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Pillar pages and topic clusters are an increasingly crucial component of SEO strategy, especially as we move into 2024. They offer a structured way of organising content that not only enhances the user experience but also boosts a site’s visibility on search engines. Here’s a comprehensive look into how they work and why they are …
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Stars of circularity, the ever-so-talented Katherine-Mary Pichulik, Cleo Droomer and Shamyra Moodley are among the line-up of winners at last yearâs Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards who have accomplished some impressive feats since then. Almost a year later, letâs take a look at what these progressive, conscious fashionistas have been up to⦠âThe past year has …
Metal Mining and Allied Workers Unions of South Africa (MMAWUSA) holds inaugural press briefing
With many South Africans seeking affordable and reliable solar power solutions to protect their homes and businesses from load-shedding, Nedbank has launched its first set of market-leading solar financing packages available on its Avo Solar website. The packages aim to make greener energy supply accessible to households and businesses of all sizes by offering solar …
Call for the protection of journalists
While South Africaâs constitution supports and promotes media freedom, practitioners in the sector have called for the protection of journalists ahead of next yearâs general elections.
âThe 2021 elections were unsettling due to the danger that was faced by journalists. Some were kicked out of areas that they were working in and others were subjected to humiliation and threatened with violence while they were doing their jobs,â South African National Editorsâ Forum (SANEF) Acting Gauteng Regional Convenor Hopewell Radebe said on Thursday.
He was addressing a virtual panel discussion on Violence against Journalists and the Integrity of Elections that was hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
âSometimes the danger is also from political parties. They also start to point fingers at journalists for doing their jobs because the media is able to give a platform to the public to air their views and criticise the parties,â Radebe said.
He noted a growing trend of criminals who victimise the media while on the field and rob them of their tools of trade such as cellphones and cameras.
Former Director for Freedom of Expression and Media Development at UNESCO Prof Guy Berger said: âIncreasingly we are seeing the abuse, attacks and ganging up on journalists on social media. Of course, journalists should be criticised but there is a difference between criticism and intimidation or threatening death or harming people and their families.
âIt is very important that GCIS; the government must call out against incidents when there are attacks on journalists. For example when threatening WhatsApps are sent to editors with a subtle death threat or when a politician releases the private details, like a phone number, of a journalist.
"In terms of preventing the attacks, the GCIS is doing this by hosting this webinar. It is a contribution to the public climate that says it is not acceptable to have criminal attacks on journalists.â
He said the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists emphasised the protection of journalists and the prosecution of those who attack journalists.
The Plan of Action aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, both in conflict and non-conflict situations, with a view to strengthening peace, democracy and development worldwide.
âWe know we have a problem of assassination in South Africa, intimidation and gangsterism. Government should take a stand and say to society, this is not acceptable or there will be consequences, you will be prosecuted. This is very important for preventing attacks, if you do not address the attacks you are encouraging them and we know that journalists who are killed, it starts with online threats.
âThe people who are doing this are not hidden. They often are doing this publicly. They can be tracked down and brought to account. Security forces also need to find a way to work with journalists instead of stopping them from doing their jobs,â Berger said.
IEC collaborates with media
During previous elections, SANEF teamed up with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to train journalists on understanding the environment that they are operating in and to understand the rules and regulations of the elections.
âThis year, we have been to five provinces with the IEC training journalists on rules and regulations and also to understand the impact of these changes in the elections and how this will impact their communities.
âWe will also be working with the police to identify hotspot and areas where there are tensions during the elections. Journalists have to be prepared differently and be alerted on what to expect in areas that are dangerous,â Radebe said.
He warned of a growing trend by members of the public not wanting to give space to journalists to do their job.
