Africa Cup Of Nations News Updates 2020

The Portfolio Committee on Transport will this weekend conduct an oversight at the infamous Moloto Road Development Project. The committee will receive briefings from the South african National Roads Agency Limited and the Passenger Rail Agency of South africa.The committee will kick-start its visit with a courtesy meeting with the AmaNdebele King, His Majesty Makhosonke II.Details of the visit are as follows:Date: Friday, 27 November 2020Time: 9h00Venue: KwaMhlanga (Kings Cluster)For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committees Media officer:Name: Sibongile Maputi (Mr)Parliamentary Communication ServicesTel: 021403 8738Cell: 081052 6060E-mail: [email protected]

The Portfolio Committee on Transport will this weekend conduct an oversight at the infamous Moloto Road Development Project. The committee will receive briefings from the South african National Roads Agency Limited and the Passenger Rail Agency of South africa.The committee will kick-start its visit with a courtesy meeting with the AmaNdebele King, His Majesty Makhosonke II.Details of the visit are as follows:Date: Friday, 27 November 2020Time: 9h00Venue: KwaMhlanga (Kings Cluster)For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committees Media officer:Sibongile Maputi (Mr)Parliamentary Communication ServicesTel: 021 403 8738Cell: 081 052 6060E-mail: [email protected]

Thirteen youth-led projects are set to benefit from the Driving Force for Change initiative, intended for projects that tackle issues of climate change, waste management and biodiversity loss. This initiative, worth R1.3 million, announced on Youth Day this year, responded to the Presidents challenge to South africas youth challenge to craft and design programmes that will make the country reach its developmental goals and address the unemployment crisis, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy said. On Thursday, the Minister announced 13 successful projects for the Driving Force for Change initiative at the South african National Biodiversity Institute in Pretoria. Todays initiative intends to translate concepts into bankable business ideas, to explore unchartered territories through research and development; to incubate and nurture innovation and technology, to equip our youth with the necessary skills sets and capacity, so that their projects have a positive impact on the environment, Creecy said. More than 250 applications were received for the initiative, across the four themes - namely, climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, biodiversity and ecosystems, and waste management solutions. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries set aside a total of R1 million to enable the selected youth projects to implement ideas that support young innovators and entrepreneurs, who want to create a more environmentally friendly economy and society. Our international partners have been generous in providing technical and financial support for our initiative. We have received an additional financial contribution of R300 000 from the British High Commission. This has allowed us to increase our number of winners to 13. The German Technical Agency is ready to provide technical support to the project winners and training in business acumen, said Creecy. Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan The department has committed to pursue projects that will contribute towards the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, aimed at stimulating equitable and inclusive growth. Our recovery programme notes that the pursuit of green industrialisation and a green future is an important intervention to ensure a sustainable solution to climate vulnerability and economic competitiveness, the Minister said. Through the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the department will pursue a few high-impact priorities, which include: A massive infrastructure programme; An employment stimulus to create and support jobs, which includes the expansion of natural resource management programmes; Immediate steps to achieve energy security, which includes significantly improved investment in renewables and storage technology; Measures to deepen local industrialisation and african integration. Government, together with Eskom, is currently exploring a proof of concept project to repurpose at least one of Mpumalangas aging power stations to give it a new purpose once they are decommissioned. Other critical interventions in the green economy include expanding the programme to retrofit public and private buildings and improve energy and water efficiency, support for small grower farmers through PPPs in forestry (including in State plantations), and measures to support the diversion of waste from landfills, Creecy said.

The South african National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has committed to joining government and citizens in the campaign to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The council made the pledge during a virtual dialogue to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, held on Wednesday. The virtual interactive session comprised President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), representatives from the mens sector, survivors of GBV, leaders of faith communities and civil society organisations. SANTACO President, Phillip Taaibosch, used the platform to convey an apology on behalf of the council, to all women, children and disabled people for not giving them the necessary support they deserve. He said the members of the taxi industry will be taking to the streets to actively participate in the call for men to stop behaving unmanly. We will be embarking on a 365-day [campaign] where we will start with our own road safety programme. All hlokomela taxis will be branded with a message Not In our Name in the Taxi Industry. We want to send a message that it cant be that women and children and disabled people are not safe in our vehicles, Taaibosch said. Taaibosch expressed the councils appreciation to Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who has helped taxi owners and drivers understand the impact and value of respecting women, children and disabled people, through training programmes hosted by the department. We behaved as if we were not part of South africa. With the launch of 16 Days of Activism, we call on taxi drivers and owners to change the way and the manner in which we behave, so that we can build a very powerful and respected South africa - where women feel safe in our taxis and on the road, Taaibosch said. Judy Nokwedi from the Black Business Council challenged CEOs and senior managers from all companies to ensure that the issue of GBVF is put high on the agenda. Pay parity should be a criminal offence if not implemented. We must teach young boys that violence is a choice when we play our part, change happens, Nokwedi said. GBV survivor Nelisa Grootboom urged women to walk away from abusive relationships, explaining that the abuse never ends. Psycho social support services Meanwhile, Eastern Cape MEC for Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nomakhosazana Meth said 9 000 victims of GBVF have received psycho social support services early this year. Courts are beginning to prioritise cases of GBVF and we see more women breaking the silence by reporting these cases, Meth said, adding that citizens cannot bury their heads in the sand and must take action. At the virtual session, President Ramaphosa announced that government is in the process of drafting a Bill on the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Council, which is expected to be in Parliament early next year.

