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The WC Government today launched their latest domestic tourism campaign, powered by Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) trade, investment, and tourism promotion agency. The ‘With Love from the Locals’ campaign features some of the province’s iconic local personalities to entice fellow South Africans to explore all parts of the Western Cape. “Our domestic market …
Renowned Graffiti Artist Shaun Oakley, popularly known as “Damn Vandal”, unveiled the spectacular Hollywoodbets Durban July theme through a billboard vandalism stunt. The recent “vandalisation” of Hollywoodbets’ billboard on Sandton Drive in Johannesburg has sparked a citywide conversation about art, advertising, and the upcoming Hollywoodbets Durban July. What initially seemed like an act of mischief …
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 20 March 2024 – Cape Town’s skyline is reaching new heights as The Rubik, a dazzling luxury apartment complex in the heart of the CBD, has reached the peak of its vertical ascent. With 27 levels of premium living and commercial spaces, The Rubik’s modern glass exterior promises residents and businesses …
Black industrialists are job creators, wealth generators and agents of change
Despite facing immense challenges, black industrialists have persevered, defying the odds and breaking barriers to create thriving businesses and contribute significantly to the nation's economic development.
“Today, we celebrate the power of empowerment. Empowerment that has not been handed out as charity but earned through hard work, resilience and unwavering determination.
“Black industrialists are not just job creators and wealth generators, they are agents of change, driving social and economic transformation in our communities,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
He said at the heart of every successful industrialist lies a spirit of innovation and creativity.
“Whether it is in technology, manufacturing, agriculture or services, they have shown that excellence knows no bounds and that Africa is a continent brimming with untapped potential and ingenuity.
“None of this progress would have been possible without the spirit of collaboration and partnership,” the President said, addressing the Black Industrialists and Exporters Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre.
President Ramaphosa said it was a good moment for the country to reflect on the empowerment journey which is a central part of the changes that have taken place over the last three decades.
“We have about 1 000 black industrialists present here today. This is a living testimony to the changes that have taken place in the past 30 years, and indeed, over the past five years,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said empowerment is a historical imperative to provide redress to black South Africans who were discriminated against and excluded under the apartheid regime.
“Even after the advent of democracy, and the removal of discriminatory laws, the racial features of privilege and disadvantage remained,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said underdevelopment in townships and bantustans limited access to economic opportunities.
“Bantu education left several generations without the skills needed to improve their economic situation.
“Much has changed in our country, but this iniquitous inheritance continues to diminish the economic prospects of many black and women South Africans. It is this inheritance that we are determined to overcome,” he said.
The President said for far too long, the country's economic landscape was marked by inequality, exclusion and systemic barriers that hindered the progress of aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from black communities.
The conference takes place on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act).
It has shone the spotlight on the achievements, successes, opportunities and strides made by the Black Industrialists Programme since its inception in 2016.
This years’ conference features 53 large companies or procurers making pledges to buy from the growing class of black industrialists.
The conference will culminate with an awards ceremony aimed at recognising the contribution of Black Industrialists towards driving economic growth, social transformation and in advancing inclusive entrepreneurship in the South African economy.
More than 200 entries have been received and ten awards will be announced at the conference. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:14
“Countless human rights violations are rooted in toxic and wounded masculinity, it’s time to man-up and realise human rights for all!’ says a leading NPC, Father A Nation Johannesburg, March 2024 – As South Africa (SA) observes Human Rights Day, a non-profit company (NPC) calls for the need to promote positive masculinity as a solution …
Ecobank (www.Ecobank.com), the pan-African financial services group, announces the appointment of key senior executives to strengthen the Group's leadership team and to drive delivery of its new Growth, Transformation and Returns (GTR) strategy. Abena Osei-Poku joins as Regional Executive Anglophone West Africa and Managing Director Ecobank Ghana; Martin Miruka as Group Executive for Transformation, Enablement and Customer Experience; Anup Suri as Group Executive, Commercial and Consumer Banking; Michael Larbie as Group Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking; and Thierry Mbimi as Group Executive, Internal Audit & Management Services.