â⦠Particularly when they are campaigning for certain parties and they donât want to hear a journalist being fair, accurate and being balanced in their reporting to prospective voters so they can make an informed decision,â Radebe said. â SAnews.gov.za
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nosihle
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 09:13
The Springboks have won the Rugby World Cup for a historic fourth time, breaking the world record as the team to win the most World Cup tournaments ever. Following the teamâs victory tour around the country, Nielsen Sports SA TV viewership insights note another victory for the national team â and rugby in general â …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, participated in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) on Thursday, November 10 in Marrakech, Morocco. Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Copyright-free video B-roll and images are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.co/478tDFH
Watch the video of the entire fireside chat: https://apo-opa.co/3SB1zq5
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest.
In the discussion, Rugby Africa President encouraged the investment of sport across Africa, emphasizing the importance of investment opportunities emerging from the continent itself.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
He added, “With South Africa emerging triumphant as the World Champions in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the world once again witnessed the vast potential of Africa. To invest in rugby across Africa, is to invest in a continent of 1.3 billion people, utilizing the sport as a catalyst for both economic development and empowerment of the youth.”
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
The 2023 Africa Investment Forum brought together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will conclude on Friday August 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
This past weekend, motoring enthusiasts gathered at the annual Killarney Motor Show for another exhilarating event, immersing themselves in the unmistakable aroma of petrol, the symphony of screeching tyres, and a visual feast of everything motorised, from sleek classics to Mad Max replicas. Motul, the celebrated name in superior automotive and motorcycling lubricants, showcased their …
Progress made in the fight against criminality
Government is making inroads into destroying criminal activities as well as syndicates and has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that criminals are dealt with, says Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise.
âWe will make sure that as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, we create a safe and secure environment for our people to live [in],â Modise said on Friday.
The Minister was addressing a JCPS cluster media briefing to provide progress made in combating organised crime which she said, is a growing concern as it negatively impacts on the livelihood of citizens, the economy and compromises the safety and security of people.
âSouth Africans have borne the wrath of criminals masquerading in our communities causing disruption in their daily lives. In some parts of our communities, extortion and protection fees demanded by criminal syndicates have become the order of the day.â
She added that infrastructure mafias continue to destabilise the construction industry through intimidation and the threatening of peopleâs lives.
 âThese and other criminal activities have put fear in our people and undermine the authority of the state.â
Operation Shanela
Through the South African Police Servicesâ Operation Shanela, South Africa has adopted a decisive approach in reducing the high levels of crime.
Operation Shanela is the SAPS crime combating high density operations incepted in May 2023.
 âIt is through Operation Shanela, that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully arrested 213 059 suspects for various crimes such as cash-in transit robberies, extortion at construction sites and kidnappings in the past six months.
âDuring the same period, 2 657 illegal and unwanted firearms were confiscated,â Modise said.
The operation has led to the arrest of 19 299 suspects who were arrested for drug possession while 7 580 were arrested for drug trafficking and dealing in the last six months.
On cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and crimes associated with it, law enforcement agencies continue to make inroads with the police having arrested 75 wanted suspects in the past six months.
âThe arrests were made during foiled CIT attempts, during the commission of these crimes and during targeted tracing operations,â she said.
On the drugs front, the latest drug busts are a clear indication that government remains committed to the fight against drug trafficking. Law enforcement is hard at work in identifying emerging trends in the transportation and packaging of these drugs and closing down of clandestine laboratories.
 âIt is therefore encouraging that nine drug laboratories worth more than R3 million were dismantled in Gauteng, North West and the Western Cape. In a space of three weeks, police have intercepted large quantities of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
âThe latest cocaine consignment was seized last week at the sea port in Gqeberha where R65 million worth of cocaine was seized from a vessel that was coming in from Brazil,â Modise said.
Two other drugs busts were made in KwaZulu-Natal where R150 million worth of cocaine was seized in the space of two days.
With regard to extortion at economic and construction sites, Modise said various threats were identified that impact negatively on the economy of the country.
âFrom April 2023 to date, 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused have already been convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment.â
On kidnapping for ransom, Modise said from April 2023 to date, 98 suspects have been arrested for these crimes and more than 30 victims have been rescued.
