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Perfect warm winter weather greeted the thousands of festinos who flocked to the 21st annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees over the weekend of June 28 to June 30. Attendance was six percent up year-on-year to over 42 000 people through the gates, with consistent growth from 2022. The biggest attendance increase was 45 percent on the… Read More »
The highly anticipated Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival is set to take place from 27 – 28 July 2024 at St Dominic’s School for Girls in Boksburg. This annual, vibrant event brings together like-minded performers, educators, and enthusiasts from around Africa and South Africa, offering a unique platform to showcase the rich cultural …
AgriSA welcomes new Agriculture Minister
AgriSA says it is looking forward to a collaborative and productive relationship, working together with the newly appointed Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, to advance the agricultural sector in South Africa.
AgriSA extended its sincere congratulations to Steenhuisen on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture and Mzwanele Nyhontso as Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development in the seventh administration.
“These appointments come at a critical juncture, and we are confident that under these Ministers’ leadership, the agricultural sector will thrive and continue to be a cornerstone of the national economy,” AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé said in a statement on Monday.
Kotzé said AgriSA is committed to playing its role in supporting the new government of national unity (GNU) by actively engaging with all stakeholders to foster a cohesive and collaborative approach to addressing the sector’s challenges.
In line with this commitment, Kotzé said AgriSA is focused on addressing three critical areas that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of the nation.
“Firstly, AgriSA recognises the importance of ensuring food security for all South Africans. By improving agricultural productivity, sustainability and profitability, we can contribute to social stability across the nation. AgriSA will work diligently to support policies and initiatives to enhance food security and promote access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all.
“Secondly, agriculture is a key contributor to the South African economy. We are dedicated to work with government to enhance the competitiveness of South African agriculture on a global scale, increasing exports, and opening new markets. This, in turn, could lead to the development of rural communities and contribute significantly to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in our country,” Kotzé said.
On the third critical area, Kotzé said sustainable agriculture is essential for the preservation of the country’s environment.
He said AgriSA is committed to promoting policies and practices that protect and enhance natural resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.
“By being responsible stewards of our natural resources, we can ensure that the agricultural sector remains viable and productive in the long term,” Kotzé said.
The CEO also expressed the organisation’s gratitude to the outgoing Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, for her continued support and understanding of the agricultural sector.
“Her efforts in maintaining strong relationships with organised agriculture have been invaluable. Under her guidance, we have seen significant advancements and a strengthened collaboration between the government and the agricultural community.
“We wish her all the best in her position as Speaker [of the National Assembly] and thank her for her dedicated service and the positive impact she has made,” Kotzé said.
AgriCulture South Africa, facilitated by AgriSA, protects, and promotes the interest of the farming community in South Africa.
AgriSA explores agricultural policy, climate, water management, land reform, food security, labour issues, rural safety, economics, amongst others. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:27
With yet another year-on-year decline in new vehicle sales, leading vehicle and asset finance house, WesBank, says affordability is the biggest factor limiting growth. This view is supported by the TransUnion SA Vehicle Pricing Index that showed that new vehicle prices rose 4,7% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to last year. The marginal …
Runners participating in the highly anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday, 4 August 2024 will be treated to a live performance by South African singer-songwriter Boohle. Boohle is excited to be part of this iconic women’s celebration and looks forward to treating runners to her unique blend of amapiano, afro-house, afro-soul, and gospel …
[Listen to the Post Match interview with Laura Wolvaardt here]. CHENNAI: India secured a 10-wicket triumph in the one-off Test against the Proteas Women after the visitors battled to take the match into the final session of the last day in scorching hot and humid conditions at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday. …
Cape Town, South Africa: Art aficionados are set for an unforgettable art experience this July as the acclaimed RED Gallery in Cape Town, along with Art Trader Galleries in Sea Point, gear up for a highly anticipated exhibition, The Power of Women, featuring the celebrated works of local South African contemporary artists. Opening on the …
“When new MPs get to grips with their jobs this week, civil society will for the first time be providing formal input on how we hope they will improve Parliament’s record of holding the executive to account,” says OUTA. Imagine South Africa’s Parliament with MPs who listen to the public and civil society, use their …
Pretoria, South Africa, 1 July 2024: Jaguar TCS Racing driver Mitch Evans took third place podium in R14 of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Portland, moving him into second place in the drivers’ standings. A multiple car concertina incident during the race involving Nick Cassidy resulted in a front wing change …
Eskom-owned transmission company officially commences trading
The National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has officially commenced trading, marking the company’s establishment as a distinct and wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom.
