ANN7

SMEs key to Africa’s economic growth

May 15, 2016

0

110

Small Economies: Nurturing the small business sector has the potential to grow Africa’s economies and attract investment. Picture: Facebook

Africa’s small business sector has the potential to grow the continent’s economies, create jobs and attract the much needed investment.

A series of activities over the past couple of years have played a part in the pumping up of the Africa Risingstory.

One such development is the May 2014 forum at Gallagher Convention Centre, for the first international trade conference designed specifically for small and medium enterprises.

At this forum, Africa’s brightest and most promising gathered to pave a way for the future of SMEs on the continent and what could be done to create a thriving small business sector.

As correctly analysed then, the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC) of South Africa as organisers, had embarked on a new journey, not only for South Africa, but for the rest of the African continent.

The success of the conference also ensured that international trade for the small business sector would become a big drive for the continent’s development on the road ahead.

Themed Trading Across Borders, this trade conference attracted more than 1000 delegates from all over South Africa as well as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania.

According to the organisers, these delegates were primarily seasoned SME decision makers who attended this all important forum for the purpose of getting to know more about accessing new markets and growing and competing in the global arena.

Another notable milestone was the launch of Build a Business in Afrika initiative, now a global leader in small business and entrepreneurial development and also the official ambassador of NSBC in South Africa and throughout the African continent.

The main outcomes of the conference included the question of extension into Africa, with the following focus points: exposing South African SMEs to international trade experts; linking SA’s SMEs to funding and support; showing the country’s SMEs how to expand their global customer base.

Others included helping SMEs establish contacts with foreign partners; inviting SMEs to ongoing international trade forums; helping SMEs get to know the African economy; providing local SMEs with ongoing education on global trading.

A point of strength for the SMEs in Africa is that there is now a united voice and international trade is the key to growth and competitiveness, the key driver for small and medium enterprises around the world.

“If you are serious about expanding and boosting your top line, follow our educational journey and seize the opportunity to take your business into the lucrative global arena,” was a stated at the conference.

Remarking further on Build A Business in Afrika, the SME forum said: “If you’re looking to start out or grow your business and expand internationally, then this is an unmissable opportunity for you too.

Get exposed to unique and amazing opportunities; receive daily success tips and inspiration; network and gain information or assistance in exporting your products or setting up overseas operations.

To confirm the success of the 2014 forum, last year thousands of business people gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre as part of the follow up to that masterpiece vision at Gallagher.

This was a celebration of another season in SA of My Business Expo, now incorporating Business Start-Up Expo Access to Finance Expo, Small Biz Techno Expo, My Business Seminars and the world-famous Buzz Party, The Franchise Show and Build a Business Live programme.

With more than 27000 visitors, 500 exhibitors and sponsors, and top of the line seminars, many participants still refer to this as the most successful show of its kind in the region.

One thing is clear though, there is new energy for the development of small business and entrepreneurship in South Africa and the rest of the continent.

And if the small business and entrepreneurship community can be dedicated to the success of small business in South Africa and Africa, it will be a big role in growing, teaching and learning, networking, connecting,and inspiring many more entrepreneurs.

African governments would do well to join forces with these initiatives for economic growth purposes.

More recently, a workshop on the plan of action of the Accelerated Industrial Development in Africa, which kicked off in October last year, in Nairobi, Kenya, was another opportunity to leverage the African SME sector.

Organised by the African Union Commission and its Department of Trade and Industry the workshop brought together relevant practitioners with experience and influence in the SME sector, to learn from the challenges they face and their achievements in supporting SME development.

Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

SHARE

Facebook

 

Twitter

  

NUCWOSA formed to advance struggle for national minimum wage

By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

A new trade union has been born in South Africa.

The National Union of Care Workers of South Africa (NUCWOSA) comes into being at a time when the national minimum wage of R3, 500 ($242) is making its's way in the country.

