Comunidados de Imprensa

Comunidados de Imprensa

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT - 18 MARCH 2024

 

Human rights for only some are human rights for none
                                 
Dear Fellow South African, 
 
Later this week, on 21 March, South Africa will celebrate Human Rights Day.
 
On that day we will recall the Sharpeville Massacre of 21 March 1960, when apartheid police shot dead 69 unarmed protesters who were taking a stand against the apartheid regime’s unjust and inhumane pass laws. 
 
The events in Sharpeville on that day were one of the worst violations of human rights in our history and attracted worldwide condemnation. It was in the aftermath of the Sharpeville Massacre that in 1960, the United Nations (UN) Security Council adopted its first resolution condemning violence perpetrated by the apartheid regime. 
 
Six years later, the UN General Assembly would label apartheid a crime against humanity. It would also declare 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and an opportunity to draw attention to racial injustice everywhere.
 
Thirty years into democracy, all who live in South Africa continue to enjoy the shelter and protection of the Bill of Rights enshrined in our Constitution. Our forebears who took up the struggle in defence of liberty and human rights at Sharpeville enjoyed no such protection. As a result of their struggles we now enjoy these rights.
 
In addition to the dreaded pass laws, black South Africans were denied even the most basic rights. With a combination of unjust laws and brute force, the racist regime decided where black people could live, what schools their children could attend, who they could and could not marry, what occupations they could enter, and how much they could earn. 
 
So petty and cruel was apartheid that there was even a law, the Reservation of Separate Amenities Act, that segregated public facilities along racial lines. “Whites Only” or “Net Blankes” signs were put up in store entrances, on public benches, in playgrounds, and even on the country’s beaches. 
 
For the generations born into freedom it is almost inconceivable that such systematic, deep-seated racism existed, making it all the more necessary for us to reflect on how far we have come in building a country that is non-racial, non-sexist, equal, prosperous and free.
 
Over the past three decades, we have worked together to undo the terrible legacy of apartheid. However the effects of apartheid persist across society – whether it is in health, educational and developmental outcomes, access to basic services and infrastructure, or in the racialised nature of poverty, unemployment, inequality and exclusion.
 
Human Rights Month is an opportunity to assess the progress we have made over the past three decades to advance the Bill of Rights set out in our Constitution, as well as to reflect honestly on where we have fallen short. 
 
The results of Census 2022 released last year highlight the progress we have made as a country in giving effect to the rights contained in our Constitution.
 
The pro-poor policies of the democratic state have lifted millions out of absolute poverty, expanded access to basic services, improved educational and health outcomes for the country’s majority, and broadened participation in economic activity.
 
As we head into our country’s 7th democratic election this year, we are further reminded of the fundamental freedoms South Africans enjoy today. These include freedom of conscience and opinion, the right to assembly and demonstration, freedom of association, and wide-ranging political rights. We also have a free, independent media that plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability.
 
On the occasion of the adoption of our Constitution in 1996, we proclaimed to the world that we are a society committed to democracy, to the rule of law and to the protection of human rights.
 
This places a great responsibility on us as South Africans, whether as government, business, labour or civil society, to live up to the promise of our Bill of Rights. 
 
We have to stand together united as we work for the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. We should not be in denial about our shortcomings and strive to overcome them with urgency. For millions of South Africans, lack of access to basic services, unemployment and lack of opportunity affect the most fundamental of human rights – the right to dignity.
 
As we continue to work towards realising the basic human rights of all South Africans, we are reminded that these rights are universal. That all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them.
 
We are reminded that we cannot truly be free until all people are free.
 
When we consider the deteriorating state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in many parts of the world today, we are mindful that we have a moral responsibility to strive for the achievement of human rights not just for our own people, but for all people across the world. 
 
As we commemorate the tragic events that took place in Sharpeville in 1960, and recommit ourselves to the cause of human freedom, we stand firm in our position that human rights for only some are human rights for none. Let us all continue to advance and protect the human rights of all who live in South Africa.
 
With best regards,

Signature

 

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT - 11 March 202

 

Partnership with business shows that we are better together
 
Dear Fellow South African,

The remarkable progress made in the partnership between Government and business over the last nine months shows just how much we can get done when we work together.
 
The partnership was established in June last year to tackle the electricity supply crisis, the severe challenges in freight rail and port operations, and crime and corruption. These areas were identified as the most immediate obstacles to faster growth and job creation. By addressing these challenges we would be able to unleash great potential in our economy.
 
We decided on a focused approach, undertaking those actions that would have the greatest impact in each area. Where appropriate, business has participated in Government’s broader response to these challenges, and has dedicated substantial resources and skills in supporting Government’s work. Since the partnership began, the private sector has contributed more than R170 million of direct support and has mobilised over 350 technical experts. More than 130 CEOs of the country’s leading companies have pledged their support.
 
