Latest news with #CooperationAgreement
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The DA's push for policing devolution: A potential dangerous precedent?
During raids in Hanover Park, suspects were searched for drugs and weapons. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers The Democratic Alliance (DA) has again ramped up its calls for the devolution of policing powers. This long-standing party stance has been thrust back into the spotlight after billionaire Johann Rupert raised concerns about the Cape Flats violence during a high-profile discussion at the White House. The party's push for the devolution of policing powers in the Western Cape has been going on for years, and in recent weeks has remained in the headlines, with the City of Cape Town's Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, and Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson, Ian Cameron, weighing in. Last week, the city's Safety and Security Portfolio Committee (PC) also endorsed a motion for the devolution of policing powers to the municipality, where the portfolio committee resolved to table the resolution at the forthcoming Council meeting. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The PC is calling on the national government to: Devolve investigative powers to the city for crime categories such as gang-related violence, firearm offences, extortion, and drug trafficking. Devolve the power of crime intelligence to the city. Assign the function of forensic laboratory testing centres for firearms to the city. Support the city's continued participation in the Cooperation Agreement task team and endorse the establishment of a joint technical workstream comprising representatives from various stakeholders. Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, said: 'Our communities are plagued by crime at all levels and it is clear that more is needed – from the South African Police Service and the city… SAPS does not have the manpower, and the city's uniformed staff do not have the power to undertake investigations. 'Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis wrote to the National Police Commissioner to request a devolution of policing powers to metro police, and the city has not had any meaningful reply. We believe this devolution will enhance the ability and capability of the city to assist SAPS…' The current reality of life on the Cape Flats amid the high levels of violence remains bleak. The fifth issue of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime's Western Cape Gang Monitor, an output bulletin tracking developments in Western Cape gang dynamics each quarter, has highlighted a number of issues, among them being poor security at courts. The report stressed that security measures failing in courts as 'according to several gang sources, firearms are often smuggled into court buildings. 'Many people have been threatened at court at gunpoint, it just doesn't make the newspapers, because when that person was threatened, they left court and were too scared to testify,' one gang member said.' Gang recruitment continues to drive child murder rates, as more than one child was murdered every day in the Western Cape over three months in 2024. 'This sobering statistic is indicative of a wider trend: more children than ever before are being recruited into gangs in the Western Cape… the rate of child recruitment appears to be accelerating, posing a huge challenge to affected families and communities, as well as to the criminal justice and juvenile detention systems,' the report highlights. Michael Jacobs of the Mitchell's Plain United Residents Association (MURA) said that every day in a suburb on the Cape Flats, a life is lost through gang and gun violence. 'These violent incidents sketch a picture of abnormality, fear, and the sheer brutality faced by ordinary residents on the streets. 'In 2019, with the introduction of the Western Cape Safety Plan and the introduction of LEAP, they boldly claimed that they would reduce the murder rate by 50%, which never materialised. 'They continue to fail to address the root causes of crime. Unemployment amongst young people remains high, the failure to deal with the huge housing backlog continues to allow our people to live in overcrowded backyards and growing informal settlements, a lack of adequate treatment facilities for substance abuse users, and a lack of political will to deal with the crime problem,' Jacobs said. 'That said, we need to acknowledge that all levels of government - national, provincial, and municipal - have failed our bullet-ridden and gang-infested communities on the Cape Flats, Atlantis, Paarl, and elsewhere where gangsterism thrives. 'No amount of political theatrics and political spin will take away the fear, blood on our streets, death and open coffins on the Cape Flats of Fear,' Jacobs said. Professor Isaac Khambule from the University of Johannesburg, who lectures on political economy, said that for the DA, the idea of pushing for devolution is that someone centralised the idea of an impetuous civic, but also about the idea of neoliberalism. 'The fact is they say it should be the private sector that is running all of these particular functions, as we've seen in the case of PRASA, because that's tried to bring in more private stakeholders. And we've seen the president giving in to some of these demands, such as bringing private players on by Transnet. 'So, at this particular moment, I think we just need to look at one avenue that says, 'yes, it is something that the DA has been pushing, but since they were swallowed by the GNU, they did not necessarily have space to push for the kind of reforms that they wanted'. 