The move is a also a significant step in the reform of South Africa’s electricity supply industry.
This is according a joint media statement released by Eskom, the NTCSA and the Department of Public Enterprises.
Eskom Board chairperson Mteto Nyati said the entity will focus on adding capacity to South Africa’s power grid.
“We are pleased to announce that NTCSA begins trading today and will focus on increasing the capacity of the national transmission grid to allow the connection of much-needed new power generation capacity.
“As a wholly owned subsidiary, it will operate under the direction of an independent board while providing open access to the electricity network, as envisaged during the unbundling process. We look forward to contributing to a more efficient and transparent electricity industry,” he said.
The NTCSA board chairperson, Priscillah Mabelane, said that together with the relevant departments, the entity is embarking on an important journey.
“As we embark on this exciting and critical journey, our commitment is to continue focusing on ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations while accelerating the development of an interconnected transmission system in line with our mandate.
“We will ensure non-discriminatory access to the transmission network and seek ways to accelerate the rollout of the transmission grid while fostering transparency and efficiency. Together, we look forward to shaping a dynamic electricity market.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our team, Eskom, Inter-Governmental Steering Committee comprising of Department of Minerals and Energy, National Treasury and the Shareholder Representative, DPE for their immense support in achieving this pivotal milestone,” Mabelane said.
About the NTCSA
According to the joint statement, the entity will “own and operate the country’s national transmission system, the world-class System Operator, the grid strengthening function, energy market services and the International Trader”.
The benefits of legal separation from Eskom are as follows:
How the NTCSA will operate:
The NTCSA will operate under the three following licences issued to it by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA):
“In terms of current legislation, NTCSA will play the role of the Transmission System Operator and buyer. It will assume additional roles once the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill is passed into law. The NTCSA will trade with Eskom Generation and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) using the current industry framework.
“The transition to a competitive electricity market will only commence after the ERA is gazetted, and NTCSA will assume the additional role of Market Operator. In this capacity, it will provide a platform for generators, consumers, traders, and retailers to trade with one another, as is the case in leading countries around the world.
“The establishment of the NTCA is another step in the electricity market structure reform, aiming to enhance efficiency and promote transparency. It will act as a catalyst for much-needed improvements and upgrades within the national electricity transmission infrastructure,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:30
Can tracking mouse footprints give clues to climate change? Yves Vanderhaeghen speaks to the founders of WildTrack, which is pioneering technology in South Africa to track small mammals so they can tell us about disruptions to ecosystems. Is it a mouse? A shrew? A rat? We can read a lot into the pawprints of small …
The tournament was held in Paarl at the weekend
Elizabeth Arden Continues Commitment to Empowering Women Through Collaboration with Non-Profit Organisation Sparrow Society The eight-year relationship employs women from underprivileged communities in South Africa to source the beauty brand’s hand-crafted cosmetics bags. Elizabeth Arden is proud to announce the continuation of its longstanding relationship with Sparrow Society, a South African non-profit organisation dedicated to …
Department of Health, trade union welcome Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as new Minister
The Department of Health has welcomed Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as their new Minister and his Deputy, Dr Joe Phaahla, as part of the newly established seventh democratic administration to move South Africa forward.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Motsoaledi as the Minister of Health when he was announcing the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet.
Motsoaledi replaces Phaahla, who has served in the portfolio since August 2021.
However, Motsoaledi is no stranger to the department, having previously served as the Minister from 2009 to 2019.
“The department believes the return of both political principals will ensure continuity and stability in the implementation of key health priorities, which include increasing life expectancy, strengthening health system effectiveness and the National Health Insurance (NHI) to enable the country to attain universal health coverage,” the department said.
The department took the time to also thank the outgoing Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, for his “sterling” work, which accelerated access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Dhlomo has been praised for establishing youth-friendly zones in primary health facilities to create a conducive environment to access essential health services without standing in queue with the general customers.
“He also championed the healthy lifestyle programme to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and so on," the department said.
It said it was looking forward to the leadership of both Motsoaledi and Phaahla to lead the health sector, guided by policies and legislations to ensure equal access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all South Africans to achieve universal health coverage.
Meanwhile, the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has also welcomed Motsoaledi following his appointment.
The union has described the Minister as someone with proven dedication and extensive experience in the healthcare sector.
“Minister Motsoaledi has a commendable track record of addressing critical health challenges and implementing significant reforms to improve the health of all South Africans.
