Public Sector Leaders | November 2024

Leveraging AI and green industrialisation to accelerate Africa’s structural transformation

TRAILBLAZER

Prof. Thabo Legwaila

CEO, Tax Ombud

TECH

The skills imperative

Powering up the 4 IR

SPORTING ACTION

Bafana Bafana

They’re back!

800 DELEGATES | 60+ SPEAKERS | 40 EXHIBITORS

20 AWARD WINNERS | 100 FINALISTS

Celebrating excellence across government. SUMMIT 2025

The Public Sector Leaders Summit is a highly respected and prestigious cross-government programme, recognising and celebrating the wealth of inspirational individuals and innovative projects within the Public Sector.

In 2025 Topco Media launches this unique and empowering 2-Day Conference & Awards highlighting best practice right across government, sharing innovation, learning and leadership. 22-23 JUNE 2025 |

CREDITS

PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS

The Digimag For Leaders In The South African Public Sector Fully Accredited Member of ABC

Advertising Sales, Distribution and Subscriptions

Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd

Tel: 086 000 9590 info@topco.co.za | www.topco.co.za

CEO Ralf Fletcher

TOPCO STUDIO

Production Director

Van Fletcher van.fletcher@topco.co.za

Group Editor

Fiona Wakelin

fiona.wakelin@topco.co.za

44

Deputy Editor

Koketso Mamabolo koketso.mamabolo@topco.co.za

Assistant Editor

Shumirai Chimombe shumirai.chimombe@topco.co.za

Contributors

Jessie Taylor

Dr Mmaki Jantjies

Rowan de Klerk

Sue Ramauthar

Wandile Sihlobo

Design

Tashwell Brown

Traffic Manager

Daniël Bouwer artwork@topco.co.za

SALES

National Project Manager

Emlyn Dunn Tel: 072 1263962 emlyn.dunn@topco.co.za

Brand Coordinator

Sidney Phiri sidney.phiri@topco.co.za

Printers LAW Print

Images iStock / Unsplash / GCIS | Flickr | FREEP!K

Digital Publishing Platforms Issuu Magzter Media Carrier

Head Office

Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd T/A Topco Media Elkay House, 186 Loop St Cape Town

Tel: +27 86 000 9590

Fax: +27 21 423 7576

Email: info@topco.co.za

Website: www.topco.co.za (ScanQRcodebelowtoviewwebsite)

DISCLAIMER

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Top Media & Communications (Pty) Ltd T/A Topco Media. Reg. No. 2011/105655/07. While every care has been taken when compiling this publication, the publishers, editor and contributors accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from any errors or emissions.

WE ARE DOING MORE, SO YOU CAN DO MORE.

Sometimes on your journey, you have to change trains. So, at PRASA, we are changing. Now at our revamped stations you can find different places to eat, do your banking and shop at various stores. We’ve re-opened lines, introduced free Wi-Fi, and we have our own security officers, so you’ll always feel safe. And we’re doing all this while keeping Isitimela Sabantu affordable and accessible.

WE ARE DOING MORE, SO YOU CAN DO MORE.

#RebuildingRail

Letter from the

Editor

Welcome to the November edition of Public Sector Leaders (PSL)

In his letter penned to the nation on 18 November, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa focused on the stand-off at the abandoned Stilfontein gold mine which has been going on for over a month – with the South African Police Service and other Government agencies working to resolve a situation of several hundred illegal miners refusing to come to the surface.

“As a Government, we have made a clear determination to deal with acts of criminality, whether they be cashin-transit heists, extortion, illegal mining, gang violence, or related crimes,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.

O ur November cover celebrates Africa Industrialisation Day - commemorated on 20 November each year to raise awareness around the world about how industrialisation plays a critical role in the continent’s development. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the forerunner to the AU, declared this day during its 25th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1989 to highlight the importance of industrial development for Africa’s economic growth and prosperity. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the theme for this year is “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialisation to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation” and focuses on emerging technologies as well as innovations in green manufacturing, looking at how these can be leveraged to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation in a sustainable manner.

Inside we take a look at what is happening to ensure the country’s coffers are full, and in Financial Fitness zoom in on how SARS is enlisting the help of AI to ensure compliance; fittingly, the Trailblazer this month is Prof Thabo Legwaila, Chief Executive Officer at Office of the Tax Ombud. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is shooting the lights out in terms of delivering its mandate to assist in the development of a capable state, so it is with great pleasure we focus the Women in Leadership lens on Dr Rachel Chikwamba, CSIR Group Executive: Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences.

The Regional Focus is on Mpumalanga and the province’s connectivity revolution, whilst in Legal Matters we take a deep dive into workplace bullying. The Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has been in the news recently, and, as it has been signed into law by President Ramaphosa we unpack all you need to know about this important piece of

BY FIONA WAKELIN

education legislation. If you ever suffer a modicum of frustration during traffic congestion on our roads, then please read the article on PRASA’s road to recovery - reviving the rail network will impact positively on those traffic jams!

The Health and Wellness article by Sue Ramathaur looks at the importance of physical activity through the decades: “Physical activity stands as one of the most effective ways to navigate the natural ageing process, supporting t he body in maintaining strength, flexibility, and resilience.”

Wandile Sihlobo takes us through how the public and private sectors can join together to curb animal disease spread - livestock and poultry account for roughly half of agriculture’s gross value added. “Livestock also significantly contributes to the inclusion of black farmers in commercial agricultural production.”

And last, but by no means least, Dr Mmaki Jantjies has contributed an important article on the skills imperative vis-a-vis the 4th industrial revolution: “As areas such as AI continue to advance, shaping our national contribution to this sector will unquestionably require a collective investment in the skills required to power up the digital revolution”.

From myself and our amazing team, we hope you enjoy the read.

ADDRESSING THE NATION

BY FIONA WAKELIN

The stand-off at Stilfontein must be resolved peacefully and safely

In his letter penned to the nation on 18 November, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa focused on the stand-off at the abandoned Stilfontein gold mine which has been going on for over a month – with the South African Police Service and other Government agencies working to resolve a situation of several hundred illegal miners refusing to come to the surface.

“As a Government, we have made a clear determination to deal with acts of criminality, whether they be cash-in-transit heists, extortion, illegal mining, gang violence, or related crimes.

“The miners, who entered the mine to conduct illegal mining operations, face arrest. The operation forms part of the nationwide Operation Vala Umgodi, which continues to register gains in cracking down on illicit mining activities across the country. Law-enforcement authorities have information that some of the miners may be heavily armed. It is wellestablished that illegal miners are recruited by criminal gangs and form part of wider organised crime syndicates,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.

Hi Excellency outlined the hazardous nature of illicit and unregulated mining which poses considerable risk in terms of explosives, the inhalation of toxic fumes and the possible collapse

of unstable mine shafts - which endangers not only the illegal miners, but also the police and other law enforcement agencieswho have been negotiating to get them to the surface and to safety.

As part of the operation, police have closed off the entrances the illegal miners use to transport their supplies underground, which has generated public debate about the rights of illegal miners.

President Ramaphosa explained this action by stating that “acts of violence and intimidation of communities by illegal miners is well-documented. Some illegal miners have been implicated in serious and violent crimes, including murder and gang rape. Many are in the country illegally.

“Illicit mining activity costs our economy billions of rands in lost export income, royalties and taxes. Violence between rival gangs over the spoils of illicit mining has spilled over into surrounding communities and has cost a number of lives.

“The hazardous materials used by illegal miners endanger the health of neighbouring communities. Last year, 16 people, including three children, were killed in an explosion in Boksburg in Gauteng linked to gas used by illegal miners to process gold. This was just one of many such accidents

linked to illegal mining activity that has claimed the lives of both miners and innocent civilians. We need to be clear that the activities of these miners are illegal. They pose a risk to our economy, communities and personal safety,” – H.E. Ramaphosa.

His Excellency was unequivocal in referring to the Stilfontein mine as a “crime scene where the offence of illegal mining is being committed. It is standard police practice everywhere to secure a crime scene and to block off escape routes that enable criminals to evade arrest”.

In terms of numbers, more than 1 000 miners have surfaced and been arrested. Once they resurface they are assessed by medical personnel on site. Those who are healthy are detained and those who need medical care are taken to hospital under police guard.

“We will continue to work with the mining industry to ensure they take responsibility for rehabilitating or closing mines that are no longer operational. As a country committed to the rule of law and dedicated to upholding the human rights of all, we will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution of the stand-off at Stilfontein,” – H.E. Ramaphosa. n

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

Boosting domestic economic growth through manufacturing

Industrial development is of critical importance for sustained and inclusive economic growth in African countries. Industry can enhance productivity, increase the capabilities of the workforce, and generate employment, by introducing new equipment and new techniques. Industrialisation, with strong linkages to domestic economies, will help African countries achieve high growth rates, diversify their economies and reduce their exposure to external shocks. This will substantially contribute to poverty eradication through employment and wealth creation - United Nations

The African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 was declared by Africa’s leaders in May 2013 as Africa’s ‘blueprint and masterplan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future’. It encapsulates seven aspirations for the future as well as flagship programmes that have been identified to boost Africa’s economic growth and development, leading to rapid transformation of the continent.

These aspirations include continental and regional integration; inclusive social and economic development; democratic governance; and peace and security - all aimed to reposition Africa to becoming a dominant player in the global

arena. The Agenda 2063 highlights industrialisation and manufacturing as being among the sectors that are key to driving socio-economic growth and development.

Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development

Transformed economies and jobs

• transforming Africa’s economies through beneficiation from Africa’s natural resources, manufacturing, industrialisation and value addition, as well as raising productivity and competitiveness

The African Continental Free Trade Areacreating a unified continental market

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which was adopted in 2018 as one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, has put into motion this emphasis on industrialisation. The highly ambitious trade agreement aims to progressively bring together all 55 member states of the AU, covering a market of more than 1.3 billion people, creating a unified market for goods and services across the continent.

This will unlock vast manufacturing potential, accelerate industrialisation and increase investment. It will also reduce trading challenges such as different regulations from one African country to another, and red tape. Twelve countries, including South Africa, have finalised their legal modalities for the agreement. This opens the way for trade to begin in thousands of products ranging from food and beverages to steel products and equipment, taxis, pharmaceutical and personal care products, chemical products and household goods such as fridges and televisions.

Infrastructure - connecting borders

The AfCFTA has already opened up significant infrastructure investment opportunities as participating countries will need to prioritise building infrastructure in particular, road transport, as this is the most preferred mode of transport for the movement of goods, services and passengers.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has said that the SADC countries have adopted the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan that prioritises the development of road, rail and ports. The plan identifies 72 road projects comprising new builds, upgrades or maintenance projects and includes the Dar es Salaam-Chalinze

toll road (Tanzania), the Beitbridge-Chirundu road upgrade (Zimbabwe), and the Kazungula Bridge. The plan is being implemented over three five-year intervals and has led to the completion of some of the infrastructure in the region.

The Kazungula Bridge was completed and opened in 2021. The bridge runs through the North-South corridor and is jointly owned by the Botswana and Zambian governments. The opening of the bridge reduced pressure on the Beitbridge border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe and transit times between these countries.

