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Johannesburg, October, 2023 – In a world where cultural diversity is a treasure, the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, stands out as a vibrant testament to the richness of Mexican heritage. As we delve into the intricacies of this culturally significant day, it becomes evident that Dia de …
The Avian Flu pandemic has had a direct impact on businesses and households across South Africa, causing egg shortages as well as fluctuating egg pricing. B-well, a leading local brand in the condiment industry, is reassuring its current and future customers that there will be no disruption to its supply of products. B-well offers a …
PRASA to spend R50 billion modernising rail network
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is set to increase its capital spending over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) with a budget of over R50 billion for rolling stock and infrastructure investments.
“We have increased our capital spending due to the reopening of some of the key corridors. Now we plan on spending R50 billion from this financial year and over the next three years to support the modernisation of the passenger rail network and the implementation of our turnaround plans," PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said.
He made these remarks during the Southern African Railway Association’s two-day conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
“We are making significant strides in recovering the passenger rail network. To date, 26 corridors of the 40 corridors have been recovered, with over 19 million passengers using the services to date. Just on the corridor recovery we have spent R3.6 billion to date in this financial year, with more than 6 000 jobs created.
“This investment will go a long way in contributing to the growth of the economy. We are not just rebuilding the passenger rail network; we are modernising the entire network. This is an ambitious and bold plan, and we intend to use the allocated budget to turn this vision into a reality,” Emeran said.
Projects under PRASA’s ambitious capital programme for the next three years include the rolling stock modernisation programme; depot modernisation programme; walling, station modernisation programme; perway infrastructure; electrical infrastructure; signalling and telecommunications and digitisation of our systems.
He said measures have been put in place to ensure PRASA increases its capital spend, including addressing challenges within supply chain management and capital projects capacity challenges.
“Where we have recovered the passenger rail services, we have introduced the new Electric Motor Units (EMUs), otherwise known as Isitimela Sabantu. The trains that we are introducing are high-tech that come with CCTV cameras, automatic doors, air-conditioning, and high-tech safety measures, designed with the safety of commuters in mind.
“These trains are manufactured here in South Africa, in Springs, Gauteng, by Gibela. Our depot modernisation programme will include the installation of intelligent fencing at the various rolling stock depots and staging yards, incorporating CCTV as well as integrated security systems to replace the existing fencing,” Emeran said.
In addition, PRASA is revitalising the signalling system, bringing in modern telecommunications in line with the European Train Control System ushering a new era in signalling safety.
“Work has started in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape to resignal the passenger rail network to ensure the safe passage of the trains and increasing the frequency of our services. These projects are all part of our ambitious capital programme where we intend to invest in the economy,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 09:41
Prepare to embark on a visual odyssey like no other as Scapegoat Gallery at Hyde Park Corner proudly represents the renowned British photographer David Yarrow in his solo exhibition, “Storytelling”. This captivating showcase is set to captivate audiences until Sunday, 19 November 2023, bringing to life Yarrow’s unparalleled storytelling prowess through the transformative power of …
The full moon Spring tide is now at its peak and will be for the remainder of this weekend and into the new week! And summer season is here so let’s keep each other safe. The NSRI are appealing to everyone to adopt a Safety, Safety, Safety mindset in all activities this summer season. Do …
SASSA admitted that there had been “technical challenges with the online system” but that these had since been resolved
Evan Badenhorst (55), a seasoned professional, is set to lead ANEW Hotels & Resorts as Managing Director, effective from 1 November 2023. This appointment marks his transition from his three-year role as the Financial Director within the organisation. Evan’s career is characterised by an unwavering work ethic and an insatiable drive for growth, attributes honed …
FitFlop has a Lulu to suit any outfit, for any occasion! – We all know the catchphrase, “suffer for beauty”, but FitFlop has made sure that every wear ensures nothing but comfort. FitFlop, provides footwear that is both comfortable and stylish, and their Lulu Collection embodies this perfectly. With an emphasis on foot-friendly design and …
26 October 2023 Following a successful and sold-out event at Montecasino last year, King of the Whip (KOTW) – brought to you by LW Mag, returns this November, and with it, an exciting list of partners that include Ford, Monster Energy, Yamaha, Garmin, GoPro, Motul and Estrella Cerveza. The adrenaline-fuelled Action Sports event is set to take place at Montecasino on Saturday, 25 November, where top Motocross …
Are you looking for ways to maximise the visual impact of your Google Display Ads in 2023? You’re in luck! This article outlines the latest innovations in ad placement, dynamic ads, responsive ads, video ads, interactivity, shopping ads, app ads, bidding strategies, and reporting & analysis. Get ready to take your Google Display Ads to …
The results are in and today, organisers of the annual Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu), taking place in Cape Town 14 – 16 November, announced the top ten finalists of the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition who will battle it out to win the opportunity to represent the African continent in the Startup World Cup (https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/) on 1 December this year.
