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Ward Councillor, Peter Helfrich, says “Over my dead body – I will not allow the Cape Coloured Congress or anyone else to disrupt the housing project in Macassar” The ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, for ward 109 in the City of Cape Town, where an R132 million mega housing project is currently underway, which will accommodate …
The Springboks proved they are on track with their Rugby World Cup preparations as they delivered a strong second-half performance to overpower Argentina 24-13 in the first of three warm-up games at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s men were 10-3 behind on the scoreboard at halftime, but could draw …
Premier Alan Winde has urged mini-bus taxi leaders affiliated with the South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACO-WC), who are behind a destructive province-wide strike, to return to the table and work with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and City of Cape Town (CoCT) to resolve long-standing issues that have confronted the …
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Real Fight Inc. (RFI) and American Airlines Center have today announced that the highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz pay-per-view on Saturday, August 5, 2023 will be the second highest recorded gate for a combat sports event at American Airlines Center in history. Surpassing all previously held combat sports events, Paul …
City seeking urgent interdict against the taxi strike
Congratulations Banyana Banyana!
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has expressed immense pride in Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national women’s football team, for progressing to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
In a memorable match on Wednesday, Banyana Banyana beat Italy 3 – 2 in Wellington, New Zealand. With this victory, Banyana Banyana became the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.
“Banyana Banyana have not only displayed great talent on the field, but they have also shown great fight. Their match against Italy was a must win game. Banyana Banyana showed just what makes them the pride and joy of South Africa, by matching toe to toe against the world’s top teams and creating history once again.
“I am thrilled that Banyana Banyana found it in them to get the necessary result to qualify for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. Banyana Banyana is an incredibly special team. All 60 million South Africans are behind this team and want them to do well.
“I would like to congratulate Banyana Banyana on making history. They have shown that they belong on the world’s top football stage. I urge the nation to continue to rally behind the team, as they seek to create even more history,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 09:42
The newspaper got millions of rands of Lottery advertising and also ran stories to counter exposés of corruption
Many South African property owners find themselves questioning how they can make the most of their assets. One strategy that is emerging as a viable option for a diverse set of property owners is the idea of rezoning. This involves changing the designated use of a property as defined by local ordinances from one category …
Eastern Cape, 03 August 2023: Construction works to upgrade the N2 section from KwaBhaca to Ngcweleni River have begun, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced. The project, which follows the existing N2, starts in KwaBhaca and ends at the Ngcweleni River Bridge near EmaXesibeni. The R1.2 billion project affects the …
Victory over matter
By Neo Semono
Women’s Month got off to a thrilling start - thanks to the endeavours of South African women on the sporting terrain demonstrating that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Anxiety ruled supreme for those watching the midweek game between Banyana Banyana and Italy after which ululations were undoubtedly the order of the day.
While Banyana Banyana were crowned champions of the Women’s African Cup of Nations last year, this time around they were facing a team ranked 16th on the FIFA Women’s World Ranking and that was no easy feat.
While that may sound bias, life has not been easy for many women in South Africa and indeed for many others around the world.
The national senior women’s team didn’t just show up for the clash, but they made history in their nail biting finish.
While ululations in true South African style continue, reflecting on the fixture shows that the match served as a conduit of the country’s hopes and aspirations at a time when the country is tackling many a challenge.
Post the match, many young girls that have been playing soccer on imperfect pitches to pass the time are likely contemplating taking up the sport professionally, despite challenges.
The euphoria we find ourselves in as a result of their win, highlights the fact that with determination, nothing is impossible.
Three-days into Women’s Month, Banyana Banyana, made history becoming the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup underway in New Zealand and Australia.
They however are not the only women making the nation proud.
The SPAR Proteas team drew with New Zealand in a spirited game in the Netball World Cup that South Africa is hosting in the Western Cape.
With additional pressure of the world cup being hosted on African soil for the first time, the Proteas gave it their all, drawing with the defending champions. While there are other matches still to go, the ladies are flying the South African flag high.
This is in addition to the feat of Tatjana Schoenmaker on her 200m breaststroke victory. The win has made her the first South African woman to win gold at the World Aquatics Championships.
Sport indeed has the power to unite a nation enmeshed in the very real daily challenges of unemployment, gender-based violence and poverty, among others.
Across communities, office parks and indeed the international community, women in sport are the talk of the town.
Just as there are challenges in other sectors of our society, sport has not been spared with gender disparity in relation to income still to be adequately addressed.
In taking cognisance of the challenges of women sport, Cabinet recently approved the gazetting of the draft Policy on Women in Sport for public comment.
The policy outlines a set of measures that will promote and support women in sport and ensure programmes are in place to address gender disparities in sporting codes and structures.
It also addresses barriers to entry by women in sport such as a lack of funding, sponsorship and inadequate remuneration. The proposed policy intends to promote increased active participation of women in sport and leadership roles such as coaching and officiating.
Women in sport are proving that despite the uphill challenges, the human spirit is resilient and does triumph over adversity. They are living proof. While much has been done to advance the interests of women, much more remains to be done to support them in many other areas of society.