Buy local - boosting local manufacturing

The African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) encourages African countries to increase private sector investments in industrial development, stating that economic growth can be achieved through prioritising domestic manufacturing centred around commodities.

A viable approach for accelerating industrialisation in Africa is through the adoption of Import Substitution Industrialisation (ISI), according to APET.

ISI is an economic policy that aims to reduce imported goods, and eventually replace them with domestically produced alternatives. The results: self-sufficiency in the manufacturing sector; stimulating domestic production; leveraging natural resources and talents, and expanding employment opportunities.

Several African countries have implemented ISI strategies and campaign interventions to boost their local manufacturing sectors. These strategies encourage citizens to buy locally-manufactured goods, leading to increased support for domestic industries.

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

Africa Industrialisation Day is commemorated on 20 November each year to raise awareness around the world about how industrialisation plays a critical role in the continent’s development. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the forerunner to the AU, declared this day during its 25th Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1989 to highlight the importance of industrial development for Africa’s economic growth and prosperity.

Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the theme for this year is “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Industrialisation to Accelerate Africa’s Structural Transformation”.

The theme focuses on emerging technologies such as AI and innovations in green manufacturing and how these can be leveraged to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation in a sustainable manner.

Some key focus areas and objectives in the spotlight include:

Building stronger policy advocacy around leveraging AI and green industrialisation for Africa’s sustainable development

Highlighting strategies and best practices to harness the power of AI to boost productivity and efficiency across industrial sectors in Africa

Promoting investments in AI solutions that can help grow and transform key industries in Africa

Facilitating knowledge sharing between policymakers, industries, academia, civil society and development partners on integrating AI in production systems.

Exploring collaborative initiatives between the public and private sector for increased funding in AI research and development for industrial applications

Showcasing innovative use cases of AI and green industrialisation by youths and women entrepreneurs in Africa

Formulating policy recommendations and actionable strategies for mainstreaming AI and green industry in Africa’s industrialisation planning and development agenda

“For Africa, AI is a strategic asset pivotal to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It promises to ignite new industries, fuel innovation, and create high-value jobs while preserving and advancing African culture and integration” - The African Union (AU)

Source: United Nations | African Union | African Union Development Agency | Government of South Africa | Department of Trade, Industry & Cooperation

BoNo Property Group

Developing spaces where students can live, learn and connect

Around the world student housing has become one of the most sought-after types of property in the commercial real estate market with the global demand outpacing supply. In South Africa, around a quarter of a million students enrolled at tertiary institutions require accommodation, offering property investors an opportunity to have a positive social impact by providing affordable, quality housing.

Founded in 2018, BoNo Property Group is determined to bridge the gap by investing in affordable, fitfor-purpose student accommodation and affordable housing. Their focus is on both greenfield and brownfield developments located near tertiary institutions with access to retail and transport hubs.

BoNo Property Group, under the guidance of award-winning CEO and co-founder, Patricia Tshitema, has expanded its offering to include property and facilities management services to ensure their clients receive quality service at affordable prices.

The company has grown in the last 18 months from 20 student beds to 645 student beds with a property portfolio value of R100-million. Their 2030 vision is to increase the portfolio to at least R400-million with a minimum of 2 000 student beds .

Their student portfolio brand, OpaL Students, is not merely a housing provider manager but a platform that fosters holistic personal and professional development.

Patricia Tshitema

The brand focuses on creating a vibrant community where students can thrive, live, learn, and connect. Patricia’s commitment to building a supportive environment is evident in her efforts to offer high-end living experiences that go beyond mere accommodation.

“We provide a place of safety—a home away from home,” she explains.

BUSINESS FOCUS

Property Development

• Greenfield developments

• Brownfield development including refurbishments and repurposing

Property Rentals / Student Accommodation

• Development and rental of fit for purpose student accommodation

• Marketing, letting, and leasing

Property Management

• Rental management

• Lease negotiations

• Marketing, letting, and leasing

• Tenant management

Real Estate Services

• Valuation services

• Property sales

• Letting and marketing services

• CEO named Overall Winner: SA Investor of the Year 2024

• CEO named Leading Woman SA 2024 by SAIBPP

• CEO named in the 50 Most Memorable Woman 2023 by Feature Magazine

• Company Winner: SA Property Investor of the Year 2021 in the Big-League Category

CONTACT DETAILS

Phone: +27 (0)10 109 0079

Postal Address: P.O Box 377, Alberton, 1450

Website: bonoproperty.co.za/ opalstudents.co.za

Email: info@bonoproperty.co.za

Facebook: Opal Students

Instagram: @opalstudents

Take a journey away from short termism and start looking at a better future. Meet the interesting people changing Africa – and the way we work, think and live.

Subscribe to Topco Media’s official Weekly newsletter as we keep you up-to-date with the latest business blogs and articles.

The largest retirement fund in the local government sector, the National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW), is responsible for the financial wellbeing of over 57 000 municipal employees and councillors across the country, says Leslie Ndawana, who is the Fund’s Principal Executive Officer. “Our core objective is to manage and grow our members’ investments to ensure a secure and dignified retirement. In addition to retirement savings, we offer comprehensive risk benefits, including disability and death benefits, providing a safety net for our members and their families,” explains Leslie.

The impact of the two-pot system

Interview with National Fund for Municipal Workers Principal Executive Officer, Dr Leslie Ndawana

The Fund’s approach to empowering its members is a holistic one. NFMW focuses not only on financial stability but also psychological wellness through programmes that support overall wellbeing.

“Our vision is to make a positive impact on the lives of our members, their families, and their communities, today and tomorrow, by supporting the livelihoods and prosperity of municipal workers and their families,” says Leslie.

The latest development in the retirement fund space, the twopot system, is geared towards addressing the immediate financial needs of members while balancing them with long-term retirement

goals. Since the system was implemented in September, the Fund has processed over 18 000 withdrawal claims. Here Leslie provides an update on how its members have responded to the development and how it affects them.

How have your members responded to the system?

Our members’ responses to the two-pot system have varied. Approximately 30% of NFMW members have applied to access funds within their savings component, with a notable number of applicants falling within the 36 to 45 age group. However, many members have opted to preserve their retirement savings because they were not faced with

any emergencies. While the Fund does not encourage unnecessary withdrawals from retirement savings, we can report that, since 1 September 2024, NFMW has processed over 18 000 two-pot withdrawal claims, totalling around R400-million. This represents a record volume of claims, exceeding any previous claim levels within a similar period in our history.

What impact is it having on the retirement system for municipal workers?

The two-pot retirement system is intended to promote better preservation of retirement savings by ensuring that a significant portion of members’ contributions remain invested for retirement purposes. By offering limited access to retirement funds in emergencies, the system aims to reduce the frequency of full fund withdrawals when members change employers. Ultimately, this structure supports greater financial security for municipal workers in retirement, while allowing some flexibility for addressing immediate financial needs.

As the Principal Executive Officer since 2020, your role is central to governance—please outline the key mechanisms which ensure the Fund’s compliance. At NFMW, our governance framework is structured to uphold regulatory compliance, adhere to industry standards, and deliver fair and transparent outcomes for all stakeholders. The Board of Trustees prioritises sound governance as an essential element in achieving our objectives, in line with section 7C(1) of the Pension Funds Act.

In our organisational strategy adopted in 2021, we identified the FSCA as one of the strategic stakeholders that we need to collaborate with and satisfy their requirements, not out of being compelled to do so by the law but to do so as part of our governance systems. This is demonstrated by the fact that over the last five years, we were able to submit our statutory returns (annual financial statements and actuarial valuation reports, among others) within the prescribed timeframes without exception.

CONTACT DETAILS

We view good governance as essential not only for meeting regulatory requirements but also for fostering trust, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring accountability throughout the Fund’s operations.

What are you looking forward to in the coming year?

As someone committed to continuous learning and impactful service, I look forward to furthering NFMW’s mission in 2025. My goal is to enhance our members’ retirement outcomes and contribute positively to societal well-being in a sustainable manner. I am eager to continue to work closely with the Board of Trustees and our partners to refine our communication with members, streamline our operations, and optimise our sustainable investment strategies. We are focused on delivering returns that benefit our members financially while also supporting broader socioeconomic progress. It is my hope that these efforts will continue to create lasting value for our members and the communities in which we operate. n

Section 1, Business Park @ Zambezi, 860 Milkplum Street, Montana Ext. 143, 0182

PO Box 15515, Sinoville, 0129

080 112 2884

info@nationalfund.co.za

nationalfund.co.za

National Fund for Municipal Workers

National Fund for Municipal Workers (NFMW)

BRICS

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

BRICS Summit 2024

Towards a new world order

in

the Global South

BRICS+ at a glance

The expanded bloc of countries (now called BRICS+) includes Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa, and the new member states Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This represents a combined population of about 3.5 billion, or 45% of the world’s population.

Combined, its economies are worth more than US$28.5 trillion – about 28% of the global economy. With Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as members, BRICS+ produces about 44% of the world’s crude oil.

13 countries have now joined the BRICS organisation as partner nations (not full members) - Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.

The global clout of the new BRICS

At the BRICS Summit 2024 the member nations set out to reinforce their mission to build a multipolar world offering alternative economic institutions that are more representative and democratic and not dominated by the Western powers. The member countries resolved to strengthen trade and financial cooperation and coordination - a commitment that resulted in the historic Kazan Declaration, paving the way for the establishment of a new world order.

“BRICS is an inclusive formation that has the ability to change the trajectory of the Global South. To do this, we must realise the full potential of our economic partnership to ensure sustainable development for all. We must undertake bold steps towards a mutual, shared and equitable prosperity.”

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

This was part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement during the plenary session of the 16th BRICS Heads of State Summit that took place in Kazan, Russia from 22 to 24 October with the theme‘‘Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security’’.

This year’s summit was significant as it was the first gathering of the expanded BRICS+ which includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Around 20 world leaders attended the Summit, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present.

“Like most of the world, South Africa desires the smooth operation of supply chains, trade, tourism, and financial flows free from external influence in a multipolar world. Working together, BRICS has an important role in addressing the key challenges of the Global South in partnership with like-minded emerging market countries”, continued Ramaphosa.

He added that BRICS business entities had met in Moscow before the Summit under the stewardship of the Brics Business Council to explore tangible trade opportunities between the countries.

“For South Africa, these endeavours – which are focused on practical results – are critical in addressing our country’s central national priority of inclusive economic growth.For us, inclusive growth means, among other things, prioritising women-led businesses. In this regard, we acknowledge the diligent work of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance to unlock economic value between the BRICS countries for the development, growth and sustainability of women-owned businesses.”

The Kazan Declaration - paving the future for sustainable development and inclusive growth

The Kazan Declaration was unanimously adopted by the world leaders on 23 October. This groundbreaking, landmark document called for “the promotion of peace, a more representative, fairer international order, a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, sustainable development and inclusive growth”.

Some key highlights:

On multipolarity

We note the emergence of new centres of power, policy decision-making and economic growth, which can pave the way for a more equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. Multipolarity can expand opportunities for EMDCs [emerging markets and developing countries] to unlock their constructive potential and enjoy universally beneficial, inclusive and equitable economic globalisation and cooperation.

