Latest news with #GovernmentGazette
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Political favour not a factor in appointing Mantashe's son
Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkadimeng has denied claims of political interference in recent Seta board appointments. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has denied allegations that political connections influenced the appointment of individuals to leadership positions within the Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) — including the son of ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and a former Mpumalanga premier. Speaking during a presentation to parliament's portfolio committee on higher education on Friday, Nkabane stressed that the selection of chairpersons for Seta boards was grounded in legal compliance and merit-based evaluation. 'No candidate was given any preference or suffered any prejudice due to political affiliation or association with any political party,' she said, citing the constitutional right to freedom of association and political choice. From nomination to backlash The minister's remarks followed a firestorm of public criticism over the initial appointments, particularly after it emerged that Gwede Mantashe's son, Buyambo Mantashe, and former Mpumalanga premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane were among those recommended. According to the minister, the process began with a public call for nominations in November 2024. This was outlined in Government Gazette 51625. A selection and evaluation panel reportedly reviewed more than 500 candidates, assessing them against criteria such as leadership experience, qualifications (minimum NQF Level 8), and demographic representation. Nkabane stated that, following consultation with the National Skills Authority (NSA), the panel's recommendations were forwarded to the minister on 6 May 2025. She said the NSA responded with an advisory note supporting the appointments on 8 May. However, days later, outrage followed the revelation of politically linked appointees. ALSO READ: Department scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at Gauteng school after delayed start Reopening the process Acknowledging the backlash, Nkabane confirmed she had reopened the process. A new call for nominations was issued on 23 May and will remain open until 13 June. 'Taking heed of the public call and concerns, the nomination process has since been reopened […] to afford stakeholders reasonable time,' she told MPs. The DA welcomed the withdrawal of the appointments, stating it was a necessary reversal of cadre deployment. However, the party insists the minister must still be held accountable. Parliament's portfolio committee also cautioned that the withdrawal 'does not absolve the minister' of accountability. ALSO READ: Gauteng education announces 2026 school admission dates: Here is what you need Integrity and oversight Nkabane reiterated the importance of integrity and impartiality in appointments, asserting that the process followed the Skills Development Act and the King IV governance principles. She added that consultation with the NSA does not equate to seeking approval. 'The decision to appoint the chairpersons and boards ultimately rests with the executive authority, the minister,' Nkabane explained. She reaffirmed her commitment to transparent governance, stressing that all future appointees will undergo induction to ensure they fully understand their roles and responsibilities. NOW READ: Higher Education and Nsfas vow action amid Durban student protests
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Icasa could clip Starlink's wings if found to be operating illegally
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has defended ICT policy, denied special treatment for Starlink, and stressed the need to align sector regulations with transformation laws through equity equivalent investment options. Image: X / IOLGraphics Billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink could be slapped with fines or even a ban on its operations if found to be offering services without authorisation in the country. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) confirmed that the organisation had launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in South Africa. This comes after the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) alleged that Starlink was offering its services in South Africa without a licence. ICASA has also engaged SpaceX for further clarity and has deployed inspection teams on the ground to investigate the matter further. ICASA spokesperson Milly Matlou said: 'ICASA has launched an investigation into the alleged unlawful use and provision of Starlink services in SA. We have also engaged SpaceX for further clarity and have currently deployed inspection teams on the ground to investigate the matter further.' According to ICASA, its investigation will determine whether Starlink has indeed breached South African laws and regulations. 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 If found guilty, the company could face enforcement actions, including fines or even a ban on its operations in the country. 'Should the investigation yield any breach with regulatory and legislative frameworks, the Authority will explore the applicable enforcement actions within its disposal, which may include, among others, lodging a formal complaint with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU),' Matlou said. 