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IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Celebrating the Legacy of Don Mkhwanazi: A Visionary Leader in Economic Transformation
Don Mkhwanazi was remembered at event for pioneering business initiatives and innovations Image: File Picture: Marilyn Barnard The Black Management Forum (BMF) gathered at the prestigious Durban Country Club on Tuesday to commemorate the legacy and impactful leadership of Don Mkhwanazi. This celebration brought together business stalwarts, professionals, and admirers to reflect on the life and contributions of a man hailed not only as a pioneer and visionary who significantly changed the landscape of economic transformation in South Africa. Lindani Nsibande, Simphiwe Nsibande and Lwazi Mkhwanazi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers 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 event was themed 'Driving Inclusive Prosperity: Lessons From Mkhwanazi's Bold Leadership for Transformation,' paid tribute to a man whose accomplishments were numerous. BMF President Mpho Motsei began proceedings by reflecting on the esteem in which Mkhwanazi was held, and appreciated his selfless service and unwavering commitment to uplifting fellow black professionals. 'Lectures come and go, but Don Mkhwanazi's will is hard to perish. There are plenty of stories to share about his dedication,' Motsei remarked, reinforcing the sentiment that the journey initiated by Mkhwanazi would extend beyond the celebration. Paul Nzimande, Dr. Nathi Nkwanyana and Bonga Yengwa Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Motsei said the BMF's recognition of Mkhwanazi was not merely ceremonial; but marked a significant milestone for the organisation. 'We represent an icon and a giant in the business fraternity. The Black Management Forum owes its existence to leaders like Don, who earned the father of BEE title,' he said. Mkhwanazi's influence has been pivotal in transforming the BMF from a professional networking group into a formidable advocacy platform focused on black empowerment and economic justice. Motsei described Mkhwanazi as pivotal in shaping the organisation's ideology and legacy, emphasising that 'under his guidance, BMF's core agenda moved beyond managerial representation to systems change, advocating for access to ownership and control of companies'. He mentioned that Mkhwanazi's foresight in conceptualising and promoting the notion of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) occurred long before it became government policy, was a testament to his visionary leadership. Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane and Mqondisi MQ Ngubane Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Brian Cebisa, Phumlani Mzila and Nathi Ngwenya Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Thomas Radebe and Nyikiwa Mavunda Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Londiwe Ndlovu, Bongulwazi Mavimbela, Luyanda Ngcobo and Rorisang Moabi Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Sharing heartfelt memories during the commemorative event, Prasheen Maharaj recounted his personal journey with Mkhwanazi, recalling how they transitioned from friends to business associates. Maharaj, the president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described Mkhwanazi as an innovator dedicated to inclusive economic transformation. 'He dreamt of economic transformation not just as a slogan but as a lived reality for all,' said Maharaj. Murangi Tsanwani, Lizalise Dingalibala, Prasheen Maharaj and Mpho Motsei Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Apart from pioneering BEE initiatives, Mkhwanazi founded the National Empowerment Trust in 1992 and was the chairperson of the anti apartheid debt committee that presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as Southern African Shipyards, generated headlines in December 2014 when awarded navy contracts worth R406 million, and earlier secured a R1.4 billion contract from Transnet to build tugboats. Don Mkhwanazi's extraordinary journey was universally recognised as a lighthouse of hope and direction, illuminating the path for future generations. He is survived by his wife, Zodwa Msimang, and five children, who continue to embody his values of courage, integrity, and impactful leadership. DAILY NEWS Thembalethu Shange, Siyethaba Nyawose, Zolile Msomi and Bawinile Gwala Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Media Phumi Blose and Khwezi Zulu Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
The Hill
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump set to move quickly against Education Department after Supreme Court green light
The Trump administration is moving full-steam ahead with plans to gut the Education Department after getting a green light from the Supreme Court. Conservatives are in celebration mode after the high court said the administration can lay off half of the department's workforce, arguing the move is long overdue and echoing President Trump's calls to return education to the states. Opponents, who are holding out hope for a win in the appeals court to which the case now returns, warn the layoffs will cause the Education Department to fail in its statutory obligations. After the high court ruling, the legal battle will go back to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which will make the final determination of legality for the lower courts. After its decision, either party could potentially take the case back to the Supreme Court. 'Litigation will proceed, but the harm is already done and it's happening, and they're going to act quickly to implement it, and that cannot be undone. So, while this is a preliminary injunction that was stayed while the litigation continues, the harm is going to continue, and it is going to have a devastating impact,' said Shiwali Patel, senior director of Safe and Inclusive Schools for the National Women's Law Center. The Department of Education, which started its work in 1980, began this year with more than 4,000 employees. Trump has announced plans to fire more than 1,300 of them. The president promised on the campaign trail to completely eliminate the department, but a complete shutdown of the Education Department is not possible without an act of Congress. Education advocates, however, argue his actions will force a de facto shutdown, and the liberal justices in their dissent wrote the court's decision will cause the federal agency to fall short of its legal mandates. 'It hands the Executive the power to repeal statutes by firing all those necessary to carry them out,' wrote Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. 'The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way the threat to our Constitution's separation of powers is grave,' they added. Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon quickly cheered the majority's decision. 'The United States Supreme Court has handed a Major Victory to Parents and Students across the Country, by declaring the Trump Administration may proceed on returning the functions of the Department of Education BACK TO THE STATES. Now, with this GREAT Supreme Court Decision, our Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, may begin this very important process,' Trump posted on Truth Social. Among the department's major functions, Trump has previously floated moving the responsibility of student loan management to the Small Business Administration, and programs for students with disabilities to the Department of Health and Human Services. Others have said the Office of Civil Rights should go to the Department of Justice. McMahon said the department 'will carry out the reduction in force to promote efficiency and accountability' but 'will continue to perform all statutory duties while empowering families and teachers by reducing education bureaucracy.' Supporters of the move are excited, arguing if the president wanted to completely eliminate the department, his actions do not match that goal so far. 'I think the president has authority to make decisions about the size of the federal workforce as long as he is continuing — thinks he can continue to execute the jobs that Congress gave him. I think that the opposition to his cuts were largely based on the argument that this is really just about eliminating the department, but I think the evidence is that the cuts weren't about eliminating the department,' said Neal McCluskey, director for the Center for Educational Freedom at the Cato Institute. McCluskey pointed to the Education Department rehiring dozens of people after the mass layoffs as evidence that suggests 'the goal was not to destroy or eliminate the department by firing everybody.' But others feel the messaging from the Trump administration has hurt the cause of wanting to reform the Education Department. Beth Akers, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has advocated for reforms such as the student loan portfolio moving to the Treasury Department. 'I think there is a reasonable argument to be made for both downsizing the department, maybe shifting some of the responsibilities elsewhere, but I think the messaging coming from the administration of closing the department has kind of corrupted those ideas, because It feels like the ambition of the president is more of a political rhetoric than it is about making these necessary programs work better,' Akers said. 'I think it's unfortunate that something that has real credibility as a policy solution has been kind of taken over and driven by politics,' she added. While those against the Trump administration's reforms still have a shot in the appeals court, many are not confident after the Supreme Court ruling in which the conservative majority did not explain the reasoning behind their decision. 'I think, ultimately, their opinion on this ruling indicates how they will continue to rule until he explicitly violates the law,' said Alex Lundrigan, federal policy and advocacy manager at Young Invincibles. 'I think it opens a larger conversation between Congress and the executive branch about, like, checks and balances in terms of … if a president can just completely wipe out a department, except for name alone,' he continued. 'Congress might start to revisit how they are reauthorizing legislation that created some of these departments and … enshrining more provisions that protect some of them from being stripped away, essentially.'
Gulf Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince concludes visit to Brazil
Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has concluded a visit to Brazil leading the UAE delegation that attended the 17th BRICS Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed expressed gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended by Brazil to the UAE delegation, and conveyed best wishes for the continued progress, development and prosperity of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its people. Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by a delegation including Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Media Office and Adviser of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Trade Affairs; and Saleh Ahmad Salem Alsuwaidi, Ambassador of the UAE to Brazil. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled met with Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, on the sidelines of the visit to the Federative Republic of Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities to expand collaboration with Embraer to open new avenues for knowledge exchange and talent development in the civil aviation industry. The meeting also covered supporting research and development in aviation, adopting advanced technological solutions to enhance operational efficiency, and providing technical support for commercial aircraft maintenance services, among other industry-related areas. Founded in 1969, Embraer is the world's third-largest civil aircraft manufacturer, headquartered in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil. Earlier, Sheikh Khaled led the UAE delegation at the 17th BRICS Summit, which was inaugurated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil. This year's summit, chaired by Brazil, is held under the theme Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance, and is attended by heads of state and government from BRICS member countries, leaders of invited states and representatives of regional and international organisations. During the summit, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed delivered the UAE's address, conveying the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the participating countries as well as sincere wishes for the summit's success in fostering balanced international partnerships based on cooperation, development and mutual respect. Sheikh Khaled highlighted the importance of BRICS as a key platform for strengthening mutual understanding and achieving strategic convergence in addressing pressing global challenges, whether economic, humanitarian or related to rising geopolitical tensions. He emphasised that building strong partnerships founded on sustainable development and shared prosperity will contribute to advancing nations' mutual interests and benefitting their people. Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE's firm belief that constructive dialogue and economic integration are among the key pillars for achieving global stability. He also underscored the UAE's support for expanding BRICS to enhance strategic cooperation among countries, regional blocs and international organisations. The summit featured a high-level dialogue session attended by BRICS leaders and heads of delegations, where they discussed major economic and development issues of mutual interest. Topics included strengthening cooperation among Global South nations, reforming global governance systems, supporting the use of local currencies in trade exchanges, accelerating the shift towards a green economy, developing climate finance mechanisms, and promoting responsible governance of artificial intelligence technologies. WAM