On multilateralism

We reiterate our commitment to improving global governance by promoting a more agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system. We call for assuring greater and more meaningful participation of EMDCs and least developed countries, especially in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, in global decision-making processes and structures and making them better attuned to contemporary realities.

On the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

We reaffirm our support for the rules-based, open, transparent, fair, predictable, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory, consensus-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, with special and differential treatment (S&DT) for developing countries, including Least Developed Countries.

On the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a strong and effective Global Financial Safety Net with a quota-based and adequately resourced IMF at its centre. We call for the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions, which includes increased representation of EMDCs in leadership positions to reflect the contribution of EMDCs to the global economy.

On blended finance and development banks

We recognise that the use of blended finance is an effective way to mobilise private capital to finance infrastructure projects. We note the important role of multilateral development banks and development finance institutions, in particular national development banks, in institutionally scaling up the use of blended finance and other instruments.

On BRICS cross-border payment system

We recognise the widespread benefits of faster, low cost, more efficient, transparent, safe and inclusive cross-border payment instruments built upon the principle of minimising trade barriers and nondiscriminatory access. We welcome the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners. We encourage strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative (BCBPI), which is voluntary and non-binding.

On establishing BRICS grain exchange

We reaffirm the need to develop a fair agricultural trading system and implement resilient and sustainable agriculture. We welcome the initiative of the Russian side to establish a grain (commodities) trading platform within BRICS (the BRICS Grain Exchange) and to subsequently develop it including expanding it to other agricultural sectors.

On the value of small businesses

We acknowledge that the MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises] sector is a well-proven lever of economic growth, enabling an increase in overall labour productivity, household incomes and quality of goods and services. We intend to exchange best practices of supporting MSMEs, including through digital services and platforms aimed at simplifying business operations.

On BRICS Clear depository

We acknowledge the importance of exploring the feasibility of connecting BRICS countries’ financial markets infrastructure. We agree to discuss and study the feasibility of establishment of an independent cross-border settlement and depositary infrastructure, BRICS Clear, an initiative to complement the existing financial market infrastructure, as well as BRICS independent reinsurance capacity, including BRICS (Re) Insurance Company, with participation on a voluntary basis.

On the value of science, technology and innovation

We further underscore the importance of science, technology and innovation as a critical catalyst for economic development and improved quality of life of the people in the BRICS nations. We encourage BRICS member countries to explore the possibility of allocating funding for research and development especially for supporting innovation initiatives for Startups and MSMEs while aligning with their national priorities and strategies.

On the role of women

We acknowledge the critical role of women in political, social and economic development. We underline the importance of women’s empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society, including their active participation in decision-making processes, including in senior positions, which are fundamental for the achievement of equality, development and peace. We recognise that inclusive entrepreneurship and access to finance for women would facilitate their participation in business ventures, innovation, and the digital economy.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

A leader in innovation at the CSIR Dr Rachel Chikwamba

Dr Rachel Chikwamba exemplifies transformative leadership in scientific research and development as the Group Executive for the Advanced Chemistry and Life Sciences division at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). With a solid commitment to harnessing the power of science and technology, Dr Chikwamba spearheads initiatives, working closely with partners across academia, the public sector, and private enterprises in South Africa and globally. Her work is central to the CSIR’s mission of

enhancing competitiveness and driving economic growth through cuttingedge innovation.

Recognition on the global stage

Dr Chikwamba leads a team of researchers focusing on three major areas of research in the agricultural sector: enhancing the nutritional quality of crops, plants with pharmaceutical and industrial value, and indigenous plants with medicinal value. Dr Chikwamba is also an adjunct senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria (UP) Departments

of Botany and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI). Within the UP, Dr Chikwamba is initiating a banana and maise improvement programme involving tissue culture, transformation, gene discovery and gene introgression research for these two crops. Her responsibilities include supervision of post-graduate students and teaching.

Dr Chikwamba holds a doctorate in Genetics from Iowa State University. She worked as a research associate at the Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccinology within the Biodesign

Institute at Arizona State University. Recently, Dr Chikwamba was named as one of the world’s 50 most influential figures navigating disruption. Her recognition speaks to her role in driving the CSIR’s research, development, and innovation (RDI) strategy. This accolade underscores her influence in fostering partnerships that amplify the impact of the CSIR’s work, which ranges from technological advancements to socioeconomic transformation.

Dr Chikwamba’s leadership at the CSIR not only strengthens the organisation’s capacity to innovate but also enhances South Africa’s position in the global scientific community.

Science and innovation in South Africa

As South Africa continues to confront complex challenges in areas like health, energy, and climate change, the CSIR’s role in research and innovation is more critical than ever. Under the guidance of leaders like Dr Chikwamba, the CSIR is wellpositioned to lead the charge in developing sustainable, locally relevant solutions. Its focus on building human capital and advancing transformative technologies ensures that South Africa will remain at the forefront of innovation in Africa.

The CSIR’s mandate is to foster industrial and scientific development through directed, multidisciplinary research and technological innovation. Established in 1945, the CSIR has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s scientific advancement, conducting research that is closely aligned with national priorities and contributing to the socioeconomic prosperity of the country.

The organisation’s work is vast, encompassing numerous science,

engineering, and technology domains. From supporting small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) to creating impactful technological solutions, the CSIR’s activities are diverse yet focused on improving the quality of life for all South Africans. Its goals include:

The CSIR recently received a generous grant of $4.46 million (R80 million) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to strengthen Africa’s biomanufacturing capabilities. This funding, focused on workforce training and skills development, aims to build the continent’s capacity to respond effectively to health challenges and reduce dependency on imported medical products.

Dr Chikwamba noted that the investment will be pivotal in developing essential infrastructure and skills, ensuring that critical health products are both accessible and affordable for local populations.

“Skills development and infrastructure in biomanufacturing are essential for producing health products that meet Africa’s unique needs,” Dr Chikwamba said.

The funding will support local manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, biopharmaceuticals, and vaccines, advancing Africa’s self-reliance in health innovation. A particular focus of this initiative is the inclusion of Black female candidates and applicants from other African nations, broadening the reach and diversity of the program.

The CSIR’s recent grant from the Gates Foundation will expand its microbial production facility and establish a new benchcale production using mammalian cell culture systems. This infrastructure enhancement is crucial for translating biopharmaceutical innovations from research to commercial reality. Often, discoveries made in Africa remain in the research phase and fail to reach the public due to limited production capabilities.

This investment aims to bridge that gap, providing hands-on training and fostering competencies that support a sustainable biotech sector in Africa. n

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Prof. Thabo Legwaila: CEO, South Africa’s Office of the Tax Ombud A visionary leader

Professor Thabo Legwaila brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his role as Chief Executive Officer of South Africa’s Office of the Tax Ombud. With over 18 years of experience in the tax sector, he has contributed to shaping tax policy, refining corporate tax strategies, and advocating for taxpayer rights. His appointment is pivotal as the Tax Ombud seeks greater structural independence from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to enhance its ability to fairly and impartially address taxpayer grievances.

An advocate for fair tax administration

Established in 2013, the Office of the Tax Ombud was created to provide taxpayers with an independent channel for resolving disputes with SARS. Prior to its inception, South Africa lacked a mechanism solely dedicated to addressing unresolved taxpayer complaints against SARS, leaving individuals and businesses to rely on internal SARS complaint mechanisms. The establishment of the Tax Ombud marked a

significant step in ensuring transparency and accountability within tax administration in South Africa.

The Tax Ombud operates with a distinct mandate to maintain a balance between the authority of SARS and the rights of taxpayers. This role aligns with the broader principles of administrative justice, similar to that of the Public Protector, but with a specialized focus on tax-related grievances. By resolving taxpayer complaints

through mediation or conciliation and without court intervention, the Tax Ombud reduces both the administrative burden on the courts and the financial burden on taxpayers. In cases where a taxpayer’s complaint is eligible for review, the Tax Ombud addresses issues involving procedural, service, or administrative matters linked to SARS’ execution of tax laws.

Prof. Legwaila’s appointment as CEO of the Tax Ombud in April 2020 was a strategic move towards advancing the office’s mission.

Prof. Legwaila’s career began in academia, laying a strong foundation in tax law as a lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch, where he advanced to senior lecturer in Mercantile Law. His expertise soon caught the attention of Harvard University, which invited him to serve as a Research Fellow in the Harvard International Tax Program. This experience expanded his understanding of international tax frameworks, equipping him with insights he later brought to South Africa’s tax system.

After Harvard, Prof. Legwaila transitioned into tax consultancy, joining prestigious firms like KPMG and Ernst & Young. In 2006, he entered the public sector, taking on a vital role as Director for Business Tax within South Africa’s National Treasury. His move to Citibank in 2011 as Head of Tax for Africa was another pivotal step, allowing him to apply his tax law expertise within a corporate environment and gain experience in international tax management across the continent.

In 2014, he returned to academia, this time as a Professor of Tax Law at the University of Johannesburg,

where he continued to shape the tax landscape, contributing to thought leadership through research and publications. In 2015, Prof. Legwaila joined the Davis Tax Committee (DTC), which advised the Minister of Finance on South Africa’s tax policy framework, demonstrating his ongoing influence in shaping the nation’s fiscal strategy.

A pillar of fairness

In October 2022, Prof. Legwaila was appointed as Acting Tax Ombud. The temporary designation, recently extended for another three months, has allowed him to seamlessly continue his work in leading the Tax Ombud.

He has expressed a deep commitment to achieving structural independence for the Tax Ombud from SARS, which he views as essential for enhancing the office’s effectiveness and public perception of its impartiality. His extensive background in both public and private tax sectors positions him as a capable advocate for this independence, as he understands the complexities of tax administration and taxpayer challenges.

Prof. Legwaila sees the Tax Ombud as a pillar of fairness within the tax system, advocating for an equitable tax administration that respects taxpayer rights while ensuring compliance. His approach is underscored by a commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights, resolving disputes efficiently, and fostering a tax environment that encourages voluntary compliance.

Prof. Legwaila envisions a future where the Tax Ombud remains at the forefront of taxpayer

advocacy, maintaining an independent and transparent stance to ensure fairness within the tax system. His strategic priorities include solidifying the office’s independence from SARS and building on the foundational work of Judge Ngoepe by expanding the office’s reach and refining its processes.

Under Prof. Legwaila’s leadership, the Tax Ombud is poised to continue evolving as a responsive and robust institution, committed to fostering a fair and just tax administration system. His expertise and dedication to tax justice will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on South Africa’s fiscal landscape, encouraging compliance, bolstering taxpayer confidence, and enhancing the reputation of the country’s tax system. n

BY ROWAN DE KLERK

Collaborating to strengthen public sector financial functions

Dr. Darion Barclay, Head of the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, recently emphasised that “service delivery improvements will only be possible when local governments prioritise transparency, effective governance, and the needs of the people they serve. Municipalities need capable, accountable, and citizen-centric leadership committed to fulfilling their mandates and improving the lives of South Africans”.

