Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies on Monday responded to reports that incentives for manufacturers will be weakened due to regulations that lower caps on grants offered in the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (MCEP).

Last week, the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) announced that the revised guidelines of the MCEP came into effect on 1 April 2014.

The programme offers incentives designed to drive growth and promote competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. It includes a package of incentives specifically designed for established manufacturers, with the aim of promoting competitiveness and retaining jobs.

“We faced a significant uptake of the MCEP. It was either that we make a small number of large awards or larger amounts of small awards, and we opted for the second [one]. So the maximum [amount] has been reduced from R50 million to R30 million. That’s the main thing. We wanted to support a larger number of enterprises,” said Minister Davies at the launch of the sixth iteration of the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) in Johannesburg.

A consultancy company has said that the changes will largely reduce the incentives for large companies offered by the programme.

The changes also related to broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE), in addition to the reduction of the amounts of money available from the department for different parts of the programme.

The programme has been implemented by the dti since 4 June 2012.

“As at 31 March 2014, 524 applications were approved, with over R4 billion committed to support manufacturers and over 100 000 jobs to be sustained,” the department said last week.

Consultation with various stakeholders during the 2013/14 financial year necessitated the amendments of the current MCEP guidelines, which resulted in the latest revision of the guidelines that were also published on 1 April.

“It was learnt that the highest percentage grant benefit of 61% went to larger enterprises, whilst only about 39% of the grant went to small and medium size enterprises, following which it was decided that some tightening measures were required.

“These measures are meant to support as many entities as possible and to ensure that the MCEP continues to support the entities targeted by the programme,” said the dti in a statement last week.

Analysis of the total grant approved also indicated that 4% of the grant commitment went to small entities (with assets below R5 million), while 10% went to those with assets of between R5 million and R30 million; 25% went to entities with assets between R30 million and R200 million and 61% went to entities with assets above R200 million.

Components and focus areas affected by the recent revision are the introduction of total grant limit under Capital Investment; Green Technology; Enterprise-level Competitiveness Improvement; Resource Efficiency as well as Cluster Competitiveness Improvement, which now has separate guidelines.

Furthermore, clarification has been provided with respect to the registration requirements, bonus grants and the inclusion of manufacturers in the private sector defence industry.

Over and above these amendments, the B-BBEE requirement of MCEP has been amended to align it with B-BBEE policy, as well to ensure that applicants meet this requirement within the period of three years since the launch of the MCEP.

MCEP guidelines were reviewed in July 2012 following various consultations and that review resulted in the relaxation of minimum requirements on capital investments and provided a clearer definition of total assets.

Further comments and inputs were received and Version 3 of the guidelines was published in November 2012. – SAnews.gov.za

Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini says more than one million children are accessing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services throughout the country.

Addressing a post State of the Nation (SONA) Social Protection and Community Development Cluster briefing on Monday, Minister Dlamini said the number of registered ECD facilities had grown from 16 250 in 2009/10 to 21 023 by the end of 2012/13.

“Early childhood development is a vital link in the range of services aimed at achieving positive social and educational outcomes,” the minister said.

The number of children in ECD centres directly subsidised by government has also increased from 432 727 to more than 545 347 in 2013.

In the past five years, access to ECD services has been broadened significantly.

With regard to child protection services, Minister Dlamini said the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005) has transformed the traditional way of child protection organisations’ service delivery model, and has ensured inclusive services to all children.

“Through this Act, many vulnerable categories of children, previously excluded from statutory service provision, are now receiving services,” she said.

The Act provides for the establishment of the National Child Protection Register, which consists of two parts. Firstly, the register has a record of abuse of deliberate neglect inflicted on specific children. It records the circumstances surrounding the abuse and deliberate neglect inflicted on the affected children.

Secondly, the register has a record of people who are unsuitable to work with children and information can be used in order to protect children against abuse from suitable persons.

The register has been operational since 1 April 2010. – SAnews.gov.za

Historically, there has been a fragmented approach to the provision of social services for current and former mineworkers, says Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

“Of particular concern for a very long time has been the issue of the inhumane conditions under which mine workers live and work, the challenges emanating from the migrant labour system and the treatment meted out to ex -mineworkers once they are too ill to work or are retired due to other social and health related complications.

“These are issues we have been grappling with since the dawn of our democracy and we continue to do so today,” said the Deputy President on Monday.

“[But] instead of allowing this reality to dampen our efforts, we should be encouraged that by continuing to confront these challenges we will be able to find solutions as evidenced here today.”

He was speaking at the opening of the one stop service centre for former mineworkers and the community of Mthatha at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.