'But now, with the fallout that likely happened internationally, they are finding space and voice to say, 'this is what we've been indicating,'' Khambule said. 'Because now that they've been embarrassed on an international stage, they're going back to the drawing board and saying we forgot to push a particular agenda. So all the failures that we see are the failures of the national government, rather than the provincial government in the Western Cape.' The embarrassment Khambule referred to was the remarks made by Rupert, who was part of the high-powered delegation accompanying President Cyril Ramaphosa to meet US President Donald Trump in May. Rupert turned to DA leader John Steenhuisen and said: 'Mr Steenhuisen won't admit to it, but he runs the Western Cape where I live. The biggest murder rate is in the Cape Flats. Gangs. We've got gang warfare.' Khambule said that moment has contributed to the DA's reinvigorated fight for devolution. 'It was something that the DA was not expecting to be brought up on an international platform. And for them, again, it pushes the narrative that says you can't even govern or keep people safe in a particular, (so) why are you then wanting to speak up about part of this thing as an international landscape? And then it also brings another element in terms of why the DA has a particular renewed voice. 'It's basically the idea of saying, 'look, it is not our fault', because you may recall that for everyone who lives in the Western Cape, who often says the Western Cape is the best place in SA, it then begs the question why should I go into a particular environment where even the richest person in South Africa can call them out, which indicates they are not doing the work that they are supposed to do - keeping citizens safe.' The DA remains hungry for devolution, with Smith stating that the PC already passed a motion on June 4 to initiate an intergovernmental dispute. He also touted the city's emergency call centre, handing over 16,000 incidents to SAPS in the past 100 days alone, amid 'ongoing collapse of the national 10111 system'. 'We're stepping in where others are failing, and doing more to keep our residents safe.' Smith has also defended against critics, stating that they should focus on social interventions instead. He said those using this argument 'consistently ignore the wide range of social programmes the City is already implementing — and they never offer a single example of what interventions they believe would work better'. 'That's simply not good enough. Just like the current level of policing Cape Town receives is not good enough. And that's why we're doing this...'
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada reaffirms international collaboration with the European Space Agency Français
LONGUEUIL, QC, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), joined CSA President Lisa Campbell and the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Dr. Josef Aschbacher, at the John H. Chapman Space Centre (the CSA's headquarters in Longueuil). The two heads of space agencies signed a joint statement reaffirming Canada and ESA's unique, proven and productive partnership. This signature marks a key milestone in the mid-term review of the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement. For nearly 50 years, the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement has advanced Canadian innovation and expertise on the world stage. Canada's unique status as ESA's only non-European cooperating state gives Canadian companies privileged access to the European space market. Every dollar awarded to Canadian companies through ESA contracts generates nearly three dollars in return, benefitting Canadian businesses and injecting value into the Canadian economy. This collaboration helps Canada's space sector build long-term relationships with the European space community and contributes to strengthening innovation, competitiveness, and technological capabilities. It has propelled numerous Canadian organizations to the forefront of their fields, positioning Canadian expertise at the heart of bold international space missions. Dr. Aschbacher's visit to Canada was a unique and timely opportunity to underscore the deep ties between the space programs of Canada and Europe and to emphasize the shared commitment to fortifying their alliance in order to accelerate and grow their respective space sectors. As Canada looks to strengthen its ties with like-minded countries, including those in Europe, this longstanding partnership provides an opportunity and a proven path for Canada to bolster diversification of the space sector for the benefit of Canadians. Quotes "Today's signature is about reaffirming Canada's long-standing commitment to its collaboration with ESA, which has consistently yielded proven results for our Canadian space sector. As our focus is to unleash a new era of growth for our country, space represents the perfect domain to advance innovation and contributes to our goal of building a stronger Canada." — The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency "With this signature and the creation of the ESA–CSA task force, we are finding even more common synergies between ESA's activities and Canada's own priorities and strengthening the long-standing relationship between Europe and Canada. Canada's status as a non-European ESA cooperating state positions Canadian expertise – and industry – at the heart of bold international space missions. In today's geopolitical and economic