NDTV
09-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
'No More Double Standards': What India Really Meant At BRICS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi should come back happy and very satisfied with the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Finally, after the debacle with the joint statement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) just a few days ago, and with increasing domestic pressure regarding India's diplomatic outreach, the BRICS declaration strongly condemned the gruesome Pahalgam attacks. The declaration stated that the BRICS "condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, during which 26 people were killed and many more injured'. 'Principle, Not Convenience' Reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens, the summit reiterated that 'terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and that all those involved in terrorist activities and their support must be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with relevant national and international law'. It added, 'we urge to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism." Though the declaration did not name Pakistan by name, this was as strong as it could get. In his address, PM Modi underscored that there was no room for double standards on a subject like terrorism, saying, "We cannot weigh the victims of terrorism and its supporters on the same scale'. He added, "Condemning terrorism must be a principle, not a convenience." Who Was Modi Referring To? Sections of the media remarked that Modi was alluding to the US, which soon after Operation Sindoor invited Pakistan's Field Marshal, General Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House. Yet another section of the media reported that Modi's messaging was for China, which, it has emerged, was helping Pakistan during the operation by providing real-time intelligence. China has also blocked India's attempts in the UN to sanction Pakistan-based terrorists. Terrorism aside, the Prime Minister - and by extension, India - has made its mark in Rio. It has established that India's strategic autonomy is not merely a lofty ideal but a practice, and that India remains firmly committed to championing the cause of the Global South. The summit itself comes at a pivotal time. With its theme of 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance', it comes amid fast-changing global dynamics, increasing unilateral actions both geopolitically and geo-economically, growing protectionism, supply-chain shifts, and fragmentation in the global economy. It also comes almost on the heels of the Quad foreign ministers' meeting in the US, in which External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated. Many anticipated that India would have to do a delicate balancing act to follow this up with its participation in a bloc led by Russia and China, both of which have been seeking to offer a platform that could be an alternative to West-led blocs, specifically the G7. Most importantly, the summit comes as India and the US negotiate a trade agreement as the July 9 deadline looms. Modi did not mince his words. "The Global South has been handed nothing more than token gestures on climate finance, sustainable development and technology access," he said. Who was he pointing to? No marks for guessing. Can't Dismiss The BRICS BRICS has emerged as an influential grouping. From the first meeting in 2009, it has grown from the founding five - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - to now include 10 member states. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE joined last year, and Indonesia became a full-fledged member state of the grouping, now called BRICS+. All these are major emerging economies of the world, representing around 49.5% of the global population, around 40% of the global GDP and around 26% of the global trade. Besides these members, the grouping also has a host of partner countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and others. Brazil, which chaired the summit this year, had picked six strategic priorities for the summit: global cooperation in healthcare, trade, investment, and finance; climate change; governance for artificial intelligence; peace-making and security; and institutional development. The true raison d'etre of the BRICS countries, however, remains commitment to and advocacy for the reform of Western-led global institutions. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva opened Sunday's session by repeating the group's long-standing calls to reform the UN Security Council and make it more representative of the Global South. On Trump's Tariffs Yet, the BRICS leaders did not shy away from expressing 'serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules', though it did not mention the US. Trump, by the way, has already threatened to impose a hundred per cent tariff against the bloc if it makes any move to undermine the dollar. The declaration noted, "The proliferation of trade-restrictive actions, whether in the form of indiscriminate rising of tariffs and non-tariff measures, or protectionism under the guise of environmental objectives, threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities...". The bloc also took a clear stand in condemning the military strikes on Iran and the war in Gaza, though again without naming any country. PM Modi on his part has done well to be assertive about India's interests and that of the global south. 