi from JMDP stated that as the department they will be working closely with the association, “We are going to be having programs in taxi ranks teaching both taxi drivers and the commuters about their safety. In regards to commuters we will focus mostly on the precautions methods that they should be aware of, in terms of their safety,” said Morudi. “If we work together with them, we will be able to educate them bettter.

 

That is the kind of relationship we have between the association and the JMPD in the area.” On the day, Scholar Patrollers in Both Cosmo city Primary and Junior Primary were launched. Angola Street is one of the busiest streets in the morning at Cosmo City, traffic is being caused by the taxi rank that is near the schools. This includes parents and school transport drivers who drop off kids in the morning.

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