environment, strong and reliable partnerships are more important than ever. ESA is proud to partner with Canada, and I look forward to our continued successes together." — Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency Quick facts Funded by the CSA, the Canada–ESA program allows Canadian organizations access to contracts related to ESA programs. Between January 2018 and December 2024, this collaboration led to 233 ESA-funded contracts to 82 Canadian entities, valued at approximately CAN$192 million. Behind these numbers is a growing network of Canadian talent and technology now woven into ESA's most advanced programs – from space robotics to next-generation communications. Canada and ESA have been collaborating in the space sector since the early 1970s. Formal cooperation began in 1979 with the signing of the first Cooperation Agreement. The Agreement has been renewed five times since (1984, 1989, 2000, 2012 and 2019). Dr. Josef Aschbacher's official visit to Canada took place from June 4 to 6, 2025. It included engagements with senior government officials and industry leaders in Ottawa and Montreal. Links SOURCE Canadian Space Agency
Sky News
19-05-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Brexit reset deal: A TBC agreement with a lot still to be worked out with EU
Sir Keir Starmer used the opulent surroundings of London's Lancaster House to declare with certainty that this is a "landmark deal" that will grow the British economy and put money in people's pockets. It is evidence, the prime minister said, of Britain back on the world stage. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa addressed him as "dear Keir". Times have changed. Symbolically - nearly a decade after Brexit and all the battles and feuds which followed - it is a big moment to see a prime minister warming up relations with the EU. But when you read the nine-page Cooperation Agreement, it is very clear this is just the starter, not the full meal; the opening scene rather than the final curtain. In other words, most of what the government says are negotiated wins are in fact TBC. The deal covers agri-food; fishing, defence, energy and passport checks. The government claims it will add nearly £9bn (around 0.3% of GDP) to the British economy by 2040. A security and defence partnership has been struck; trumpeted as a way UK defence firms can access the EU's £150bn procurement fund. The text only says the UK and EU "should swiftly explore the possibilities", of doing so. Starmer said it would "open the door" for UK firms to benefit, but the UK is not inside the door yet. On trade, the UK government sees the big wins economically - but there are costs and trade-offs. The food deal - or to give it its full name the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement - would eliminate some of the barriers to trade erected during Brexit. Paperwork has undoubtedly held up exports, and some products, such as sausages, other cold meats and shellfish, cannot be sold to the EU. The idea is this red tape would be swept away - which has been welcomed by retailers, supermarkets and food processors, who say it will cut prices at the tills. But this comes with conditions - admin costs; and the need to align with EU rules and standards now and into the future. 2:33 Those rules are set by member states, not the UK, and overseen by the European Court of Justice. All of the red lines of the past. Brexiteers are calling it a "betrayal" and the UK going back to being a "rule taker". The specifics would need legislation to go through parliament, so more votes loom. The biggest trade-off is on fishing, a key sticking point in the negotiations from countries such as France. This deal enables EU member states to fish in our water for another 12 years beyond the current deal - until 2038. The government points out that the food deal is indefinite, and the fishing rights have a time limit. But what was agreed was three times longer, it is claimed, than the four years the government had hoped for. Nigel Farage said it would "destroy the fishing industry". All deals involve trade-offs but what has it bought in return? 5:07 The suggestion that holidaymakers could avoid "huge queues" at airports through an agreement for British travellers to use e-Gates at European airports. The agreement states that there will be "no legal barriers to eGate use for British nationals travelling to and from member states" - but nothing firmer. It's up to member states to implement. A youth mobility scheme - which the government has now branded a "youth experience scheme", will happen, despite months of ministers denying one was on the cards. The terms must be mutually agreed, and the final numbers, how the cap will apply and the time limits are yet to be worked out. Starmer is gambling that - based on polling showing most Brexit voters feel the original deal negotiated by Boris Johnson has failed - voters will accept the trade-offs. He said it was time to move away from the "stale" arguments of the past and move on. It's notable that while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed Starmer's deal as a "sell out", she concedes it needs to be looked at again. 👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Given the threat from Reform, the prime minister has been careful to steer very clear of free movement and any concession on student fees. But those questions will come back as the details are hammered out. Whether on food prices or airports, the negotiations could continue for weeks, months or years. There may be many more EU summits for this and subsequent governments. It may not be the end of the Brexit wrangling - as the prime minister hopes - but the start of a new phase in which costs, caps and quotas are discussed regularly, and seized on by his political opponents. The gains are some way off, given that the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the hit of Brexit to the economy (4%) to be far larger. This is a significant move closer to the EU at a time when the Ukraine war and Donald Trump's diplomacy are shaking up the old order. But for a big concession, whether this can be sold to voters as a good deal is a question for further down the line.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brexit reset deal: A TBC agreement with a lot still to be worked out with EU
