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As the festive season brings people together, ISUZU MOTORS South Africa, in partnership with Rise Against Hunger NPO and Love Story NPC, continued its tradition of making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. Through the ISUZU CARES: I CARE TOO employee volunteerism drive, ISUZU employees came together to pack and deliver 400 “Buckets […]
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens concluded a landmark official visit to South Africa, accompanied by a delegation of 35 Atlantan political, business, and community leaders. The December 4-11 visit marked a significant milestone in Atlanta Phambili—a subnational diplomacy initiative centered on deepening U.S.-South Africa partnership through the City of Atlanta– and reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing economic, cultural, and educational collaboration between the two nations.
“This trip was a celebration of the enduring bonds between Atlanta and South Africa, built on shared histories and common goals,” said Mayor Dickens. “Atlanta Phambili embodies our joint vision for progress and collaboration, creating opportunities for both our citizens and economies.”
The visit followed the launch of Atlanta Phambili in March 2024 with a trade and investment roadshow hosted in Atlanta, featuring senior South African business executives and government officials.
South Africa and Atlanta United in Progress
The South African government, in partnership with Standard Bank, BrandSA, Amazon, and the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, hosted a robust program focused on trade and investment, science and innovation, and the creative economy. This was led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Gauteng and Western Cape provincial governments, and the cities of Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“The South African government's partnership on the Atlanta Phambili initiative is a testament to the strength of our bilateral ties and the shared potential of our cities to drive innovation, inclusion, and prosperity,” said U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety, II.
Visit Milestones
Atlanta Phambili Pledge
The visit kicked off with the unveiling of the Atlanta Phambili Pledge on December 5 at the Standard Bank Trade and Investment Seminar in Johannesburg. This open call to action seeks to mobilize stakeholders across both nations to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. The pledge reflects Atlanta's and South Africa's shared commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Go Global Trade Expo: Strengthening Black-Owned Business Connections
On December 5, Ambassador Brigety announced a collaboration between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Atlanta Black Chambers to support the Chambers' Go Global Trade Expo. The program will bring a delegation of Black-owned South African businesses to Atlanta in 2025, connecting them with the Chamber's extensive network and U.S. buyers.
Through this agreement, export-ready businesses will build connections with Atlanta-based platforms to foster trade and investment between South Africa and the United States.
FAME Week Africa 2025: Atlanta Announced as the Feature Destination
On December 9 in Cape Town, Mayor Dickens announced Atlanta will be the Feature Destination for FAME Week Africa 2025, the continent's premier gathering for professionals in film, television, music, fashion, and animation. This recognition highlights Atlanta's emergence as a global creative hub and its strong historic and Diaspora ties to Africa.
“Atlanta being recognized as the Feature Destination for FAME Week 2025 is an excellent fit,” said Mayor Dickens. “Our city is uniquely poised to satisfy the growing demand in the United States for African content and support production innovations.”
This honor also grants Atlanta a dedicated pavilion and events at FAME Week 2025, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from September 1-6, 2025.
Business-to-Business Engagements in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Celebrating Culture
Strengthening Historic Ties
Atlanta Phambili builds on a historic relationship between South Africa and Atlanta, from collaboration between U.S. civil rights activists and members of the South African anti-Apartheid movement to Nelson Mandela's historic 1990 speech at Georgia Tech. This trip further cements Atlanta as a gateway for South African businesses to access U.S. markets and strengthens South Africa's position as a premier investment destination for Atlanta's private sector.
“Our visit reflects a robust partnership that will continue to grow as we move forward together,” said Mayor Dickens. “The commitment of the South African government and its people has been vital in shaping this initiative. I look forward to building on these foundations for years to come.”
Ambassador Brigety added “From trade and investment to culture, sports, and education, Atlanta and South Africa are charting a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. The future economic partnership between Atlanta and South Africa is built to last and poised for growth.”
A Shared Vision for the Future
The U.S. Embassy in South Africa and the City of Atlanta extend their gratitude to the South African government and all participating partners for making this visit a success. Together, Atlanta and South Africa are moving forward—Phambili—toward an even brighter, shared future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.