The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence will this weekend, 27-30 November visit land borders, 4 Vehicle Reserve Park, Air Force Base Waterkloof and 1 Military Hospital.As part of the committees oversight responsibility, the visits main intention is to assess challenges faced by the South african National Defence Force in delivering on its mandate, the impact and progress in resolving some of the concerns raised by defence committees of the 5th Parliament, and also to assess the rollout of measures to safeguard the borderline as per the mandate of Operation Corona.Successive defence committees have called for additional funding to bolster the capacity of deployment as part of Operation Corona to the ideal 22 sub-units deployment to safeguard the borderline. While the R225 million additional allocation to the Department of Defence to procure equipment and technology to support military units deployed is welcomed, the committees remain aware that the challenge of porous borders remains a huge concern. The R225 million will go a long way in implementing a recommendation to utilise technology as a force multiplier in safeguarding our borders. The visit will appraise the committee with the plans to spend the additional allocation as well as to discuss solutions to challenges faced by soldiers deployed on the borderline.In line with this, the committees will visit the Beitbridge, Komatipoort and Kosi Bay deployment areas. As part of the visit, the committee will receive presentations on strategies to address the threat of corruption along our borderline.The delays in completion of the refurbishment of 1 Military has been raised as a matter of concern by successive defence committees since the Repair and Maintenance Project commenced in 2006. The visit is aimed at assessing progress in concluding the refurbishment project, as well as assessment of progress in the appointment of specialised medical professionals and procurement of specialised medical equipment.The visit to 4 Vehicle Reserve Park, the committees will visit to assess the impact and progress of Ops Thusano in repairing vehicles at the facility and ensure the operability of vehicle capability that need to be repaired at the facility. Operation Thusano comprises the deployment of Cuban technicians to various SANDF (South african National Defence Force) bases around the country. The main aim of Project Thusano is to create a sustainable system of transport for the SANDFAt the centre of this visit is to ensure that the SANDF functions at its optimal in delivering its mandate.The programme for the oversight visit: https://tinyurl.com/yyhoxazz For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the Committees Media officer:Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)Parliamentary Communication ServicesTel: 021 403 8438Cell: 081 512 7920E-mail: [email protected]

The Gauteng MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, has called on taxi industry leaders to continue to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, as volumes of movement are expected to increase during the festive season. "We are appealing to the taxi industry to comply with COVID-19 protocols and law enforcement regulations, refrain from taxi violence and to make sure they protect themselves and commuters against COVID-19," Mamabolo said. Together with leaders from the South african National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and the Gauteng National Taxi Alliance, the MEC on Wednesday held a remembrance ceremony to pay respect to victims of COVID-19 and gender-based violence (GBV) at the Bosman taxi rank inTshwane. The President has directed that from 25 November until 29 November, the nation should embark on five days of mourning, particularly for the victims of COVID-19 and those who have lost their lives through Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). South africa is now observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, as well the commencement of the five days of remembrance. During this period, the flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country from 6am 6pm. One of the best ways to honour the memory of those who have departed due to COVID-19 is to vow to never let our guard down in an effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus, Mamabolo said. He emphasised the importance of government intensifying its work with all stakeholders to put an end to GBV, which has been described as the second pandemic. MEC engages health workers In his capacity as acting MEC for Health, Mamabolo proceeded to the Tshwane District Hospital, where he held an engagement with health workers. In Gauteng, 4 989 people have passed away because of COVID-19. The Gauteng Department of Health has lost 45 employees to date. The health workers who died did not die in vain. They lost their lives in the line of duty, working hard to ensure that we minimise the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe them a debt of gratitude and we need to continue working hard to stop the spread of Coronavirus in their honour. Equally so, many members of society succumbed to COVID-19. We remember them today and in their memory, each member of the community must continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical interventions such as maintaining physical distancing, maintaining regular hand hygiene, and wearing a mask, the MEC said.