'To this end, ICASA has published a general notice under Government Gazette no 49777 reiterating that all entities offering electronic communications services within South Africa are required to comply fully with the applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks.' The MKP alleged that Starlink was operating in South Africa without authorisation, using a shadow entity called "ICASAsePUSH" to masquerade its operations. The party claimed that this constitutes a 'blatant' violation of South African telecommunications law and represents a direct affront to the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) framework. The party made the allegations during the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies meeting in Parliament on Tuesday. 'During that session, the MK Party directly challenged the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies regarding his awareness of this operation. His professed ignorance was not only unacceptable but deeply troubling,' spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said. 'The MK Party will not tolerate the erosion of our legal framework by foreign profiteers or their local enablers. We categorically reject any attempt to circumvent B-BBEE laws under the guise of innovation or foreign investment.' Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi has expressed his full support for ICASA's investigation, stating that it is the regulator's responsibility to manage both license applications and investigations. This will be the second time the ICASA investigates Starlink's dealings. In 2023, ICASA issued a notice, warning that it was illegal for anyone or company to use Starlink, as it doesn't hold a license to operate in the country. Cape Times
Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz: History and Culture MCQs on Sikhism, Kumbakonam vetrilai, and more (Week 112)
Are you preparing for UPSC CSE Prelims? UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of daily subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on History and Culture to check your progress. Consider the following statements about the Kumbakonam vetrilai: I. It was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance. II. It is staple in South Asian households and is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew. III. Kumbakonam, situated in Tamil Nadu, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) I and II only (b) I and III only (c) II and III only (d) I, II and III Explanation The Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf or paan leaf was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance. A staple in South Asian households, the betel leaf is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew. The GI tag, announced in April 2025, and published in the Government Gazette in November 2024, took Tamil Nadu's total GI products to 62. Yet, many cultivators, marginal farmers and sellers remain unaware of this recognition and the benefits that come with it. Kumbakonam, six hours from Chennai, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma. The dark to light green, oblong heart-shaped leaves with a pungent taste are cultivated, washed and then bundled in places like Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, and Rajagiri. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf gets GI tag: Why cultivators, sellers need incentives and awareness to benefit by Jayashree Narayanan, The Indian Express.) I. After renouncing family life to pursue asceticism, Guru Nanak rejected both caste distinctions and Hindu idolatry, choosing a low-caste Hindu and a Muslim musician as companions to spread his spiritual message to the masses. II. Guru Angad Dev built a gurdwara in Amritsar known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. III. By the first quarter of the nineteenth century, a Sikh empire with an efficient army was formed under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) I and III only (b) II only (c) III only (d) I, II and III Explanation Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the fifteenth century, is often considered one of the youngest religions in the world. After renouncing family life and pursuing asceticism, Guru Nanak took a low-caste Hindu and a Muslim musician as his companions to preach his experience to the masses. Guru Nanak's successors propagated his message. The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, built a gurdwara in Amritsar, Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple. The Sikhs emerged as a powerful political and military force by the late eighteenth century. By the first quarter of the nineteenth century, a Sikh empire with an efficient army was formed under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. (For more, refer: How caste permeated the Sikh community by Nikita Mohta, The Indian Express.) With reference to the Battle of Colachel, consider the following statement: I. The battle was fought against the Portuguese East India Company. II. It was the first time that an Asian kingdom had defeated a European power. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) I only (b) II only (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II Explanation In 1741 King Marthanda Varma fought the Dutch East India Company commanded by the famous Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy. The Battle of Colachel is of huge significance in the history of India and Asia. It was the first time that an Asian kingdom had defeated a European power. Not only were the Dutch forces decimated, but also their colonial ambitions in India stalled. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Battle of Colachel: How an accidental shot ended Dutch plans for India by Srijana Siri, The Indian Express) Which of the following temples is associated with King Lalitaditya Muktapida? (a) Parashurameshvara Temple (b) Martand Temple (c) Lingaraja Temple (d) Kandarya Mahadeva Temple Explanation The Martand Temple was built by the Karkota dynasty king Lalitaditya Muktapida, who ruled Kashmir from 725 AD to 753 AD. Although some historians believe that an earlier temple existed here and was incorporated into Lalitaditya's grander structure, others credit Lalitaditya entirely for it. Lalitaditya built his capital at Parihaspora, the ruins of which also survive to this day. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (For more, refer: Early history of Kashmir and Martand Temple by Manas Srivastava, The Indian Express) With which of the following events in the history of Modern India is Kanaklata Barua associated? (a) 1857 Revolt (b) Swadeshi Movement (c) Foundation of Indian National Congress (d) Quit India Movement Explanation One of the youngest martyrs of the Quit India Movement, Kanaklata Barua has an iconic status in Assam. Barua, then 17, led the Mrityu Bahini, a procession of freedom fighters, to unfurl the Tricolour at Gohpur police station on September 20, 1942. When police did not let them move forward, an altercation led to firing, killing Barua at the head of the procession. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (For more, refer: President Murmu pays tribute to Matangini Hazra, Kanaklata Barua: Who were these freedom fighters, The Indian Express) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf gets GI tag: Why cultivators, sellers need incentives and awareness to benefit
The Kumbakonam vetrilai or betel leaf or paan leaf was recently granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India, recognising its regional uniqueness and cultural significance. A staple in South Asian households, the betel leaf is central to preparing paan, a popular South Asian post-meal chew. The GI tag, announced in April 2025, and published in the Government Gazette in November 2024, took Tamil Nadu's total GI products to 62. Yet, many cultivators, marginal farmers and sellers remain unaware of this recognition and the benefits that come with it. Kumbakonam, six hours from Chennai, is home to vethalai or vetrilai, predominantly grown in Thanjavur's fertile Cauvery river basin, giving it a unique taste and aroma. The dark to light green, oblong heart-shaped leaves with a pungent taste are cultivated, washed and then bundled in places like Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, Thiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam, and Rajagiri. Betel leaves aid digestion and are rich in antioxidants, said Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietician and diabetes educator. 'They're high in chavicol, an anti-inflammatory compound that fights oxidative stress, common in conditions like diabetes,' she said. H Jahir Hussain, 43, a betel leaf seller in Kumbakonam's old vegetable market in Swaminatha Nagar, told 'I've been in this profession for 30 years. My father taught me and I taught my son. I believe betel is nature's powerful antidote to many health issues. I sell 100 leaves for Rs 80 to Rs 180. Every district has its own unique leaf. Ours is known across states, and even exported,' he said. Hussain's brother-in-law, too, runs a betel hovel adjacent to his. Suresh, 39, a cultivator in Papanasam, has been in the business for three decades. He hires labourers to pluck mature leaves from the stem's side shoots once the vines reach a certain height. 'There are no days off. My day starts at 4 AM and I work till 11 PM, looking for skilled pluckers,' he said. Mohamed Ariff, 41, from Rajagiri, has cultivated betel vines for five years. 'My father did this for 50 years. We plant in March-May and August-October, using banana suckers for shade. But out of 100 days, barely 10 days are profitable. Rest of the days, we face losses due to rain, soil, or lack of labour,' he said, adding that this leads to fluctuations in market prices. According to him, the labour and capital-intensive nature of the crop limits most farmers to under one acre of cultivation. After 20–25 days of planting, kolundhu vetrilai – the first leaves – emerge. The first-year harvest happens from the seventh to 12th month. It is called maaruvethalai, produces larger leaves with a better shelf life of six to seven days, and fetches higher prices in the market. Second and third-year yields – kelavethalai and kattavethalai – are smaller compared to the first year's yield. When asked cultivators about the GI tag, none were aware. Sanjai Gandhi, an intellectual property attorney who filed for the GI status, acknowledged the gap. 'There's an urgent need to create awareness and incentivise farmers. I'm doing it through lectures and outreach,' he said. Gandhi's application stated that betel leaf is grown on over 200 acres across Thanjavur and parts of Thiruvarur. 'Kumbakonam is known for temples and its quality betel leaves. They're integral to rituals and meals,' said Gandhi, a Thanjavur native. This is also Thanjavur's first agricultural GI tag. According to Gandhi, the tag helps curb misuse, preserve heritage, and boost exports. A June 2024 ResearchGate paper on GI tags, Gandhi said, states that GI status prevents unauthorised use and ensures only genuine, high-quality products reach consumers. However, Gandhi noted, 'GI isn't yet used as a marketing advantage. It's a foundation being laid. Awareness will grow with time, especially through schools and colleges.'
