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NSG celebrates 10 years of excellence

Location: News

NSG celebrates 10 years of excellence

Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet says the mandate of the National School of Government (NSG) is to ensure that it provides education, training and development (ETD) interventions to appointed public servants and elected public representatives.

According to Kiviet, this is to ensure that they can fulfil their responsibilities.

Addressing the 10th anniversary celebration of the NSG virtually, Kiviet said the NSG continues to strengthen its partnerships domestically and internationally towards leveraging the relevant expertise.

“Through the initiatives of the National School of Government and its partners, our elected public representatives and appointed public servants continue to gain significant insights in improving public service delivery and responding to the needs of our people,” Kiviet said.

The NSG continues to grow its global footprint of partnerships playing a role in knowledge exchanges through training exchanges and influencing public sector discourse.

“It has created linkages and collaborations with like-minded institutions in the world to work closely to build the capacity of the public sector to promote good governance in public administration.

“The NSG has scored several achievements in the past 10 years. The institution has delivered training programmes reaching more than 526 000 learners, generating revenue from course fees of more than R1 billion.

“It has become a highly regarded ETD institution within the public sector, with a growing reputation as a platform for thought leadership and robust engagements and debates within government and academia.

“It continues to register good progress and impressive performance on its mandate. The school has proven to be resilient during difficult times. Through innovation and agility, it overcame the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSG quickly developed the COVID-19 response plan, which prioritised digital and online learning interventions,” the Minister said.

Kiviet said because of this quick response, the institution saw an unprecedented number of online enrolments for eLearning courses.

Also in attendance at the anniversary celebration was DPSA former Minister Faith Muthambi, who wished the institution well on its journey to educating public servants.

The NSG turns 10 this month and a number of activities are taking place this week to mark the milestone, as well as the contribution of the school towards public sector capacity-building and performance.

The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President, which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA). The proclamation made the NSG a national government department under the portfolio of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The work of the NSG has also been enhanced by the decision of government to make building a capable, ethical and developmental State the number one priority among the seven priorities outlined in the 2019 - 2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase, to middle and senior management as well as executive management.

Its expanded mandate also includes Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and political office-bearers, where the focus includes building expertise on economic governance, political oversight and accountability.

The past three years have seen Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayors and councillors participating in the programmes of the school as part of the concerted effort at improving State capacity at the highest level.

The NSG committed in its Strategic Plan 2019-2024 to use partnerships with public and private institutions in South Africa and the rest of the world to deliver quality education, training and development interventions to expand learning opportunities through access to international expertise and represent the NSG in the global knowledge exchange network in order to position it globally and expand its international footprint and recognition as a thought leader.

The school works with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other Management Development Institutes in South Africa, Africa and around the world.

Also in attendance was the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Professor Somadoda Fikeni, as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Public Service Commission derives its mandate from Sections 195 and 196 of the Constitution. The Commission is tasked and empowered to investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration of the public service.

The Commission also has an obligation to promote measures that will ensure effective and efficient performance with the public service and to promote values and principles of public administration, as set out in the Constitution, throughout the public service. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Edwin
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:51

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Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

Location: News

Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has congratulated Durban and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) for scooping major awards at the World Travel Awards held in Dubai.

The ICC walked away with Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination Awards, beating the likes of Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda), Cape Town and Johannesburg in both awards.

The glittering 30th World Travel Awards, held on Sunday, marked seven years on the trot since Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been winning this award back-to-back from 2017. 

The World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event in the global travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, influencers and media. They serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Dube-Ncube said the awards are a great vote of confidence by the global travel and tourism sector in KZN province, the City of Durban, and the Durban International Convention Centre facility. 

“We appreciate this honour but importantly value the sterling and untiring work put in by our entity, KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau for continuously attracting business events to our province. Such achievements are not a given nor come to us for free, we have to work hard to achieve them” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also noted with excitement that in the 23-year history of Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre Award category, the Durban ICC has won this title for the 18th time.
 
“This vote of confidence by the World Travel Awards organisation in the Durban ICC is as bold and significant as the establishment of the Durban International Convention Centre itself. During the formative years of our democracy the city’s fathers took a daring and futuristic view of making the Convention Centre one of the single largest investments in the future growth and development of the city.
 
“Today we are reaping the rewards of such decisions. Naming it after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli is indicative of the global stature of this facility. Hosting these awards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC will be a befitting tribute to the vision of our forebears,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:36

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Women Dubbed Catalysts for Sustainable and Innovative Development at #AEW2023

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Featuring a diverse group of influential women leaders in the energy sector, a Women in Energy Roundtable Discussion was held during the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference and exhibition. The panel explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all Africans, with women at the forefront of progress.

Moderated by Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy, the roundtable was hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network and bp SA.