“Samatu is confident that Minister Motsoaledi's deep understanding of the South African healthcare landscape will prove invaluable as we embark on the rollout of the NHI, which aims to provide universal health coverage and ensure that all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to quality health services,” the statement read.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
The trade union believes that Motsoaledi possesses the vision, commitment, and expertise needed to implement the NHI successfully.
“His reappointment comes at a crucial time when the NHI’s foundational structures are being established, and his leadership will be instrumental in ascertaining that this transformative healthcare reform is realised seamlessly and effectively.”
The union has since pledged its full support to Motsoaledi and said it was looking forward to working collaboratively with his office.
“We are committed to advancing the health and well-being of all South Africans, addressing the inequalities in healthcare access, and building a robust healthcare system that serves everyone proficiently.
“We call upon all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to unite behind Minister Motsoaledi’s leadership and contribute positively towards improving healthcare services in our country. This collective effort will be pivotal in enhancing our nation's public health and achieving the vision of a healthier South Africa.”
Samatu is a voluntary, independent, and non-discriminatory trade union for medical doctors and offers labour relations and bargaining services. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 12:44
Don’t get left behind by using server-based, legacy technology to run your business. With Outsourced CFO experts at your side, you can automate and streamline your financial and operational processes, giving you an edge in today’s fast-paced digital business world. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as cloud accounting, data analytics, and real-time reporting, we aim …
The Proteas are ready to fight for the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, having narrowly missed out on their 3rd win to Australia in 2019. With KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club hosting the competition from 17 to 28 July 2024, the South African polocrosse team will enjoy a home-side advantage as they take on the …
KZN Premier recommits to collaborative and effective governance approach
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has reiterated his commitment to a team-oriented approach to governance, and to collaborate with everyone willing to work alongside him.
Ntuli made the commitment during his meeting with the officials in the Office of the Premier in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
The meeting, which saw a large turnout from staff eager to engage with the new Premier and hear his vision for the future, set a positive and constructive tone for Ntuli's administration, laying the groundwork for a collaborative and effective governance approach in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ntuli extended a warm welcome to all the staff and acknowledged their dedication and hard work.
The Premier also addressed staff concerns and sought to ease any uncertainties regarding the transition in leadership, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and unity.
"While working at King Cetshwayo District Municipality, I worked with everyone, irrespective of political affiliation. When you have a new leader, people expect new things, meaning that we must improve on what has been there.
“We need to work with speed to serve the people of KwaZulu-Natal. My leadership style would be collaborative and focused on building on the existing foundations to achieve greater efficiency and service delivery,” Ntuli said.
The Premier also outlined several strategic priorities for his administration and stressed the need for rapid improvements in service delivery, particularly in areas that directly impact the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
He underscored the importance of innovation and modernisation in government operations to ensure that the province keeps pace with the evolving needs of its citizens.
The Premier further encouraged open communication and sharing of ideas, noting that “diverse perspectives are crucial for effective governance".
Ntuli assured the staff that their contributions are valued and that their professional development will be supported.
The inaugural meeting marked the beginning of Premier Ntuli's tenure, signalling a period of unity and focused progress aimed at enhancing the province's governance and service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 12:48
Reaching any midpoint, whether it's to catch one's breath on a ultra-marathon to gear up for the next stretch, or a project team reflecting on their progress and making necessary modifications – it's all about positioning for success. So too a mid-year retail check-in offers valuable insights into some of the latest developments shaping how retailers connect with consumers and drive innovation in the second half of this year.
Overview | Global & Local
The rise and rise of ecommerce, the integration of online and offline, platforming sustainability, contactless and convenient quick and easy payment options, price-sensitive pricing strategies and building customer loyalty – dominated the past six months.
So too, and no surprises here, but the broader classification of the consumer is changing yet again. If 2023 was the year of the resilient consumer, it seems that 2024 is seeing the year of the empowered consumer. Mastercard Data & Services [May 2024] reported that despite rising interest rates, inflation and the threat of a recession, consumers still confidently spent in 2023. This year however, consumers are carefully prioritising resources – with many people worldwide now looking for more deals and discounts to carefully balance their household budgets. Technology is also playing a bigger role in bringing innovation and efficiency to retailers and consumers, reflecting a more concerted shift towards a customer-centric and digitally driven retail landscape.
“Don't blink was my pennies worth at our trends check in November 2023,” said Mike Smollan, Chief Growth Officer, Smollan. “We've seen the rapid changes this year, from powerful tactical retail that has global brands amping up the flavour and integration experience for consumers. To local shifts in South Africa for example, with 61% of Gen Zs finding their feet and telling us via a recent Trade Intelligence report, that social media influencers are their best source of information when it comes to shopping. It's about meeting consumers wherever, whenever, and however they prefer to shop, and being cognisant of and embracing the shift to empowered consumerism.”