The cluster said government continues to deploy Anti-Gang-Unit members in provinces prone to gang violence such as the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
â190 arrests have thus far been effected in 145 cases,â she said.
Also speaking at the media briefing held in Pretoria was Police Minister, Bheki Cele, who said police operations are continuing to ensure that criminals are flushed out.
âThey are interfering with the lives of communities. They are armed, they need to be pursued,â he said, adding that law enforcement has identified some of the people involved in illegal mining and is on their trail.
âSome of these people are from our neighbouring countries and relevant Ministers are dealing with the matter. We are hoping to find a lasting solution to this matter,â he said.
Illegal mining
Responding to a question on illegal mining, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said there is a plan to seal all the illegal mines.
âThe Department of Mineral Resources is working on the policy matter to close all the illegal mines in the country,â Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said some of the mine owners canât be traced.
Modise said in the past twelve months, government has witnessed an increase in incidents where illegal miners held communities at ransom, committing various violent crimes, including murder and rape.
âIllegal mining has also been linked to other organised crimes such as gangsterism, human trafficking, money laundering, dealing in illegal weapons and explosives, tax evasion, illegal immigration and transnational organised crimes,â she said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has roped in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist in dealing with illegal mining in the country. Â â SAnews.gov.za
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Edwin
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:24
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JAECOO has officially announced their entry into South Africa, making it one of the very first countries in the world to welcome the newly established urban off-road SUV brand. JAECOO made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China as recently as April, when it was announced as an independent brand with a focus …
Eskom's Hex Battery Energy Storage System is a step in the right direction
Projects like Eskomâs Hex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Worcester in the Western Cap can assist the country in ending load shedding.
This is according to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan who said these kinds of projects create hope that sooner rather than later, South Africa is going to overcome the challenge of load shedding.Â
Minister Gordhan was delivering remarks at the launch of Eskomâs Battery Energy Storage System at the Hex substation in the Breede Valley Municipality.
The project â which was launched on Thursday - is a first in Africa.Â
âIf we do more of these kinds of projects in other parts of the country, which is what Eskom intends to do, we will see the end of load shedding pretty soon. Today, after a few hiccups, you see in live form, the launch of this BESS project right in front of us. It is a great achievement for Eskom and the country.Â
âEskom is demonstrating that it can have a sense of urgency, it can have an important quality that we all need in South Africa and elsewhere â which is the ability to innovate and create new ways of doing things. And not just think about them, but concretely deliver them. That is the key,â the Minister said.Â
BESS is a giant step in the right direction to support the Just Energy Transition (JET) programme for boosting green energy as a renewable alternative source. As renewable energy begins to grow, so does the demand for the installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
The Hex battery storage project is the first part of Eskomâs Battery Energy Storage System rollout scheduled for construction in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Easter Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Through these kinds of projects, the Minister said, the country will grow economically and be able to create more jobs.Â
âWe are going to get more investments, not just in the Western Cape but the whole country. Our younger people can look toward to a much better life than those of us that have lived through the last few decades.
âSo, this is an opportunity to demonstrate to our own people and citizens, and the globe, that South Africans are innovative, and can deliver world class solutions like the one that we actually see today,â he said.Â
The Minister emphasised that it is important that focus is placed on what is best for the country, and what is best for the people of the country, and not for the few individuals who want to become rich as a result of these projects.Â
Quoting the recent Census results, Gordhan said that there are 62 million people who must be beneficiaries of these sorts of projects and of the work that is being done.Â
The Minister reiterated governmentâs aim which is to have enough electricity or energy security in this country.