While these improvements are necessary, they will take time to materialise. An alternative solution to bolster financial management is to collaborate with trusted private-sector partners. Strategic outsourcing of specific financial functions to entities with proven expertise in both corporate and public finance can help public institutions enhance their financial

oversight without compromising their operational control. The goal is to leverage the efficiencies of the private sector while upholding accountability in public financial management.

Why outsourcing must be done thoughtfully

Before fully embracing this approach, we must acknowledge its potential pitfalls. Marianna Mazzucato, in her insightful book

The Big Con, warns that excessive dependence on private consulting firms can “infantilise” governments, stripping them of their technical capabilities and leading to a loss of independence. When consulting firms hold the reins, decision-making often shifts away from the institution’s leadership, ultimately stifling innovation and internal growth. What we advocate for, instead, is a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both sectors. The

African Development Bank supports this view, stating that “PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPPs) can offer complementary sources of finance … while potentially also delivering higher quality and efficiency in public assets and services”. This model encourages skill transfer and capacity building within the public sector, ensuring that expertise is developed internally even as external partners provide valuable support.

Real-world examples of publicprivate collaboration

One example of effective collaboration is the partnership between South African banks and the Department of Home Affairs. The integration of the banks’ technical capabilities and branch networks allowed Home Affairs to address backlogs and improve service delivery significantly. This success story shows how public-private partnerships can solve complex

challenges without diminishing the public sector’s role. A more targeted example is the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which has worked with private audit firms to elevate tax compliance and governance standards. This collaboration brought in external expertise to tighten fiscal controls, address non-compliance, and boost tax revenue collection, demonstrating how partnerships can enhance both efficiency and accountability within critical public sector functions.

Financial expertise and sustainability: A business imperative

Beyond immediate efficiency gains, enhancing financial management through such collaborations can open doors for sustainabilitylinked financing. With the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, robust financial governance plays a

crucial role in attracting sustainable investment. Improving financial transparency and accountability in the public sector will position South Africa as a desirable destination for foreign direct investment, driving long-term economic growth.

A strategic focus on ESG metrics is particularly relevant in today’s global market, where investors are increasingly prioritising responsible and sustainable business practices. By aligning public sector financial controls with ESG principles, South Africa can tap into a broader pool of international capital aimed at funding initiatives that drive positive environmental and social outcomes.

A balanced approach to public sector collaboration

These examples clearly demonstrate that the public and private sectors can work together to solve financial challenges more effectively. By embracing a balanced approach—

where the public sector selectively outsources to the right firms and retains its core competencies—we can create a system that promotes financial accountability without compromising the autonomy of public institutions.

Instead of framing it as “privatisation,” we should consider these partnerships as opportunities to collaborate and innovate. The aim is to create a public sector that is both agile and resilient and that harnesses the expertise of private entities to strengthen its financial operations and service delivery.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the right equilibrium: fostering partnerships that enhance accountability, sustain internal skills and ensure long-term economic and social impact. By adopting this collaborative strategy, South Africa can progress toward a future of more effective governance, improved financial oversight and a greater level of trust between public institutions and the communities they serve. n

Rowan de Klerk is a seasoned CEO and CFO with a strong commercial and strategic background and over 35 years of experience working with both large corporations and mid-sized entrepreneurial businesses. He is the founder and CEO of The CFO Centre South Africa which is part of a Global Financial Leadership Practice.

The skills imperative when powering up the 4 th industrial revolution

If towards the end of the global pandemic you’d told data science researchers that, just two years later, large language models would be dominating dinner table discussions, they’d have likely greeted your prediction with a healthy dose of scepticism. Yet it’s undoubtedly the case that the past two years have been dominated by conversations about Artificial Intelligence and its impact on various countries across the world.

Globally and in South Africa, policy discussions have not only engaged with the importance of responsible AI and data protection training for organisations seeking to use this

technology but the importance of having skills which contribute towards the growth of the digital revolution in order for South Africa to remain competitive.

Primarily, AI mainly came to prominence thanks to breakthroughs in large language models (LLMs) accelerated by the increased availability of training data. Parallel to these developments was the availability of enhanced computing processing power through improved hardware, led by investment in the technology providers making advancements in deep learning models. Considering the increased use of such

technologies, how is South Africa prepared to leverage this digital “revolution” across sectors of the national economy?

Every year South Africa’s telecommunications and ICT sector hosts SATNAC, the Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference which is the longest standing conference anchored on a public partnership. However, it was actually 26 years ago when the National Research Foundation through the Thrip programme, telecom organisations in the private sector and ICT providers, partnered with government and

universities in South Africa to create a sustainable programme aimed at ensuring a pipeline of sustained technology skills. The partnership created a host of research centres of excellence that would be hosted by higher education institutions across the country. While coordinated by Telkom, the centres were open for investment from telecommunications and ICT providers across the country and the world.

Since then, the Telkom Centers of Research Excellence (COE) have bridged the gap between South African R&D Innovation led by researchers who principally train Masters and PhD students in areas such as computer science and engineering. Research delivered by the COE is then presented at the annual SATNAC conference amongst other plenary sessions.

This year the SATNAC 2024 theme was Artificial Intelligence with the conference staging a rich debate on the potential of AI to revolutionise various sectors in South Africa. The conference considered applications across multiple sectors while also acknowledging the challenges and taking account of ethical considerations, particularly

those related to the use of data and the potential bias of algorithms. The speakers emphasised the need for collaboration, responsible development and a human-centric approach necessary to ensure that AI benefits all of society.

In 2023, Telkom conducted an impact study to assess the efficacy of South Africa’s national programme to develop skills in areas such as telecommunications and related digital technologies. Regionally, the programme has also supported over 3 200 postgraduate researchers in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM), particularly engineering and computer science, in the context of which academics and industry have committed themselves to a concerted effort to strengthen these skills. All of these stakeholders play a vital role in ensuring innovation and competitiveness in South Africa and any country. For the country to produce and continue to sustain a relevant digital skills pipeline to power up the digital revolution, such partnerships are important in ensuring our competitiveness and ability to remain competitive and leverage these technologies to address South African national imperatives.

According to the Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2023, South Africa ranks 59th out of 132 economies. The report reflects various pillars required to enable innovation within a country where skills and investment in R&D are a crucial pillar. The 2023 GII report thus highlighted how the country is lagging behind in areas such as research and development investment (% GDP) and in identifying researchers (per million population). These deficiencies point to the need for greater national and regional investment in both R&D and human capital, though in terms of regional development South Africa fairs pretty well coming in 2nd place behind Mauritius.

As areas such as AI continue to advance, shaping our national contribution to this sector will unquestionably require a collective investment in the skills required to power up the digital revolution. At the same time, the most important step for South Africa will be to leverage these technologies while addressing some of our most critical national challenges.

*Dr Mmaki Jantjies is the Chairperson of the SATNAC n

Dr Mmaki Jantjies is an innovative leader who is passionate about harnessing the power of technology and R&D to drive change. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in Information Systems.

Sources: A Reflection on the Sustainable Impact of Telkom’s Centre of Excellence Programme Report | SATNAC | Global Innovation Index 2023

JESSIE

South Africa’s journey in e-Government innovation

From potential to progress

In today’s connected world, digital governance is a pathway to efficiency, transparency, and inclusive public services. South Africa is emerging as a leader in Africa’s e-government landscape, achieving significant progress on the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI). By harnessing digital tools, the country is well-positioned to streamline public services, drive citizen engagement, and foster economic growth. This article explores South Africa’s current e-government standing, highlights the benefits, and outlines the path ahead

When implemented effectively, digital governance enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs, enabling government services to become more accessible and citizen-focused. The impact is profound for South Africa, where digital solutions can directly support economic development. Efficient e-government platforms reduce red tape, encourage business growth, and create employment opportunities, all

essential for a resilient public sector. Alongside Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tunisia, South Africa is leading Africa’s digital transformation efforts. Although challenges persist, these countries set benchmarks by investing in infrastructure and focusing on human capital development. South Africa’s position on the EGDI reflects a balanced approach, excelling in various areas, from digital identity systems to seamless government-tocitizen (G2C) interactions. This strong

foundation demonstrates the country’s commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and public trust through digital services. Although South Africa’s EGDI score suggests consistent growth rather than dominance in any single category, this approach has advantages. A well-rounded strategy positions the country to build a sustainable digital ecosystem that serves both urban and rural communities. This inclusivity is essential to ensuring that the benefits of digital governance are shared widely, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.

For South Africa, success hinges on three essential factors: userfriendly service platforms, secure data exchange, and robust digital infrastructure. An emphasis on citizen experience is enabling South Africa to deliver accessible services that meet real community needs.

Overcoming Africa’s unique e-government challenges Across the African continent, e-government progress has been hampered by infrastructural challenges, digital divides, and regulatory barriers. While several countries are advancing digital strategies, a lack of high-speed internet, limited digital literacy, and issues like inconsistent technology adoption have stymied efforts in many regions. South Africa and other leading countries - Mauritius,

Seychelles, and Tunisia - have confronted these challenges headon by making strategic investments in digital skills, internet access, and telecommunications infrastructure. These investments have proven essential in narrowing the digital divide and empowering citizens to engage with digital services.

Top-performing African countries offer valuable insights that South Africa can adopt. Mauritius, for instance, has invested heavily in its telecommunications sector, resulting in one of the continent’s highest levels of internet penetration. Seychelles has made strides in developing its human capital, focusing on digital skills training to ensure that citizens can engage with e-government services. Tunisia, another top performer, has built a strong institutional framework that supports digital governance through clear policies and regulatory oversight.

While South Africa has made significant strides in e-government, there are pressing challenges that need to be addressed. Infrastructure gaps are among the most critical, particularly in rural and underserved regions where internet access is limited. This disparity in connectivity could impede South Africa’s digital goals, preventing certain populations from accessing essential online services. To counter

this, the government must prioritize investments in rural broadband, explore public-private partnerships for infrastructure expansion, and support local digital literacy initiatives.

The digital divide is another key concern, as uneven access to technology could limit the effectiveness of e-government services. Government policies that address affordability, such as subsidies or data plans tailored to lower-income users, can help ensure that everyone benefits from digital governance.

Additionally, South Africa’s digital progress hinges on a strong regulatory framework that can support secure, user-friendly e-government services. Cybersecurity is particularly important, as citizens need to trust that their information is protected. With a comprehensive regulatory structure and ongoing cybersecurity investments, South Africa can ensure safe, reliable digital interactions for all citizens. South Africa’s progress in e-government showcases the potential of digital governance in modernizing public services and fostering economic growth. With ongoing commitment and strategic investments, South Africa can solidify its position as a model of digital governance on the continent. By learning from leading African nations, addressing current challenges, and prioritizing citizen-focused solutions, South Africa stands ready to shape a digital future that empowers all its people.

African innovation in digital technology

African countries are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to improve governance, deliver services more efficiently, and promote transparency through a range of e-government initiatives. These ten examples highlight African e-government services:

Benin – Government Data Interoperability: In partnership with Estonia, Benin developed an e-government framework that enables data sharing across public organizations. This includes an online portal providing over 200 services.