These top-level appointments are strategically important as Ecobank enters its next phase of growth and transformation, aiming to become the bank of choice and a leader in delivering responsive, innovative and affordable financial services' products and solutions for Africa. Ecobank Group has decided to combine the commercial and the consumer businesses, under the leadership of Anup Suri, underscoring its commitment to strengthening these two business units to drive growth. In addition, the establishment of the new role of Transformation, Enablement, and Customer Experience underscores the Group's determination to prioritizing the necessary leadership for the successful execution of its transformation.
Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “These appointments are crucial to the execution of our recently announced five-year Growth, Transformation and Returns strategy. I am delighted that Abena Osei-Poku, Martin Miruka, Anup Suri, Michael Larbi, and Thierry Mbimi are joining our leadership team, each bringing proven, valuable, global and African financial services experience. I have no doubt that they will play pivotal roles in driving Ecobank's future growth and success.”
Abena Osei Poku joined Ecobank in January. She is an accomplished Pan-African business leader with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her expertise spans Corporate and Investment banking, Business banking and Risk Management across Africa. Her previous roles include Executive Director for Commercial Banking, responsible for Corporate & Business Banking at Barclays Bank Ghana; Co-Regional Head of Coverage, Corporate & Investment Banking at Absa Bank Group, overseeing East and West Africa; and CEO and Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana. Abena takes over from Daniel Sackey who is retiring from the Bank. We thank Daniel Sackey for his leadership, commitment, and effective service across the continent over the past 27 years at Ecobank.
Martin Miruka, who joined Ecobank in February, brings with him 25 years' experience as C-suite executive, business strategist, serial entrepreneur, and angel investor with strong credentials on pan-African transformation. His previous roles include Group Head of Business Transformation, Customer Experience, and Innovation at Equity Group Holdings, where he successfully led transformation by breaking the Group's strategic and operational silos, aligning technology investments with business strategy, and ultimately delivering a branded Customer Experience across multiple African countries. He was also the Founder/CEO of Atom TDF, Kenya's first indigenous brand strategy and innovation consultancy, and Kava Africa, a fintech/Insurtech based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Anup Suri assumed his new role in March. He brings a wealth of over 30 years of senior leadership experience across various industries and organisations in both developed and emerging markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the UK, North America and South America. He joins Ecobank Group from HSBC Group where he was Managing Director, Global Head of Retail Sales and Third-Party Distribution. Anup previously held other senior roles at Standard Chartered Group, Standard Chartered Bank and ABN Amro.
Michael Larbie, who assumed his role in March, brings over 25 years of global senior financial services and investment banking experience. He served as CEO of International & Broader Africa at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), prior to which he held the positions of CEO & Managing Director of RMB Nigeria and Regional Head of West Africa, as well as Head of Coverage & Investment Banking for Africa (excluding South Africa). His experience also includes senior investment banking roles at Merrill Lynch and senior project management roles at American International Group. Michael takes over from Eric Odhiambo, who will retire from Ecobank at the end of April. We thank Eric Odhiambo for his unwavering commitment, invaluable contribution, and dedicated service over the past six and a half years, first as Chief Risk Officer and then as Group Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking.
Thierry Mbimi, who also started in March, has 27 years of extensive industry and consulting experience, with the last 17 years in director-level roles. He brings with him a wealth of global experience in audit and risk management, complemented by a solid background in technology. Thierry was the CEO & Managing Partner for KPMG Central Africa (Audit, Tax, and Advisory), prior to which he held several roles in the organisation, including Partner and Head of West Africa Financial Risk Management, Lead Partner for the Financial Services Sector in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa and Global Services Lead Partner for the African Development Bank.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
Media Contact:
Christiane Mbimbe Bossom
Group Communications
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com
Tel: +228 22 21 03 03
Web: www.Ecobank.com
About Ecobank Group (or ‘Ecobank Transnational Incorporated' or ‘ETI'):
Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 15,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers. For further information, please visit www.Ecobank.com.
