Latest news with #BOSA
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- General
- Eyewitness News
BOSA unhappy Justice Ministry won't grant it access to the National Register of Sex Offenders
JOHANNESBURG - Build One South Africa (BOSA) is displeased with the Justice Ministry's rejection of their request to gain access to the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, had committed to releasing the list in February this year but retracted, citing legal concerns. In response, the party submitted an application in the form of a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the department, which grants individuals access to information held by public or private bodies. ALSO READ: BOSA says public sexual offenders list important for parents to protect children A day after Child Protection Week started last week on Friday, the Department of Justice wrote back to the political party rejecting their application for the release of the sex offenders list. BOSA initially made the application for the release of the list in March, calling for the protection of children against predators. The department says Section 52 of the Sexual Offences and Related Crimes Act says anyone found to have disclosed the contents of the NRSO can be fined or jailed for up to three years. BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons says it is disappointing as the country keeps seeing a rise in the abuse of children. "As BOSA, we note with great frustration and anger the Justice Ministry's rejection of our Promotion of Access to Information Act, where we requested to gain access to this highly secretive register of sex offenders, which government is hellbent on keeping under wraps." He says there is public interest in the matter, which should trump privacy laws.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
South Africa's push to amend BEE laws for Musk's Starlink triggers public backlash
The South African government is facing intense political backlash after changes to its Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws, potentially allowing Elon Musk's Starlink to operate in the country with exemptions from existing Black ownership requirements. The South African government is facing criticism for proposed changes to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. The new laws may allow foreign companies, such as Starlink, to bypass Black ownership requirements through alternative contributions. Critics claim this move undermines South Africa's existing empowerment policies aiming to correct historical injustices. As reported by the Financial Times, South Africa's Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi revealed plans to allow telecom companies like Starlink to sidestep the 30% Black ownership law through ' equity equivalence ' initiatives, such as local partnerships, job creation, or supporting small businesses, in lieu of equity stakes The proposal follows public remarks by Musk that he has been locked out of South Africa's telecom market because he is " not Black." However, the timing and framing of the legislation has sparked intense criticism from opposition parties and civil society, who accuse the government of tailoring laws to benefit a powerful foreign billionaire. Criticism spreads over SA's BEE amendment Build One South Africa (BOSA), a prominent opposition party, has criticized the government's decision as a " backdoor deal" with Musk, arguing it unfairly favors the billionaire's interests over those of local businesses bound by BEE laws. According to BOSA deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster " The message being sent is that if you are a powerful foreign billionaire, you can sidestep South Africa's laws, while our local businesses are forced to jump through hoops," BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons also warned that the proposed exemption would allow Starlink to enter the market" under conditions favourable to them, not the country," He called the move " impulsive and reckless." Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema echoed this sentiment, promising to oppose Starlink's entry in Parliament. ' We will not be dictated to by business,' Malema said, accusing the government of prioritizing corporate interests over national policy. Defense grows amid criticism Meanwhile, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has defended BEE as essential to reversing the effects of apartheid, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), the second-largest party and a key coalition partner, is suing the government over existing BEE laws. DA MP James Lorimer called the proposed rules ' a death knell for foreign investment' "These ownership demands will crush what little appetite remains for investment in South African mining," He said. " The bill doubles down on failed transformation policies at a time when our economy needs growth." He added. The country's President Cyril Ramaphosa has stood firm against dismantling BEE, attributing South Africa's economic stagnation to concentrated ownership rather than empowerment policies. He said: "It is the partial and exclusive ownership of the means of production in our country that is holding this economy from growing," The controversy is consequent of a major political shift: the ANC, weakened by poor 2024 election results driven by public frustration over crime, unemployment, and inflation, has entered into a 10-party coalition, the first time since the end of apartheid that it has lost its wide majority. As Parliament debates the bill in the coming week, the government faces a balancing act; modernize economic policy to attract foreign innovation and investment or risk undermining the very affirmative action framework that has defined its post-apartheid vision.