âSo, there must be a reserve, just like you have in a savings account for a day when you need some cash. In the same way, you need an energy savings account because you donât know when you are going to need extra energy.Â
âRight now, we have a shortage. We need to get to a point where we have a surplus. And we need to continue keeping that surplus. And Eskom as an institution is going to play a crucial part in developing that surplus through the investment of the private sector in renewables and other forms of energy,â the Minister said.Â
He explained that the 120 battery banks cost a fair amount of money - R830 million - and during the construction 255 residents of the greater Worcester area were employed.Â
He said they must take the experience and the lessons that will be learnt from this project and use it elsewhere, to make whatever changes that are necessary to have more successful projects in the remaining provinces.Â
Minister Gordhan extended his gratitude to the funders. He said that without the concessional funding that they have for Eskom from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the New Development Bank, they would not have been able to prosecute this project.
He also thanked Hyosung Heavy Industries, who supplied the batteries. The Minister further thanked Eskom for thinking about this idea and for researching the idea. - SAnews.gov.za
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DikelediM
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:40
President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm congratulations to Prof Dire Tladi of the University of Pretoria on his election by the United Nations as a judge of the International Court of Justice.
In May 2023, Cabinet endorsed Prof Tladi's nomination by the South African Government, together with South Africa's membership on the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and one of the six principal bodies of the UN.
The Court's role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies.
The Court comprises 15 judges who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.
Professor Tladi is a leading international law scholar whose accomplishments span different areas of the field, including academic, government service, diplomatic and practice.
He is Professor of International Law at the University of Pretoria and serves as President of the South African Branch of the International Law Association and Executive Member of the International Law Association.
He has served as Chair of the International Law Commission, an organ of the UN generally regarded as a feeder body for the International Court of Justice.
He was previously Legal Adviser of the South African Mission in New York and Special Adviser to South African Ministers of international relations.
President Ramaphosa said: “Prof Tladi's election as a judge of the International Court of Justice is an outstanding personal achievement in which the nation shares with great pride.
“We appreciate the confidence expressed by the United Nations in Prof Tladi's capabilities.
“He becomes the newest member of a fraternity of South Africans globally who are in positions of service to the international community and making important contributions to the better world we seek to build.
“We wish Prof Tladi well as he prepares to contribute to the Court and its jurisprudence from the Palace of Peace in The Hague, Netherlands.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Video shows Juma Igiranieza being beaten up at his workplace
Dear Editor The Constitutional Court’s recent decision ordering the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, to personally cover a portion of the legal costs in the case concerning the rights of undocumented immigrants sheds light on his negligent conduct. Dating back to 2017, the Court had mandated the Department of Home Affairs to enact new …
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has called for the appointment of the Chief Defence Reserves to drive the strategic implementation of the decisions taken at the Reserve Force Indaba II. The committee remains of the view that the Reserve Force plays a critical role in the further development of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and without a permanent leader to drive the strategic role of the reserves might negatively impact decision-making as the SANDF makes decisions about the future.
“The SANDF is currently undergoing a review process on the role, cost and rejuvenation of the reserve force and this process should have included the ideas and foresight of a permanent Chief Defence Reserves to ensure that in the medium to long terms the incumbent implements a strategic outlook they would contributed to shaping,” said Mr Cyril Xaba, the Co-Chairperson of the committee.
The committee remains concerned that the average age for the reserves is 46 and is ever-increasing, which require strategies to ensure rejuvenation and enhance viability. Also concerning to the committee is that the reduction in budgets will lead a further decline of the reserves over the medium term. These concerns would best be driven and solved by a permanent Chief Defence Reserves.
Meanwhile, the committee appreciated the announcement that the Reserve Force Indaba II has sat and engaged to develop the reserve's strategic role and direction in delivering on the SANDF's mandate. The committee has requested that the final product to be adopted at the Reserve Force Indaba III be tabled to enable the committee to make its own contribution.
The committee has also called for the SANDF to urgently determine the status of the ±7 500 members who have not been called up in the past five years, as identified in 2018/19. The current number of reserves not called up stands at 5 233 but the committee has emphasised the need for the Department of Defence to work with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the PERSOL system is functional.