As the world commemorates International Human Rights Day today, under the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and promoting social justice. This significant day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a cornerstone document that enshrines […]
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has been awarded a 4–star safety rating by the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP). Global NCAP is a leading independent vehicle safety assessment organisation which promotes the universal adoption of the United Nation’s motor vehicle safety standards. The Global NCAP rating makes the new Polo Vivo one of the […]
Poor boiler water treatment is the primary cause of poor boiler performance, according to Chris Paterson, Managing Director of specialist operations and maintenance service provider to the steam and boiler sector, Associated Energy Services (AES). Not all water is created equal and there is a lot more to water treatment than ensuring that it appears …
This week, the Collen Mashawana Foundation, in partnership with WesBank, handed over a fully furnished, newly rebuilt home to a family in Nyanga, Cape Town, bringing them the perfect gift to celebrate a warm and wonderful festive season. Nomasongololo Ntunja (78) lost her home earlier this year when it was gutted by a fire that …
Adrielle Naidoo, daughter of Stellantis South Africa Collin Naidoo has won the coveted Sergio Marchione Award and notches up the family’s second consecutive year of recgnition in the Stellantis Student Awards. “It is initiatives such as this that provides incredible depth to Stellantis’ approach to sustainability,” said Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa, Mike Whitfield. …
Tuesday, 10 December 2024: Eskom is pleased to announce the sentencing of two individuals involved in separate criminal activities targeting critical infrastructure at Duvha Power Station in Mpumalanga. These sentences, handed down in October 2024, underscore the severe consequences of actions that threaten the nation’s energy supply. On 8 October 2024, the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court...
With many employers paying December salaries as early as the 13th, the gap before the next payday is significant – 42 days for those usually paid on the 25th and 49 days for month-end earners. The festive season adds financial pressure as South Africans stretch their December salaries while spending more than usual. Standard Bank’s …
Despite high interest rates and a buyers’ market, high-income and affluent individuals continue to build their homes from ground up while others take out top-up building loans to expand existing ones. Data from Standard Bank shows that while building loans have declined since 2022, clients aged 30 to 50 remain active, particularly those earning over …
Companies are planning to increase their investments in information security against the background of growing financial losses from cyber incidents. This trend was revealed in the recent Kaspersky's (www.Kaspersky.co.za) IT Security Economics report.
Kaspersky IT Security Economics is an annual report that unpicks the changes in budgets, breaches and business challenges affecting IT Security decision makers. It is based on interviews with IT and IT security professionals working in organisations of various sizes and industries. The survey was conducted across 27 countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region, Latin and North America.
According to the research, companies plan to increase their IT security budgets by up to 9%. The median cybersecurity budgets for large enterprises were $5.7M with $41.8M allocated for IT generally, while SMBs invested $0.2M in IT security from a median IT budget of $1.6M.
Possible reasons for the increased investment can be found in the analysis of financial losses from cyber incidents. Large enterprises experienced an average of 12 incidents this year, spending $6.2M to recover from them — 1.1 times higher than the budget allocated for IT security overall. Despite the greater resources and advanced security infrastructures, the sheer scale and complexity of large enterprise organisations make them more susceptible to costly breaches. While these enterprises are often better equipped to detect incidents quickly, the time required to fully respond and mitigate these threats can span for hours, underscoring the challenge of managing widespread, complex IT environments.
As for SMBs, these organisations experienced an average of 16 incidents this year, while spending $0.3M for remediation, which is 1.5 times higher than their overall IT Security budget. SMBs are the most disproportionately affected group in terms of budgetary impact. They often lack robust cybersecurity policies and procedures, which leaves them vulnerable to incidents involving employees, public cloud misconfigurations, and high-level permissions.
In the META region, organisations of all sizes reported to have experienced on average 13 incidents within a year. In South Africa, organisations of all sizes reported to have experienced on average 19 incidents within a year.
“This data illustrates the continuation of the current trend of increasing cybersecurity spending across all market segments. This growth is driven by at least three key factors. Firstly, and obviously, the constant growth in the complexity of cybersecurity threats forces companies to adopt more advanced solutions to enhance the detection of attack traces and automate responses. Secondly, increasing concerns from governments regarding digital sovereignty leads to the emergence of new regulations and regulatory requirements and, as a result, increased expenses. The third factor influencing the growth of cybersecurity budgets and costs is the constant increase in salary expectations for professionals in various cybersecurity fields,” comments Veniamin Levtsov, Vice President, Center of Corporate Business Expertise at Kaspersky.