From 23 to 25 November eighty care workers from all nine provinces (drawn from both the health and social development sectors) gathered in Johannesburg to form the new national union. 

According to NUCWOSA this was the culmination of many years of self-organising during which workers created forums in the major urban centres to engage government and the NGO’s that employ them to recognise the extreme exploitation and job insecurity that they face.

"This process reached a peak early this year when the Labour Court ruled that their so-called ‘volunteer’ status is unlawful and that they are in fact employees performing a vital role in providing health and social care for the most vulnerable sections of the working class – the chronically sick, the aged, the bed-ridden as well as orphaned children."

Also noted is, "The need for a trade union, however, has never been more apparent in that the departments of Health and Social Development that still refuse to grant them “employee” status and thereby denying them workers’ rights as enshrined in our labour laws. Wages in the sector for most workers continue to be less than R2000 per month, being as low as R1000 (in Mpumalanga) and no higher than R2263 (for community health workers in Gauteng), says NUCWOSA.  

NUCWOSA also confirmed that the inaugural meeting of the union (which already has a membership of some 5,000 workers) was attended by observers from the Department of Labour. 

"Officials expressed confidence that the union would soon be registered and be able to play its part in defending the status and living standards of workers in the sector. Guests from FNV Mondiaal (the international solidarity organization of the Dutch trade union federation) which had provided valuable seed money for the formation of the union were also present.

Motions mandating the formation of the union and adoption of a constitution as well as resolutions covering health and safety, the launch of a Living Wage campaign, intensification of the struggle for permanent employment status with full benefits, building united fronts with similarly vulnerable workers and rapid recruitment of new members across all provinces were adopted. 

The union’s scope includes all community care workers in both the public and private sectors, including child care workers."

In addition, the following National Office Bearers were elected:  General Secretary Bonga Thubeni (from Mpumalanga), Deputy General Secretary Clara Mahlangu (from Limpopo), President Makhosazana Ganamfana (from Gauteng), Treasurer Thobeka Faltein (from Eastern Cape) and William More (Deputy President from Free State). 

The congress was facilitated by non-profit labour service organisation, Workers World Media Productions which has assisted care workers over the past two years in building the organization.

ANC Today

RADICAL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IS KEY IN CURBING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & CHILDREN

Posted on 25th November 2016 by Staff Reporter Posted in Viewpoints.

MEOKGO MATUBA

 Annually the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) and the ANC-led government, through the Department of Women, run a successful campaign in pursuit of curbing violence on women and children as espoused in the fundamental principles of the movement of a non-violent, non-sexist and a prosperous South Africa.

Since 1998, South Africa embarks on the 16 Days campaign against violence on women and children that commences today, the 25th of November and ends on the10th of December.

The 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, which marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of violence against women, is the Human Rights Day. This period also includes Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day respectively. The campaign, therefore, remains an essential tool in creating awareness on the negative impacts of violence on women and children.

The ANCWL has noted that violence against women and children is still rife in South Africa.  This violence against women takes different forms, namely; physical violence in the form of domestic violence, terrible violent crimes such as murder, robbery, rape and assault in the survivor’s homes and in society and the rape culture in institutions of higher learning and schools against young women and girl children.

While the ANC-run government works tirelessly to eradicate inequality and poverty, we note that the terrible brunt on our democracy is the violence of poverty, starvation, humiliation and degradation, especially against women and children. Poverty, inequality and unemployment are conditions under which violence thrives.

According to the 2015/2016 crime statistics released the by Minister of Police, Comrade Nkosinathi Nhleko, earlier in the year, there is a decline in violent crimes but for us, one incident of crime is one too many. The victims of violence are human beings and at the most violence directly and indirectly affects women and children more than it does men.  For instance, violent crimes such as murder destabilises families since children are left as orphans with lifelong psychological scars.  Again, the majority of sexual offenses perpetrators are men than women.

