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Vol. 10 Issue #15: 27 Oct - 3 Nov 2023
Mapepeza
Gauteng Hosts Inaugural Cashless Indaba The Gauteng Provincial Government on Thursday, October 26 hosted the Cashless Indaba to promote the adoption of digital payments and promote the transition towards a cashless society in Gauteng.
This initiative aims to address the risks associated with cash transactions, such as robberies and theft, while highlighting the benefits of digital transactions, including enhanced security and financial inclusion. The Indaba, held at the Brixton Multipurpose Hall in Johannesburg, served as a platform for government officials, industry stakeholders, and community members to engage and explore strategies for transitioning towards a safer and more financially inclusive future for Gauteng. Premier Panyaza Lesufi during his address (pictured) emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing the well-being of Gauteng's communities. "Today, we take a significant step towards a safer and more prosperous Gauteng. This Indaba reflects our commitment to addressing safety and security issues in our province while fostering financial inclusion. Going cashless is not just a convenience, but a way to empower our communities", said Lesufi.
The Premier also highlighted the role cash plays in crimes such as cash-in- transit heists. These crimes, he said, posed substantial risks to the security of both transport personnel and the public, and have been a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies. Transitioning towards a cashless society presents an effective solution to combat these crimes. MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara echoed the same sentiment: "Our journey towards a cashless society signifies a collective effort towards a better, more secure future for all. By embracing digital transactions, we are taking a giant leap towards reducing crime and ensuring the safety of our citizens. It also opens doors to greater financial inclusion, as we strive to uplift our communities." Throughout the day, participants from various business sectors engaged in discus-
sions exploring the manifold benefits of a cashless society, including increased safety, improved security, and expanded financial opportunities for all Gauteng residents. MEC for Finance, Jacob Mamabolo said: "The Gauteng cashless economy is rapidly evolving, with several government entities and services leading the charge in the adoption of digital transactions". Notably, the Gauteng Liquor Board is in the process of developing an automated system for all their services, simplifying the process for liquor license applications and renewals.
He further added that "Gauteng is embracing digital solutions to provide efficient services to its residents. The introduction of an online system for applying for services like matric rewrites and matric certificates mark a significant step in ensuring accessibility and convenience for students and learners".
He pledged that the Gauteng Provincial Government would go cashless from 01 April 2024 as part of Agenda 2026, which seeks to create a cashless Gauteng society in three years. He urged the industry to develop its roadmap towards Agenda 2026 in the meantime, exhorting the retail and taxi sectors to lead the way for the rest.
Warning against Matric Class of 2023 write their finals 717 377 matriculants are expected to “Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) circulating fake Over sit for their final examinations across 6 898 must follow standard operating procedures centres on Monday, as the 2023 National training storage point managers in security Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations get protocols. Moreover, specific collection times messages The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has warned the public against sharing a message that is circulating and promising free data.
“The department would like to warn members of the public to desist from participating in sharing the false information and cautions against opening such links as they are fake and harmful,” the DCDT said on Monday, October 30. The department said government is striving to ensure that it brings about digital equilibrium by ensuring that it embarks on various activities aimed at connecting the unconnected and leveraging opportunities for everyone to participate in the digital economy. “DCDT has been by far deliberate on digital inclusion by spearheading programmes such as South Africa Connect Phase 2, which seeks to fast track internet penetration in all public institutions and the community at large. “The 2 step approach towards the conclusion of Broadcast Digital Migration is another example of moving our country towards a digital economy as this will see the roll out of the High Demand Frequency Spectrum and will result in the decrease of data costs,” it said.
underway.
Briefing the media on the state of readiness for the exams on Sunday (October 29), Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said the figures are not mere statistics but embody the aspirations, dreams, and relentless efforts of all Grade 12 learners. She said there has been a gradual decrease in the number of candidates, 34 626 candidates, when comparing this year’s figures to 2022 and this could be attributed to the fact that more candidates completed their qualifications on time. “There has been an increase in the number of part-time learners from 168 631 in 2022 to 181 143 in 2023 (an increase of 12 512). A total of 207 question papers, 72 500 invigilators and 52 500 markers will drive the examinations process. “Furthermore, our roster boasts 72 500 invigilators [who are] ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations, compared to 72 000 last year,” Motshekga said. Umalusi has approved all the question papers to be administered in the October/November 2023 examinations and given the nod to the exams. The Minister assured that security measures have been enhanced to prevent paper leaks in all nine provinces, with the State Security Agency having audited the processes.
for question papers by chief invigilators have been established to deter early access. Each PED has its own irregularity committee to anticipate and mitigate crises,” Motshekga said.
To mitigate the challenge of load shedding, Motshekga said all PEDs and schools have devised contingency plans, including backup generators. The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) Paper 1 examinations were generally conducted this week without power issues, with isolated incidents and affected candidates isolated and managed. “We will offer a backup paper if needed due to power interruptions. In South African Sign Language Home Language (SASL HL), candidates’ laptops will be fully charged before each examination commences, and backup power supply measures have been put in place,” Motshekga said. Meanwhile, Cabinet has also wished the matric class of 2023 the best of luck. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, urges parents and guardians to play a supportive role in their children’s academic journey and create a stress-free environment for studying. “It is common for learners to feel anxious or overwhelmed during this time and learners are advised to talk to their parents, teachers, someone they trust or contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 567 567,” she advised.
