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Minister Ronald Lamola has undertaken an Official Visit to Changsha, Hunan Province, to attend the Ministerial Coordination Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit which was held in Beijing on 5 and 6 September 2024. The FOCAC 2025–2027 Action Plan it includes cooperation in ten partnership areas including trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity and development cooperation.

This significant gathering coincides with the commemoration of FOCAC's 25th anniversary, underscoring the enduring partnership between Africa and China.

Minster Lamola, said “Our participation reflects our strategic priority to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations within this important framework.”

The Ministerial Meeting will be immediately followed by the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), from 12 to 15 June 2025, where further avenues for economic collaboration and mutual prosperity will be advanced. Twenty South African companies will exhibit their products and engage with Chinese investors with a view to opening further avenues for the export of South African products to China.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSDelivers.com), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1) and a leading provider of industrial product and service solutions, is reinforcing its commitment to the country's dynamic food and beverage sector. Backed by a comprehensive portfolio of over 800 000 products, extensive technical expertise, and end-to-end service capabilities, RS is assisting food and beverage manufacturers to tackle operational challenges, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable growth. 

A cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing economy 

The food and beverage industry is a vital pillar of South Africa's economy, contributing about 25% to the country's total manufacturing output and generating over R800 billion in annual revenue (Statistics South Africa & TIPS, 2023). The sector spans the entire value chain, from farming and processing to packaging and distribution, and is continuously evolving in response to changing consumer expectations, regulatory demands, and technological advances. 

“The food and beverage sector is one of the most dynamic and vital components of South Africa's industrial landscape. Our mission is to support our customers with the right ingredients, including technical expertise, a wide product portfolio, and future-forward service solutions, to help them navigate their operational challenges and stay competitive in a fast-paced market,” comments Erick Wessels, Sales Director of RS South Africa. 

Complete solutions for complex challenges 

RS offers tailored support across every stage of food and beverage production. From head-to-toe PPE and hygiene management solutions to food-safe lubricants, sensors, and thermal imaging equipment, it helps companies meet strict hygiene, safety, and performance standards. These solutions are designed to withstand harsh environments, including extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions, ensuring consistent and reliable operations. 

In partnership with industry leaders such as Festo, RS delivers high-quality automation solutions that help streamline production, improve product consistency, and increase overall plant efficiency. These include electric and pneumatic technologies specifically designed for food manufacturing and packaging applications. 

Driving efficiency and reducing costs 

RS is also helping companies manage rising operational costs through its predictive maintenance solutions and innovative services. The RS Maintenance Solutions suite includes condition monitoring, managed lubrication, calibration through its UKAS-accredited laboratory, oil analysis, and digital insights via RS Industria. These services allow food manufacturers to proactively address equipment faults before they lead to costly breakdowns and unplanned downtime. 

By supporting customers with actionable data and integrated maintenance strategies, RS helps build resilience into operations and extend the life of critical assets. In addition, its range of RS PRO own-brand products provides high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to well-known brands, delivering further savings without compromising on quality or compliance. 

Energy management for a sustainable future 

With sustainability high on the industry's agenda, RS is also helping manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint. The company's energy management services assist in cutting unnecessary usage, implementing efficient lighting systems, and eliminating air leaks, all contributing to a lower carbon footprint and reduced costs. 

According to global consultancy McKinsey & Company, industrial energy reduction initiatives can lead to cost savings of between 20% and 50%, a vital consideration in a sector grappling with soaring energy prices. RS supports food manufacturers in implementing these strategies effectively, ensuring they align with broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and Net Zero targets. 

Export expertise and global reach 

For manufacturers operating across borders, RS's Export Department ensures smooth, secure, and compliant international shipping. Specialising in hazardous packaging that meets IATA standards and managing all custom documentation in-house, RS guarantees dependable delivery anywhere in the world. This makes RS an ideal supply chain partner for multi-site and multinational food and beverage organisations. 

Digital transformation through innovation 

As digital transformation becomes essential for operational agility, RS is equipping customers with future-proof technologies. In collaboration with Siemens, RS supports companies in optimising energy consumption, strengthening supply resilience, adapting to shifting consumer demands, and ensuring transparent production processes. These innovations enable food and beverage producers to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. 

A partner you can rely on 

RS combines deep industry knowledge with global capabilities to deliver seamless support to food and beverage manufacturers. The company's commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and innovation positions it as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimise performance, ensure safety and compliance, and drive long-term value. 

“From farm to fork, the South African food and beverage sector continues to grow—and RS is here to grow with it,” says Wessels. “We understand that our customers do not just need products; they need a reliable partner who can deliver expertise, insight, and future-ready solutions. That is what sets RS apart.” 

To learn more about RS's solutions for the food and beverage industry, visit their website (https://apo-opa.co/4kWjVwv) and follow RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4jK2GgV) on LinkedIn for updates and industry insights. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.

PR Contact Person - RS South Africa: 
Princess Tlou 
Communications & Content Specialist  
RS South Africa  
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com  
+27 11 691 9366 

Media Contact Person – NGAGE:  
Thobile Ndlovu 
PR Account Executive 
thobile@ngage.co.za  
+27 11 867 7763  

Further information is available via these links: 

• Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/43zHPrZ
• LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3Hy9XTM
• Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4kxrVo1 

RS South Africa (https://apo-opa.co/4kFz4D2)
RS Africa Exports (https://apo-opa.co/3ZW86yi)
DesignSpark (https://apo-opa.co/4mT7JhS)
RS Group plc (https://apo-opa.co/43zaWM5)

About RS:
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably.  

We operate in 36 markets, stock over 800,000 industrial and specialist products and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations.  

We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it's our people that make the difference. 

Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people planet and profit.  

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.