This collaboration builds on several successful partnerships between Government and other social partners in recent years. Drawing on the collective capabilities of business, labour and civil society, we were able to mount an effective response to the COVID pandemic and develop an economic recovery plan. We have also worked together in other areas, such as in combating gender-based violence, putting in place a national minimum wage and turning the tide against HIV and AIDS.
 
Last week, we held our regular meeting of ministers and business leaders to assess progress and chart the way forward. Significant strides have been made across all the areas of work.
 
Since November 2023, load shedding is 61% lower than the same period a year ago. Among other things, this has been made possible by the return of units at Kusile power station and the impact of new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment. Under the leadership of its new Group CEO, Eskom is finalising an agreement with business to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support Eskom.
 
Business is supporting a number of the workstreams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), providing technical, security and operational expertise to Transnet’s efforts to improve the performance of ports and freight rail. 
 
Working together with all stakeholders, Transnet has, for example, achieved a 45% reduction in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban and a 36% reduction in the waiting time to anchor for container vessels. A major success has been the provision of security by business on the rail network, which has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor, reducing the number of trains cancelled. Work is currently underway to ramp up the deployment of SAPS resources to secure network infrastructure in the longer term.
 
Steady progress has been made in the crime and corruption focal area. Through the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption (JICC), the private sector is providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime. Support has also been provided to modernise the 10111 helpline, with a pilot project initiated at the main call centre in Midrand, and the establishment with the Hawks of a forensics analysis centre.
 
Building on this progress, Government and business are now focused on actions that will make a considerable and lasting difference over the course of the next few months. 
 
Among other things, we are working to increase electricity generation capacity from different sources by up to 10,600 MW, which will enable a significant reduction in the severity of load shedding by the end of this year. This includes improved Eskom plant performance, additional private investment in rooftop solar and large-scale power projects, and connecting projects from previous renewable energy bid windows to the grid. 
 
Following the recent appointment of permanent executive leadership, Transnet is focused on rebuilding internal capacity and drawing on private sector technical resources to restore the operational performance of strategic rail corridors.
 
An important part of the work to tackle crime and corruption will be the passage of the NPA Amendment Bill, which will strengthen the independence and investigating capacity of the NPA. It will also enable the establishment of additional infrastructure to support the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity, including a dedicated forensics laboratory. A key focus of the partnership is to secure South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list by at least June 2025.
 
While this partnership between Government and business has been focused on specific immediate actions, the broader work to grow the economy and create jobs draws on the contributions and capabilities of all social partners and stakeholders.
 
As we work to rebuild our economy, we will strive to deepen these partnerships and to reach out to all South Africans to be involved in these efforts. By broadening the involvement of all social partners in this work, we will continue to build durable social compacts that make a real difference in people’s lives.
 
We have long believed that it is only by working together that we can make progress. The partnership between Government and business has shown what is possible when we are focused and committed towards the achievement of a common goal.


With best regards,

Signature

 

SPECIAL VOTING ABROAD – 17 MAY 2024

Please be informed that South Africans in Portugal will be able to vote in South Africa’s General Elections, on the special day designated, Friday, 17 May 2024, at the South African Embassy in Lisbon, from 07h00 to 19h00.  SAVE THE DATE!!

The Independent Electoral Commission has indicated that to vote at the voting station at the Embassy, such persons must be:

A South African Citizen;

In possession of a green bar-coded RSA ID /valid Temporary Identity Certificate (TIC) or a smart ID card (A passport is no longer necessary);

Registered to vote abroad at the Embassy in Lisbon; and

Eighteen (18) years and older.

 

The Embassy will continue to share as much information as possible regarding the forthcoming general elections, however, it remains the responsibility of the potential voters to familiarise themselves with the voting requirements, by visiting the IEC website at https://www.elections.org.za/pw/

 

Embassy address:

Embassy of the Republic of South Africa

Av. Luis Bivar No.10,

Lisboa

 

Thank you.

2024 HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH

South Africa will this year commemorate Human Rights Month under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”. This year’s theme pays tribute to the 30th anniversary of freedom and democracy.

The whole month of March will be used to reflect on South Africa’s achievements to promote respect for basic human rights and restoring human dignity in line with the Bill of Rights. The history of Human Rights Day is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacre that took place on the 21 of March 1960, where the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest march.

The main event will be held on 21 March 2024 at the George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville, Gauteng.