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Malatsi gazettes policy to possibly allow Musk to operate Starlink in SA
It provides applicants with a workaround to rules on who can acquire a licence to provide electronic communications services. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. South Africa is one step closer to getting Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service after Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi published a policy direction to provide alternatives to pave the way for the service in the country. The proposed policy direction was published in the Government Gazette on Friday. Workaround BEE It provides applicants with a workaround to rules on who can acquire a licence to provide electronic communications services or to operate an electronic communications network in the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) that require a minimum of 30% shares to be in the hands of historically disadvantaged individuals. These regulations currently prevent companies, regardless of whether they are large international firms that typically do not sell shares to local partners, from qualifying for individual licences under the ECA, even if they can contribute to South Africa's transformation goals through means other than traditional ownership. 'The policy direction seeks to provide the much-needed policy certainty to attract investment into the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, and specifically with regards to licensing for broadcasters, internet service providers, mobile networks, or fixed and mobile networks,' Malatsi's spokesperson Kwena Moloto said in a statement on Friday. ALSO READ: WATCH: Starlink not debated with Trump, Ramaphosa says Transformation no exempt Crucially, the statement makes it clear that new service providers, including those offering new technologies, will not be exempt from the country's transformation obligations. 'Even if companies are not rolling out large-scale infrastructure, they will be required to make commitments that are substantive and clearly aligned with South Africa's socio-economic development goals. 'ICASA's [Independent Communications Authority of South Africa] regulations may continue to require 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged individuals but must also permit commitments envisaged by the ICT Sector Code as valid conditions for applications for individual licenses,' the statement read. Starlink Talks on launching Starlink in South Africa stalled earlier this year after South African-born Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump ramped up public rhetoric against policies such as BEE laws, which mandate that foreign-owned telecoms companies allocate at least 30% of local equity to historically disadvantaged groups, primarily black South Africans. Musk claimed Starlink was barred from operating in South Africa because he is not black, an allegation South African officials refuted. Musk not black At an event on Wednesday, Musk repeated the rhetoric of not being granted a license because of the laws. '[The laws) give strong preference if you're a black South African. And so now I'm in this absurd situation where I was born in South Africa but cannot get a licence to operate in South Africa because I'm not black.' No debate On Wednesday, after a heated meeting with Trump, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Musk's Starlink satellite internet service was not discussed with the US during their working lunch at the White House. 'The Starlink issue, was it part of our discussions? No. What we are able to do – and this is part of the offer that we are talking about – is create an environment for investments to take place. 'What do we want? We want US companies to come and invest in South Africa. That is the real deal for us,' Ramaphosa said. Starlink for crime It was renowned businessman Johann Rupert who first brought up Starlink during the open bilateral talks with Musk, standing among the media in the Oval Office. Rupert also addressed Trump during the meeting, calling for US support in tackling crime, putting paid to the 'white genocide' narrative Trump seems to believe. He told Trump that crime is a 'South African problem' and occurs everywhere. 'We have too many deaths, but it's across the board. It's not only white farmers. We need technological help. We need Starlink at every police station'. Starlink in SA This week, The Citizen reported that the government planned to offer a workaround to local black ownership laws so that Starlink can operate in the country. The offer came at a last-minute meeting between Musk or his representatives and a delegation of South African officials travelling with Ramaphosa, according to three people familiar with the discussions. With its wide coverage and increasing affordability, Starlink presents a chance to close the connectivity gap in rural areas while also appealing to urban users. Starlink operates thousands of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet globally. ALSO READ: EFF threatens legal action over plans to offer Elon Musk's Starlink [VIDEO]