Côte d’Ivoire – Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The e-Government Strengthening Support Project focuses on data security and privacy, improving digital governance and protecting transactions.

Ghana – Digital Financial Inclusion: Ghana.gov centralizes digital payments for services, while GhanaPay provides a national payment system, achieving 100% financial inclusion.

Kenya – Huduma Digital Access Centres: Huduma Centres offer over 5,000 services through a centralized online portal, enhancing access to government services.

Rwanda – IremboGov Online Portal: IremboGov provides a single access point for public services, reducing corruption and supporting Rwanda’s growth as a digital society.

Senegal – National Digital Public Infrastructure: The Sénégal Numérique 2025 strategy fosters digital transformation, focusing on digital sovereignty, data protection, and public-private collaboration.

South Africa – Biometric Identification System: South Africa’s biometric ID system (AFIS) enables efficient public services such as immigration control and election registration.

Tanzania – Public Employee Management: The Watumishi Portal streamlines HR processes, offering self-service options for government employees to manage their records.

Uganda – Integrated Financial Management: Uganda’s IFMS improves local government financial transparency through streamlined budgeting, accounting, and reporting.

Zambia – Agriculture Management Information: ZIAMIS supports agriculture with tools like e-vouchers and monitoring systems, aiding farmers in accessing resources and government support.

Source: ICT Works | IOL | African Policy Research Institute

Stay informed about environmental, social, & governance trends, strategies & best practices. Feature in our publication to join us in shaping a better tomorrow.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

A new cornerstone in healthcare delivery Technology and healthcare

In a world that has become increasingly reliant on technology for almost everything including in business, education and lifestyle, it is of little surprise that it has had a significant influence on healthcare.

Governments and organisations are devising digital health strategies and looking to technological solutions to solve complex challenges in healthcare. This has opened up new unprecedented opportunities for established tech companies and start-ups alike to bring out new and innovative digital solutions aimed at improving health and wellbeing.

The healthcare delivery landscape has seen some significant technological developments in recent years. For example, the increase in the use of video calls linking health professionals in remote areas to specialists based in urban locations. Drones are being developed to deliver medicines, samples such as blood, as well as other medical supplies to remote areas. Artificial intelligence (AI) has vastly improved efficiency in areas such as diagnostics and precision medicineanalysing medical imaging data to assist healthcare professionals to diagnose patients more swiftly and accurately. AI has also led to accelerated and enhanced

drug discovery and development, and it has assisted in streamlining administrative tasks and workflows such as billing, scheduling and reducing paperwork.

Harnessing 3D technologyrevolutionising healthcare in SA

The emergence of affordable threedimensional (3D) imaging and printing technology is revolutionising the medical field, offering opportunities for South Africa to reduce its reliance on costly imported medical devices, especially for people with disabilities. According to healthcare-focused

market research firm Insights10, 3D printing has attracted a lot of interest in South Africa and is being used to produce custom-made medical equipment for patients. By customising the device specifically for each patient, it is guaranteed to

fit precisely and offer the necessary support or treatment. The use of costly tooling and manufacturing techniques is not necessary with 3D printing, making it an affordable option for producing medical devices, especially those that are required in small quantities. The

manufacturing process is also much quicker with 3D printing which makes it especially helpful in an emergency where speed is vital. Since 3D printing only uses the precise quantity of material required to create the object, it generates very little waste.

South Africa’s 3D printing medical device market is expected to grow from $19 million in 2022 to $70 million in 2030 with a CAGR of 17.53% for the forecast year 2022-30.

The market is expected to grow as a result of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, ageing populations, and rising healthcare expenditure.

Source: Insights 10

MedAdd - bridging the gap in medical devices accessibility

The national Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Central University of Technology (CUT) launched the Medical Device Additive Manufacturing Demonstrator Project (MedAdd) in 2022.

The project leverages 3D printing to develop locally-made medical devices such customised implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools. By using additive manufacturing (also

known as 3D printing) MedAdd is making its mark in reducing South Africa’s dependence on costly imported medical devices, particularly for small businesses. It is also helping hospitals and clinics, especially in remote areas, to have better access to vital and affordable medical equipment.

MedAdd is operated through the university’s Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (CRPM). To date, over 1,000 patients have been assisted by the devices and solutions developed

by CRPM and supported by state and private hospitals with funding from the DSI through its entity, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and other partners, according to AfricaLive.net.

The MedAdd project represents an important development in using 3D printing technology for localised medical device manufacturing in Africa, and opens up new possibilities for localised innovation in addressing region-specific healthcare challenges.

In brief: The potential of 3-D printing in the medical device industry in Africa

The broader Africa 3D printing medical devices market is projected to reach $1,065.00 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 17.04% (Insights10, 2022)

3D printing can reduce dependence on imported medical devices, often unavailable or prohibitively expensive, by enabling local production

Patients benefit from improved access to affordable, personalised medical devices: prosthetics, implants, surgical guides

Developing markets will benefit from reduced reliance on foreign specialists for complex procedures with locally fabricated devices

Source: AfricaLive.net

BY SHUMIRAI CHIMOMBE

MomConnect - connecting pregnant women to free healthcare guidance <photo: Department of Health> MomConnect is a flagship programme of the national Department of Health (DOH) which aims to support maternal and child health using mobile technology. Through MomConnect, pregnant women and new mothers can use the platform to seek free healthcare guidance through an automated chatbot or a human-operated textbased helpdesk via SMS or Whatsapp. Mothers can receive health and pregnancy-related information until their baby is two.

The programme is part of the government’s National Digital Health Strategy for South Africa, 2019 - 2024. With its vision as ‘Better Health for all South Africans enabled by person-centred Digital Health’,

the strategy aims to strengthen digital health governance structures and develop efficient information systems empowering all citizens to better navigate their personal health journeys using digital technologies.

Since its launch in 2014 almost 5 million mothers using public antenatal services have registered on the MomConnect platform in over 95% of public health facilities, according to the DOH. n

The department reports that in the programme’s 10 years of operation, a number of studies have proven MomConnect to positively impact health behaviours:

96% of moms surveyed attended at least four anti-natal care visits

89% of moms surveyed reported that their baby received all six of the recommended vaccinations at 6 weeks old

MomConnect increases breastfeeding by 17% among first-time moms and by 10% amongst young moms

MomConnect increases breastfeeding knowledge by 5% in younger moms (18-25) and the likelihood of talking to others about breastfeeding by 30% for the average mother

MomConnect increases family planning use by 6% among moms with previous pregnancies

First-time moms and young moms have significantly higher family planning self-efficacy scores postpartum

Source: APrivacy International | Insights10 | Africalive.net | Department of Health - The Knowledge Hub

New moms at a public health facility in Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Discover the latest trends, success stories, and thought leadership in our 23rd edition of Impumelelo Top Empowerment

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

The journey to one billion passengers by 2035

Air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, automated doors - these aren’t the features the first passenger train in South Africa had all the way back in 1860. The steam engines have made way for state-of-the-art feats of engineering handed over to the Passenger Rail Agency South Africa (PRASA) from Gibela’s factory in Ekhuruleni. At its peak PRASA was carrying half a billion passengers each year but after facing a host of challenges, and dropping to less than 200 million per annum, the organisation is steadily revitalising the service that was once the lifeblood of the urban economy with hopes to not only reach the old numbers but to double them over the next decade.

Having an expansive and efficient passenger rail system which runs through the main arteries of the country will ease the congestion in metropolises such as Cape Townwhich is expected to become the most populated city in South Africa in the coming decade. The coastal city has the 9th worst traffic in the world - the worst in Africa - with residents losing an average of 83 hours a year travelling between local destinations. According to the 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard, Johannesburg ranks 26th in the world with 55 hours lost and Pretoria at 60th with 52 hours lost.

While the taxi and bus industries have filled the gaps where possible, the sheer number of people

trains can carry make them the most efficient and cheapest form of transport. Gibela’s X’Trapolis Mega, which they are producing for PRASA, can hold 1 200 passengers with just 6 carriages. Coupled with the speed and ease which trains can navigate the cities, Metrorail can easily be the solution to the congestion as PRASA gets closer and closer to its prepandemic passenger numbers.

A well-functioning passenger rail system not only offers more efficient travel for commuters by reducing travel time and vehicle ownership costs, but also offers affordable travel which brings benefits such as access to healthcare facilities, schools, more disposable income and job opportunities. PRASA’s long-term

strategy is based on the socioeconomic benefits it can provide, guided by the National Rail Policy white paper.

It’s estimated that across the system households will save about R20 per trip. A monthly ticket can cost less than R200, compared to monthly bus tickets which can start at around R900 per month. PRASA estimates that the total economic impact of its investment in infrastructure will be a minimum of R189-billion. For every R1-million it spends on infrastructure it creates 2 direct jobs, 2 indirect jobs and 3.5 induced jobs. A fully recovered rail system will inject an extra ten to twenty billion rand into the economy each year.

Down the right corridor

In the past three years PRASA has been working on recovering its corridors, reopening its rail lines, doing maintenance on stations, promoting rail safety and putting Gibela’s trains to work. To date, 31 out of 40 corridors have been

recovered, 300 stations have been refurbished and 1 000km of cabling has been re-installed.

A staggering R36-billion has been dedicated to the capital programmes, including funds towards Gibela, a transport consortium tasked with delivering 600 trains to PRASA, creating and maintaining an estimated 250 000 jobs, above and beyond the jobs created by the organisation itself, which stand at 15 000 over the last three years. The new security strategy, aimed at protecting commuters and infrastructure, has generated almost 10 000 jobs. According to PRASA, its operational initiatives, rolling stock programme and infrastructure have created 33 965 jobs.

The organisation has gone from only reaching 19% of its annual performance targets a few years ago to 87% in the most recent financial year. This improved performance was on full display this year at major sporting

events which presented the perfect opportunity to show how affordable and efficient travelling by rail can be, but also recalling the unique charm trains offer commuters.

Leading up to the test match at Ellis Park between the Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks - which saw the Metrorail and Gautrain services providing supporters with an easy, traffic way to get to the game - Minister Barabara Creecy reflected on the fact that it was a perfect opportunity to showcase how “different elements of public transport can and should work together.”

Fans from both sides, including dignitaries such as New Zealand’s Deputy High Commissioner, were given a first-hand experience of the high-tech, modern trains, extensive security and general, traffic free journey which PRASA hopes to improve even further to realise the dream of a high-performance network that will help reach the levels of growth and development that the millions of people living in South Africa need. n

BYJESSIE TAYLOR

South Africa’s education system gets a major overhaul with BELA Act

The Basic Education Laws

Amendment (BELA) Bill has been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, marking a significant step towards transforming and enhancing the nation’s basic education system. President Ramaphosa signed the BELA Bill into law in September at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This historic legislative change marks a milestone achievement in the government’s mission to reshape South Africa’s education sector.

Consultative

process

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has long recognised the need for structural changes to

serve South African learners better. According to DBE Chief Director for Planning and Implementation Support, James Ndlebe, the BELA Act introduces changes primarily focused on governance, school policy, and accountability.