Also at the event was Mandla Mandela, the eldest grandson of the late former President Nelson Mandela and Mvezo Chief, and Deputy Health Minister Gwen Ramokgopa.

The mining sector is an integral component of the Southern Africa economy and has about 500 000 employed miners and two million former mineworkers from many parts of the world and in particular the Eastern Cape.

“Government acknowledges the importance of the mining sector for the economy, job creation and contribution to social and economic development,” he said.

Deputy President Motlanthe said the centre will provide health and rehabilitation services, social services, and compensation and benefit management services for the mine-workers and their beneficiaries.

The centre is located within the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital Complex, and the resources, expertise and equipment will be used for members of the community thus improving efficiencies and extending benefits to all who need them.

“I am confident that the community and health providers will ensure that these facilities are utilised efficiently towards the realisation of a long and healthy life for all.”

He said the launch of the centre was important as it paid tribute to the legacy of two leaders of the struggle for emancipation - Mandela and OR Tambo.

Government has established one stop service delivery framework which is aimed setting up a comprehensive database for current and ex-mineworkers and provides for access to comprehensive health services, including screening and rehabilitation, access to compensation benefits and access to social protection benefits such as unemployment insurance, pension and provident fund benefits.

Deputy President Motlanthe said the initiative had received the support of employer organisations, the private sector, various development partners, civil society and associations of ex-mineworkers.

Governments of other labour sending countries such as Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland and others in the region also backed the initiative. – SAnews.gov.za

Taxpayers' legitimate complaints, which are unable to be resolved through the South African Revenue Service (SARS) internal mechanisms, will now be reviewed and addressed by the newly launched South African Tax Ombud’s Office.

Officially launching the office on Monday, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said the Tax Ombud is an additional and free avenue to deal with complaints by taxpayers that cannot be resolved through SARS’s internal mechanism.

He said the Ombud’s Office added to the sound institutional framework that has sustained South Africa’s social and economic progress during the past 20 years.

Last week, the 2013/14 preliminary tax and customs revenue was announced. The minister said the tax policy framework has proven to be resilient during the global economic turmoil that has tested South Africa’s public finances, its economic policy framework and its regulatory environment.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the millions of taxpayers who have provided the state with the means to fund its programmes, which in a virtuous cycle will stimulate growth, job creation and generate higher future revenue.

“We owe them our deep gratitude and a commitment to spend this money wisely, honestly and efficiently, but also we owe to these taxpayers a tax system that treats them fairly,” Minister Gordhan said.

Gordhan said the Ombud is intended to be a simple remedy for taxpayers who have legitimate complaints that relate to administrative matters, poor service or the failure by SARS to observe taxpayers’ rights.

However, the Ombud’s Office may not review legislation or tax policy.

It will also not review SARS policy or practice generally prevailing, other than to the extent that it relates to a service matter or a procedural or administrative matter arising from the application of the provisions of a tax Act by SARS.

The Ombud’s Office will also not review a matter subject to objection and appeal under a tax Act, except for an administrative matter relating to such objection and appeal or a decision of, proceeding in or matter before the tax court.

As announced in October last year, retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe is the Tax Ombud. Ngoepe’s office must review a complaint and if necessary, resolve it through mediation or conciliation with SARS officials specifically identified to interact with his office.

However, Ngoepe may only review a complaint after a taxpayer has exhausted SARS internal complaints resolution mechanisms. Direct access to the Ombud will only be allowed if there are compelling circumstances for doing so.

“Our challenge is not just about affording the taxpayer a fair hearing or the provision of service; it is more about providing information that is easily accessible and understandable.

“The office treats the taxpayer public with utmost dignity and respect, provides an open, accountable and timely service and it will also render well-reasoned decisions in respect of actions taken by it,” said Judge Ngoepe.

According to Judge Ngoepe, the office will be operating independently of SARS and will also treat with strict confidence the communication between it and the taxpayer.

“Given all these as well as other considerations, the office of the Tax Ombud expects to contribute towards boosting the taxpayers’ confidence in tax administration, resulting, hopefully in even better tax compliance,” he said.

Acting SARS Commissioner Iva Pillay said: “The Ombud will keep us on our toes. That’s good for tax compliance and that’s good for SARS and South Africa.

“The credibility of SARS and the success of the Ombud’s Office will depend on how SARS handles complaints. This is not only a matter of how we handle an individual complaint,” Pillay said.

The Tax Ombud reports directly to the Minister of Finance and its annual report must be tabled in Parliament by the Minister. - SAnews.gov.za

Public schools across Gauteng have opened their doors for the registration of learners for the 2015 academic year.

Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy launched the Public School Admissions Campaign at the Johannesburg Park Station on Monday.