Win or lose, we all should be proud of their accomplishments. The women who marched to the Union Buildings 67 years ago would certainly be.- SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 15:03
Provincial Minister of Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, is calling for nominations for experienced and skilled persons to serve on the Western Cape Consumer Affairs Tribunal, whose purpose is to protect the rights of consumers by acting as an adjudication body in disputes between consumers and businesses. Minister Wenger, said, “Ultimately, consumer protection helps to ensure …
Suzuki Auto has just passed a major sales milestone in South Africa. The Japanese maker of compact passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles handed the keys to their 200 000th buyer in July and ended the month with sales of 4 361 units. This means that the total sales for Suzuki now stand at 201 …
Dear Editor The Department of Correctional Services has delayed announcing a timeline for Zuma’s return to prison, causing anxiety and raising doubts about the strength of the nation’s judicial system. The DA demands that Zuma immediately returns to Estcourt Correctional Centre to serve the remainder of his 15-month sentence. We will take further action if …
Dried Fruit South Africa is promoting the health and convenience benefits of dried fruit to the country’s runners, hikers, swimmers, walkers and mountain climbers. It is the first element of a multi-pronged marketing campaign designed to inform and educate outdoor enthusiasts, health-conscious professionals, moms, and school-going children about the benefits of snacking on South African …
BRICS agriculture meeting to promote sustainable production
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, will next week host the 13th BRICS Ministers of Agriculture meeting aimed at increasing cooperation among its member countries to promote sustainable and fair growth.
BRICS is the grouping of the world’s leading emerging market economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The 13th BRICS Ministers of Agriculture meeting will take place from 8-12 August 2023 at Mookgophong, Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality in the Waterberg District, Limpopo,
Held under the theme, 'Strengthening collaborations towards sustainable agricultural production and increasing productivity', the meeting will seek to pursue issues of common interest relating to food security, climate change, rural development, economic challenges, poverty, and population growth.
The department said the BRICS mechanism aims to promote development cooperation, security, peace, and establishment of a more equitable economic world.
“The overall aim of BRICS agriculture cooperation is to improve access to food and increase comprehensive food production. The event will showcase rural development and climate change programmes,” the department said.
The meeting is hosted ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 22 to 24 August 2023.
Last week, the department hosted the BRICS Road Show 2023 in Bloemfontein, Free State, which aimed to encourage debates, discussions, and conversations about the challenges confronting all provinces as an investment destination today and economies of scale.
The show also aimed to highlight programmes for economic development and sustainable job creation initiatives for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs); increase initiatives on rural development and climate smart technologies; expand market access/trade agreements; conclude on protocols; and to increase training opportunities to post graduate students. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 12:38
Plan launched to deal with problem, which is partly driven by food insecurity
African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) Vice President Solomon Quaynor has concluded a tour of Export Trade Group (ETG)'s southern Africa operations, signalling the potential for stronger partnership with the agribusiness giant to boost livelihoods on the continent.
Mr Quaynor, responsible for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation, and four others from the Bank, visited ETG's operations in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe last week, where they saw first-hand the impact of the firm's diverse agribusiness value chains and trade, supported by massive human capital and assets, including large warehouses and industrial machinery.
The Bank's team included Richard Ofori-Mante, Acting Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development; Damian Ihedioha, Division Manager for Agribusiness; Bleming Nekati, Chief Trade Finance Officer; and Patrick Mabuza, Principal Research Economist. They were joined by ETG's Joint CEO, Birju Patel and the Group Chief Treasury Officer, Paul Van Spaendonk.
Quaynor described the trip as “a development banker's dream”. “This has been a deeply insightful trip to Export Trading Group's integrated agro-industrialization operations in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. With a presence in over 30 countries, this glimpse into ETG's operations was a development banker's dream,” he said.
During the four-day trip, the Bank team visited ETG's fertilizer terminal, an inland container depot, fertilizer processing and blending plants, soya vegetable oil refineries, giant warehouses, some of which were filled with tonnes of grains, collection depots, plastic and candle factories, cashew processing plant and a textile factory.
Quaynor's team also interacted with farmer groups, including several women, agribusiness cooperatives and employees of ETG. The meetings provided useful insight into the scale and diversity of the company's activities in Southern Africa. Quaynor also used the opportunity to affirm the African Development Bank's commitment to help boost food production in Africa and foster inclusive development by investing in proven agri-businesses such as ETG.
He noted that the company's operations in Africa go beyond economic growth. “They strive to industrialise Africa, develop smallholder farmers, empower women, create jobs, engage with communities, achieve sustainability and develop value chains,” Quaynor said.
The Vice President said he was impressed with the Group's versatility in managing its diverse portfolio successfully amid persistent local and global headwinds. He noted that they are an innovative agro-industrialist, agro-infrastructure and financially hedged global company with core operations in Africa.
“We believe that ETG is a viable company that is committed to building a brighter future for Africans with gender equality, livelihood opportunities, self-sufficiency, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and collaboration from the pillars of inclusive and sustainable development in Africa. We are proud to be strategic partners with ETG on this remarkable growth story,” Quaynor said.