The legislation’s journey to enactment was marked by extensive consultations, with nearly 5,000 public comments submitted and 144 petitions gathering close to 196,000 signatures.

One of the core elements of the BELA Act involves rethinking the role of School Governing Bodies

(SGBs) in determining language and admissions policies. Under the new law, SGBs maintain the initial authority to set school policies, but these are now subject to review by provincial Heads of Departments. This oversight aims to ensure that admissions and language policies do not unfairly exclude or discriminate against any community members.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, praised this policy shift, emphasising its role in fostering inclusivity. By requiring SGBs to consider the broader linguistic needs of surrounding

communities, the Act encourages language policies that reflect local demographics, particularly in suburban areas where language exclusivity can limit access. This measure aims to address linguistic imbalances in certain regions and better support diversity.

Another groundbreaking provision of the BELA Act is the introduction of Grade R as the compulsory entry point for schooling, emphasising early childhood development’s critical role in a child’s educational journey. The Act holds parents accountable for ensuring their children attend school consistently, making it an offense for caregivers to neglect this duty.

This requirement aligns with government efforts to strengthen the education foundation from an early age, particularly for communities where resources and learning opportunities are limited. As Minister Ntshavheni pointed out, early education provides a crucial opportunity for young children to be exposed to formal learning, which includes foundational literacy, social skills, and group interaction.

The BELA Act enforces heightened financial accountability for schools and SGBs, requiring schools to operate with greater transparency regarding their budgets and financial decisions.

The law also strengthens school safety by reinforcing the ban on corporal punishment, with strict penalties for violations.

Further engagement on key issues Recognising the diverse opinions on the BELA Act, particularly on admissions and language policies, President Ramaphosa has

Source: The Presidency | Parliament

allowed three months for public engagement on two contentious clauses. This window allows open discussions on these matters, focusing on promoting national cohesion and addressing concerns raised by different communities. The primary aim of this period is to address concerns expressed by groups and individuals, particularly around how these clauses might impact school autonomy, language diversity, and admissions fairness. By gathering more insights, the government aims to fine-tune the implementation of these clauses, ensuring they are practical and respectful of local contexts before they come into force.

The two key clauses under review are:

• Clause 4 – School Admission Policies: This clause mandates that provincial Heads of Department (HoDs) oversee and, if necessary, intervene in school admission policies to prevent discriminatory practices and ensure equitable access, especially for vulnerable groups. The BELA Act enshrines fairness in school admissions, especially benefiting vulnerable learners such as children of undocumented migrants. Schools must adopt admission policies that do not discriminate, ensuring that every child has the right to an education. Additionally, the Act guides schools in creating codes of conduct that respect diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.

• Clause 5 – Language Policies: This clause requires schools to consider the broader linguistic needs of their communities

when setting language policies. While it aims to promote inclusivity, some communities, particularly Afrikaans-speaking schools, raised concerns about potential encroachment on mother-tongue education. Despite concerns that the law may weaken SGB authority over language and admissions, the BELA Act emphasises that these bodies retain control, provided they adhere to the provincial guidelines for equitable access. This clarification is particularly important for those who fear a loss of language diversity in education; the Act reinforces the right to mothertongue instruction in line with constitutional protections.

The engagement will include SGBs, cultural and linguistic groups, and education experts and civil society. Based on the feedback, the government may issue further guidelines on how provincial HoDs can exercise their oversight role regarding school admissions and language policies. This could include clarifying the circumstances under which HoDs may intervene.

After the three-month consultation period, the DBE will compile a report detailing the findings, feedback received, and any adjustments made to the implementation approach. This report will be publicly accessible to ensure accountability and transparency. If there remains a lack of consensus on certain issues after the consultation period, the DBE may consider additional measures, such as phased implementation or further public discussions, to ensure the Act’s implementation is as inclusive as possible. n

BY WANDILE SIHLOBO

Public and private sector join together to curb animal disease spread

The past three years have been challenging for South Africa’s livestock and poultry industry because of the spread of animal diseases. Throughout this period, we have had various cases of foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease in cattle, African swine fever in pigs, and avian influenza in poultry. While animal disease outbreaks are not unique to South Africa and indeed common across the world, South Africa’s challenges have intensified in the recent past.

In 2022, six of South Africa’s nine provinces reported foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. This was the first time in the country’s history that the disease had spread this wide. The challenging place the country found itself in prompted the government and industry stakeholders to increase

their focus on strengthening farm biosecurity controls and surveillance.

Other interventions that are still underway include efforts to improve South Africa’s veterinary and related support services (mainly the laboratories) that deal with vaccine production needs.

The cost of diseases in the livestock industry is not only felt through loss of livestock, but also through reduced exports to the world market in times of outbreaks. For example, South Africa’s beef exports volume for 2022 was down by 16% year-on-year to 26 881 tonnes, according to data from Trade Map. This decline was primarily due to the temporary closures of various export markets following the outbreak of FMD disease in South Africa.

Furthermore, the sheep industry was also affected by the 2022 outbreak. China, a significant market for South African wool, suspended imports. The impact of those temporary closures is visible on export volumes of wool. For example, in 2022, South Africa’s wool exports fell by 19% year-on-year to 42 239 tonnes. The major decline in volume was in the Chinese market.

Livestock and poultry account for roughly half of agriculture’s gross value added. Moreover, livestock also significantly contributes to the inclusion of black farmers in commercial agricultural production. For example, the National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates suggest that black farmers account for 18%, 13% and 34% of wool, mohair and cattle production, respectively. Therefore, the prevalence of animal

disease outbreaks in the past few years slowed South Africa’s commercial agriculture, export ambition and transformation in the industry.

In 2023, as the government and industry continued with its work to control the spread of animal diseases, we saw a slight recovery in beef and wool exports. For example, South Africa’s beef exports recovered slightly in 2023, up 3% year-on-year to 27 675 tonnes.

For wool, the engagements between the South African and Chinese authorities to reassure the Chinese traders of the safety measures in place to ensure that there is no spread of disease led to the resumption of exports. In 2023, South Africa’s wool exports recovered 18%

year-on-year to 49 715 tonnes.

On October 25, 2024, the Department of Agriculture released even more positive news, which we believe will further support the recovery path of the industry. The Department announced that the “foot and mouth disease outbreak, occurred during 2021-2022, has been successfully resolved in the North West, Free State, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga Provinces. These provinces, initially impacted by the outbreak, have now completed comprehensive testing of animals on quarantined farms. The results indicate that the foot and mouth disease virus is no longer present.”

The Department added that “the World Organization for Animal Health has confirmed that the outbreak in these regions has officially been

closed. However, it is important to note that the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces remain affected by foot and mouth disease outbreaks. Encouragingly, no new signs of the disease have been reported in these two provinces over the past month.”

This is admirable progress and further supports South Africa’s ambition of being a global player in red meat exports. The successful path to the export markets involves addressing the biosecurity challenges. Continuous efforts must be made to address the remaining challenges in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal.

In addition, the South African government must work collaboratively with the private sector to revive the efficiency of the Agricultural Research Council and the Onderstepoort Biological Products, which are key for vaccine production and various livestock disease management matters. n

Wandile Sihlobo is the chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of SA (Agbiz) and a senior fellow in Stellenbosch University’s Department of Agricultural Economics.

JESSIE TAYLOR

Mpumalanga’s connectivity revolution

Investment in internet access drives growth and inclusion

In the digital age, reliable internet connectivity is essential for economic development, education, and improved quality of life. Mpumalanga is one of the provinces witnessing a significant transformation in its connectivity landscape, thanks to extensive investments by major telecommunications players like MTN and Vodacom. This wave of investment is bridging the digital divide, enhancing access to vital online services, and opening new avenues for growth across the province’s rural and urban areas.

Expanding connectivity

MTN has made strides in bringing internet connectivity to Mpumalanga, with an ambitious target to reach 95% of rural areas across South Africa by 2025. This goal aligns with the telecom’s mission to address the connectivity needs of underserved communities, aiming to make digital access an everyday reality for all South Africans. As of May 2024, MTN had achieved over 98% network coverage in Mpumalanga.

Part of MTN’s investment involves the construction of new 5G sites, with 65 activated in Mpumalanga alone. The 5G sites aim to bring high-speed internet to even the most remote communities. This rollout aims to reduce network congestion and improve data access, providing rural users with an internet experience comparable to urban settings. Vodacom has also been a major player in advancing connectivity in Mpumalanga. With a planned

investment of R500-million in the province, Vodacom is working to expand its network coverage, support small businesses, and address social challenges.

During a recent engagement with Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, Vodacom outlined its strategic initiatives, which include enhancing network resilience against load shedding and expanding 5G services to rural areas.

Both network providers have also committed to mitigating the impact of the country’s energy supply pressures. MTN and Vodacom have invested in resilience strategies to minimize network disruptions.

MTN’s 2024 resilience plan, for instance, includes installing power backups like batteries and hybrid generators across its sites, ensuring uninterrupted service during power outages. According to MTN, this initiative has improved overall network availability by 27% since its launch, with some sites achieving 97% uptime even during Stage 4 load shedding.

Vodacom has similarly bolstered its network against power interruptions, prioritizing infrastructure improvements to maintain customer service reliability in Mpumalanga. These measures are crucial for communities where mobile networks are the primary or sole means of internet access.

Addressing the digital divide For many residents in Mpumalanga’s rural areas, mobile networks are their primary

means of accessing the internet. Traditional fixed broadband infrastructure remains limited, often due to the high costs and logistical challenges associated with extending fibre to remote locations. As a result, mobile connectivity fills a critical gap, offering a lifeline for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

According to data from Opensignal, 16.9% of rural users in Mpumalanga rely exclusively on mobile internet connections. Yet, challenges such as limited bandwidth, fluctuating signal strength, and network congestion persist. For rural residents, inconsistent connectivity can hinder remote work, virtual learning, and access to vital services.

The South African Government’s National Broadband Policy, alongside partnerships with private companies like MTN and Vodacom, aims to overcome these hurdles. Expanding mobile towers, introducing data-sharing solutions, and encouraging infrastructure-sharing agreements among service providers are some of the measures being explored to enhance rural connectivity in Mpumalanga. Improving connectivity in Mpumalanga has far-reaching implications for the province’s economy. For local businesses, robust mobile connectivity enables online operations, facilitates access to wider markets, and allows participation in the digital economy. As many small businesses in rural areas are often constrained by limited market reach, internet access can be a game-changer, providing them with new growth opportunities.

Sources: IT Web | Opensignal | Mpumalanga Government | Hypertext

As Mpumalanga moves toward a more connected future, investments in internet infrastructure by MTN, Vodacom, and other stakeholders are reshaping the province’s digital landscape.

Tourism, a key economic driver in Mpumalanga, also benefits from enhanced connectivity. Tourists expect consistent internet access to stay connected, share their experiences, and access essential information during their travels. Mpumalanga can enhance its appeal as a tourist destination by improving mobile coverage, potentially boosting local hospitality and service sectors.