Making the announcement, James Williams, Senior Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, remarked: “Congratulations to everyone who entered. We called for the continent's brightest, most inspiring founders to apply to help build the African innovation ecosystem and they certainly delivered.
“I know I speak for my colleagues, the investors and judges who will be closely monitoring the pitch competition, when I say that Africa's talent, ingenuity, and unmatched potential is abundant and diverse, and this is clearly represented in this broad array of finalists. It is therefore going to be no small task to select just one winner who will represent the continent at the Startup World Cup Final, held by Pegasus in San Francisco on 1st December.”
Providing insight as to what she will be looking for in the winning pitch, investor, and AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition judge, Keshni Morar of Investable (https://www.Investable.Business/), warns contenders to come prepared. Morar will be looking for the granular detail in the presentations, with a demonstrable understanding of the market in which the start-up is looking to play or is already active. Depth of the go to market strategy too for those start-ups at pre-seed capital, is a vital consideration.
But in short, Morar says: “Like every other serious investor out there, I look for the coherence between the pitch story and the data points. If it's not there, there's no chance of us getting involved.”
The top ten looking to win the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final are:
AsaanaPay (https://apo-opa.info/46O2WGc)- a payments and rewards platform for minority owned businesses enabling offline and online payments and unrestricted cash back rewards to attract and retain customers. Asaana facilitates local and global payments through a variety of channels from mobile wallets and traditional banks to everything in between. Headquartered in Kenya, Asaana services the world.
Tausi App (https://TausiApp.com/)– beauty is freedom and beauty is also big business in Africa, which is how Tausi came about. An app that connects beauticians to clients and provides professional hair and make-up and other services to make clients feel fabulous, with a rating system and in-depth onboarding process that is simple to use. Headquartered in Kenya with more than 6000 registered beauticians on their books and having helped more than 20 000 clients.
Bus54 (https://Bus-54.com/)– Based in Nigeria, Bus54 is a mobility technology company providing a platform to aggregate intercity bus transportation in Africa, allowing passengers to search, compare, book, and manage their journeys online. The platform enables transport operators to manage their end-to-end operations from a secure portal with no need for additional investment in IT software or hardware, and an additional channel to sell their tickets.
Delta Scan (https://DeltaScan.global/)– a specialist engineering inspection, digitisation and BIM company based in South Africa that digitize the world around us to create powerful analytical 3D models to extract engineering value. The company, based in South Africa, strives to improve efficiency, bring down costs, and provide comprehensive information to make better informed decisions. Combining cutting edge aerial platforms and scanning technology together with 3D digitization, artificial intelligence and engineering analysis principles.
Oneway Connect (https://www.OnewayConnect.co.za/)- a cutting-edge job matching and recruitment software prioritizing cultural alignment that is shaping the future of hiring. Beyond traditional CVs, the platform evaluates capabilities and traits, fostering purposeful performers for businesses. At the heart of their mission is creating a fair candidate experience. With a simple click, jobseekers are seamlessly connected to their ideal roles while assessments empower employers to truly understand candidates' potential beyond mere keywords.