The committee also is aware of the reserve's critical importance, make especially their surge capability and in the provision of specialist skills to the SANDF.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Government launches project to eliminate litter
Government has unveiled an initiative aimed at clearing the 7 251 illegal dumping hotspots in communities across the country â a project which has created more than 37 000 work opportunities.
The Municipal Cleaning and Greening initiative will be implemented in 14 prioritised municipalities across the nine provinces through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environmentâs Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) mass employment In-House Model, which allows it to implement and manage projects using its own staff.
âThe impact of the 37 049 EPWP participants is visible across the country since their work includes daily cleaning streets, clearing illegal dumping sites, cleaning coastal areas and the revitalization of parks,â Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Friday.
She made these remarks during the launch of the departmentâs mass employment programme to augment the Cleaning and Greening initiative in Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM), Gqeberha.
As of 30 September this year, 1 299 or 19 percent of the sites have been cleared.
âIllegal dumping poses a health hazard to communities and undermines community morale and good governance. From an environmental perspective, illegal dumping poses serious risks to livestock, wetlands, rivers and marine and coastal areas.
âAs the world moves to find more effective ways to combat plastic pollution, our government is taking more significant steps to improve municipal waste collection, ensure landfill compliance and promote waste recycling,â Creecy said.
The initiative is targeted at cleaning up illegal dump sites in provincial capitals including the City of Cape Town, Sol Plaatjie, Mafikeng, Msunduzi, Polokwane, City of Joburg, City of Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, Mogale City, Sedibeng, Mbombela and Mangaung.
In some instances, the cleaning and greening projects have rehabilitated wetlands which are important not only for spiritual or economic reasons but for their ecosystem services as well.
âHere in Nelson Mandela Bay we have identified 512 sites that require cleaning and today we show you some of the 41 sites where we have already begun our work.
âWe assisted the municipality to find the budget to purchase a specialised fleet for waste collection; ensured additional refuse collection in to the un-serviced poor areas; supported improvements to waste disposal facilities and worked with the municipality to clear 41 illegal dumping hot spots,â the Minister said.
The greater clean-up programme across the Eastern Cape is creating a total of 8 000 work opportunities.
Municipalities that are part of this programme include Buffalo City Metro and municipalities that fall under Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Amatole, Chris Hani, Sarah Baartman and Joe Qabi District Municipalities.
âThe Municipal Cleaning and Greening programme is a partnership with provinces and municipalities who assist in recruiting our public works participants and also provide protective clothing, and cleaning materials while we provide the stipend to all participants,â the Minister said.
To ensure sustainability of the programme, the cleaning and greening initiative includes planting trees in the rehabilitated dumping sites.
âWe are planting both indigenous trees, in line with the water scarcity of the country, and the fruit trees to contribute towards food security. Communities are responsible for maintaining the trees within their households.
âThis initiative is supported by assisting communities to understand the environmental and food security role of trees. A total of 225 000 trees will be planted by government throughout the country during this financial year, with 3000 committed for the Nelson Mandel Bay.â
As total of 2000 trees have been planted and the remaining 1000 will be planted over the next few months.
âThe department fully acknowledges that part of the solution to the problem is to change societal attitudes and behaviour and to mobilise the public to begin taking charge and responsibility for keeping their neighbourhoods clean. However, we must also acknowledge that where municipalities have inadequate household waste collection the problem of dumping increases,â the Minister said.
Since the initiation of this programme, the department has processed applications for the specialised waste management vehicles from over 100 municipalities across the country.
In the last two years, government has spent over R164 million to buy 44 waste collection vehicles and 21 landfill management waste vehicles for 58 municipalities. â SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 11:29
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is working on the establishment of a $1-billion African Film Fund to be launched in 2024 to support the continent's film industry, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank, at Afreximbank, announced in Cairo today.
Addressing the opening of the 2023 CANEX Summit held as part of the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), Mrs. Awani said that the fund would oversee film financing, co-finance with large studios, finance African filmmakers and finance producers and directors of film projects across the continent.