Cabinet has approved the updated National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy and the revised National Biodiversity Framework, in an effort to assist addressing threats to biodiversity. The National Biodiversity Framework and the National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy are as important existing policy instruments for protection of species and ecosystems, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries said on Wednesday. These measures were approved during last weeks Cabinet meeting. Through the release of the National Biodiversity Assessment by the South african National Biodiversity Institute in 2019, the country is able to better target future protected area expansion, the department said. The assessment has also assisted with South africas national and international reporting obligations, including the state of environment reporting, and the Convention on Biological Diversity Country Report reporting against Aichi Targets or the Sustainable Development Goals. The Revised National Biodiversity Framework has been approved for public comment. The sectoral plan addressed the biodiversity threats identified during the scientific assessment of the state of biodiversity and ecosystems in South africa by the South african National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).The findings were published in the National Biodiversity Assessment in 2019, which requires a review of the Framework every five years, the department said. The most critical areas in the assessment report related to fresh water ecosystems, rivers and estuaries with fresh water fish being the most vulnerable of all the species. South africa is a water scarce country and pressures on biodiversity such as illegal trade in species, land degradation, habitat loss and exponential population growth are key factors that risk infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19. Continued investment in healthy ecosystems in terms of management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity is crucial for water, food and energy security, disease and natural disaster control, climate change resilience; and for post-COVID-19 economic recovery, the department said. Strong commitment and cooperation across all spheres of government is essential for the implementation of the National Biodiversity Framework (NBF) as one of the National Development Plans accelerators. The 2019 - 2024 Framework serves to coordinate and align efforts of the various key role-players in the conservation and management of South africas biodiversity in support of sustainable development. The review of the Framework was necessary so that a different approach can be taken in terms of biological management, an area in which there have been a number of changes since the first NBF was developed more than 12 years ago. The proposed Framework notes while there are a range of national policies, strategies, frameworks and other systems either in place, or being developed, to guide the work in certain areas of the biodiversity sector, an integrated, coordinated and consistent approach to biodiversity management is highlighted for the sector, the department said. It provides for the identification of priority areas for conservation action, and for the establishment of protected areas. It also reflects on regional cooperation concerning biodiversity management in Southern africa, and identifies interventions that can be used to accelerate implementation of high-level priorities of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) over the next five years. Monitoring the implementation of the NBF will be coordinated by the NBSAP Forum. The updated National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy has been approved for implementation. As one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries in the world, the countrys protected areas are the cornerstone of South africas approach to conserving and managing the wealth of biodiversity assets and ecological infrastructure. Effective management of biodiversity contributes to creating jobs in the tourism and nature conservation section, while serving as areas for research. Protected areas also hold multiple benefits for development. The Strategy presents a 20-year strategy for the expansion of protected areas highlights how the country can become more efficient and effective in allocating the scarce human and financial resources available for protected area expansion. It sets protected area targets, maps priority areas for protected area expansion to ensure no further ecosystems become Critically Endangered, and makes recommendations on mechanisms to achieve this. The common set of targets and spatial priorities enables improved co-ordination between all role players involved in protected area expansion. The targets are designed to achieve overall Convention on Biological Diversity Aichi targets, while op

Deputy President David Mabuza has called on South africans to wear a black armband, a ribbon, or any sign that signifies an act of mourning in order to demonstrate solemn respect for those who have passed away due to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and COVID-19. We call on all families, communities and organisations to set up memorial corners where flowers, lit candles and any appropriate form of memorialisation is observed to remember and honour those who have lost their lives, the Deputy President said. He made these remarks on Wednesday during an event to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children Campaign as well as the commencement of the five days of remembrance for the citizens who have lost their lives due to COVID-19. The South african National Flag was flown at half-mast to symbolize the beginning of the five Days of Remembrance for citizens who have lost their lives through GBVF and COVID-19. The President has directed that from 25 November until 29 November, the nation should embark on five days of mourning, particularly for the victims of COVID-19 and those who have lost their lives through GBVF. During this period, the flag will be flown at half-mast, throughout the country from 6am 6pm. We will do this not only as a sign of solidarity with all families who lost their loved ones but to demonstrate our resilience and collective determination to overcome COVID-19 and GBVF, Mabuza said. The Deputy President called on churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and houses of prayer to hold prayer sessions to support surviving families to cope with the loss of their loved ones. Our response to GBVF must be emphatic and uncompromising. It is our commitment as government, civil society formations and all other social partners to work together towards a sustained programme of action to curb GBVF. As part of this comprehensive programme, today marks the official commencement of our 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which is hosted nationwide under the theme: Womens Economic Justice for a Non-Violent and Non-Sexist South africa, the Deputy President said. He encouraged society to collectively rally behind all national efforts and programmes to empower, protect and promote the advancement and development of women and girl children. Together we must build a society that places an enormous amount of its resources to the protection and development of women, to their well-being and their due recognition as leaders of our nation in all facets of human endeavors, the Deputy President said. Mabuza said the 16 Days of Activism campaign should be about concrete and tangible progress to end violence against women and children. It should never just be a simple and annual ritual in our calendar of events. In a democratic and a human rights centred country like ours, patriarchy cannot be used as a cultural basis for the oppression of women. Women can no longer live in servitude to men that have disregard for their lives and their freedom, therefore we call on all our communities to condemn any acts of GBVF and where such acts manifest themselves they should be reported to the nearest police station, he said. Mabuza said the reported rising number of COVID-19 infections remains a major cause for concern. We should continue to behave responsibly to save lives and avoid any possible resurgence of COVID-19 infections that may result in further loss of lives, he said.