The discussion kicked off with Sarah Baashan, Head of Global Insights and Engagements, Saudi Aramco, providing insight into how Africa can address its current energy challenges while also ensuring a sustainable future. She stated that, “We need to increase energy generation capacity while guaranteeing that energy produced is affordable. At the same time, we should not forget decarbonization, as it is crucial for a healthy environment.”

Baashan added that the continent hosts the world's youngest workers, and therefore, should prioritize creating more job opportunities to advance sustainable socioeconomic development. Ibi Ogunbiyi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi, added that the continent needs to adopt a “compromised strategy where we are having hydrocarbons producing baseload power and off-grid and other renewable systems providing access to underserved communities.” She also believes that, “Gas should serve as a transition fuel.”

Additionally, the panel identified a lack of adequate infrastructure and project financing across the value chain as key challenges hindering the expansion of African energy economies. Commenting on how the continent can address infrastructure deficits, Oluseyi Afolabi, Principal Consultant/CEO at Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria, stated that it starts with African governments prioritizing the development of assets which allow secure and resilient generation and transportation of energy to both rural and urban communities.

“Investments in the research and development of innovative solution needs to also be prioritized while streamlining the deployment of projects and ensuring construction is fast-tracked. Lastly, there is a need for maximizing value addition in local content development in projects rollout,” added Afolabi.

Echoing Afolabi's notion, Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, said increasing investments in Africa's capacity building initiatives is crucial for the diversification of Africa's energy mix and for the continent to be able to reduce the reliance on international aid.

Commenting on the factors that have influenced the current state of Africa's energy industry, Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp SA, stated that, “Energy demand is growing by at least 3% a year while investments in new projects have been slow. We have also failed to define our own principles, hence we have significant inequality which are compromising [progress regarding] Sustainable Development Goals. We need to exploit all the energy resources we have including coal, gas and oil before we do into the transition.”

Ayanda Noah, Chairperson of South Africa's Central Energy Fund, provided insight into best practices for the continent to improve its current energy status. According to Noah, governments should improve cooperation with the private sector, and that “Connectivity and collaboration at the basic level is crucial. Africa has tangible examples of interconnectivity success projects such as the Southern African Power Pool which we can maximize to enhance energy security. Women have the potential to be innovative, coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to critical energy challenges.”

Amb. Martha Nyamal Choat, Deputy Managing Director and CEO, Nile Petroleum Corporation, shared similar remarks, adding that for African projects to be able to attract private investments, governments need to ensure security and market stability which are absent in an increasing number of African countries.

Shirley Webber, Head of Natural Resources & Energy at ABSA, concluded the session by adding that in addition to market stability, governments need to prioritize Environmental Social Governance and the adoption of a mix of financing mechanisms for the different energy infrastructure development projects.

#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.aecweek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Chamber
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Cabinet welcomes White House response to Lady R matter

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes White House response to Lady R matter

Cabinet has welcomed the acknowledgement of the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, of the seriousness with which President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the Lady R matter. 

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was addressing media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

This is after Sullivan’s call with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Security Advisor, Sydney Mufamadi, early this month. 

The two officials, according to Ntshavheni, also reaffirmed the strong relations between the two countries.

According to the statement released by the White House, the two advisors reaffirmed the strong partnership between South Africa and the United States. 

The parties also recommitted to advancing shared priorities, including trade and investment, infrastructure, health and climate.  

This is after the United States Ambassador, Reuben Brigety, accused South Africa of having weapons, intended for Russia, loaded onto the Lady R when the container ship docked near Cape Town in December.

However, the independent panel appointed by President Ramaphosa found no evidence that weapons had been loaded.

Sullivan, according to the White House, also thanked the South Africans for hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in early November. 

He also underscored the importance of this landmark legislation for United States relations with the region.  

“In addition, he expressed his condolences on the passing of South African politician, diplomat, and anti-apartheid activist, Aziz Pahad, who inspired both South Africans and Americans for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and racial equality,” the White House statement read. 

Just Energy Transition 

Meanwhile, Cabinet said it noted progress on developing the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) implementation plan.

“Cabinet further welcomed the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Denmark as members of the JET IP International Partners Group (IPG) and welcomes the new JET IP pledges made by these countries, as well as by Canada, Spain and Switzerland in 2023.” 

Meanwhile, the Executive Authority, said it remains concerned about the non-commitment of developed countries to meaningful funding through grants to the JET and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a just transition in line with its energy needs. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 11:56

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#AEW2023 Panel Explores Fundamentals of African Petroleum Systems

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

The 2023 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition featured a panel session focused on the fundamentals of exploration in Africa's petroleum system.

Hosted by EnerGeo Alliance, the panel session took a scientific view of Africa's petroleum resources, highlighting the importance of hydrocarbons, particularly liquid fuels, in the continent's future energy mix.

