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Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce the retention of nine highly promising young Scottish players, reinforcing the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and building a squad connected to the city and region. The club has agreed new deals with a blend of players stepping up to senior contracts and those continuing their development within …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is outraged by the acquittal of the eight SAPS VIP Protection Unit officers—attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile—after an internal SAPS disciplinary process. These officers were filmed brutally assaulting civilians on the N1 highway. This disgraceful outcome is the direct result of a failed internal SAPS disciplinary system, obstructive …
Glasgow Warriors have continued their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign by retaining the services of one of Scotland’s top loose-forward prospects, after Euan Ferrie extended his contract with his boyhood club. The East Kilbride RFC product – equally comfortable in the second-row and the back-row – has consistently impressed since making his professional debut in …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance rejects, with contempt, the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) claim that its deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was a success. This is a delusional attempt to mask what was, by every measurable standard, a catastrophic failure of the ANC’s regional ambitions – both strategically and morally. …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has officially submitted motions of no confidence in both the Executive Mayor, Cllr Dada Morero and the Speaker of the Johannesburg City Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu. Johannesburg, the economic heart of South Africa is falling apart. Under the current leadership, basic services are crumbling, communities are being …
Josh McNally is quick to acknowledge the big part the RAF played in his career taking off. It was only when he joined the services that he took up the sport and it was through the support of his employers that he was able to forge a career as a professional player. He went on …
The Western Cape Government is deeply concerned over the latest statistics recorded on the province’s roads between 29 April and 4 May 2025. During this period, 16 fatal crashes occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of 18 lives – a harsh reality of the devastating consequences of reckless and negligent driving. In addition, 267 speeding …
The Western Cape Government is honoured to host the 2nd Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP) annual convening. MCAP is an international alliance of subnational governments with a Mediterranean climate covering five continents. Apart from the Western Cape, the other member states are: Biobio, Chile Baja California Sur, Mexico California, United States Catalonia, Spain Central Greece, …
Hyundai Automotive South Africa today, announced the appointment of Stanley Anderson, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2025. Anderson, who currently serves as Sales and Operations Director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa replaces Gideon Jansen Van Rensburg, who will be taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer of Motus SA Retail, effective …
The Botswanan town of Lobatse, some 70 km south of Gaborone, has been transformed into a vibrant manufacturing centre. Across sprawling factory floors, hundreds of skilled hands meticulously assemble intricate wiring harnesses - components that will eventually power Volkswagen and Nissan vehicles across Africa and beyond.
In the automotive industry, wire harnesses are an intricate arrangement of wires, connectors, and components. They serve as vehicles' central nervous systems, enabling the transmission of electrical signals and power throughout the automobile.
This is Delta Automotive Technologies, where strategic financing from the African Development Bank has catalysed a manufacturing renaissance that extends far beyond the factory wallsThe company makes wiring harnesses primarily for Volkswagen and Nissan.. For decades, Botswana's economic history was written in diamonds. Today, a new chapter is unfolding as the African Development Bank's $80 million credit line to the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) for businesses in the country fuels Delta Automotive's transformation into a manufacturing powerhouse.
"This funding hasn't just built infrastructure - it's built opportunity," says Darryn Hattingh, Delta's Director of Manufacturing. "We've built a world-class operation that competes globally while creating opportunity locally. The support enables us to industrialise not just today's production lines, but tomorrow's innovations. It will support us to industrialise future businesses obtained through Volkswagen.”
The firm, which is based in Botswana, makes wiring harnesses for Volkswagen's Polo Vivo and Polo 270, and Nissan's H60 brands.
It currently makes 120 vehicle harness sets for Volkswagen South Africa per day. By 2027, it hopes to create 340 vehicle sets for Volkswagen and 111 for Nissan in South Africa.
Women powering an industrial revolution
As one walks through Delta's expansive manufacturing facility, one fact is immediately apparent: in a traditionally male-dominated industry, women's expertise is driving this operation forward. An impressive 75% of Delta's workforce is female, shattering glass ceilings with every wire harness assembled.
For Clara Kaekane, a product and process engineer at Delta, the significance goes beyond personal achievement: "Every component we make is a challenge to outdated assumptions about gender and engineering work. I'm not just building car parts - I'm building a new perception of what is possible for women in manufacturing across Africa.”
Kaekane feels empowered to work at the management level in the automotive industry, which is normally male-dominated.
“This is a great opportunity for our country and company,” she says.
Connecting communities to global value chains
The hum of activity at Delta's plant represents more than manufacturing - it is the sound of Botswana's integration into sophisticated global supply networks. Currently producing 120 vehicle wiring harnesses daily, with plans to nearly triple output by 2027, Delta is an example of how African manufacturers can excel in precision-demanding global industries.
"What is happening here is the physical manifestation of our High 5 development priorities, particularly ‘Industrialize Africa' and ‘Integrate Africa'. It also provides skills to the people of Africa," said the African Development Bank's Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, Moono Mupotola. "Each wire harness connects not just vehicle components, but Botswana's workforce to global value chains, rural communities to industrial opportunities, and traditional economies to a diversified future."