She noted that during CANEX WKND 2022, the Bank had increased the financing it was making available to the creative sector from US$500 million to US$1 billion and that the Bank currently had a pipeline of over US$600 million in film, music, visual arts, fashion, and sports deal.
“The very first film we financed recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival,” Mrs. Awani said, adding, “The Bank has several in the pipeline from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, which should be on streaming platforms in 2024.”
Acknowledging that the film and audiovisual industries in Africa accounted for US$5 billion of the continent's GDP and employed an estimated five million people, with the potential to create over 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion in revenues annually, Mrs. Awani noted that the sector faced several challenges, including limited access to financing and copyright infringement due to weak copyright laws, enforcement mechanisms and a lack of awareness.
The sector was also confronted with infrastructure and technology gaps, lack of capacity and shortage of skilled professionals and limited market access and international exposure, as a result of which African creative and cultural products often struggle to gain exposure and access to international markets.
Earlier, Boris Kodjoe, a celebrity actor of Ghanaian descent, highlighted how the creativity of Africans had influenced various aspects of modern life, including music, fashion, art, design, social consciousness, business, sports, film and TV. He said that the exploitation of black creativity by the West had had lasting effects and that, despite admiration of black excellence, Africa still faced branding challenges due to external perception fuelled by the traditional media's depiction of poverty, famine, civil wars and migration on the continent.
Mr. Kodjoe said that the world craved culturally specific global content and that Africa was a key player in meeting that demand. With the continent's young population and high connectivity, studios, networks, promoters and brands were investing in solutions to reach diverse audiences. Films and TV shows with diversity performed better than others by 30 per cent and Afrobeats was taking over global airwaves. By 2030, Africa was projected to produce up to 10 per cent of global creative goods export worth roughly $200 billion or four per cent of Africa's GDP.
Also speaking, H.E. Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, said that the creative sector in Africa was rapidly growing and making a significant contribution to the inclusive growth and sustainable development of African economies.
“I reaffirm my belief that the African creative industry has huge potential to be a source of employment and revenue to create the Africa we want - revenue from intra-African trade as well as revenue from the rest of the world.”
Ambassador Muchanga urged African nations to convert their vast potential into plans and projects that yield tangible results, stressing the need to also invest in protecting international property rights.
CANEX is an Afreximbank initiative to support Africa and the African Diaspora's creative and cultural industries by providing financing and non-financing instruments to boost growth. The seven-day CANEX Summit is intended to further develop conversations and provide additional business-to-business and business-to-government opportunities. It includes a fashion show featuring a range of bold and exciting designs from across Africa and the Diaspora and a CANEX Music Factory, hosted by renowned South African producer Oskido, which will provide songwriters and beat makers with the opportunity to record their work.
Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme set up by Afreximbank seeks to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The programme provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments and interventions aimed at supporting trade and investment in Africa's creative sector.
IATF2023, Africa's largest trade and investment fair opened on 9th November and will run till 15th November 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Media contact:
Deborah Ross
Senior PR Account Director
BrandComms
+44 (0) 759 3602 128
âdeborah.ross@brandcommsgroup.com
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About the Intra-African Trade Fair:
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent's transformation through industrialisation and export development.
For more information, please visit www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”).
For more information, please visit: www.Afreximbank.com
Law catches up with KwaZulu-Natal man
The long arm of the law finally caught up with Gugulethu Wesley Madonsela, who has been on the run for 34-years.
The Durban Regional Court on Thursday convicted and sentenced the 53-year-old to 10 years direct imprisonment for the murder of Siphelele Nxumalo, said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks).
Nxumalo was approached by Madonsela and his accomplices who fired at him on a road on 2 February 1989.
âThey fired shots towards him and fled the scene. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, Nxumalo was a United Democratic Front (UDF) activist when he was shot and killed by members of Chesterville A-Team during political conflict between the UDF and Inkatha supporters,â said the Hawks on Friday.