To protect companies against a wide range of cyber threats, Kaspersky recommends:
To gain more insights about IT security costs and budgets in businesses visit the interactive IT Security Calculator (https://Calculator.Kaspersky.com).
To read the full report “IT Security Economics”, that is based on a survey conducted in Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, UK and US, visit the website (https://apo-opa.co/3Zp3ik9).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://INKandCo.co.za)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has released the first tranche of its $1 billion loan to Transnet, the South African state-owned conglomerate managing the country's ports, railways and pipelines. This disbursement is the first in a series of four tranches planned for an unparalleled financing arrangement to support Transnet's business's recovery plan.
Approved by the Bank's Board of Directors five months ago, this funding underpins a recovery plan to address pressing operational challenges of the company, while bolstering South Africa's critical infrastructure.
The funding will allow Transnet to commence the first phase of its ambitious ZAR 152.8 billion (USD 8.1 billion) five-year investment plan to upgrade existing infrastructure while enhancing key logistic chain segments.
“This swift disbursement shows the Bank's commitment to the private sector in Africa, which is essential for supporting sustainable economic growth,” said Solomon Quaynor, Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization at the African Development Bank Group, speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco.
The efficiency of the disbursement reflects Transnet's fulfilment of the Bank's rigorous requirements for governance, the environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Following the September 2023 signing of the loan agreement between Transnet and the African Development Bank in Johannesburg, the Bank committed to supporting Transnet's recovery plan with targeted financing.
Transnet has faced significant operational hurdles for several years, including under-investment, equipment theft, vandalism, flooding and the long-lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, the company has restructured and embarked on internal reforms to improve efficiency and management while committing to decarbonization and carbon footprint reduction initiatives.
The African Development Bank commended the South African government's dedication to restructuring Transnet and enhancing governance in the transport sector. Transnet has notably improved governance practices, particularly in tendering procedures and financial management, as part of its broader reform efforts.
With over 30,000 kilometres of railway infrastructure -- the largest in any emerging economy -- Transnet plays a vital role in regional. Its railway network links South Africa's ports with key regional partners, including Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and supports operations at Durban, the fourth-largest container terminal in the southern hemisphere.
The African Development Bank's support for Transnet is therefore crucial for improving South Africa's competitiveness and strengthening the continent's economic integration, while responding to the challenges of the logistics sector, which is vital for Africa's development.
With this disbursement, the African Development Bank has once again demonstrated its agility in the financial support it provides to the African private sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Chery South Africa is celebrating its best-ever month of sales, with total units for November 2024 exceeding the 2,000-unit mark. Last month, 2,006 Chery vehicles were sold in South Africa, with the brand occupying a spot in the top 10 for new vehicle sales, finishing in seventh position overall. Chery continues to deliver outstanding monthly …
06 December 2024 – As the festive season approaches, South Africans are gearing up for road trips and holiday celebrations. While this time of year is filled with joy and excitement, the jubilance can easily be marred by lack of preparation, particularly where cross-border travel is concerned. Even though we live in a digital age, …
GQEBERHA, South Africa, December 06, 2024. The caravan and camping season is just around the corner, and tyre manufacturer Continental has some tips on things to look out for before that first trip. Inflating the tyres to the correct pressure and inspecting them for signs of damage is without doubt the first priority for owners …
The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, today, celebrated the graduation and enhanced employability of over 30 National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) trainees at the Coega Business Centre, in Gqeberha. This milestone is the outcome of successful collaboration between Coega and the DALRRD following the signing […]
LG Electronics South Africa (https://www.LG.com/global/) has always been a leader in engineering excellence and professional development. This is why it is no surprise that LG Electronics South Africa has been awarded verification as an Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Service Provider.