As Mpumalanga moves toward a more connected future, investments in internet infrastructure by MTN, Vodacom, and other stakeholders are reshaping the province’s digital landscape. These efforts align with broader national goals of achieving universal connectivity, reducing the digital divide, and enabling equal access to the benefits of the digital world.

By enhancing internet access, Mpumalanga is paving the way for economic growth, improved social outcomes, and greater resilience in the face of challenges like load shedding. The province’s journey toward digital inclusivity showcases the transformative power of connectivity, offering its residents new opportunities to participate in and benefit from South Africa’s evolving digital economy. n

FROM THE ICONIC EIGHT HOUR® CREAM Skin Perfecting

HYDRAPLAY

From South Africa to America’s Got Talent Talented South Africans make history

Achoir of visually impaired pupils from Khanyisa Special School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, will soon be heading to the United States to compete on America’s Got Talent (AGT). This show has long been a platform for diverse talents, ranging from singers and dancers to magicians and comedians. The school, known for its support and education for visually impaired learners, has achieved an exceptional 100% pass rate in recent years, but this achievement marks a thrilling new chapter for both the students and the school.

The Khanyisa choir’s journey has been anything but ordinary. With over 3,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 10,000 views, their captivating Gwijo songs have gained the attention of music lovers worldwide. Gwijo, a traditional call-and-response style rooted in Xhosa and Sotho culture, has become their signature

sound, celebrated for its emotive harmonies and cultural depth. Their choir members—Lithalethu Miki, Avela Hulana, Lisakhanya Tunce, Sesona Xengxe, Indiphile Foslara, Akohlulwa Gqirana, Ayabulela Gashi, Sinoxolo Lantu, Siphumelele Cenga, Saluse Mfusi, Sinothando Zozi, and Oyintando Bangani—were ecstatic when they received an invitation to AGT early in 2024.

Their conductor, Gcina Mqadi, has been instrumental in their journey, inspiring the group to strive for excellence and instilling confidence in their abilities. “The world will now see the impact and talent of visually impaired learners. Most people think that these learners are not capable of anything, but that is not the case. The world will see,” Ms Mqadi said.

Founded in 1997 in KwaDwesi, Gqeberha, Khanyisa Special School is a pioneer in educating visually impaired students from Grade R through Grade 12. It offers a full curriculum using Braille and adaptive technologies, ensuring that students are prepared for mainstream academics.

Khanyisa Special School’s choir will have the chance to perform in front of celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara, competing for a $1 million prize and the adoration of millions of viewers worldwide. For Khanyisa Special School, this journey is about more than a competition; it’s about representing South Africa’s values of inclusivity, diversity, and resilience. Their journey to America is a powerful reminder that with the right support, every child, regardless of their abilities, can achieve greatness.

Mzansi Youth Choir

A stage shared by South Africa’s finest talent

IThe Khanyisa choir isn’t the first South African act to capture the international stage on America’s Got Talent. Their journey to AGT follows the success of other talented South Africans who have left a powerful impression on the global Got Talent franchise.

Mzansi Youth Choir

The Mzansi Youth Choir reached the finals of AGT in 2023, capturing hearts with their vibrant performances and infectious energy. Their journey was a testament to South Africa’s rich choral tradition and the strength of youth-driven music. The choir’s resilience and passion were palpable in every performance, making them a fan favourite in season 18.

Ndlovu Youth Choir

One of South Africa’s most celebrated choirs, the Ndlovu Youth Choir, performed on AGT in season 14 in 2020. They reached the finals, stunning audiences with their rendition of Vicky Sampson’s “My African Dream.” Since their appearance, they have returned to compete in AGT: All-Stars, securing a second-place finish in the preliminary rounds. Their performances introduced global audiences to South African choral music’s spirit, energy, and cultural diversity.

Musa Motha

South African dancer Musa Motha, born in Sebokeng, first appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 and quickly rose to stardom. Despite a disability, his expressive dance routines captivated viewers and judges alike. Musa later joined America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League, receiving a group Golden Buzzer and performing alongside the renowned singer Calum Scott

Belinda Davids

Hailing from Gqeberha, Belinda Davids, a Whitney Houston tribute singer, reached the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. Davids later appeared on Spain’s Got Talent: All Stars, where she received the prestigious Golden Buzzer. Her ability to channel Houston’s vocal magic left audiences awestruck, marking her as one of South Africa’s most memorable international performers.

Biko’s Manna

Siblings Biko, Manna, and Mfundo, collectively known as Biko’s Manna, from Johannesburg, brought their musical prowess to AGT season 19. The trio received a standing ovation, securing a unanimous “yes” from all four judges. With their heartwarming story and undeniable talent, they have become beloved representatives of South Africa’s burgeoning music scene.

Li Lau and Brendon Peel

Magician duo Li Lau and Brendon Peel combined mentalism and escapology, wowing audiences on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. Their performance was a thrilling fusion of psychological illusion and daring stunts. Both from Gqeberha, the pair have continued to build a reputation as South Africa’s premier magicians, even impressing the hosts on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Sources: News24 | Daily Maverick

BY KOKETSO MAMABOLO

TBroos and the boys are camped in the 18 area

he boys are back. Hugo Broos’ charges have the people believing again. It’s a resurgence which has taken many back to what are seen as the glory days of South African football. The days of Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo and the late John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu. The days when Neil Tovey lifted the African Cup of Nations trophy at the FNB Stadium in 1996 after Mark Wiliams’ two goals sunk Tunisia’s hopes of being crowned champions of Africa.

In the years that followed Bafana remained strong contenders, finishing second in 1998 and third in 2000, followed by a respectable showing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup

in Korea/Japan, drawing against Paraguay in their first game, beating Slovenia in the second and losing to Spain in their last game.

More than two decades later it seems the boys are back - inspiring hope and stirring national pride. Led by the humble superstar goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who earned his 50th appearance for the national side in their 3 - 0 victory over South Sudan in their final African Cup of Nations qualifier, the team has only lost one game in their last 20. That one game was in the thrilling African Cup of Nations semi-final in February with a penalty shootout sending Nigeria into the final. Head coach Hugo

Broos has won over supporters and unleashed talented youngsters like Rushwan Dortley and UK-based Lyle Foster who showed flashes of magic in England’s Premier League last season. They join the likes of ‘the Lion King’ and former Brighton forward Percy Tau and the heroes of the dynasty Mamelodi Sundowns built in the nation’s capital.

Bafana will go into next year’s Afcon as one of the favourites and look to cement this purple patch by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Whatever happens, South Africans have had a peak into the force the national team can become and the likes of Foster and Tau may join their predecessors in the history books.

Proteas Men

First Test vs Sri Lanka 27 November - 1 December

Second Test vs Sri Lanka 5 - 9 December

First T20I vs Pakistan 10 December

Second T20I vs Pakistan 13 December

Third T20I vs Pakistan 14 December

FirstODI vs Pakistan 17 December

Second ODI vs Pakistan 19 December

Third ODI vs Pakistan 22 December

First Test vs Pakistan 26 - 30 December

Proteas Women

3rd ODI vs England 30 November

First ODI vs England 4 December

Second ODI vs England 8 December

Third ODI vs England 11 December

Test Match vs England 15 - 19 December

Nedbank Golf Challenge 5 - 8 December

Alfred Dunhill Championship 12 - 16 December

Cricket Golf

Sources: Supersport

Ronwen Williams, Bafana Bafana Captain

Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana Head Coach

Supporters at the airport to bid farewell to Bafana

Embracing artificial intelligence to strengthening tax compliance

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning as tools in its tax compliance strategy, marking a significant shift toward data-driven enforcement. These technologies have proved efficient in identifying non-compliance, and SARS’ AI-driven initiatives have helped secure billions in additional revenue.

A surge in revenue and compliance success

By embracing AI, SARS has revolutionized its tax compliance framework, allowing it to track financial transactions, assess risks, and spot discrepancies with speed and precision. According to SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, the integration of AI has enabled the agency to identify and prevent fraudulent activities in record time, exemplified by a recent case where AI detected R10-billion in impermissible refunds within seconds.

This powerful technology also allows SARS to access a wealth of third-party data. Every year, the tax authority gains more access to such information, reinforcing its data-driven approach. AI-powered analytics can evaluate income levels, spending patterns, and asset declarations by correlating bank statements and digital financial records, thus ensuring that SARS leaves no stone unturned in identifying undeclared wealth. This approach significantly broadens SARS’ capacity to enforce compliance far beyond the limitations of traditional audit methods.

SARS’ deployment of AI and machine learning has yielded remarkable results. At the end of March 2024, SARS reported a R1.74-trillion revenue collection for the fiscal year, exceeding projections by R10 billion. The agency’s compliance programme alone contributed R293.7- billion, reflecting a 26.7% increase from the previous year. These results underscore the profound impact of AI in enhancing SARS’ tax collection efforts, as the technology identifies noncompliance swiftly and reliably.

AI tools have also enabled SARS to broaden its tax base, adding over a million individuals and tens of thousands of businesses and VAT vendors to its registers. For instance, 1,500 newly registered companies contributed R214- million, while the 39,900 new employers registered for PAYE contributed an additional R3.4-billion. These results underscore the AI-enhanced system’s effectiveness as SARS strives to expand its reach and identify all liable parties within the tax ecosystem.

Cracking down on tax evasion and fraudulent activities

With AI’s analytical power, SARS is tackling large corporate tax offenders, small-scale evaders, and individual taxpayers. AI’s ability to detect anomalies has allowed SARS to escalate its efforts against fraudulent VAT claims, illicit financial flows, and syndicate crimes, recovering billions from non-compliant taxpayers. In addition, SARS has launched thousands of customs compliance inspections and issued numerous demand letters, recovering R2- billion in outstanding customs-related debt.

AI-driven insights have also empowered SARS to hold company directors accountable for their organizations’ tax liabilities. With digital oversight, SARS can assess discrepancies between declared and actual income, resulting in additional assessments when undeclared earnings or misstatements

are found. This trend of stricter enforcement aligns with SARS’ mission to make tax evasion a costly risk for non-compliant taxpayers.

With access to an everexpanding array of third-party data sources, SARS’ AI systems can examine digital transactions and bank accounts for potential discrepancies in taxpayer filings. This proactive, even preemptive, approach to identifying noncompliance signifies a major evolution in SARS’ oversight capabilities. For taxpayers, the prospect of enhanced surveillance underscores the need for transparency in reporting income and assets.

SARS’ journey from a largely manual process to an AIpowered tax enforcement system exemplifies the broader global trend of digital transformation in government operations. With AI’s capacity to identify noncompliance faster and more

accurately, SARS has emerged as a model of efficiency in the public sector, contributing billions to South Africa’s national revenue. As SARS pushes forward with digital initiatives like e-invoicing and the creation of unique digital identities for taxpayers, the future of tax compliance in South Africa appears firmly rooted in technology. The adoption of these tools not only accelerates SARS’ revenue collection but also fosters a culture of transparency and accountability within the tax ecosystem.