Scaling impact: From hundreds to thousands
The numbers tell a compelling story: There are 327 employees today, expected to grow to 1,000 within four years. Behind those numbers are families supported, skills developed, and communities transformed. With 95% of the workforce Botswana nationals, the company has become a major driver of local economic empowerment.
"We're seeing multiple development dividends from this single investment," says Benedicta Abosi of BDC. "Delta's growth is generating export earnings, creating quality jobs, developing technical skills and, perhaps most importantly, demonstrating what's possible when development finance meets entrepreneurial vision."
She explained that five years ago, the Botswana Development Corporation supported multiple businesses, including Delta Automotive Technologies, through a $80 million line of credit facility from the African Development Bank.
A blueprint for African industrial transformation, Delta's success offers a replicable model for industrial development across the continent. By strategically supporting companies integrated into global supply chains, development finance can simultaneously address unemployment, gender inequality, economic diversification, and regional integration.
As workers at Delta Automotive Technologies continue to assemble the components that will power vehicles across the region; they're also creating a template for how African development finance can catalyse inclusive industrial transformation.
“This has definitely been a good investment for the African Development Bank, and this is how we see development financing working in Africa, Mupotola added.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Dear Editor The Constitutional Court ruled today in favour of an application by the DA to secure the citizenship of South Africans with dual nationality. This is the culmination of a 10-year legal battle by the DA and our ancillary organisation, DA Abroad, to restore the citizenship of South Africans who lost their citizenship after …
It’s been some season for Ben Connor. In October, he became the youngest ever referee to take charge of a Vodacom URC match – aged just 21. He went on to be the man in the middle for the finals of two prestigious World Series Sevens events in Cape Town and Hong Kong. Then, last …
Dear Editor The costs of Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) have ballooned by R11 billion in just one year, which the Auditor General confirmed in yesterday’s Water & Sanitation Committee meeting. This alarming increase is unacceptable, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Minister of Water & Sanitation to seek an …
St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 intake, welcoming prospective medical students from Africa to apply for the upcoming academic year. As the largest provider of doctors into first-year US residencies for the past eleven years, with over 1,035 residency placements in 2025*—SGU …
As part of its cultural diplomacy program, the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, in partnership with the Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talentong Pilipino (KUNST), organized back-to-back art workshops in South Africa.
The first workshop, which was held on 27 April 2025 at the Philippine Embassy multifunction hall, was attended by members of the Filipino community in South Africa, as well as personnel, dependents, and friends of the Embassy.
The second workshop was organized on 29 April 2025 at the Javett Art Centre (JAC) for art enthusiasts from the University of Pretoria and selected South African youth.
The workshops were facilitated by visiting artists from the Philippines, namely, Aris Bagtas, Jr., Remo Valenton, Loriel Castillo, and Ariosto Dale Bagtas, using oil pastel and felt paper. Participants were keen to learn various drawing and coloring techniques since it was their first time to use this medium.
The workshops also enabled the Filipino artists to introduce to the South African participants the concept of Filipinism, whose guiding philosophy is to allow Filipino visual artists to infuse the essence of being a Filipino into their artworks.
The Filipino artists are in South Africa for the Viaje 5 Filipinism: What Makes Art Filipino exhibition, which ran from 23 to 30 April 2025 at the JAC, a prestigious art gallery in Pretoria. This is the first exhibition from Filipino artists mounted by the gallery since its establishment in 2017.
The Embassy will continue to tap into the potent power of cultural diplomacy to deepen the friendship between the Filipino and South African people, as well as build a positive brand for the Philippines in the host country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has released its Regulatory Strategy for 2025–2028, outlining its strategic direction for the next three years. The strategy reflects the Authority’s ongoing commitment to fostering a financial sector that delivers better outcomes for customers while maintaining a proactive, responsive, and forward-looking regulatory approach. Building on the strong foundation established …
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Mr Donald Selamolela, has sent heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in the Eastern Cape minibus taxi crash on Sunday.
He said it was with sadness that so many people perished in this manner. According to media reports, 15 people died in a head-on collision on the R63 outside Fort Beaufort, en route to Adelaide. The accident occurred after midnight on Sunday, when a minibus taxi collided with a van.
Mr Selamolela said: “We had begun to see results in our road safety plans this past Easter weekend and then sadly this happened. It is with great sadness that we have to bow in loss of these innocent lives who did not deserve to pass like this.”
He added: “South Africans deserve better and we will not tire in making the calls for all road users to always be vigilant and always ensure the safety of others at all times on the road.”
Mr Selamolela reiterated that road safety is everyone's business.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
CHITTAGONG: Faye Tunnicliffe was the star of the show as the SA Emerging Women began their tour to Bangladesh with a...