Ukwenza VR (https://UkwenzaVR.com/)- a social enterprise based in Kenya that focuses on creating educational Virtual Reality (VR) content to complement classroom learning and offer additional learning on social and environmental issues e.g. conservation and plastic pollution.
We work with schools & educators to create and deliver the content to ensure it meets learning standards that serve the community.
Hippocampus Education (https://HippocampusEducation.io/)- Hippocampus is an adaptive tutoring Facebook Messenger bot that provides differentiated instruction and instant feedback that is customized to meet each individual's learning needs. It acts as a liaison between the lecturer and the student or between the tutor and the student, supporting in assessment activities, facilitating a learning environment that meets each student's learning needs, and provides positive and constructive feedback on the progress and performance of the student.
BenaCare (https://BenaCare.or.ke/)– a Kenyan based social enterprise that delivers affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life limiting illnesses at the comfort of their own homes. They also reduce and re-distrinbute unpaid care performed by women family caregivers in rural Kenya, by training them on the basics of caregiving like wound care, vitals taking, grooming, ambulation, pressure are care and toileting. IN this way Benacare improves the outcome of the patients taken care of and equip these women with caregiving skills which can then earn them a living.
Gradlinc (https://Gradlinc.co.za/)– more than a matchmaker between graduate and employer and vice versa, Gradlinc helps prepare graduates for the workplace from helping with CVs to creating personal brands and is free to graduates. It is a vital two-way bridge between ‘people', not jobs and workers, as matching values, and individuality in people – whether the graduate or the employer – builds long-term successful relationships with mutual benefits.
Kyanda Africa (https://Kyanda.co.ke/)– seamless payment solutions with easy financial reach, Nairobi-based Kyanda Africa provide safe and easy access to financial and related services simultaneously in an affordable, efficient, and transparent manner for all at all times. They are on a mission to drive down the number of unbanked and underbanked people across Africa.
The AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final takes place at Africa Tech Festival in the Auditorium 2 of the CTICC on 16th November from 2pm to 3.30pm. An open-to-all feature, the Final will bring a great crowd of founders, tech leaders and investors to witness who will be crowned winner. Free entry to start-ups and visitors is available – please see below for further details about registration.
For more information about Africa Tech Festival, please see website here: https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu
For more information about the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/46I88va
For more information about the Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus, please visit: https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/
View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact:
Kaz Henderson kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3S47ALC
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3EZ7RYB
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3EcywR6
About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition with the goal of bridging start-up ecosystems worldwide. The competition gives start-up companies from all over the world a chance to win a US $1,000,000 prize in the form of an investment. This year, there will be 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading up to the Grand Finale in San Francisco in September. Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm.
About Africa Tech Festival 2023:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech and AfricaIgnite is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 15000 delegates.
Key themes for 2023 continue to explore the creation and sustainability of a connected Africa and the impact this can have for the people of the continent but also the commercial prospects for local and global businesses and governments. Topics will include Telcos of Tomorrow, Connecting the Next Billion, Digital Infrastructure Investment, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, ICT Policy and Regulation, Fintech & MFS, Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Pioneer Tech, the Future of Work and Talent and Skills Development. Africa Tech Festival also incorporates the Africa Tech Festival Awards, an exclusive ceremony celebrating Africa's tech pioneers and held at the luxury 5-star The Bay Hotel, as well as the LeadersIn Africa Summit, an exclusive, VIP-only feature offering high-level presentations and roundtable discussions to Africa's tech elite.
The department was ordered to put notices up in hospitals and clinics stating that children under six and pregnant and breastfeeding women are eligible for free health care irrespective of nationality
The organisation wants an execution order that will protect Zimbabwean Exemption Permit holders
Mashatile to attend Unisa’s annual spring graduation ceremony
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday attend the annual spring graduation ceremony of the University of South Africa (Unisa) at its Muckleneuk campus in Pretoria.