As much as the ANCWL appreciates the gradual decrease in crime against women & children, it is our firm belief that more needs to be done in relation to sex crimes, which includes sexual assault and rape. On sexual violence, statistics indicates that Gauteng had 9510 cases, KZN 8947, Eastern Cape 8797, Western Cape 7130, Limpopo 4369, North-West 4164, Free-State 3928, Mpumalanga 3331 and Northern Cape 1719. In total there were 51895 reported cases. These are not just numbers but there are human being and especially vulnerable women and children behind each and every number.

When we take into consideration the fact that statistics are not an accurate reflection on the number of sexual violent instances because it is only based on reported cases and it is common knowledge that there are survivors who do not report rape and assault cases due to various reasons ranging from safety, economic reasons etc. we, in the ANCWL remain concerned because crime statistics tell us that while we conduct successful campaigns yearly, we need to intensify the fight in curbing the culture of violence against women and children.

As the ANCWL launched the campaign this week, the aim is to mobilise society into acknowledging that violence against women and children is not a government or a criminal justice system problem, but a societal problem, and that failure to view it as such, results in all efforts failing to eradicate this scourge in our communities.

Violence against women and children is one of the most egregious and persistent violations of human rights, affecting victims across race, gender and age. This societal ill is a symptom of gender inequalities which are pervasive socially, in politics and in the economic mainstream. Women perform 66% of the work worldwide and produce 60% of its food, yet they earn 10% of the income and own 1% world’s property.

The ANCWL is adamant that radical economic transformation of women will curb violence against women and children. Gender gaps in the economic mainstream need to be tackled with vigour and the urgency it deserves as economically disempowered women are vulnerable to gender based violence.  Women need to be economically empowered to gain their confidence and independence respectively.

As a country we need to focus our energies on strategies for empowering women economically to afford them greater autonomy in securing livelihoods through traditional employment and self-employment.  Women empowerment has proven to yield great results in families and society at large.

Women cannot stand in the side-lines and watch the gains of our democracy regress. We, being in majority in country’s population, will continue to take up our role to influence, mobilise and fight for economic emancipation of women thus curbing violent crimes against women and children. We must move together towards a violence free South Africa.

The ANCWL calls on men, young men and boys, in all their formations and in society at large to join the fight against violence on women and children. While the campaign is marked for only 16 days, the deeply entrenched scourge dictates that everyday becomes a day to make progress our fight to emancipate, first and foremost women economically and thereby curbing gender based violence perpetuated mainly by inequality and poverty.

It is the responsibility of all members of our society to ensure that the rights of women are respected as equal citizens. That responsibility cannot be relegated to women alone.

CDE MEOKGO MATUBA IS THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ANCWL

Business Tech

Zuma may be right

By Staff WriterDecember 1, 201615 Comments

President Jacob Zuma may have a solid Constitutional case to challenge former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s instruction that he set up a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture.

This is according to Constitutional law expert, Pierre de Vos, who says that, in this case, the powers of the Public Protector as enshrined in the Constitution come in direct conflict with the powers of the president.

Madonsela’s report into allegations of state capture made no findings against those implicated within the report – including Zuma, the Gupta family and several ministers; however, it did contain a directive that the president set up a commission of inquiry, with an order the chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng be in charge of establishing it.

However, president Zuma has since announced that he will take the report on review, saying that the entire report was unfair and had procedural issues. Pertinently, Zuma told Parliament that the Public Protector had no right to tell him what to do or how to do it.

And Constitutionally speaking, he may be right, de Vos says.

According to de Vos, case history in South Africa supports the president’s view, in that the Constitutional Court has previously ruled that the right to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry belongs solely to the president, and that this power cannot be abdicated, nor dictated.

“The Court held (in the case of the President of the Republic of South Africa and Others v South African Rugby Football Union and Others) that when the Constitution vests the power to appoint commissions of inquiry in the President, the President may not delegate that authority to a third party. The President himself must exercise the power,” de Vos said.