Manchester United and Rangers will face-off for the first time in over a decade, as the sides head to Scottish Gas Murrayfield this July. Following last year’s hugely successful spectacle at the home of Scottish Rugby, which saw Manchester United beat French Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyonnais in front of nearly 50,000, the ‘Red Devils’ …
Dear Editor Today the Standing Committee on Finance (SCOF) deliberated on the public submission from National Treasury to the DA’s Responsible Spending Private Member’s Bill. Treasury broadly supported the spirit and intention in which the Bill was introduced. It welcomed the Bill as an important step and significant contribution towards stabilising debt and government spending. …
OUTA-PMG-OpenUp parliamentary event On 19 March 2024, a diverse assembly of stakeholders convened in Cape Town around the theme “Setting the Scene: Stakeholders Convene on Parliamentary Matters”, including members of civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, current and potential future Members of Parliament, and other parliamentary officials. This one-day event, hosted by the Organisation Undoing Tax …
Gqerberha, 20 March 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a Stop/Go system will be implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga), in the Eastern Cape, where a periodic road maintenance project is currently underway. The one-way Stop/Go system dates are …
Government working on reforms to develop sustainable infrastructure - President
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is working on reforms to develop sustainable infrastructure, boost business confidence and encourage investment.
The President was addressing the National Assembly during an oral reply session on Tuesday.
“One of the most important pillars of government’s economic recovery plan is a significant increase in infrastructure investment. This has meant that we have had to give specific attention to effective project preparation and the mobilisation of funding on a far larger scale.
“We have amended the Division of Revenue Act to provide for the pledging of future infrastructure grants to crowd-in private sector finance and to leverage external technical capacity,” he said.
The President said this will facilitate integrated planning and implementation. It will also enable the development of a funded maintenance programme, a monitoring and evaluation framework, and a governance structure to manage the programme delivery.
He highlighted that he previously spoke about the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape as pilot provinces to address the social infrastructure backlog in schools as well as in housing.
He told the National Assembly that Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) is making use of its project preparation facility to support the two pilot provinces to develop quality business cases for submission to the Treasury Loans Coordinating Committee and the Budget Facility for Infrastructure.
“Through this mechanism we will ensure that social infrastructure, particularly health and education infrastructure, is delivered in a manner that is cost-effective and rapid.
“It will also help to increases the participation of the private sector, both in terms of financing this build programme and also drawing on its expertise and capabilities,” he said.
As part of capacity building, he said, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) is developing guidelines for municipalities to use for project scoping and packaging. Importantly, the Municipal Infrastructure Grant makes provision for a portion of the grant to be utilised for refurbishment.
The President said through these efforts, the infrastructure build programme is starting to gain momentum.
Infrastructure projects worth over R230 billion are currently in construction, including in energy, water, roads, rural bridges, human settlements and student accommodation.
“These projects are contributing to greater economic activity and creating employment while improving the lives of South Africans and expanding the capacity of our economy,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:15
Discover romantic date night packages, great value family escapes, unforgettable dining experiences, or the perfect place for after-work drinks with Southern Sun’s selection of specials and packages. Try something new, explore our country’s hidden gems, and enjoy the best Mzansi has to offer. Cape Town Carnival: The Year’s Biggest Street Party Local is Lekker, step …
Nigel Owens has called for clarification on what exactly constitutes a red card in the game of rugby. The former World Cup final referee was talking against the backdrop of the big debate over the 20 minute red card. The law variation, which allows a sent off player to be replaced by a substitute after …
The Red Disa Consortium has this week concluded its equity deal to secure a controlling shareholding in WP Professional Rugby (Pty) Ltd. Following a majority vote in favour of the deal by the clubs that constitute the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) General Council in August and approval by the South African Competition Commission …
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship has set a new all-time record audience with a global viewership of just under 3 million tuning in across Round 8. Following on from last season’s record viewership for a single campaign (37.4million) fans are continuing to watch the Vodacom United Rugby Championship in greater numbers as the tightest race …
After a groundbreaking decade at the forefront of podcasting in South Africa, CliffCentral.com founders Gareth Cliff and Rina Broomberg are embarking on an exciting new chapter. One on One Productions, the visionary force behind CliffCentral, is proud to announce two strategic pivots which marks the launch of Podcast Party and The Real Network. The Real …
Former engineering head Daniel Mtimkulu had his salary more than doubled after fraudulently claiming a doctorate and a job offer from a German firm
Pretoria, South Africa – As any vehicle owner can attest, unexpected car repairs can be a nuisance and a financial strain. Among the many components that demand attention, the clutch often remains overlooked. However, Moreleta Service Centre, a stalwart in the automotive service industry with over 25 years of experience, is on a mission to …
eThekwini Municipality tackles hijacked, unsafe buildings
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has intensified its collaboration with property owners in a bid to eradicate unsafe buildings within the inner city.