SARS’ integration of AI and machine learning has revolutionized tax compliance in South Africa, allowing it to uncover fraud and expand its tax base. Through AI, SARS is not only securing essential revenue for South Africa’s economic development but also setting a precedent in the region for technology-driven public administration. n

BY JESSIE TAYLOR

Navigating workplace bullying in South Africa

What you need to know

In workplaces across South Africa, employees face various challenges, but few issues are as emotionally and professionally damaging as bullying. Although the country’s labour laws have evolved significantly since the Labour Relations Act (LRA) of 1995, workplace bullying remains a complex issue that is not explicitly addressed in any specific legislation

Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed toward an employee or group of employees that risks health and well-being. It includes actions such as intimidation and manipulation. Unlike traditional conflicts or isolated incidents, bullying involves a pattern of behaviour that undermines, belittles, or harasses an individual, often leading to significant mental and physical distress.

Examples of bullying behaviour include:

• Verbal abuse or offensive comments

• Belittling or humiliating remarks

• Unjust criticism or blame without justification

• Excluding someone from work activities or withholding important information

• Setting unreasonable or constantly shifting deadlines

The impact of bullying extends beyond individual victims, often affecting entire teams and departments, leading to reduced productivity, low morale, and high turnover. Victims of bullying may suffer from depression, anxiety,

mood changes, and even physical symptoms such as headaches and high blood pressure. While South African labour laws do not specifically define bullying, there are provisions that offer employees some level of protection. The Employment Equity Act (EEA) prohibits unfair discrimination, which includes harassment. Section 6 of the EEA states that “harassment of an employee is a form of unfair discrimination and is prohibited”. Consequently, workplace bullying is often addressed as a form of harassment and can be pursued under unfair discrimination claims.

In cases where the bullying does not relate to a specific characteristic such as race or gender, the law still permits recourse if the bullying is deemed

an “arbitrary ground” for unfair discrimination. The Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the Workplace, introduced in March 2022, provides further clarity on addressing workplace bullying. This Code applies to all employers, including trade unions and informal sectors, mandating that employers prevent harassment and bullying and ensure a safe work environment.

Under this Code, employers are required to take proactive steps to prevent all forms of harassment, including bullying. Section 60 of the EEA holds employers accountable if they fail to act on complaints of bullying within a reasonable timeframe, and employers can face significant liability if they do not address bullying, with possible penalties including unlimited compensation in discrimination cases.

To address workplace bullying effectively, employers should develop clear anti-bullying policies and promote a zero-tolerance stance on harassment. Here are some essential actions employers can take:

1. Create a clear anti-bullying policy: Employers should implement policies that define bullying and outline procedures for reporting and investigating incidents. This helps employees understand their rights and the actions they can take if they experience or witness bullying.

2. Provide training: Regular training can help employees and managers recognise bullying behaviours and encourage a culture of

respect. Educating staff on appropriate conduct and creating awareness about the consequences of bullying is essential in fostering a positive work environment.

3. Establish reporting channels: Employers should establish confidential and impartial reporting channels that allow employees to report bullying without fear of retaliation. Effective reporting mechanisms reassure employees that their complaints will be taken seriously.

4. Investigate incidents promptly: Employers must have a standard procedure for investigating bullying complaints, ensuring fairness and transparency. A thorough investigation demonstrates the employer’s commitment to creating a safe workplace.

5. Take corrective actions: If bullying is confirmed, employers should take swift corrective actions, which may include disciplining or even dismissing the perpetrator if necessary. This sets a clear example that bullying is unacceptable.

Employees have several legal options if an employer fails to address workplace bullying. They can refer unfair discrimination disputes to the CCMA. If the dispute remains unresolved, the case may escalate to the Labour Court, where it could be treated as an automatically unfair dismissal due to harassment.

Employees can also claim compensation in cases where bullying leads to an employee’s resignation or dismissal. Should it be found there was discrimination

or unfair dismissal, the employee could be entitled to up to 24 months of remuneration.

Employers are legally obligated to create a safe work environment. Failure to meet this duty could result in the employer paying damages or compensation to the affected employee.

Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for both employees and employers. Addressing this issue requires a proactive approach from employers, who must foster a culture of respect, implement clear policies, and take swift action against bullying. n

BY SUE RAMAUTHAR

How physical activity supports vitality across the decades

As we journey through life, our bodies undergo various physiological changes that shape how we move, feel, and function. These shifts are inevitable, but how we choose to engage with them can determine our overall health and vitality. Physical activity stands as one of the most effective ways to navigate the natural ageing process, supporting the body in maintaining strength, flexibility, and resilience. Let’s explore the body’s changes across the decades and why staying active is essential for thriving at every stage.

The 20s: Building a strong foundation

The 20s represent the peak of physical performance. Muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health are at their best during this decade, with the body’s ability to recover from stress and injury at its highest. This period is the perfect time to build a strong foundation through a variety of exercises— strength training, cardiovascular activities, and flexibility work. Establishing consistent physical activity habits during this stage not only enhances present health but also creates a solid base that will support the body through the challenges of ageing.

The 30s: Slowing metabolism and subtle changes

By the time we reach our 30s, metabolic rate starts to decline, leading to a gradual increase in body fat if physical activity is reduced. Muscle mass and bone density also start to decrease slightly, and some individuals may begin to notice reduced recovery times after exercise. To counteract these changes, it’s important to prioritise strength training, which helps maintain muscle mass and keeps the metabolism active. Combining strength work with aerobic exercises and flexibility routines can keep the body balanced and healthy, while preventing early signs of physical ageing.

The 40s: Hormonal shifts and flexibility challenges

The 40s are often marked by hormonal changes, particularly for women as they approach perimenopause. These hormonal shifts can impact muscle mass, fat distribution, and energy levels. Additionally, flexibility tends to decline in this decade, making regular stretching and mobility exercises critical. Weight-bearing exercises become even more important to counteract bone loss, and aerobic activities help to maintain cardiovascular health. Exercise not only combats the physiological effects of ageing but also helps manage stress and energy fluctuations that are common during this time.

The 50s: Preserving muscle and joint health

In the 50s, the decline in muscle mass and bone density becomes more pronounced, often accompanied by joint stiffness and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis may begin to emerge as cartilage wears down, making movement more challenging. Physical activity, however, remains the key to preserving muscle strength and joint health. Low-impact exercises, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, paired with strength training, are crucial to maintaining mobility and supporting joint function. In addition to physical benefits, exercise plays a critical role in mental health, helping to reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline during this stage of life.

The 60s and beyond: Focus on mobility and balance

As we enter our 60s and older, maintaining mobility, balance, and overall functionality becomes a top priority. Falls and fractures are common concerns, especially as bones become more brittle due to osteoporosis. Strength training, balance exercises (such as yoga and tai chi), and regular movement can significantly reduce the risk of falls and help maintain independence. Cardiovascular exercise supports heart health and energy levels, while stretching and flexibility routines promote range of motion and reduce stiffness. Keeping active in this stage enhances not only physical health but also cognitive function, emotional well-being, and social engagement.

The lifelong importance of movement

Regardless of age, physical activity is the key to ageing gracefully and staying strong. Exercise is not just about maintaining a youthful appearance but about improving quality of life, supporting mental health, and fostering a sense of independence. Each decade brings its own challenges, but with a consistent focus on movement, anyone can build a body that’s resilient, adaptable, and healthy.

Ageing is inevitable, but how we age is largely within our control. By staying active and embracing physical movement as a part of daily life, we can navigate the physiological changes of ageing with strength and confidence, ensuring a life that’s not just long but vibrant. n

Sue Ramauthar is a corporate wellness practitioner and physiotherapist at SuedeWellness

BY FIONA WAKELIN

World Diabetes Day 14 NOV

World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of the diabetes epidemic, which affects millions worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day calls attention to the rising rates of diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the disease is spreading fastest. Diabetes is a chronic condition that, without proper treatment, can lead to severe health issues, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations. This year’s theme, “Access to Diabetes Care,” emphasizes the need for consistent, affordable access to medication, medical support, and resources that help individuals manage and prevent complications. The centennial of insulin’s discovery highlights the vital role of treatment and innovation in diabetes care, yet millions globally lack the resources they need. World Diabetes Day is a reminder of the importance of global cooperation in addressing health disparities and improving diabetes care for all.

November

International Day for Tolerance 16 NOV

The International Day for Tolerance was established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote mutual respect and understanding in an increasingly diverse world. It emphasizes that tolerance is not mere acceptance but a commitment to respect the human rights and freedoms of others, appreciating cultural, social, and individual differences. This day reminds us that tolerance is essential for fostering peaceful coexistence within mixed communities worldwide. Through education, inclusion, and dialogue, we can counter intolerance and build societies where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. The day serves as a call to action for governments, institutions, and individuals to strengthen efforts toward inclusivity and understanding as the foundation of a harmonious global community.

World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 18-24 NOV

World Antimicrobial Resistance

Awareness Week is an annual global campaign to raise awareness about the threat posed by World Antimicrobial Resistance, where bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens develop resistance to medicines. This makes infections harder to treat, posing severe risks to public health by rendering treatments like antibiotics less effective. World Antimicrobial Resistance awareness is crucial as it impacts global health, food security, and development. The World Health Organization spearheads this initiative to encourage governments, healthcare providers, and individuals to use antimicrobials responsibly.

World Antimicrobial Resistance

Awareness Week underscores the importance of collaboration across all sectors - known as the “One Health” approach - to combat the spread of drug-resistant infections and safeguard the effectiveness of vital medicines.

Upcoming events

19 NOV

World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day highlights the importance of sanitation and aims to inspire action toward achieving “Safe Toilets for All” by 2030, a target under Sustainable Development Goal 6. For billions of people worldwide, the lack of access to clean and safe toilets is a daily reality that threatens public health, dignity, and safety. This year’s theme, “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” emphasizes the role of sanitation facilities in providing a safe, secure space for individuals and communities. It also draws attention to the need for resilient and accessible sanitation systems, particularly in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and climate change. World Toilet Day urges governments, communities, and individuals to work together to address the global sanitation crisis and advocate for safe and sustainable toilet facilities for everyone.

20 NOV

Africa Industrialisation Day

Africa Industrialisation Day emphasizes the importance of industrial development in enhancing economic growth, job creation, and resilience in African countries. Initiated by the United Nations in 1989, this day aims to raise awareness of the continent’s industrialisation challenges and opportunities. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation Through the Empowerment of African Women in Processing for an Integrated Market,” highlights the role of women as pivotal players in Africa’s industrial and economic transformation. Empowering women in the workforce fosters inclusive growth and enhances productivity, contributing significantly to poverty reduction. Africa Industrialisation Day serves as a platform to promote sustainable industrial policies that bolster local economies, create employment, and pave the way for a more resilient and diversified African economy.

World Children’s Day 20 NOV

World Children’s Day is a call to action for children’s rights, health, education, and well-being worldwide. Established in 1954, this day is a key moment for advocacy and awareness, marking the anniversaries of the Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child. World Children’s Day rallies people globally to address the pressing issues impacting children today, including climate change, mental health, and education. With the theme “A Better Future for Every Child,” UNICEF encourages young people to raise their voices and for adults to listen and respond to their calls for change. The day promotes collective responsibility across societies to create a world where every child is protected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential, championing a brighter future for generations to come.