ETG, a global conglomerate with operations across multiple sectors, is present in 48 countries across five regions, including 30 African countries, where it runs more than 90 industrial plants and around 350 gigantic warehouses. It has a diverse portfolio spanning agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, agro-food processing, energy, minerals and supply chain optimisation.
The company has generated massive employment, including for youth and women. South Africa and Zambia are key countries for both origination and destination, with West Africa forming a key source of cocoa, sesame, and cashew and East Africa a key origin for pulses, sesame, coffee and edible nuts.
ETG CEO Patel underscored the impact of the partnership with the African Development Bank over the last eight years and stressed the Group's commitment to continue working together to improve livelihoods across Africa, “It is always exciting to cultivate partnerships with like-minded organisations that share our unwavering passion for the continent and its people”.
“Our steadfast dedication to enhancing livelihoods through facilitation of trade and market linkages, infrastructure development, agricultural support encompassing yield-enhancing inputs, agronomy services, and sustainable farming practices training, as well as strategic social investments, remains resolute and unyielding. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the African Development Bank and creating a positive impact for all our stakeholders.”
The Bank and ETG recently signed a $150 million trade and agri-finance package. It comprises a $60 million facility to enhance the company's export functions, a $60 million agriculture value-chain programme to boost production by offering top-notch farming tools and expert guidance to farmers in 10 targeted African nations, and a $30 million co-financing from the Africa Growing Together Fund. Disbursement will be concluded before the end of August 2023.
In 2016, the Bank provided a $100 million corporate loan with a seven-year tenor to finance ETG's capital expenditure investment programme covering fertiliser facilities, processing plants, and multi-commodity warehouses across Africa. This was followed by an additional $100 million Soft Commodity Finance Facility to support the firm's short-term import and export working capital.
These facilities supported ETG's operations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, creating over 6,710 jobs (including 1,290 for women) and significantly contributing to tax revenues across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
Kwasi Kpodo
Communication and External Relations
w.kpodo@afdb.org
Technical contact:
Bleming Nekati
Financial Sector Development
b.nekati@afdb.org
The political parties exploring a multi-party agreement (DA, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, UIM and SNP) are pleased to announce that Professor William Gumede has agreed to chair the National Convention that will sit on 16 and 17 August 2023 at Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park. Professor Gumede is an independent chairperson of the process and …
Bridge Taxi Finance (“Bridge Taxi”), a Mokoro Holdings subsidiary, is a development company offering finance and support products to the minibus taxi industry in South Africa. This includes strategic investments and associations in various industries supporting the developmental finance chain, from taxi finance to logistics, credit solution services, supply of parts, and vehicle servicing.
South Africa's taxi industry plays a vital role in the country's economy, accounting for over 70% of all public transport trips, and is the most widely used form of public transport in Africa. The EUR 10 million facility from Triodos Investment Managers is an introduction and a part of a strong pipeline of international development finance and impact investors looking to join hands in financing Bridge Taxi Finance. The recent funding is part of the Common Terms Agreement (CTA) structure created for international impact investors to standardize and simplify security sharing among like-minded investors.
Bridge Taxi's clients, the drivers, are entrepreneurs running/ owning a taxi business. The company is currently financing over 4 700 entrepreneurs. Over 15 million South Africans make use of minibus taxis to get to and from work every day. Bridge Taxi finances financially excluded individuals and provides them with an opportunity to own income-generating assets, enabling them to contribute positively to the economy. With an estimated 250 000-280 000 minibus taxis operating in the country's formal routes, there is a significant monthly supply gap of minibus taxis. Bridge Taxi is addressing this supply gap by importing new, safer vehicles, which meet EURO IV and V emissions standards. These new vehicles imported are replacing the old fleet which has higher carbon emissions and is dangerous to public safety and the environment. Bridge Taxi has plans to offer electric vehicles in the coming years, and feasibility studies have already commenced. Bridge Taxi is majority owned by the founders who have more than 20 years of experience in development finance.
The transaction is the first introduction of a simplified and seamless investment structure for international impact investors into the inclusive finance sector in South Africa. Verdant Capital is continuing to work with Bridge Taxi Finance as its sole advisor to bring in longer-term international capital.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital:
Liezel van Greunen,
T: +27 10 140 3700
E: liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant Capital:
Verdant Capital is an investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis. Verdant Capital is the manager of the Verdant Capital Hybrid Fund. www.Verdant-Cap.com
Dear Editor The DA is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in farm murders in South Africa and the dangerous rhetoric inciting violence against a particular group in society. The ANC’s failure to address the inflammatory statements and farm attacks shows a lack of leadership in protecting citizens. The DA urgently calls for the establishment …
Residents say the contractor stopped cleaning over two months ago because of a dispute with the City
As the Chief Operating Officer for Comcorp South Africa, a leading software innovator and authentication technology specialists, Shanaaz Trethewey is an inspiration, not only for her leadership and organisational capabilities but also her role as a woman in the tech space. She is passionate about the role businesses play to service society through technology especially …
Team headed by Cape Town researcher makes exciting discovery during a biodiversity survey of this little-studied country
Hundreds of workers marched in Pretoria saying the CWP has failed in its goal to alleviate poverty