Deputy President David Mabuza will tomorrow, 25 November 2020 officiate at the event to mark the beginning of the 16 days of activism against women and children abuse as well as mark the beginning of 5 days remembrance for citizens who have lost their lives.Earlier this month, during his address to the nation, President Ramaphosa called on the nation to demonstrate remembrance of all those who have departed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and gender-based violence.The South african National Flag will be flown to half-mast to symbolise the beginning of the 5 Days of Remembrance of loved ones and citizens who have lost their lives through Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and COVID-19.Details of the event:25 November 202006:00 (Members of the media to arrive at 05:00 for screening)Union BuildingsEnquiries:Mmabatho RamompiCell:076 480 3513Email: [email protected] Matshepo SeedatCell:082 679 9473Email: [email protected]

Fifteen african early-stage tech startups, focusing on the african space industry have been selected to progress in the next step of the prestigious Space Tech Challenge . Hosted by multiple partners include the South african National Space Agency (SANSA) and ZA Space Ince, the Space-Tech Challenge aims to develop early-stage tech startups that are aimed at empowering africa through space-tech innovation. The challenge has defined space tech as a set of applications that use earth observation, gather information about the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the planet all via remote-sensing technologies. As the african space-tech sector is a rapidly growing industry, the challenges objectives are to develop the selected participating startups into sustainable companies and develop the continent's geospatial readiness. This will in turn allow african businesses to service the continent's demand for geospatial intelligence. Finalists for the Space-Tech Challenge The finalists of this challenge will undergo a two-week business development support programme and pitch their innovations to a panel of expert and industry representatives judges. Each participant will go head-to-head for a spot in the Top 10 winners. Here are the top 15 african finalists selected: From South africa: A digital mapping startup Abiri , founded by Tswelelo Piet Mashita An environment and tech-focused startup Sturtium, that uses science and engineering to offer solutions that integrate technology, environmental preservation, and social needs. Geospatial data science company Hydro Blu , that focuses on increasing the accessibility to drinkable water supply in vulnerable and remote regions through data-driven decision making. A cloud-based digitisation and farm management platform Smart AgrIoT that provides accurate fertilizer and watering recommendations. Natural disaster mapping solution called Risk Response. A sustainable farming tech company, UpFarm , increases the efficiency in farm management. Contre IPC, a startup that uses Earth Observation data to ensure recovery of stolen products. ABCD Electricity, which uses solar irradiance data to estimate the electricity production capabilities of new photovoltaic (PV) installations which is a power system developed to supply usable solar power. The South african Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation , which is a non-profit organisation. From Nigeria FieldDev , an agribusiness-focused geographic information system (GIS) mapping provider that manages and maps data of smallholder farmers' and transforms them into virtual geo-clusters through geospatial analysis. Agro Data , which optimises tropical farming through technologies. From Rwanda HeHe , a post-harvest platform that forecasts supply and consumer data to predict demand to allocate logistics resources by using remote sensing technology. FloodWiz, which aims to assist with disaster management by providing easy-to-use data on flood patterns. From Botswana Environmental and geospatial consultancy firm Green Aces Environmental From Zambia Fourth Line , an agribusiness that manages product distribution for smallholder bee farmers. The overall winner will be awarded a SecureWatch Premium 5GB valid for three months and to the value of $12 500. Second and third place will be awarded SecureWatch Premium 2GB valued for three months and is valued at $ 5 000. In addition, the winners will receive a four-month incubation and virtual mentorship along with access to a peer-to-peer network via the TechTribe. Lastly, the selected winners will have the opportunity to pitch their unique idea to a MAXAR representative.