Nxumalo died of multiple gunshot wounds.
A case of murder was reported at the Cato Manor police station and Madonsela was later arrested. He appeared in court and was granted bail.
He then absconded and allegedly fled the country. A warrant of arrest was issued and the case docket was filed.
âMadonsela was on the run since then and he never appeared in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). In July 2023, he was traced and arrested by the Hawkâs Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Durban that is assigned to deal with TRC cases in the province, then ultimately convicted and sentenced.â
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the work of the investigation and prosecution team that worked tirelessly on ensuring that Madonsela is arrested and prosecuted. âSAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 11:55
The extensive health benefits of Green Tea have been enjoyed by cultures across the globe since the 8th Century, and it appears this herbal beverage is now tackling modern illnesses. Researchers have found that Green Tea may help in the fight against Covid-19 as the tea inactivates the virus. Scientists from the Kyoto Prefectural University …
KZN positions to become a technological hub
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is accelerating efforts to roll out broadband across the province in order to ensure universal connectivity, and position the province as a technological hub.
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Speaking at the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Summit, currently underway at the Durban Exhibition Centre, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said as part of KwaZulu-Natal Digital Transformation Strategy, the province aims to deliver a citizen-centric plan which guides the leap to a digitally transformed society.Â
âOur strategy is awake to the reality that the province is currently only 27% connected and we have identified the need to accelerate the connectivity of the entire province. Among others, our Digital Transformation Strategy will aid government-to-government interaction across spheres, government-to-citizen interaction, and government-to-business interaction,â Dube-Ncube said.
Held from 09-10 November 2023, the summit brings together digital experts, including stakeholders and representatives from the public and private sectors to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in improving operations, processes and service delivery for the benefit of the communities in KwaZulu-Natal.
The summit, which is hosted jointly with Vodacom Business and provincial government, is a unique platform for ICT experts, private sector and government leaders to engage and explore cutting-edge technology solutions designed to transform the business landscape.
Themed âMoving KZN Towards a Smart Provinceâ, the summit focuses on turning KwaZulu-Natal into a smart and technology connected province, which leaves no one behind.
Dube-Ncube highlighted that the province is hard at work, and currently rolling out Wi-Fi hotspots and Digi-centres in townships and rural centres, including libraries, schools, health youth zones, and community service centres.Â
Work done by the Office of the Premier includes the roll-out of a series of 4IR activations to install Wi-Fi hotspots that will enable schools and citizens to access internet as well as the training of 3 875 youth in four activated districts covering 16 areas.Â
âDigital hubs were installed at the schools to enable the learners to have access to equipment [and] teachers were also trained in data science to include in their schoolâs curriculum, to ensure the learners will be trained on areas of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
âAll 164 provincial libraries have Wi-Fi connectivity and all hospitals and clinics are connected,â Dube-Ncube said.Â
The Premier emphasised the importance of building broadband infrastructure together with the private sector to improve the status of connectivity in the province.
âPartnerships between private and public sector are central and mutually beneficial. We welcome and appreciate the role that the private sector is playing in supporting our vision of positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a Smart Province,â Dube-Ncube said.
Vodacom Business has been working with the government on several connectivity solutions to help the province achieve its universal connectivity targets.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport is in discussions with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to investigate the implementation of an online registration system, which will be piloted in the uMgungundlovu and eThekwini Districts.
The provincial Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has to date, spent almost R8.6 million in rolling out digital centres across the province. â SAnews.gov.za
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GabiK
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:54
This year marks an important milestone for the KZN South Coastâs tourism sector with the popular route map, the Southern Explorer, celebrating its 25th edition. âWeâd like to extend our congratulations to the Southern Explorer team on this impressive milestone and we are looking forward to further promoting the KZN South Coastâs tourism offerings together,â …
The municipality wants the land for a new township