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT - 4 MARCH 2024

Milestones towards a more professional and effective public service 
 
Dear Fellow South African, 
 
Several important milestones have been reached in the last week as part of the work underway to reform and professionalise the public service. These developments are vital both to advancing the goal of a capable developmental state and giving effect to recommendations of the State Capture Commission. 
 
Earlier this week, the National Assembly passed two important pieces of legislation that will improve the functioning of the public service, strengthen accountability and increase efficiency. These bills – the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill – will now go to the National Council of Provinces for consideration. 
 
Also this week, the Department of Public Service and Administration published a new directive to guide departments in implementing the framework for the professionalisation of the public service. 
 
This directive, together with the draft legislation, will have a far-reaching impact on the functioning of the public service. They give effect to some of our most important tasks. 
 
Firstly, these reforms will help ensure that the best people are appointed to the public service and that they are given support to perform effectively. 
 
The directive, for example, requires that a person can only qualify to be appointed to senior management in the public service if they have successfully completed the pre-entry programme known as Nyukela. The course, which is provided by the National School of Government and takes about 120 hours to complete, aims to ensure that all applicants to senior management have the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed. The course aims to ensure that prospective senior managers are grounded in the values of good citizenship, ethical leadership and developmental public administration.
 
All shortlisted candidates must undertake two pre-entry assessments – a practical exercise that tests their competencies, and an integrity assessment that establishes their grasp of ethical principles and ability to take ethical decisions. 
 
All new employees must undergo a compulsory induction programme within six months of appointment, and all current public servants must attend a compulsory re-orientation programme once every five years. 
 
To ensure continuous learning and development throughout a public servant’s career, every department must spend at least 1% of their wage bill on training. To support this effort, the draft legislation currently in Parliament establishes the National School of Government as a national department to provide education and training to employees in all spheres of government, including municipalities and public entities. 
 
During the State of the Nation Address last year, I announced that the National School of Government will work with the Human Sciences Research Council to undertake a skills audit in selected infrastructure and frontline services departments. 
 
The first phase of the project has now been completed, giving us valuable insights into potential critical skills gaps in these departments. In infrastructure departments, for example, the report highlighted the need to improve knowledge of modern engineering practices, sustainable construction methods and environmental impact assessment. The results from the frontline services departments will support the work being done to improve the administration of public services and the quality of services provided. These skills audits have been well received and will help us to get the best that each public servant can offer. 
 
Another important part of the most recent directive, is that the requirement of work experience has been waived for entry level posts in the public service. This must be accompanied by in-service training and support such as coaching and mentoring. Departments are also instructed to establish graduate recruitment schemes to attract young people leaving higher education institutions into the public service. 
 
Secondly, the reforms contained in the draft legislation will significantly reduce the potential for undue political interference in the administration of government. 
 
The Public Service Amendment Bill makes a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials, such as Ministers, and professional public servants, such as Directors-General or Heads of Department. The elected officials, legally defined as the Executive Authority, provides strategic and political direction, while heads of department are granted full administrative powers to run their departments. 
 
This clear delineation of powers will make for a more professional and efficient public service. It will also help to prevent the kind of undue political interference in the administration of the state that the State Capture Commission found sometimes enabled corruption. 
 
Another important change proposed in the legislation is to prohibit a head of department or an employee directly reporting to them from holding political office. This is to strengthen the distinction between political and administrative roles. 
 
Thirdly, these reforms will improve coordination and accountability. 
 
Among other things, the draft legislation will enable the transfer of public servants between national and provincial governments and municipalities. This will help to ensure that people with technical and scarce skills and capabilities can be moved to where they will have the greatest impact. This is particularly important for supporting municipalities, which often suffer from a shortage of skilled employees. 
 
The draft legislation also assigns additional functions to the Director-General in the Presidency, in line with the National Development Plan, to create an administrative head of the public service to whom Directors-General would report on operational, organisational and administrative matters. 
 
Fourthly, these reforms will strengthen the fight against corruption. 
 
As part of the draft legislation, public servants who leave government may not, within 12 months of leaving, accept employment or appointment to the board of a service provider to which they were involved in awarding a contract. They may not perform any paid work or receive any other payment. Service providers or employees who contravene this provision would have committed a crime and could be fined up to R1 million. 
 
To improve accountability and tackle corruption, an inter-departmental task team has developed a central register to track all dismissals and resignations with disciplinary cases pending in national and provincial government. This register currently has over 12,000 records. Work is underway to include information from local government and public entities. This will prevent public servants with disciplinary records being appointed in another part of the State. 
 
All of these reforms will contribute to building a more effective and efficient state that is responsive and accountability. They will enable public servants to do their work without interference and with the necessary support. And they will provide impetus to our collective efforts to build a capable state that is better equipped to fundamentally transform and develop our society. 
 
With best regards,

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