Global retail examples always provide a relevant yardstick to illustrate these shifting dynamics on a larger scale. Take Walmart for example who despite relatively little store growth, has maintained its number one ranking with a robust online marketplace and a range of new financial resources for shoppers. Costco expanded its warehouse format this year to a range of countries while Ikea is reinventing, by opening smaller-format stores around the world.
So too, the ecommerce world continues to baffle the brain – with relative newbie Temu topping US$5 billion in sales in 2023, just one year after they launched. With Statista reporting that their app has been downloaded over 52 million times as of May this year.
A wild ride and evolving storyline as we watch the disruption of this sector.
Closer to home, Shoprite South Africa (SA) have adapted in 2024 to serve customers who want more promotions, combo deals and collective buying. They also noted that their customers are switching to private labels. Furthermore, they have expanded their premium stores and on-demand delivery services, as well as venturing into mobile services and financial offerings. On the ecommerce front Tech Safari, reporting on Amazon's entry into SA in May this year, have suggested a possible pricing war benefitting consumers with faster deliveries, more products and better support. This space in the spotlight from now until year end and beyond, with competition on the up as Takealot, in response to Amazon's entry, launched a free delivery service with a monthly subscription.
At A Glance | Four Trends
Accelerated ways to enable retailers to anticipate, experiment, adapt and satisfy consumers, even before they are aware of them, will be the golden thread. With Forbes identifying four evolving trends for the second half of the year:
Sustainability
Customers want organisations to step up and show proof of their eco stance however they have “green fatigue” and are quickly on the scent of businesses that are simply ‘greenwashing'.
AI
This is constantly evolving and retailers need to use AI to improve efficiencies and processes, and balance this with a human touch.
Personalised Communication
Consumers want messages tailored to them and their purchasing behaviour and not to be bombarded with general marketing messages. Shifting tactics from purely transactional to empathetic.
Social Commerce
CRM Essentials showed that 37% of consumers trust influencers more than brands. This year social commerce and creator economies present a perfect symbiotic relationship as brands are now more focused on telling stories on social platforms that conclude with a commerce moment.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Smollan.
The first half of 2024 is behind us, and we are now moving towards the year’s end! Several JSE-listed companies have indicated they will be paying dividends, with the last day to buy shares eligible for the payout being in July. These companies are also eligible to be used for EasyCredit loans on EasyEquities. Mr …
Government departments fail to pay suppliers within 30 days
A report by National Treasury shows that in the 2023/24 financial year, national and provincial government departments have overall regressed in paying invoices to suppliers within the required 30 days.
According to the annual report on non-compliance with payment of suppliers’ invoices within 30 days, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national and provincial departments in the 2023/24 financial year amounted to 362 068 invoices, to the rand value of R35.1 billion.
“The R35.1 billion, although paid late, was settled and paid during the 2023/24 financial year. The number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid by national and provincial departments at the end of March 2024 amounted to 114 908, to the rand value of R10.7 billion.
“National departments recorded an improvement of R13 million of invoices outstanding from the previous financial year end, whilst there was a regression of 24% in the number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid at the end of March 2024, which amounted to 1 427 invoices, to the rand value of R53 million, when compared to 1 149 invoices, to the rand value of R66 million, reported at the end of March 2023,” National Treasury said on Monday.
Provincial departments recorded a regression of 53% in the number of invoices older than 30 days and not paid at the end of the 2023/24 financial year, which amounted to 113 481 invoices, to the rand value of R10.6 billion, when compared to 73 974 invoices to the rand value of R6.8 billion reported at the end of March 2023.
“The late and/or non-payment of supplier’s invoices impacts negatively on, amongst others, socioeconomic challenges such as high unemployment, inequality, poverty; the financial health of suppliers who are forced to borrow to keep financially afloat; and the ability of suppliers to pay salaries and meet their contractual obligations.
“Timeous payment of suppliers is important for improving economic growth and reducing poverty, inequality and unemployment. During the 2023/24 financial year, National Treasury continued to monitor, address and respond to queries on non-payment of supplier’s invoices through a centralised email system dedicated to receiving queries from suppliers,” National Treasury said.
National Treasury received 245 queries, to the value of R198 million, in the 2023/24 financial year. Of the 245 queries received 127 queries or 52% to the value of R103 million related to provincial institutions and were escalated to provincial treasuries for their intervention.