This comes after the establishment of a new unit, the Problem Buildings Division, which is dedicated to tackling unsafe buildings.
“Problem buildings” are defined as derelict, abandoned, hijacked, structurally unsound and unlawfully erected, among other things.
Through the Problem Buildings Division, the city’s vision is to create a vibrant inner city, underpinned by well-managed buildings.
The division encourages property owners, whose buildings have been deemed unsafe for occupation, to contact them or face future closure.
Deputy City Manager of Economic Development, Lihle Phewa, said these buildings present social issues, which include homelessness, crime and drugs, which are often found in such buildings.
Phewa said the division has already identified approximately 40 buildings within the city and has started the process to serve relevant notices.
This is done in accordance with the National Building Regulations and Standards Act, and the Problem Building by-laws.
“If there is non-compliance by the property owner after the notice period has expired, the municipality will approach the High Court to carry out remedial work, apply for a demolition order, request for the appointment of a judicial administrator, request for a sale in execution, or expropriate the property and building.
“All costs incurred will be to the owner’s account. Owners can however, partner with the municipality to put together an action plan with time frames on how to turn the problem building around,” Phewa said.
Phewa highlighted the recent eviction of illegal occupants from Crieff Place Building, South Beach, as among the division’s successes.
Following a court process, the owner of the property was able to evict the illegal occupants and proceeded to demolish the vacant building. However, the owner left a portion of the superstructure and did not fully secure the property.
The owner had also left rubble from the demolition process on site to ensure that the site was not occupied again, but the sheltered portion of the remaining superstructure was occupied shortly after.
“The Problem Building Division engaged unsuccessfully with the owner to secure the property. The division took the decision to remedy the works on site by removing the rubble, repairing, and closing all the openings to the site, and installing barbed wire to the tops of the boundary wall to prevent any person from occupying the site,” Phewa said. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:52
JP van der Walt set to defend his triple King of the Hill crown in Road Car and Supercar category in Porsche 911 Turbo S Official entries from Suzuki, BMW and Mercedes-Benz feature the latest petrol, hybrid and alternative energy-powered vehicles Category covers everything from hot hatchbacks to muscle cars and high-powered supercars – from […]
Comprehensive intervention to address Johannesburg water challenges
The City of Johannesburg has presented a comprehensive intervention plan to address ongoing water supply challenges in the city.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, together with his Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, met with Johannesburg City officials, led by Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, to receive an update on the city’s plans to deal with the current water challenges and future water supply sustainability plans for the metro.
The meeting held this week was a follow-up to a meeting held on 5 March 2024, where the department presented a comprehensive assessment report on the state of water provision in the city amid regular water supply interruptions experienced by residents.
At the meeting held on 5 March, the city was requested to come back with an action plan to address all the issues raised in the report, including how it will deal with the infrastructure challenges and non-revenue water, which is contributing to the water supply challenges.
During this week’s meeting, the city presented a wide-ranging plan on immediate, medium- and long-term measures to ensure a sustainable water supply. These include infrastructure projects to refurbish, upgrade and construct new storage reservoirs and pump stations, as well as associated infrastructure to augment storage capacity.
The plan also includes addressing non-revenue water through the implementation of water conservation and demand management technical interventions to reduce demand.
The city also presented technical interventions, which include repairing leaking reservoirs and tower infrastructure; replacing water pipes, domestic and large consumer meters; retrofitting and removal of wasteful devices, and enforcement of by-laws, including removal of illegal connections and customer bypass connections.
Gwamanda said these projects are at various stages of implementation, while others still require funding.
The meeting also heard that the city infrastructure backlog is estimated at around R27 billion but agreed that focus should be on what can be done with the current and upcoming budget in July.
Gwamanda commended the support from Water and Sanitation Ministry, saying that the city is looking at various options to mitigate water supply interruptions.
“We have set aside about R100 million for the electricity supply entity, City Power, to put alternative power supply infrastructure to key infrastructure that contributes to the water supply network,” Gwamanda said.
Mchunu acknowledged the efforts of the city’s water entity, Johannesburg Water, to deal with infrastructure backlogs, and various interventions implemented to deal with the current recurring water outages.