“Greater than 50% of the energy mix will be oil and gas, even by 2050,” stated Phil Birch, Impact Oil and Gas Exploration Director, adding, “The increase in indigenous sources of energy and indigenous sources of hydrocarbons will prevent further energy poverty and also prevent nations from having to source really expensive fuel oil.”

Boasting favorable legislative and regulatory systems throughout much of the continent's largest hydrocarbons producers, rights to explore, produce, establish facilities, and transport petroleum resources was noted as a requisite for Africa to enable the next generation of major discoveries.

“Uncertainty has a cost, so more predictability is better for bringing interested investors,” stated Rune Olav Pedersen, CEO of global geophysical company, PGS, adding, “When a licensing round has been held, it is clear to everyone what the terms are, and then negotiations rise up. So, limiting the time period between the award and signing agreements will cut down on periods of uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, the panel explored market factors – including geopolitical tensions and the global energy transition – as a means for Africa to benefit from its natural endowment of vast petroleum resources. The panel also highlighted technology as an imperative tool to ensure new opportunities in some of the continent's more mature fields.

“We believe the future for energy is lower-carbon and that energy truly does enable human progress,” stated Liz Schwarze, Chevron Vice President of Global Exploration adding, “At Chevron, we are investing in our oil and gas business, including recovery technologies and exploration to find additional resources to offset depleting rouses and fields. And we're also investing in newer forms of energy and technology, like carbon capture, sequestration, geothermal, etc. and we've been very consistent in this approach.”

“It's going to take a number of different technologies to unlock this opportunity, and speaking in the seismic space, SLB has seen quite a lot of innovation in a few different areas, particularly near-field development while leveraging existing date to create really detailed earth models,” stated Tristan Allen, SLB Global New Ventures Manager.

Africa boasts considerable crude oil reserves, estimated to a total combined 125.3 billion barrels. The continent's oil output – at 7.9 million barrels per day – accounted for approximately 9.6% of the global output in 2019, resulting in a revival of oil and gas exploration in Africa. It was concluded during the panel discussion that, given the exponential rise in global population – estimated to rise to 10 billion by 2050 – new technologies and more efficient extraction techniques for hydrocarbons will be imperative to making energy poverty in Africa history by 2030.

Taking place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets', this year's edition of AEW aims to chart a new course for Africa's energy landscape. As such, citing Africa's rich hydrocarbon endowment and frontier discoveries in Namibia, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa, the panel positioned petroleum development as the key to alleviating energy poverty and spurring industrialization across the continent.

#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Energy Chamber
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Cooking up a musical feast: SA Chefs releases official chef anthem ‘Singabapheki’

Location: MyPR

International Chefs Day, celebrated by thousands of chefs worldwide on 20 October, has its origins in South Africa. This year, SA Chefs Association is adding a harmonious twist to the celebration by launching an official chef anthem, “Singabapheki”, a song that beautifully encapsulates the spirit and passion of chefs from all walks of life in …

Read moreCooking up a musical feast: SA Chefs releases official chef anthem ‘Singabapheki’

@Sandton Hotel announces Ryan Myburgh’s promotion as F&B Manager

Location: MyPR

@Sandton Hotel is delighted to announce the well-deserved promotion of Ryan Myburgh to the position of Food & Beverage Manager. With this new role, Ryan will be the custodian of all Food and Beverage outlets at the hotel, which is located on Benmore Road, while also maintaining his oversight of the banqueting offerings and experiences. …

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SA’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy approved by Cabinet

Location: News

SA’s Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy approved by Cabinet

Cabinet announced on Thursday that it has given the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy (GHCS) the green light for implementation. 

The move, according to the Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will ensure South Africa becomes a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen. 

“Government has identified possible funding for green hydrogen projects and the draft Green Paper received extensive feedback from stakeholders,” she said on Thursday. 

The Minister was briefing the media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Ntshavheni explained that the GHCS gives effect to the Hydrogen South Africa Strategy that was approved by Cabinet in 2007 to prepare the country for a hydrogen economy. 

The strategy is framed within the Hydrogen Society Roadmap developed by the Department of Science and Innovation and approved by Cabinet in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Executive Authority welcomed the hosting of the second South Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town last week. 

“Green hydrogen has the potential to add additional renewable energy generation capacity and to support the local development of renewable energy,” the Minister said. 

On the sidelines of the summit, South Africa concluded Heads of Agreements with the intention of launching an SA-H2 Fund that will facilitate the development of the country’s green hydrogen sector. 

The aim, the Minister said, is to attract $1 billion in funding. 

She estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to the country’s gross domestic product by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs.

Electricity 

In addition, Cabinet was on Wednesday updated about Eskom’s Generation Systems Performance for the period ending 16 October 2023. 