'Today, the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order,' he said, adding 'In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it's unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform.' This strong stance will win PM Modi accolades and reinforce India's commitment to the bloc, something that has come under scrutiny from time to time. No BRICS Currency - Not Yet While a common BRICS currency and a BRICS cross-border system, which Russia had pushed for last year, were not under discussion, the group is an economic as well as an energy powerhouse. According to Rubix Data Science, BRICS nations are net exporters, collectively exporting more goods than they import, reflecting their strong production capacities and growing influence in global trade. In CY2024, the total international trade of BRICS countries had stood at $10.5 trillion. Of India's total imports, the share of imports from BRICS nations increased from 35% to 43% between CY2020 and CY2024. This indicates India's higher reliance on the bloc's member countries for fulfilling its import needs. Moreover, though de-dollarisation has not been explored by the bloc so far, India already conducts bilateral trade with some of the BRICS countries as well as a host of other countries in local currency. In June, at the India-Central Asia Business Dialogue, Jaishankar had also pushed for trade in local currency. Modi's unequivocal stand as a voice of the Global South will not be lost on anyone as an increasing number of countries flock towards the grouping, hoping for a more equitable and multi-polar world. This is significant also because India will be taking over as the BRICS chair for the coming year. Even Turkish media, usually inimical to India in general and Modi in particular, highlighted Modi's address at the summit, where the Turkish foreign minister was also present as an observer. For India, then, participation in the bloc should be like a strategic engagement, where the BRICS can act not just as a collective voice of the global South but also as a useful lever to counter disruptive unilateralism in an unequal world.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
At Brics, PM Modi Calls for Sanctions against Terrorists
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said at the Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro that the Pahalgam terrorist attack was a blow not only to India but to humanity and called upon the international community to sanction terror. 'There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent, supporting terror or terrorists, should not be acceptable,' the PM said in his intervention at the Peace & Security session at the summit. 'Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like (46만원 지원할인) 모발이식 500모 49.5만원 지원할인 모발이식 더 알아보기 Undo The remarks came on a day when Brics leaders condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the 'strongest terms' in their joint declaration at the summit under Brazilian presidency and called for concerted action against all United Nations-designated terrorists and terrorist entities. The 11-member grouping of developing countries also pledged to strengthen its counterterrorism cooperation . 'We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, during which 26 people were killed. We reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorism financing and safe havens,' said the Rio de Janeiro declaration titled 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'. Live Events ET was the first to report that the 17th Brics summit, being held on July 6-7, would include references to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and put in place a robust formulation to counter terrorism globally. At the summit, Brics leaders urged the international community 'to ensure zero tolerance for terrorism and reject double standards in countering terrorism'. They also called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations framework. It welcomed the activities of the Brics Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five subgroups based on the Brics Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the Brics Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and the CTWG position paper. ET had reported on Sunday that intense negotiations in the run-up to the summit had led to the grouping—which includes South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia—agreeing to include most of India's references to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in the leaders' declaration. Deft diplomacy by India ensured backing from other members in this regard, according to people familiar with the matter. On the first day of the summit, PM Modi also made interventions at the session on 'Reform of Global Governance' and said that the global south has long been subjected to double standards in development, resource access, climate finance and security. He criticised mere 'token gestures' on issues such as clean technology and sustainability, urging major economies to do more. 'In this era of AI, where technology updates on a weekly basis, it is unacceptable that global institutions haven't undergone an update even once in eighty years. 21st-century software can't run on a 20th-century typewriter!' the PM said. On UN Security Council (UNSC) reforms, Brics adopted the strongest language yet, according to people in the know, as the leaders' declaration said, 'We stress that the United Nations Security Council reform will lead to the amplified voice of the global south. We reiterate support to the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the United Nations, including its Security Council.' 'We reiterate our support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brics countries to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the United Nations, including its Security Council,' Brics leaders said in the joint declaration, reflecting consensus on the issue of UNSC reforms reached after intense debate and negotiations. Brics also recognised the legitimate aspirations of African countries, as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. The joint declaration condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that are contrary to international law and opposed such measures, in the form of unilateral economic sanctions and secondary sanctions. Brics members also condemned the military strikes against Iran since June 13, saying that they constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The bloc reiterated its grave concern over the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, following the resumption of continuous Israeli attacks against Gaza and obstruction of the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory, and said that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The leaders welcomed the Brics Interbank Cooperation Mechanism's focus on facilitating and expanding innovative financial practices and approaches for projects and programmes, including finding acceptable mechanisms of financing in local currencies. They also tasked the ministers of finance and central bank governors of member nations to continue the discussion on the Brics Cross-Border Payments Initiative and acknowledged the progress made by the Brics Payment Task Force in identifying possible pathways to support the continuation of discussions on the potential for greater interoperability of Brics payments systems.