Sir Keir Starmer used the opulent surroundings of London's Lancaster House to declare with certainty that this is a "landmark deal" that will grow the British economy and put money in people's pockets. It is evidence, the prime minister said, of Britain back on the world stage. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa addressed him as "dear Keir". Times have changed. Politics latest: Symbolically - nearly a decade after Brexit and all the battles and feuds which followed - it is a big moment to see a prime minister warming up relations with the EU. But when you read the nine-page Cooperation Agreement, it is very clear this is just the starter, not the full meal; the opening scene rather than the final curtain. In other words, most of what the government says are negotiated wins are in fact TBC. The deal The government claims it will add nearly £9bn (around 0.3% of GDP) to the British economy by 2040. A security and defence partnership has been struck; trumpeted as a way UK defence firms can access the EU's £150bn procurement fund. The text only says the UK and EU "should swiftly explore the possibilities", of doing so. Starmer said it would "open the door" for UK firms to benefit, On trade, the UK government sees the big wins economically - but there are costs and trade-offs. The food deal - or to give it its full name the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement - would eliminate some of the barriers to trade erected during Brexit. Paperwork has undoubtedly held up exports, and some products, such as sausages, other cold meats and shellfish, cannot be sold to the EU. The idea is this red tape would be swept away - which has been welcomed by retailers, supermarkets and food processors, But this comes with conditions - admin costs; and the need to align with EU rules and standards now and into the future. Read more:UK-EU deal tips Britain down path towards Swiss-style arrangement Those rules are set by member states, not the UK, and overseen by the European Court of Justice. All of the red lines of the past. Brexiteers are calling it a "betrayal" and the UK going back to being a "rule taker". The specifics would need legislation to go through parliament, so more votes loom. The biggest trade-off is on fishing, a key sticking point in the negotiations from countries such as France. This deal enables EU member states to fish in our water for another 12 years beyond the current deal - until 2038. The government points out that the food deal is indefinite, and the fishing rights have a time limit. But what was agreed was three times longer, it is claimed, than the four years the government had hoped for. Nigel Farage said it would "destroy the fishing industry". All deals involve trade-offs but what has it bought in return? The suggestion that holidaymakers could avoid "huge queues" at airports through an agreement for British travellers to use e-Gates at European airports. The agreement states that there will be "no legal barriers to eGate use for British nationals travelling to and from member states" - but nothing firmer. It's up to member states to implement. A youth mobility scheme - which the government has now branded a "youth experience scheme", will happen, despite months of ministers denying one was on the cards. The terms must be mutually agreed, and the final numbers, how the cap will apply and the time limits are yet to be worked out. Starmer is gambling that - based on polling showing most Brexit voters feel the original deal negotiated by Boris Johnson has failed - voters will accept the trade-offs. He said it was time to move away from the "stale" arguments of the past and move on. It's notable that while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed Starmer's deal as a "sell out", she concedes it needs to be looked at again. 👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Given the threat from Reform, the prime minister has been careful to steer very clear of free movement and any concession on student fees. But those questions will come back as the details are hammered out. Whether on food prices or airports, the negotiations could continue for weeks, months or years. There may be many more EU summits for this and subsequent governments. It may not be the end of the Brexit wrangling - as the prime minister hopes - but the start of a new phase in which costs, caps and quotas are discussed regularly, and seized on by his political opponents. The gains are some way off, given that the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated the hit of Brexit to the economy (4%) to be far larger. This is a significant move closer to the EU at a time when the Ukraine war and Donald Trump's diplomacy are shaking up the old order. But for a big concession, whether this can be sold to voters as a good deal is a question for further down the line.