“Through the intervention of the Office of Accountant-General, 54 queries to the value of R58 million were resolved and payments were made to suppliers in the 2023/24 financial year,” National Treasury said.
National Treasury is in the process of adapting existing transversal systems to identify and track late payments, and has in the interim recommended the following for improvements:
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 11:55
Kusile Power Station’s Unit 5 reaches commercial operation
Eskom’s Kusile Unit 5 has achieved commercial operation, adding some 800MW to the grid.
This comes as the power utility has maintained at least 90 days of uninterrupted electricity supply.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the move is part of the power utility’s focus on its recovery plan.
“We stated in our winter outlook…that we would add new generation capacity to the grid with Kusile Power Station Unit 5, as part of our intense focus on delivering the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This addition is part of a total of 2500MW that will be added before the end of this calendar year.
“Eskom will continue to focus on implementing operational recovery, strengthening governance and future proofing the organisation to enable energy security, growth and long-term sustainability to the benefit of South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa,” Marokane said.
Kusile Power Station is located in Mpumalanga.
The power utility’s Group Executive for Generation Bheki Nxumalo added that the addition of the much-needed megawatts is a result of the collective efforts of all Eskom employees.
“The delivery of the unit, as part of our Generation Operational Recovery Plan, showcases the remarkable achievements possible when our 40 000 employees work together as a collective.
“I extend my gratitude to all Eskom employees and contractors for their diligent work in bringing this unit to commercial operation. This achievement aligns with our commitment to maximising grid capacity,” Nxumalo said.
According to Eskom, the unit was first synchronised to the grid in December 2023 but will now “begin contributing power, increasing Kusile Power Station’s total output to 4000MW”.
“Since its synchronisation…the unit has met performance expectations, supported the grid and helped to reduce load shedding. Upon completion, Kusile Power Station will consist of six units, producing a maximum of 4800MW.
“Additionally, Kusile is equipped with wet flue gas desulphurisation (WFGD) technology, making it the first power station in South Africa and Africa to use this emissions abatement technology. WFGD removes sulphur dioxide from flue gas before it is released into the atmosphere, ensuring compliance with international air quality standards.
“Construction of the remaining Kusile Unit 6 is progressing as planned, with it expected to be synchronised to the grid in November 2024,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 10:43
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Joekels Tea – a KZN-based business that went up against the tea giants and is now a leading tea manufacturer. What many may not know, however, is that Joekels Tea entered the coffee game several years ago with the launch of their Society Cappuccinos brand. And to make their …
OUTA has welcomed the clarity on the composition of the cabinet, but are unimpressed with the increased size of what was already a bloated cabinet. “We believe the increase was so the President could accommodate “old friends” such as Blade Nzimande and Gwede Mantashe, who have both not performed well in their previous positions and …
Orion Minerals CEO Errol Smart will participate at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit, taking place on November 6-7 in Cape Town. Smart is expected to speak on the Australian mining firm's role in advancing the energy transition minerals industry in South Africa, as well as identify strategic areas for further investment.
In South Africa, Orion Minerals is undertaking a series of exploration and infrastructure development initiatives to achieve its target of first copper sales by 2025. Earlier this month, the company discovered high-grade copper deposits at the Flat Mines area of the Okiep Copper Project in Northern Cape Province. Orion Minerals is conducting a feasibility study to secure the funding required to initiate mine development. With up to 9.4 million tons at 1.3% copper reserves estimated at the Flat Mines, the project will consolidate South Africa's position as a leading supplier of the essential mineral.
CMA 2024 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (https://AECWeek.com) on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Last month, Orion Minerals secured R43.7 million (US$2.4 million) from South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation to acquire a controlling stake in the Okiep Copper Project, supporting ongoing exploration and accelerating mine development towards the 2025 production goal. The company has also begun trial mining at its Prieska Copper Zinc Mine project in the Northern Cape, as part of efforts to fast-track the rollout of the 2.4 million metric tons per annum project.
Orion Minerals has shown a strong commitment to enhancing South Africa's critical mineral value chain and increasing value-added activities. The company is conducting feasibility studies for the Jacomynspan Battery Metals Project, which aims to supply high-grade nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE-gold to the Stratega Metals Vapour Refining Project. The latter project is set to be South Africa's first refinery facility for battery materials. At CMA 2024, Smart will participate in high-level panel discussions that highlight the company's project portfolio, investment strategy and partnership opportunities going forward.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.