Freedom Day Celebrations
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] 5 Ways to Celebrate Freedom Day By Naledi Mokoena On this day as a nation we unite to annually celebrate and acknowledge the history which gave birth to the democracy we now embrace in South Africa. This year’s theme […]
North West’s R53,4 Billion Budget Plan
The 2024 North West budget speech presented a transformative plan for the province’s communities with a budget boasting over R53.4-billion for the 2024/2025 financial year. The MEC for finance in the North West, Motlapula Rosho delivered the annual budget on 7 March 2024 at the provincial legislature in Mahikeng. The overall budget summarised the provincial government’s role including its outcomes over the last 30 years.
Food Inflation: What is Driving It and What Are The Risks?
The damaging effects of persistent dryness and heatwave in South Africa’s summer crop growing regions have raised concerns about a possible rise in consumer food inflation in the coming months. With South Africa’s food price inflation averaging 11% in 2023 (from 9.5% in 2022, 6.5% in 2021, and 4.8% in 2020), which was relatively high compared with recent periods, talk of further upside pressure in inflation comes as an unwelcome development.
Tech Champions Unveil Innovations in Ireland
The Irish Tech Challenge, now in its second year, is a premier startup competition focusing on innovative solutions aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Launched in 2022, it has swiftly become a catalyst for innovation in the South African tech community, showcasing effective collaborations between governments and the private sector. The initiative, led by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Technology Innovation Agency, collaborates with the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct (South Africa) and Dogpatch Labs (Ireland) as implementing partners.
Trailblazer – Prof. Godfrey
Prof. Godfrey has actively engaged in waste and circular economy initiatives at various levels, collaborating with esteemed organisations such as the United Nations, European Union, and South African Government Departments. Currently leading the Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit for the Department of Science and Technology, her research focuses on the waste sector’s role in South Africa’s green economy transition, waste innovation, economics, governance, and social and behavioural aspects of integrated waste management.
Income Imapct: How The 2024 Budget Speech Affects Your Pocket
There won’t be any relief for personal income-taxpayers In the upcoming 2024/25 tax year. The Personal Income Tax (PIT) table and tax rebates remain unchanged, ignoring inflation. This lack of adjustment means that salary increases will be a push up into a higher tax bracket with increased tax rates. Medical tax credits will also remain unchanged, with no mention of phasing them out or introducing new taxes for National Health Insurance (NHI).
BPESA CEO, Reshni Singh
March is important in South Africa as it honours Human Rights. For Reshni Singh, a fervent supporter of women’s opportunities in the Global Business Services Incentive (GBS) sector, it is also her one-year anniversary as BPESA’s CEO. With 21 years of experience in roles supporting South Africa’s economic growth, especially at the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic), she managed the highly praised GBS incentives programme. In an interview, Reshni reflected on the industry’s significant progress.
merSETA CFO: Ncedisa Mpande
During her tenure at The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), Ncedisa Mpande has ensured that the organisation formed strong partnerships with various provincial offices across the country, one of which has resulted in the training of 6000 young people as solar technicians. It is also through her leadership that the merSETA forged partnerships with various higher education institutions in the country, resulting in the clearing of historical debt for 30 000 students, allowing them to graduate and gain access to the job market. She also ensured that the merSETA partnered with NSFAS, resulting in the funding of 300 students from the “missing middle” to study at various public universities across South Africa.
Human Rights For Only Some Are Human Rights for None
In his Letter to the Nation from the Presidency, penned on March 18, H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa focused on Human Rights – recalling that on 21 March, South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day. The purpose of this public holiday is to remind all South Africans of the Sharpeville Massacre that took place in 1960, when police shot dead 69 unarmed protesters who were taking a stand against unjust and inhumane pass laws; this led to the United Nations (UN) Security Council adopting its first resolution condemning violence perpetrated by the apartheid regime. In 1966 the UN General Assembly declared apartheid a crime against humanity and 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
CIPC Implements Beneficial Ownership Registry
South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2022 sparked a wave of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies and mechanisms. One of these is an amendment of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, which came into effect in April last year with far-reaching implications. In effort to bring more transparency and accountability, organisations whether they be profit-making, NPOs or even non-exempt SOEs – are now obliged to file beneficial ownership information with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) as part of their annual returns to avoid de-registration.