The Deputy President, according to a statement, will attend the ceremony at the invitation of the Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa, Professor Puleng LenkaBula.
“This year’s graduation coincide's with the University’s 150th anniversary as a leading comprehensive, open distance e-learning institution, which continues to produce quality graduates, contributing to the country’s human capital,” the Deputy President’s Office said.
During the spring graduation ceremonies, the university will confer honorary degrees on outstanding individuals in recognition of services rendered to their communities in particular and the country in general.
His Grace Dr Engenas Joseph Lekganyane, the Bishop of the St Engenas Zion Christian Church, will become the latest distinguished person to join the list of illustrious Unisa alumni when the university confers on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology.
“This is in recognition of His Grace’s outstanding achievements and globally impactful societal contributions to peace, social cohesion, as well as successful and resilient African-initiated institutions in the 21st century,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:27
Violence and tensions between land occupiers and backyarders has been brewing for months in Khayelitsha
President Ramaphosa to host AGOA forum
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address shared priorities and opportunities to make the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) more transformative during the forum’s 20th gathering to be held in Johannesburg next week.
This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who on Thursday briefed the media on the President’s upcoming engagements.
“The AGOA Forum serves as a vital platform for the United States to build on the success of the Africa Leaders’ Summit and further enhance the economic partnership with African states, under the aegis of the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act that was approved by the US Congress in May 2000," Magwenya said.
The event brings together the US government together with the governments of eligible African countries and economic organisations, business, labour and civil society.
“Over the course of the event, participants will delve into conversations about strengthening trade and investment ties between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on promoting resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and development.
“AGOA…remains a key driver of economic growth and development. An extension of AGOA beyond 2025 is expected to promote inward investment in Africa and provide mutual benefits to the United States and African countries.
“This extension will further support the African Continental Free Trade Area, covering 54 countries and 1.4 billion people,” Magwenya said.
South Africa has derived benefits from AGOA, including the following:
“Since its inception in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been pivotal in strengthening economic ties and promoting growth and development across the African continent.
“AGOA has opened up new market opportunities, facilitated economic growth, encouraged economic and political reform, and improved economic relations between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“It remains a cornerstone of United States economic policy and commercial engagement with Africa,” Magwenya concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:31
Strengthening community relationships is key to improving mental health and wellbeing for residents.
On the 25th of October, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, hosted a multi-stakeholder mental health and wellbeing engagement with community members at the Western Cape College of Nurses.
Almost 200 residents, students, officials from various Departments and members of community organisations joined the event. During the proceedings, officials were able to detail the current state of mental health in the province, how the healthcare system responds to it and how other stakeholders have a role in improving these outcomes.
Ever since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Western Cape has been experiencing an increased prevalence of mental health cases and admissions. This has been further worsened exacerbated by increased unemployment, substance abuse and safety concern in our communities. For an example, last year we recorded 26 600 acute adult mental health admissions at our facilities and is 2 600 more than in 2021. Of these cases last year, 6 700 were substance-related psychiatric admissions.
While mental health services are incorporated into our facilities' operational budgets, we made an additional R72.4 million allocation in 2023/24 towards strengthening these services. This included:
However, poor mental health is not only a result of an illness or a disorder; anyone can experience it if one's environment does not allow for one's wellbeing. This emphasises the need for us to address the upstream factors that affect an individual, which is why engaging communities every step of the way is crucial to this end.
Highlighting the role government plays in supporting communities, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez added that: "Mental health is everyone's business and it is an important component to one's overall wellbeing. The effective rendering of services requires a multi-disciplined approach. Collaborations are important when it comes to raising awareness and implementing interventions, as this workshop has proven. The Western Cape Department of Social Development has a close relationship with the Department of Health and Wellness in this regard. DSD also works with other government departments, the NPO sector, and community structures."
