Latest news with #P20Women'sParliament
IOL News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Mashatile warns of economic repercussions if trade dispute with US is not resolved
Deputy President Paul Mashatile warns of job losses in the automotive sector if South Africa fails to resolve trade tensions with the US, urging urgent economic diplomacy and industry collaboration. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has warned of serious economic repercussions across South Africa's automotive value chain if an amicable trade agreement is not reached with the United States. Speaking at the opening of the P20 Women's Parliament in Cape Town on Thursday, Mashatile said that the imposition of a 30% tariff on South African automotive exports to the US threatens to disrupt established trade flows, undermine competitiveness, and put thousands of jobs at risk. 'We must highlight that there will be repercussions felt throughout the entire value chain if we do not reach an amicable trade agreement with the White House,' Mashatile said. He noted that South African suppliers supporting domestic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that export to the US would likely face production cutbacks, putting pressure on planning, employment, and investment. 'Because of this, they would be unable to compete with goods from nations that have continued preferential or zero-duty access, such as those in the USMCA,' he said. Mashatile's comments come at a time when South Africa holds the G20 Presidency under the theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.'
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Women bear brunt of SA's job crisis: Mashatile calls for bold action
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for urgent and decisive action to close South Africa's gender gap, warning that inequality continues to undermine the country's democratic and economic potential. Speaking at the opening of the P20 Women's Parliament in Cape Town under the theme accelerating equality, sustainability and shared growth, Mashatile said while South Africa has made progress in women's political representation, the battle for full gender parity remains far from over. 'We can no longer allow gender inequality to plague our society and hold back the potential and contributions of half our population. We must work hard to ensure that policies, programmes and initiatives aimed at economic development prioritise gender equality and transformation,' he said. Mashatile said women still face disproportionate economic barriers. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the unemployment rate for women at 35.9%, nearly five percentage points higher than the 31% for men. Women also remain concentrated in lower-skilled or semi-skilled jobs with men almost twice as likely to hold managerial positions.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Thoko Didiza calls for women's perspectives at the P20 Summit
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged representatives to the P20 Women's Parliament to put aside their political differences but work collectively as women of South Africa. Image: Supplied National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Wednesday urged South African women to ensure their deliberations on the theme of the P20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit were from their perspective. Speaking at the P20 Women's Parliament in Cape Town, Didiza said women should make sure that the G20 Summit of Heads of State and Government not only speaks about the economy, the environment, and other issues, but must also talk to them. 'So as you engage with the P20 theme from the women's perspective, I'm sure that you will be able to deliberate on those issues, so that when you host the other women a day before that Speakers' Summit, you'll be able to say, as South African women, not as ANC, PAC, EFF, but collectively as women of South Africa, we can say, this is what we want for an inclusive, sustainable world. 'This is how we want to act in solidarity in the world. I hope you will utilise today and tomorrow effectively to advance the women's lot as our foremothers and great grandmothers had done in the past,' she said. 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 two-day Women's Parliament was convened as part of preparations for the G20 Summit and the P20 Parliamentary Speaker's Summit to be held in September and October. Les Govender, deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, said the historic session was being held to give women from all important spheres of society the opportunity to meaningfully participate in international policy and legislative deliberations. 'The P20 Women's Parliament is positioned as a high-level and strategic build-up activity in line with the goals and the priorities of South Africa's G20 Presidency,' Govender said. He also said the Women's Parliament sought to enable a purposeful focus on the implementation of South Africa's transformation agenda. 'The P20 Women's Parliament seeks to provide a platform for all South African women to clearly delineate gender-responsive and developmental priorities for targeted oversight by Parliament over the medium term. 'This session seeks to further institute institutionalised three-sphere government, governmental preparations, and cooperation oversight mechanisms to oversee implementation of the key gender transformation priorities.' Govender stated that a key aspect of reflection will be to evaluate the implementation of the 2021 Women's Charter for accelerated development. 'We must assess the progress made, identify the gaps, and outline actionable steps to ensure it lets us therefore use this platform to challenge existing norms, share innovative solutions, and forge alliances that will propel us towards a more equitable future,' he added. Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered the key address, said he was pleased that Parliament convened a series of build-up activities under South Africa's G20 Presidency's thematic priorities and objectives. Mashatile said the alignment of P20 Women's Parliament with the ambitions and objectives of the G20 Presidency and P20 priorities was commendable. 'This will ensure strategic emphasis on the acceleration and implementation of South Africa's transformation agenda.' He urged the P20 Women's Parliament to consider partnering with relevant G20 working groups to advocate for the prioritisation of women empowerment programmes. 'Structures like the Empowerment of Women Working Group and Women20 Engagement Group, which are chaired by South Africa, should be used as conduits to advance women empowerment programmes, especially within the African continent. 'These working groups are specifically focusing on strengthening discussions around gender equality and supporting G20 countries in addressing gender inequalities,' Mashatile said.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Mashatile urges collective action for gender equality and economic growth
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said although the contribution of women has brought the apartheid regime to its knees and ushered in democratic dispensation, the fight for gender equality continued. Image: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA) Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Wednesday called on all to work together to address the interconnected issues of gender transformation and economic transformation in a comprehensive and impactful manner. Speaking at the P20 Women's Parliament in Cape Town on Wednesday, Mashatile said gender inequality can no longer be allowed to plague society and hold back the potential and contributions of women. 'This means we must work hard to ensure that policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at economic development prioritise gender equality and transformation,' he said. He also said women should be provided with the tools, resources, skills, and opportunities they require to make their dreams a lived reality. 'However, as we engage in this process, we must be cognisant of the fact that the policies, programmes, and resources we introduce are aimed at improving women's well-being, addressing gender gaps, and fostering inclusive growth.' 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 Mashatile acknowledged the considerable progress the nation has achieved in gender equality and inclusive governance. 'Today, we are proud to witness the inclusion of women in leadership positions in government and in the private sector.' He stated that although the contribution of women has brought the apartheid regime to its knees and ushered in a democratic dispensation, the fight for gender equality continued. Mashatile stated that progress has been made in establishing a democratic system and eliminating apartheid's legislative framework, as envisioned by the Freedom Charter, but the question was whether progress was made towards gender equality and inclusion. 'The reality is that, despite an increase in representation in Parliament since 1994, as I have already mentioned, most sectors of our economy remain male-dominated. 'This indicates that we have not fully realised the ideals of the Freedom Charter; hence, we need to act decisively to achieve equitable representation in all areas of our society.' He said true democracy can only flourish when all individuals were treated with dignity and respect and have access to equal opportunities. 'Gender equality is not only a struggle for a fundamental human right, but it is also essential for achieving sustainable development, promoting peace and security, and fostering a more just and inclusive society. 'Regardless of our sex and gender orientation, all of us must be motivated to continue the fight for gender equality.' Mashatile called on leaders to consider women's needs and prioritise their empowerment to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster a more just and equal society. 'We must be persistent in advocating for legislative measures that will guarantee women-owned small, micro, and medium businesses access to working capital and inclusion in the mainstream economy. 'Without putting too much emphasis on the government's role, the results of our efforts speak for themselves. When it comes to achieving gender equality, our nation has achieved a significant amount of progress.' The deputy president also noted that Parliament passed progressive pieces of legislation that have enabled equitable representation of women in the mainstream economy, while ensuring that the rights and welfare of women are taken care of. He was referring to the Employment Equity Act, Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act. 'The government expanded the access of women to economic opportunities by setting aside 40% of public procurement for women-owned businesses. 'Through the National Empowerment Fund and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, which both offer financial and non-financial support to SMMEs, there has been an increase in the amount of support provided to women-owned Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.' Mashatile also said the government has launched the Technology Innovation Agency, a unique initiative aimed at empowering women in technology and innovation. 'Despite many of these interventions, we continue to face the scourge of violence against women and children,' he said, adding that the government signed three new pieces of legislation to combat gender-based violence and femicide in 2022.