Eyewitness News
28-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Newly-awarded national lottery licence operator Sizekhaya Holdings' ties to ANC questioned
JOHANNESBURG - Sizekhaya Holdings' almost R200 billion lottery win is drawing attention, amid questions over its ties to the African National Congress (ANC). On Wednesday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition announced the consortium as the 4th national lottery and sports pool licence holder. However, some political parties have raised questions around Sizekhaya's links to businessman and ANC member, Sandile Zungu. Half of Sizekhaya Holdings is owned by betting company, Goldrush Holdings. Zungu was a non-executive director at Goldrush for more than eight years before resigning in 2023. Zungu is a long-standing ANC member and has previously contested for the party's top leadership post in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). While Zungu resigned from Goldrush a year before Sizekhaya was registered, political parties Build One South Africa (BOSA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have questioned his involvement in the deal. BOSA is demanding that a full report be tabled before Parliament detailing the evaluation criteria, scoring system, and outcomes for all submitted bids.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Political organisations unite on Africa Day to champion a prosperous future
As millions across Africa came together to commemorate Africa Day on May 25, various political organisations seized the occasion to voice important calls for unity, economic empowerment, and the continued struggle for justice across the continent. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), echoing the sentiments of many, characterised Africa Day not only as a celebration but also as a sober reminder of the struggles endured by previous generations in the pursuit of freedom and justice. 'We believe that the future of our continent lies in good governance, the empowerment of its people, economic cooperation, and a collective resolve to overcome poverty, inequality, and conflict,' the party stated. They reaffirmed their commitment to building a peaceful and united Africa, expressing aspirations to inspire citizens to extend their perspectives beyond borders, cultivating bonds that unite all Africans. The IFP called on citizens to embrace their shared challenges with renewed determination and to walk with hope towards a future where every African can attain dignity and opportunity. Such sentiments resonate with the fervour of Africa Day, encouraging all to honour both the achievements and memories of those who fought for the continent's rights. Similarly, Build One South Africa (BOSA) used this occasion to advocate for a reimagined economic vision rooted in regional integration and self-sufficiency. BOSA highlighted the potential of Africa's vast population, exceeding 1.4 billion, and its collective GDP, which exceeds $3 trillion. 'Africa is rich in potential. But to unlock this future, we must first confront two critical truths,' the party declared, emphasising that South Africa's economy remains disconnected from the continent's full potential. BOSA's clarion call was particularly centered on addressing South Africa's trade imbalance, which recorded a R16.4 billion deficit in January 2025—raising concern over the persistent export of raw materials only to import costly finished products. To tackle these issues, BOSA proposed three key strategies: diversifying and scaling production, introducing financing for growth, and enhancing trade diplomacy to bolster intra-African trade agreements. As various organisations reflect on the challenges facing the continent, the Public Servants Association (PSA) marked the 2025 theme of 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Repatriations'. The party explains that the theme serves as a poignant opportunity to explore the progress made thus far, while also recognising ongoing struggles. The PSA echoed sentiments of unity and self-reliance, stressing the importance of reducing dependence on foreign aid and boosting intraregional cooperation, which they assert is essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Political organisations unite on Africa Day to champion a prosperous future
Africans reflecting on unity, resilience, and the path to economic self-sufficiency as political leaders across the continent honour Africa Day. Africans reflecting on unity, resilience, and the path to economic self-sufficiency as political leaders across the continent honour Africa Day. As millions across Africa came together to commemorate Africa Day on May 25, various political organisations seized the occasion to voice important calls for unity, economic empowerment, and the continued struggle for justice across the continent. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), echoing the sentiments of many, characterised Africa Day not only as a celebration but also as a sober reminder of the struggles endured by previous generations in the pursuit of freedom and justice. 'We believe that the future of our continent lies in good governance, the empowerment of its people, economic cooperation, and a collective resolve to overcome poverty, inequality, and conflict,' the party stated. They reaffirmed their commitment to building a peaceful and united Africa, expressing aspirations to inspire citizens to extend their perspectives beyond borders, cultivating bonds that unite all Africans. The IFP called on citizens to embrace their shared challenges with renewed determination and to walk with hope towards a future where every African can attain dignity and opportunity. Such sentiments resonate with the fervour of Africa Day, encouraging all to honour both the achievements and memories of those who fought for the continent's rights. Similarly, Build One South Africa (BOSA) used this occasion to advocate for a reimagined economic vision rooted in regional integration and self-sufficiency. BOSA highlighted the potential of Africa's vast population, exceeding 1.4 billion, and its collective GDP, which exceeds $3 trillion. 'Africa is rich in potential. But to unlock this future, we must first confront two critical truths,' the party declared, emphasising that South Africa's economy remains disconnected from the continent's full potential. BOSA's clarion call was particularly centered on addressing South Africa's trade imbalance, which recorded a R16.4 billion deficit in January 2025—raising concern over the persistent export of raw materials only to import costly finished products. To tackle these issues, BOSA proposed three key strategies: diversifying and scaling production, introducing financing for growth, and enhancing trade diplomacy to bolster intra-African trade agreements. As various organisations reflect on the challenges facing the continent, the Public Servants Association (PSA) marked the 2025 theme of 'Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Repatriations'. The party explains that the theme serves as a poignant opportunity to explore the progress made thus far, while also recognising ongoing struggles. The PSA echoed sentiments of unity and self-reliance, stressing the importance of reducing dependence on foreign aid and boosting intraregional cooperation, which they assert is essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential. Saturday Star