Speaking to the effects crime has on one's wellbeing, Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “Being of healthy mind, body and spirit is of utmost importance for us as individuals to function optimally. The various societal issues that we have to contend with makes this quite challenging. It is vital that we support one another as we navigate through life. The daily violence we encounter has to come to an immediate end if we are to heal fully from all the trauma. This will go a long way in living an optimised and dignified life.”
Minister Dr Nomafrench Mbombo concluded the event by saying: “Health is truly everyone's business. Even though the health system plays an essential role in mental health outcomes, this engagement with the community proved that one's mental wellbeing is dependent various physical, mental and social health factors. As such, it highlights the need for us to further strengthen whole-of-government and whole-of society approaches going forward. We need to continue forming strategic relationships with all stakeholders in order for our interventions to be effective and change the lives of residents.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
President to back the boys in Paris final
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be in the crowd when the Springboks take on New Zealand, known as the All Blacks, in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday evening.
The much-anticipated showpiece will be held at the Stade de France in Paris.
“The President will... travel to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest on Saturday, the 28th of October, to return the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis trophy. The President is really looking forward to be invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions.
“This will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles. The President wishes the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which we hope will be a memorable event for those who will be in the stadium as well as the global media audience that will be following the game,” Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Magwenya said President Ramaphosa’s presence in the European country will be “an opportunity for a brief bilateral interaction” with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The President will also take the opportunity to visit the squad at their hotel to deliver words of encouragement on behalf of the nation,” Magwenya said.
Meanwhile, speaking on the official Springboks website, captain Siya Kolisi said the team is aware of the importance of the match for the entire nation.
“It’s probably the biggest game of my life. I don’t think it will happen in our lifetimes again that we have another game like this, and we are excited. We know how good [the All Blacks] are.
“What we do on Saturday can control the mood of over 62 million South Africans. People have been sending messages saying when we play it is the only time they are happy, and as a team we represent all kinds of people,” Kolisi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:33
President to visit Emfuleni Municipality
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead an oversight visit to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng on Friday.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President will lead a delegation of ministers and provincial leaders on the visit to asses service delivery improvements and challenges in the area.
“The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services leading to the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene to upgrade critical bulk pipelines and pump station infrastructure,” he said.
Magwenya added that the visit will take place in the context of the District Development model which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated inter-governmental planning and budgeting.
“It’s also a fulfilment of a commitment made by the President that he will visit all provinces as part of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ District Development Model series of Izimbizo,” he said.
The oversight visit will include visits to a water treatment plant, a waste water treatment plant as well as a highway pump station.
President Ramaphosa will also meet with stakeholders in the area. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:35
Drugs worth R800 million destroyed in Gauteng police operation
The police have destroyed drugs worth R800 million during policing operations in Johannesburg, on Thursday.
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola presided over the destruction of drugs, which included cocaine, heroin, mandrax and marijuana.
National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, this is the third drug destruction process in this financial year, with the most recent destruction having taken place in Cape Town in September.
“In the 2022/2023 financial year, 20.8 of tons of drugs with a street value of 2 billion rand was also destroyed,” Mathe said.
Mathe noted that the drugs destroyed were linked to a number of high-profile cases, including the Maydon Wharf case where more than one tonne of cocaine worth a street value of R400 million was seized.
“This drug bust happened in August 2022 when Ebrahim Kara, Elias Radebe and Meshack Ngobese were arrested in Cape Town after a truck transporting more than 600 blocks of cocaine was stopped by police and the drugs were discovered hidden in false wooden boards.
“This matter was finalised and Kara was handed down an eight-year sentence while Radebe and Ngobese were handed down one year and six years imprisonment sentences respectively,” Mathe said.
She added that 1.3 tons in which illegal pharmaceuticals drugs/medicines in the form of tablets and capsules, including non-registered Viagra, were confiscated in operations throughout the country.
Mathe also noted that all drugs confiscated by SAPS during operations are subjected to forensic testing on a regular basis by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory: Chemistry Section.