“This precedent suggests that the President will have a plausible case to have the remedial action set aside. It is therefore possible that a court…will find that the Public Protector unlawfully dictated to the President how to exercise his powers under section 84(2)(f) of the Constitution.”

However, this case is slightly more complicated than that, the legal expert noted.

Unprecedented case

While the president is Constitutionally empowered to be the only to be able to set up such commissions – the Public Protector is Constitutionally empowered to impose binding remedial action, even on the president.

De Vos said that there is tension between these two powers, and it could be argued that the president has already abided by an instruction from the Public Protector, dictating how he should use his powers (by reprimanding ministers, following the Nkandla ruling).

“If there are other provisions in the Constitution that allow another constitutional body (like a court or the Public Protector) to instruct the President to appoint a commission of inquiry and how to select the person chairing that commission, this would trump the requirement that the President cannot act under dictation,” he said.

“It is not easy to predict how the Constitutional Court will view the instruction by the Public Protector that the President should appoint a commission of inquiry to further investigate maladministration.

“The situation is rather unique and I cannot imagine that the drafters of the Constitution ever envisaged that it would arise,” de Vos said.

De Vos said that there was a clear prima facie evidence of severe maladministration, and possibly criminal activity – and that there was a conflict of interest in the president having power to establish the commission. However, it would be up to the Constitutional Court to strike a balance.

“Whatever happens, it is going to be fascinating to see where the Constitutional Court come out on this issue.”

Africa Biz says: having failed to make any finding against the President or others involved into 'State Capture' allegations, the former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has misled the nation with the State of Capture report which makes assumptions and untested allegations against a sitting President. 

At best, Madonsela has been incompetent at carrying out her duties while she was the Public Protector. At worst, she is mischievous and driven by malicious intent to discredit President Jacob Zuma as had happened before with the Nkandla report. 

And the “leaking” to a news channel of an audiotape of an interview Madonsela had with Zuma during her “state capture” investigation.

Character assassination of President Zuma seems to be behind Madonsela's actions. With the end objective being that the ANC's National Executive Committee will finally turn against President Zuma and recall him.

Africa Biz sees no other reason for Madonsela to invest years of her work as the Public Protector and consistently manufacturing untested allegations against the President of the Republic.

Madonsela must be charged for any unconstitutional conduct on her part.

TimesLive

‘We knew that we could rely on Cuba’ – Zuma’s tribute to Castro

Tmg Digital | 30 November, 2016 10:33

Cuban President Raul Castro (L) and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma shake hands as they attend a massive tribute to Cuba's late President Fidel Castro in Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, November 29, 2016.
Image by: CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / REUTERS

President Jacob Zuma this week travelled to Havana to attend the funeral of the late former president of Cuba‚ Fidel Castro‚ who passed away on November 25‚ aged 90.

Below is a transcript of the tribute Zuma gave at a mass memorial rally in the Plaza de la Revolucion in the Cuban capital on Tuesday:

The people and government of the Republic of South Africa learned with sadness of the passing of one of the greatest revolutionaries of our time and one of the greatest heroes of the 20th century‚ Comrade President Fidel Castro Ruz.

We join the progressive forces of the world in mourning and celebrating the life of this renowned internationalist and anti-imperialist‚ who selflessly supported the struggles of the oppressed and exploited. The passing of Comrade Fidel is a painful loss for the South African people.

He stood with us in solidarity‚ supporting our struggle including the international campaign to isolate the apartheid regime. We knew that we could rely on Cuba‚ a trusted friend and ally of the oppressed. Significantly‚ the deep and undying special relationship between Cuba and Africa was cemented by the blood of heroic Cuban soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for their belief in anti-imperialism‚ freedom and justice.

Cuba deployed close to half a million soldiers and officers in Africa‚ to support the struggles for national independence or against foreign aggression‚ over 30 years. In particular‚ Cuba's Angolan intervention stands out as the greatest example of international solidarity that changed the course of history.