“In South Africa, LG Electronics is committed to professional development within the engineering profession and landscape, whether through high-quality training or development programs,” states Andries Bekker, Air Solutions Field Engineering Team Leader at LG Electronics South Africa. “By being granted this status, LG can now aim to provide engineers with all the skills and knowledge they need to grow and prosper.”
Setting the bar higher
When it comes down to the details of the ECSA CPD Service Provider verification, there are a few key factors to consider. Once LG Electronics application was submitted and approved based on the criteria that align with the ECSA's CPD policy, a review was conducted. From there, when successful, LG was formally recognised as an ECSA CPD Service Provider.
Consistency means quality, which is why service providers need to undergo another review every three years to ensure high-quality CPD programs are consistently being delivered. There are plenty of incredible benefits of gaining ECSA CPD Service Provider Status. For one, it showcases LG Electronics well-established reputation in the engineering community, and what's more, it highlights LG's dedication to enhancing professional standards, supporting lifelong learning for engineers, and boosting career development.
Transforming careers
LG's involvement will play a significant role in providing validated Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for engineering professionals. In order to contribute to the engineering community, a range of exclusive training programs and activities will be created that match ECSA standards. What's more, all of these programs and activities will provide the latest industry-relevant content.
“All of LG's learning experiences promise to produce continuous improvements in the engineering field with programs that are always relevant and led by qualified professionals and industry experts,” says Bekker.
Leading the way
Because of LG's recognition as an ECSA CPD Service Provider, engineers are ensured that they have access to all of the relevant information and up-to-date knowledge so that they can excel in their fields.
Looking at LG's future CPD offerings, it is crystal clear that LG is invested in prioritising the professional development of engineering professionals. Not only does this mean that the engineering workforce will be strengthened, but it also promises to create a culture of continuous learning within the community.
Elevating the standard
The importance of ECSA accreditation in the engineering field is crucial for plenty of reasons including professional recognition, quality assurance, career advancement opportunities, and lifelong learning and development.
However, what does this mean for LG Electronics position in the industry? In short, it gives LG a competitive advantage over other establishments because LG is now a credible and reputable source of educational training programs in the engineering sector.
“In terms of the future of engineering education and development, there are always expanding possibilities,” explains Bekker. “Broader curriculum offerings, collaboration with educational institutions, and further research and development opportunities are just a handful of opportunities brought about by LG's ECSA CPD accreditation.”
What lies ahead
In light of LG's ECSA accreditation, the plans for CPD program development include establishing and maintaining clear objectives that align with ECSA standards, providing a range of diverse course offerings, and so much more.
“LG Electronics South Africa is committed to providing the best training programs to empower engineers. For that reason LG continues to be a leader in technical innovation and professional education, and now even more so in the engineering environment,” concludes Bekker.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
Gqeberha, South Africa, 04 December 2024 – The Coega Development Corporation (Coega) hosted its 2024 local roadshow at the Coega Vulindlela Accommodation and Conference Centre (VACC), in Gqeberha today. The “Transform Your Community, Transform Your Life” themed event brought together 200 participants, inspiring them to unlock the potential and value of Coega-led projects and opportunities. […]
By Carol Guedes, Consumer Electronics Head of Sales at LG Electronics South Africa (www.LG.com/global/).
Have you ever felt the floor shake beneath your feet at a concert? That's the kind of experience LG's XBOOM range of party speakers aims to bring to your living room, braai, or wherever the party takes you. These aren't your average speakers—they're sonic powerhouses designed to make every gathering unforgettable.
Take the flagship XL9T model (http://apo-opa.co/3VmNahG). With its dual 8-inch woofers, it doesn't just play bass—it launches it. You don't just hear the low frequencies; you feel them in your chest. But here's the clever bit: LG's Dynamic Bass Optimiser ensures that even when you're not trying to wake the neighbours, you still get that rich, full sound. It's like having a sound engineer built into your speaker.
Beyond the traditional: A new era of audio
Traditional Bluetooth speakers often struggle balancing power and clarity, especially at high volumes. The XBOOM range shatters these limitations. Its advanced audio engineering maintains crystal-clear sound even when you're pushing the volume to its limits. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a full-blown block party, XBOOM delivers a level of audio quality that sets a new standard for portable speakers.