“These drug exhibit materials that were destroyed today were done so after a thorough process which followed the conclusion of a court order, confirming the finalisation of cases. It is also worth noting that all drugs exhibit materials that were destructed were audited to ensure compliance to the set standard,” Mathe explained.
Masemola said through the organisation’s high-density operations, police are making inroads in clamping down on the drug trade in the country and beyond.
He said it is also encouraging that through Operation Shanela, 15 400 suspects were arrested by police officers for being in possession of drugs to date, with another 7 000 arrested for dealing in drugs.
“The recent drug confiscation of R150 million [worth] of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal also illustrates the cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the world in clamping down on transnational organised crime. Indeed, our intelligence structures are hard at work in preventing and putting a stop to the drug trade in the country and beyond.
“This is also a clear demonstration that all stakeholders involved in border security are working together to tighten the control measures of cargo entering and departing our country,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 15:22
City Council releases land in Salt River for social housing
Large African delegation expected to attend the AGOA Forum in SA
A large number of African Trade Ministers and their delegations are expected to attend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum taking place in South Africa next week.
“The US delegation at the Forum will be led by the US Trade Secretary Ambassador [Katherine Tai] together with members of the Congress, businesspeople and business delegation from around the continent,” Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel said.
Addressing the media on the state of South Africa’s readiness to host the AGOA Forum in Sandton, Johannesburg, earlier today, Patel said the Forum will also be attended by labour representatives from the United States and South African business people.
“We have taken steps to reduce barriers on trade. South Africa is the biggest trade market partner in the Sub-Saharan,” Patel said, adding that the forum is set to widen the trade corridors between South Africa, Africa, and the United States of America.
Patel explained that during the Forum there will be a number of break-away sessions as well as displays of products.
To date, 360 delegates from the US business sector, including the US Chamber of Commerce, together with delegates from Business Unity South Africa (Busa), Black Business Council, and Business Leadership South Africa have registered for the forum.
A further 80 labour representatives have registered to attend the Forum.
Minister Patel said about 520 firms were expected to exhibit their products at Nasrec.
The theme of this year’s Forum is: Partnering to Build a Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Agenda to Support Economic Development, Industrialisation and Quality Job Creation.
The AGOA is a United States of America trade programme that provides eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa with preferential access to the US markets. The AGOA aims to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster a stronger trade partnership between the United States and African nations.
South Africa will be hosting the AGOA Forum for 2023 in Johannesburg from 2 - 4 November 2023.
This will be the third time the AGOA Forum is hosted in Southern Africa after Zambia in 2011 and Mauritius in 2003.
The purpose of the Forum is to discuss ways to expand trade and investment relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa and the implementation of AGOA including encouraging joint ventures between small and large businesses.
The AGOA Forum will consist of the following elements:
The Formal AGOA Forum, with representatives of governments, and business/labour delegates.
Currently, 35 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have been designated as eligible for AGOA benefits.
To qualify for AGOA, a country must first be eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. The GSP applies to 3 400 products from designated beneficiary countries, plus a further 1 450 products from least developed countries. AGOA supplements the GSP with an additional 1 835 products.
Only Sub-Saharan African countries are eligible for AGOA. The US determines whether countries have met these requirements of eligibility in Section 104 of the Act.
In order to qualify, countries must already be GSP beneficiary countries – though GSP eligibility does not imply AGOA eligibility. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 15:36
SA freight rail sector requires R50 billion investment
Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) will need in excess of R50 billion investment in the next five years to improve capacity and the freight rail performance.
In recent years, Transnet has experienced challenges characterised by the condition of the network, security issues, including cable theft and infrastructure vandalism, as well as the unavailability and reliability of the locomotives.
Addressing a webinar on the state of freight and rail in South Africa, TFR Acting General Manager: Rail Network and Projects, Bessie Mabunda, said the entity requires a combination of funding to deal with the network backlog and to continually maintain the network at the desired standard.
In addition, Mabunda said a level of capital funding will be required to sustain the network at full capacity.