Comrade Fidel deployed combat troops‚ military advisors and equipment to defend Angola from an invasion by the racist South African Defence Force which was backed by negative proxy local forces.

The mission was also to liberate Namibia and boost the liberation efforts in South Africa between 1987 and 1988. It was this engagement that led to the epic battle of Cuito Cuanavale in 1988‚ in which the Cubans forced the South African racist apartheid regime into a humiliating and devastating retreat. The historic defeat of the racist forces consolidated the victory of the MPLA in Angola and also laid the basis for Namibian independence in 1990‚ leading to South Africa's own liberation in 1994.

We salute Comrade Fidel for this selfless sacrifice. Cuba was not looking for gold‚ diamonds or oil in Africa.

The Cubans only wanted to see freedom and an end to the treatment of Africa as a playground of powerful nations while people suffered.

Addressing the South African parliament in 1998‚ Comrade Fidel said about the Cuban soldiers in Africa: "From the African land in which they worked and fought voluntarily and selflessly‚ they only took back to Cuba the remains of their fallen comrades and the honour of having fulfilled their duty. That is why we know and value the human qualities of Africa much more than those that for centuries colonised and exploited this continent”.

• Flags to be at half-mast in SA to mark Castro’s death

We also recall the words of our President Oliver Tambo at the meeting of the non-aligned countries here in Havana in 1979.

He said Africans had come to know the Cuban people "not merely by meeting them in their own country but because they live with us in Africa‚ they fight with us‚ they die with us‚ they fail and they win‚ with us. They have become part of the struggling people of our continent”. Most significantly‚ we will remember Comrade Fidel as a great fighter for the ideal that the poor have a right to live in dignity.

That is why the Cuban revolution was and still remains an inspiration to South Africa and the world on how to achieve a better life for the poor. Today Cuba has higher health standards than many developed countries. It has sent thousands of its doctors to many parts of the world. South Africa has gained many Cuban doctors in our hospitals and clinics‚ often in the most remote areas of our country.

In addition‚ many of our youth have qualified as medical practitioners in Cuba and many are continuing to study in this country.

Cuba had also opened the doors of its schools and universities for the education of many South Africans during our days in exile. President Mandela remarked in 1998 during President Fidel Castro's visit to South Africa that Cuba's achievements in delivering social services such as education and health were an inspiration. He said this conveyed a message to the developing world‚ that ignorance and disease were not "unalterable conditions of human life”.

We also admire Cuba's unique Cuban value system‚ which includes a deep sense of patriotism. This is something we want our youth to learn‚ as we build a new society based on human solidarity in our own country.

Excellencies‚ It is remarkable that Cuba has scored all these achievements in human development‚ despite facing one of the fiercest and unjust economic blockades on any country‚ by the United States of America. We will continue to support the efforts of lifting of the economic blockade of Cuba by the US.

We urge the United Nations to play its role in the resolution of this decades long impasse. Excellencies‚ Comrades and friends‚ Commander in Chief Fidel Castro attracted many enemies and survived hundreds of assassination attempts because of his unapologetic stance against imperialism. We must endeavour to take forward the ideals that he espoused - internationalism‚ freedom‚ equality‚ justice and a better and more just world.

We must strengthen the voice of the South and deepen collaboration within the Group of 77 and China‚ within the Non-Aligned Movement‚ and now also within BRICS. We extend our deepest condolences to the family‚ the government and the people of Cuba. Go well Comrade Fidel! You have run your race. You have fought a good fight. May your soul now rest in eternal peace.

Hamba kahle Comrade Fidel‚ Qhawe lamaqhawe!

I thank you.