Mchunu urged the city to work on its turnaround time in responding to pipe bursts and leaks in their distribution network, as this contributes to the high physical water losses.
“It is clear that the city requires serious interventions and funding to deal with its water infrastructure renewal programme, and the department will work with Joburg Water in packaging some of their key infrastructure projects that require blended finance, including from the private sector.
“We have agreed, collectively, that over and above the technical interventions to address non-revenue water, there is a serious need for a compressive public awareness campaign to conscientise residents on the importance of water conservation and water use efficiency as part of the Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Strategy,” Mchunu said.
The metro’s non-revenue water currently sits at 46.1%, while the consumption rate is at 280 litres per capita per day. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:27
South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala unpacked the country's 2024/2025 infrastructure priorities and project pipeline during a panel session at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 in Cape Town on Tuesday.
According to Minister Zikalala, the country's top 12 infrastructure priorities seek to stimulate job creation, promote economic competitiveness and contribute to broadening economic inclusivity.
“We announced the 12 priority projects today and it's important to give a background as to how we arrived at this priority list. We want projects that will contribute to higher GDP impact, but at the same time, ensure export and embrace the green economy,” he stated.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.
With support from Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) – a program within the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure – the projects also aim to accelerate private sector-led development. The projects are poised to serve as a catalyst for closing the infrastructure investment gap, while meeting the infrastructure target set out by the government's National Development Plan.
“It was very important for us to ask what we plan to contribute from an operational perspective to all the socioeconomic perspectives outlined by the Minister,” stated Mameetse Masemola, Head of ISA. “We will work very closely with the project sponsors in unpacking the work and once we are ready, we will invite transactional advisors.”
It was noted during the session that shortfalls in operation and maintenance have resulted in the underdevelopment of South Africa's infrastructure strategy. As such, the need to meet end-user's requirements, the mobilization of digital infrastructure and ensuring operational competency were noted as prerequisites to de-risk investment in the sector.
“The projects listed give the catalytic impetus to develop our industry,” stated Wayne Petersen, Director of Transport and Infrastructure at WSP Group. “We have to ensure that the private sector invests strongly in the projects that are implemented.”
Meanwhile, panelists touched on the importance of bankability and sustainability in attracting private sector investment towards infrastructure projects in the country.
“Infrastructure assets are not only about the assets themselves, but also about the economics that surround them,” said Catherine-Candice Koffman, Group Executive for Project Preparation at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. “Bankability is very much about ensuring we have a project that doesn't rely too much on the fiscus. A successful project is one where you use as little budgetary capital to fund the projects as possible.”
For South Africa's infrastructure projects to maintain operational efficiency after completion, it was noted that the country will need to invest in attracting international talent while promoting human capital development, with Partner at PwC Southern Africa Chris van der Merwe stating, “These projects need to strike a balance between economic and social projects.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SIDSSA 2024:
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Lifestyle audits for Executive underway
President Cyril Ramaphosa says despite several delays, lifestyle audits for the President, Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are now underway.
The President was participating in the Questions for Oral Reply session held in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“After several delays, lifestyle audits of Members of the Executive are underway. This process is being led by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet. The President, Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are currently in the process of submitting additional information required for these audits.
“As I have indicated before, the aim of a lifestyle audit is to collect as much information as possible on an individual’s lifestyle to be able to identify when an individual’s expenditure exceeds his or her income. In itself, a lifestyle audit is not conclusive, but may indicate that further investigation is required to establish if there is any wrongdoing,” he said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the function of carrying out the audits was moved to the office of the Director-General, Phindile Baleni, owing to cost containment.
“The Office of the Director-General had to source competent and skilled personnel with experience in conducting lifestyle audits. The capacity building exercise took longer than anticipated which impacted negatively on the timelines for the audits.
“This is the first time that national government is conducting lifestyle audits of Members of the Executive, requiring new systems, processes and methodologies to be developed.”
He said the Director-General will decide on the most appropriate way to communicate the outcomes of the audits once completed. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 09:33
The inaugural SA Cup competition will get off to a flyer on Human Rights Day (Thursday, 21 March) with an exciting clash between Suzuki Griquas and the Leopards in Kimberley, while last year’s Currie Cup Premier and First Division champions collide in Bloemfontein on Friday. A total of 46 matches will be staged during the …