The launch involved the distribution of pamphlets encouraging parents to apply now to avoid the last minute rush in 2015.

“There is high demand for space in Gauteng schools. We have over 2 000 public ordinary schools that accommodate 1.9 million learners. Apply early so that we can we can accommodate you.

“For us, it means we will be able to plan for the number of children who are coming into our system. For parents, it means they will be able to get a school that is closer to their place of work or residence,” MEC Creecy said.

The department processed over 20 000 late applications for the 2014 academic year, an increase from 15 000 in the previous year.

Applying late reduces the chances of parents getting the school of their first choice where they meet the criteria. This also means that learners will be placed at a school where there is space available, and this might not be close to where their parents work or reside.

From today, parents, who wish to register their children for admission in a public school in Gauteng, can go to their nearest school to pick up application forms for learners who want to start Grade 1 or Grade 8 in the province in 2015. Application forms should be returned to the school as from 15 April to 27 May.

“We once again urge parents to work with us to ensure all our schools are ready to operate from the first day of school in 2015.

“This also provides the department with ample time to plan adequately, knowing the number of learners coming to schools in 2015, and ensuring that the right amount of school infrastructure, learner and teacher support material and furniture is allocated to schools,” MEC Creecy added.

The campaign will involve the usage of various communication platforms to deliver the department’s message of early registrations. The platforms will include social media, public services announcement, print and electronic media amongst others.

Required documentation

Parents who will be applying for space in a school need to bring a completed application form with the following documentation:

· Birth certificate or certified copy (a baptismal certificate is not acceptable)
· At least one (1) parent’s ID
· Immunisation card (for grade 1)
· Study permits for legal immigrants
· Asylum documents for refugees and asylum seekers
. The latest school report card

“We also urge parents to follow through the whole registration process to its finality,” the MEC said.

When registering children, parents are urged to ensure that schools provide them with a waiting list number.

This waiting list number will indicate if the applicant is on waiting list A (for parents within a feeder area of a school) or waiting list B (parents outside of a feeder area of a school).

Learners that are not in entry grades, that is Grades 1 and 8, also need to re-enrol. – SAnews.gov.za

Addis Ababa - Ethiopia and China have agreed to prepare and implement a new comprehensive co-operation framework to further boost bilateral ties.

This was agreed when Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekones and Chinese vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming held discussions on the issue recently.

New partnership areas such as aviation, space science, tourism and mining are to be included in the new 10-year co-operation framework.

During the discussions, Mekones said the incorporation of the new areas of co-operation would help Ethiopia learn from best practices of China in those areas.

The Chinese vice-minister told journalists that the new framework would enable the two countries to expand their areas of co-operation.

The two countries' finance ministers are expected to discuss various provisions under the framework later this month. – SAnews.gov.za-NNN-ENA

Honeymoon murder accused Shrien Dewani is expected to arrive in the country on Tuesday morning before making a brief appearance at the Western Cape High Court.

He is being extradited from the United Kingdom to be charged with the murder of his wife, Anni Dewani, which happened in 2010 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

Dewani is accused of orchestrating the murder of his wife while on honeymoon. He claims he and his wife were kidnapped at gunpoint as they drove through Gugulethu, and that he was released unharmed.

Before the trial, Dewani will first undergo a psychiatric assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial.

If he is not fit to stand trial within 18 months, he will be returned to the UK, as agreed by the British and South African authorities.

He has been fighting removal from the UK until he has recovered from mental health problems, including severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Three men are already serving lengthy jail sentences for their part in the killing. – SAnews.gov.za

Tensions were rife at Lievland Wine Estate and Wiesenhof Legacy Park (Stellenbosch) on Saturday, 05 April 2014 when the best of the best gathered to take on the much anticipated IMPI Elite Race.Â* Claude Eksteen and Carla Van Huyssteen triumphant IMPI Gauteng winners, Claude Eksteen (North Beach, KZN) and Carla Van Huyssteen (Pietermaritsburg) claimed victory [...]Eksteen and Van Huyssteen show IMPI power is a post from: Trail Running South Africa


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Runners, on your marks, get set, GO. The uMhlanga Easter Trail Run takes place on Easter Sunday, 20 April with three distances to choose from. Adventurers who want to tackle the gorgeous surrounds of uMhlanga can participate in the latest of the uMhlanga Trail Run series. Three routes will have you meandering through bush, beach [...]uMhlanga Easter Trail Run 2014 is a post from: Trail Running South Africa


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Education plays a defining role in breaking the cycle of poverty, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).Stats SA on Thursday released the Poverty Trends Report (2006-2011). The report analysed trends in poverty and inequality between 2006 and 2011, based on data collected through the Income and...

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