The XBOOM range is all about mobility. From the compact XBOOM Go XG8T (http://apo-opa.co/4g4MtSD) that fits in your backpack to the wheeled XL7S (http://apo-opa.co/4g0hYNA) that rolls like your favourite carry-on, these speakers are ready to move when you are. But portability means nothing if your speaker conks out mid-party. That's where the XBOOM's impressive battery life comes in. With up to 20 hours of playtime on some models, these speakers have more stamina than your average party-goer.
Weather or not: Speakers that brave the elements
Are you caught in a sudden downpour at your beach party? No worries. Many XBOOM models sport an IPX4 rating, shrugging off water like a duck. The XG8T takes it up a notch with an IP67 rating—it laughs in the face of dust and can handle a quick dunk in the pool. This level of durability is a significant upgrade, allowing you to take your music anywhere without fear of damaging your investment.
More than meets the ear: A visual feast
XBOOM speakers don't just appeal to your ears—they're eye candy too. The XL9T's Pixel LED Lighting turns it into a miniature Times Square billboard. Display patterns, visual EQ effects, or even personalised messages. Coupled with Multi Colour Ring Lighting, it's like having your own light show. This visual element transforms the XBOOM from a mere audio device into the centrepiece of your entertainment setup.
LG recently put the XBOOM range through its paces at the Boom Boom Festa. Street performers from nine countries reinterpreted the iconic “Boom Boom Pow” through XBOOM speakers. From the vibrant streets of Rio to bustling urban centres worldwide, these speakers proved they could deliver crystal-clear audio in any setting.
Redefining the party speaker landscape
The XBOOM range isn't just another entry in the crowded field of portable speakers—it's a paradigm shift. By combining unparalleled sound quality, rugged durability, and eye-catching visual effects, XBOOM is redefining what consumers expect from a party speaker.
Gone are the days when portable meant compromising on sound quality. The XBOOM range (http://apo-opa.co/4gjRsyr) proves you can have concert-level audio in a package that moves with you. Its ability to withstand the elements means your music isn't confined to the safety of indoor spaces. And with its impressive battery life, the party keeps going long after other speakers have called it a night.
The visual aspects of the XBOOM range point to a future where speakers are not just heard, but seen and interacted with. This fusion of audio and visual technology hints at a new era of immersive home entertainment, where your speaker is as much a conversation piece as a sound system.
In an age where the line between professional and consumer audio gear is blurring, the XBOOM range stands tall. It's not just a speaker; it's a statement. The future of party audio isn't just here—it's loud, it's proud, and it's ready to get the party started. With XBOOM, LG isn't just keeping up with audio trends—it's setting them, paving the way for a future where our expectations of what a speaker can do are constantly being exceeded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
Ford South Africa notched up two significant achievements in November 2024 by leading the vehicle exports for the month, and recording its highest monthly sales volume in more than three years which placed it fourth overall on the domestic sales charts. A total of 10 574 Rangers were exported from Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in November …
Bolt And Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.), a leading supplier of engineering products and services, proudly announces a significant customer win with a surface engineering customer, one of South Africa’s leading providers of thermal spraying and coating technology. This collaboration, which underscores B.E.D.’s dedication to providing top-quality welding solutions and exceptional customer service, began a year ago …
The highly anticipated TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards 2024, in partnership with WesBank, took place last night at The Galleria in Sandton, marking an unforgettable evening in the South African automotive industry. The event, filled with anticipation and excitement, was a true celebration of excellence, recognising the finest cars, brands, and individuals that have shaped …
LTA Autecon, formerly known as Grinaker-LTA Mechanical & Electrical, hosted a golf day and dinner at the Glendowner Golf Club on November 27 to celebrate its first year in business as a rebranded and refocused SMEIPP industry stalwart. As such, the company recently redefined its distinct identity and strategic positioning as a market leader in …
Wednesday, 04 December 2024: A collaborative operation involving Eskom Gauteng Distribution Security, the South African Police Service (SAPS), City Power and Eskom-contracted security personnel uncovered a large-scale illegal electricity operation during a raid at three houses located on a farm, which was heavily guarded, in Leeupoort near Fochville in Gauteng. Intelligence investigations uncovered that stolen...