Transnet’s primary business is to provide rail transport of commodities for the export, regional and domestic markets.
“The National Rail Policy, approved by Cabinet on 23 March 2022, provides an opportunity for funding through full network reflective tariff, as well as government support and public participation. From a network restoration point of view, we have identified that some of the corridors have a high requirement due to years of underfunding.
“There are certain lines that require more intensive maintenance due to the age of the line, the design topography and the impacts of weather. Certain lines are also more prone to theft and vandalism, especially our electrifying lines and our fully signaled areas, which have been under siege in the last couple of years,” Mabunda said on Thursday.
From a 'sustaining capex' point of view, Mabunda said the biggest concern is that most of the train authorisation systems are actually at the end of life and must be replaced.
“New technology is being considered, which will be less prone to theft. With regards to the telecom system, our requirements are mostly driven by the legal compliance to Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and similar regulations,” Mabunda said.
In an effort to address the security challenges, the entity will implement the outcomes based security (OBS), which relies on boots on the ground and vehicles guarding the network.
“The OBS places the responsibility of protecting the network on the service providers, who implement a combination of various security measures, including physical guarding, intelligence as well as technology such as drones, CCTVs and smart fencing.
“Over and above what the OBS providers are doing, the TFR security has put in place strategies that are meant to curb the scourge of security incidents. These include replacing copper cables with copper magnesium that has no resale value and therefore will deter criminal in terms of stealing cables,” she said.
The entity is also piloting a system on some of the lines, which will allow it to pick up intrusions close to the rail network before the criminals cut the cables.
In addition, Transnet is employing other measures such as target hardening for substations and target hardening to protect the signaling equipment.
With Transnet’s peace officer status, internal security has powers to make arrests.
“We have been carrying out specialised operations at hotspot areas; we have been focusing on illicit markets in conjunction with law enforcement agencies. There has been a national logistics committee that has been established and one of the work streams focuses on an integrated approach to fighting crime with support from law enforcement agencies.
“We are also creating capability to ensure effective identification and investigation of organised crime groupings and follow up on any suspected internal involvement. It is important that when arrests are made that we are able to connect these individuals to other crimes that could have taken place in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Eskom and City Power networks, so that we have stronger cases and improve our chances of getting a successful conviction,” she said.
As pertaining to the rolling stock, Transnet has enlisted the assistance of various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for their fleet.
“The original equipment manufacturers of stock are critical to the supply of spare parts, especially parts and systems that have inherent intellectual property linked to it. We have concluded and awarded one of the contracts, it supports our diesel fleet. There are three contracts that we do need to award. The second contract is at final approval stage and the last contract is in technical evaluation,” Mabunda said.
She said returning the long standing locomotives into service is only part of the solution, as there is a further requirement for continued sustainability of the fleet to ensure reliability and availability.
“This we can only do through long-term agreements with the respective OEMs in the form of Material and Reliability Support Agreement (MRSA), where the OEMs provide, amongst others, the necessary parts, technical support as well as guidance.
“The MRSA is in the final approval stage and the second contract is in the negation phase. All of these initiatives are expected to be in place within the next few months, with the benefits being realised as early as the next financial year,” Mabunda said.
Transnet is also hard at work improving the status of the fleet by performing certain modifications through Transnet engineering, which has already seen a number of locomotives being returned to service using alternative compressors.
“We have a large order of compressors that will assist us in the interim to return some of the long-standing locomotives. We are also focusing on digital transformation.
“This is to transform the business by implementing integrated technologies and systems across the value chain including train planning, yard operations – that will allow us track and trace rolling stock, unlock value and drive efficiencies and position us for the railway of the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 10/26/2023 - 15:36
Electricity wheeling – which is becoming an increasingly important part of South Africa’s energy landscape – was the subject of discussion at Premier Alan Winde’s 28th Energy Digicon and will be a focus of a number of the digicons during November. Wheeling is the delivery of electricity from a generator to a user in another …