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, welcomes the arrest of four suspects in connection with the disappearance of journalist, Aserie Ndlovu, and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. This breakthrough was announced by the South African Police Service in the afternoon of Monday, 05 May 2025.
The Deputy Minister visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday, 04 May 2025 to offer his support and solidarity on behalf of Government.
Prior to the meeting with the family, he received a briefing from the police on the progress of the investigation.
Aserie Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live FM, was reported missing on 18 February 2025 together with his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. Since then, law enforcement agencies have been working tirelessly to trace their whereabouts, and while the investigation remains ongoing, the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case.
“While investigations are still underway, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr. Ndlovu and Ms. Mdhluli," said Deputy Minister Morolong.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
COLOMBO: Head coach Mandla Mashimbyi values the lessons of defeat while looking at the bigger picture as the Proteas Women...
Harshitha Samarawickrama has advanced nine places to break into the top 20 of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings for the first time, following her team’s win over India in the Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Tri-Series on Sunday. She rose to a personal best 18th place with 583 rating points, thanks to her scores of …
Dear Editor Across the Eastern Cape, sports facilities intended to uplift our youth and nurture future stars are falling into ruin. This is the result of ongoing neglect by the ANC-led provincial government. Recently, I addressed the Eastern Cape Legislature and asked the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC), Sibulele Ngongo, whether her …
LDV South Africa is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Willem Strauss – President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union – and Jaco Dames, General Manager of the Union. As respected leaders in South African rugby, Strauss and Dames have chosen LDV as their trusted brand of vehicle, selecting the robust and stylish …
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 comes to Cape Town from 17–19 June 2025, bringing together the most influential voices in hospitality investment, development, and sustainability from across the globe.
This year's speaker lineup features major investors, visionaries, strategists, and dealmakers who are actively reshaping the landscape of hospitality across Africa.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will headline the summit. A self-made entrepreneur who launched his first business at 17, Mr Heinecke has built one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. His keynote will explore the lessons behind that legacy and what's next for hotel expansion in Africa.
Guy Hutchinson, President of Hilton MEA, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG for MEA & Southwest Asia, will delve into how global hotel groups adapt their strategies for Africa's evolving markets. Meanwhile, Jerome Briet (Chief Development Officer EMEA, Marriott International), Jean-Baptiste Recher (CDO Luxury Brands, Accor), and Esteban Lozada (MD North, West & South Africa, Hilton) will highlight expansion plans and pipeline insights from the region's top brands.
On the investment side, the programme features heavyweights like Folaseto Akin-Olugbade (Principal, Actis), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital Management), Rahul Chaudhary (MD & CEO, CG Corp Global), Magdaline Osei Baffour (Investment Director, Westmont Hospitality Group), Nyawira Kariuki (CEO, Janus Continental Group), and Jameel Verjee (Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels). They'll share unfiltered insights on how they evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and unlock long-term value in different African markets.
Graham Wood (CEO, Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Managing Partner AMEA, Valor Hospitality Partners), David Green (CEO, V&A Waterfront) add further firepower to the operator perspective, joining sessions on operating strategies, sustainability, and navigating development constraints.
Conservation and tourism sustainability will also take centre stage with Dr Morne du Plessis (CEO, WWF South Africa) and Mark Read (former WWF SA Chairman) exploring how hospitality can be a vehicle for positive environmental impact. Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino will share field perspectives on ecotourism's potential.
Other voices enriching the dialogue include Gillian Saunders, one of Africa's leading tourism consultants, Kevin Teeroovengadum (Proptech Africa), Thami Nkadimeng, Paul Gardiner (CEO, Terra Nova), Bani Haddad (Aleph Hospitality), Tadiwos G. Belete (Kuriftu Resorts), Euan McGlashan (Valor Hospitality), Wayne Godwin (JLL Africa), and many more.
An Investor Powerhouse
FHS Africa 2025 will once again host the region's most active capital partners, including:
Berkeley Properties, Cameroon Hotels Corporation, CityBlue Hotels, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, DEG, FROS Capital, Fundo Soberano de Angola, IFC, Janus Continental Group, Oak & Satin Properties, Proparco, Rockshieldburg-City, The Midwest Company, and UAG Investments.
Together, these investors represent billions in active projects, acquisitions, and greenfield development across the continent. With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed at FHS Africa since its inception, the event remains a catalyst for serious deal-making and investment.
Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: “We're incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It's a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth — the perfect backdrop for an event that connects the brightest minds in hospitality and drives real investment across the continent. The 2025 programme is bold, dynamic, and focused on action."
FHS Africa 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to build meaningful relationships through various formats tailored for real engagement. From high-energy speed networking sessions and curated closed-door investor councils to exclusive offsite visits showcasing Cape Town's latest hospitality developments, every moment is designed to foster strategic connections. The event also features a community-focused charity Run, offering a lighter way to meet other delegates while supporting a worthy cause.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
Further Information:
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
email: David@Tarsh.com
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at TheBench.com