- TMG Digital

APO

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software, The Social Express®, Touches Down in Africa

August 5, 2016

The Language Express, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa

SAN DIEGO, United States of America, August 5, 2016/APO/ —

• The Language Express, Inc. (USA) partners with Prognari to teach Social Emotional Intelligence Skills across Africa
• Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

The Language Express, Inc. (TheSocialExpress.com), developers of the Award winning programme, “The Social Express® today announced its partnership with Prognari (Prognari.com), an Africa-focused education value-add organization that seeks to develop social, emotional intelligence capabilities and life skills in children and young adults. This strategic partnership supports both companies’ objective of equipping the 21st century African child with the skills required to be successful in school and life.

The Social Express® is an animated Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) software designed to teach children and young adults how to think about and manage social interaction situations. It helps them develop meaningful social relationships and ultimately succeed in life.

Marc Zimmerman, CEO of The Language Express, Inc. while commenting on the partnership, said:

“We are excited to bring The Social Express to the African market. Through user testimonials, we have seen positive results in over 70 countries. Prognari will bring the knowledge, reach and expertise that we wanted in a strategic partner for Africa.”

Collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills will help African students succeed in a quickly changing digital economy

The World Economic Forum, in its March 2016 report titled, ‘New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning through Technology,’ noted that “In order to thrive in the 21st century, students need more than traditional academic learning. They must be adept at collaboration, communication and problem-solving, which are some of the skills developed through SEL. Coupled with mastery of traditional skills, social and emotional proficiency will equip students to succeed in the swiftly evolving digital economy”.

Emmanuel Udoro, the Corporate Communications Director at Prognari said:

“Our overriding vision at Prognari, has always been to proactively equip African children and young adults for life in the 21st Century and beyond through experiential and targeted learning. Our partnership with The Language Express, Inc. moves us closer to achieving our objective and will see us taking The Social Express to the length and breadth of the African continent. The Social Express® is a digital and innovative learning program that aligns with the trend shifts in our digital world.”

The Social Express® (TheSocialExpressAfrica.com), which is accessed via the internet on mobile devices (currently available only on iPads) and desktop platforms, runs a series of interactive web episodes (webisodes) and mobile apps that can be used by the learner independently, or with a teacher in a group.

To see a preview of The Social Express® programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUkycc)

In addition to equipping children with SEL abilities, Prognari is working with The Language Express to reduce the incidence of bullying in schools through the Cool School (bit.ly/2aUknxB) programme. Cool School is an interactive and animated anti-bullying programme designed for elementary school learners; Cool School’s six week curriculum has been designed to teach young students about bullying through interactive videos and offline activities. The program also addresses bystander behavior and how it can contribute to and increase bullying within the school environment.

To see a preview of the Cool School programme, click here. (bit.ly/2aUknxB)

News24

Castro dedicated his life to freeing the oppressed - Zuma

2016-11-26 09:42

Jenni Evans, News24

President Jacob Zuma. (AFP)

Related Links

• 'History will absolve me' - The life and times of Fidel Castro
• Fidel Castro dies, aged 90
• 'I am not interested in power' - Quotes from Fidel Castro

Cape Town - Fidel Castro identified with and helped South Africa in the struggle against apartheid, President Jacob Zuma said in a message of condolences on Saturday after the Cuban liberation hero's death.

''The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, has on behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, conveyed a message of condolences to the government and the people of Cuba, following the passing on of former President Fidel Castro,'' a statement said.

Zuma said Castro, who died aged 90 on Friday, led the Cuban revolution and dedicated his entire life not only to Cuban freedom and sovereignty, but also the freedom of other oppressed people around the world.

''He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid. The Cuban people, under the leadership and command of

President Castro, joined us in our struggle against apartheid," he said.

The two countries formed a strong bond of friendship after South Africa's own liberation in 1994.

"As a way of paying homage to the memory of President Castro, the strong bonds of solidarity, cooperation and friendship that exist between

South Africa and Cuba must be maintained and nurtured."

Earlier, International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela said Zuma had called Castro's brother Raul after the ''devastating'' news to personally offer South Africa's condolences.

''We are standing with the people of Cuba at this difficult time,'' said Monyela.