Data shows that Eskom’s power generation capacity is currently averaging 28 615 MW in comparison to 27 410 MW in May 2023. 

Cabinet was also informed of the decline in unplanned outages due to plant breakdown to average 13 743 MW compared to 17 369 MW in May 2023. 

“This is largely as a result of effective plant maintenance,” Ntshavheni explained. 

“Cabinet welcomed the addition of another 800 MW to the grid with the return of Kusile Unit 1 ahead of schedule. The additional capacity will help reduce higher levels of load shedding.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 10:45

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Maker Diagnosis

Location: Sport

The Vodacom United Rugby Championship will work with Marker Diagnostics (Marker) to implement a new data collection initiative designed to improve elite player safety and build on previous research in concussion. Having already conducted small-scale trials with Marker during the 2022/23 season, all 16 teams in the Vodacom URC have enrolled in this research for …

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Qlik’s Generative AI Benchmark Report Details How Enterprises Are Investing in and Deploying Technologies to Succeed with Generative AI

Location: Business

Organisations Recognise the Need to Blend Traditional and Generative AI and Incorporate Solutions that Enable Data Fabrics to Maximise AI’s Overall Impact Philadelphia, October 19, 2023 – Recent research by Qlik® shows that enterprises are planning significant investments in technologies that enhance data fabrics to enable generative AI success, and are looking to a hybrid …

Read moreQlik’s Generative AI Benchmark Report Details How Enterprises Are Investing in and Deploying Technologies to Succeed with Generative AI

An important win for accountability

Location: News

OUTA welcomes the NSFAS board’s decision to accept and implement the findings and recommendations of the Werksmans report on the NSFAS direct payment scheme OUTA welcomes the NSFAS board’s decision to accept and implement the findings and recommendations of the Werksmans report on the NSFAS direct payment scheme. The report not only recommends that NSFAS …

Read moreAn important win for accountability

Outcomes of regular Western Cape Government Cabinet meeting

Location: News

Yesterday, 18 October, Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet. Cabinet raised concerns over the ongoing deadly violence in the province over the past several weeks. Premier Alan Winde condemned the violence in the strongest terms saying, “This is deeply concerning. Crime intelligence seems to be virtually non-existent …

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Cabinet calls on SA to support national sports teams

Location: News

Cabinet calls on SA to support national sports teams

Cabinet has called on the nation to rally behind the national teams in their battle against England at the Cricket World Cup in India and the Rugby World Cup in France.

“On Saturday, 21 October 2023, two of South Africa’s biggest national teams will play against England in their respective World Cup matches. Our national teams continue to remind us of the best of South Africa and they are the best display of our unity as a nation with a single national identity – just being a South African.

“As the Proteas and Springboks enter the battle fields, it is our responsibility as the nation to let them feel the spirit and vibe of the resilient nation behind them,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria.

She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Matric exams

Meanwhile, the National Senior Certificate matric exams will commence on 30 October 2023.

“Cabinet extends its well wishes to the Class of 2023 and all other learners who will be writing their final examinations. Cabinet calls on parents and guardians to support learners during this critical period in their academic journey,” Ntshavheni said.

Medium Term Budget Policy Statement

Cabinet has encouraged South Africans to tune into the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on 1 November 2023.

The MTBPS details adjustments to the national budget and it is an important part of South Africa’s open and accountable budget process. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 10:34

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Top merchants announced at the Uber Eats Merchant Awards

Location: MyPR

Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards in South Africa, celebrating outstanding restaurants and other non-food merchants on the platform. The ceremony took place at The Roof in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests gathered to honour these remarkable achievements. The public had the opportunity to participate by nominating their favourite …

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Pro One

Location: Business

Stellantis today introduced Pro One as the enhanced strategic offensive of the Company’s Commercial Vehicles Business to achieve global leadership, encompassing the professional offerings of six iconic brands of Stellantis – Citroën, FIAT, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Stellantis Pro One customers will benefit from this umbrella business that covers: class-leading vans, pickup trucks and …

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NZL v ARG – Teams and Comments

Location: Sport

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster and Argentina head coach Michael Cheika named their match-day 23 to face Argentina and England in their Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final at Stade de France on Friday, 20 October. Head coach Ian Foster has named his New Zealand match-day 23 for Friday’s Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final against …

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AI and the Future of Partner Programmes: Vertiv Experts Discuss Key Industry Trends at Canalys Forums 2023

Location: Business

Barcelona, Spain [October 18, 2023] Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, took centre stage at Canalys Forums 2023 as a Gold Sponsor and presenter, drawing insights from international experts on key trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Canalys Forums is a cutting-edge technology event that brings together industry leaders, …

Read moreAI and the Future of Partner Programmes: Vertiv Experts Discuss Key Industry Trends at Canalys Forums 2023