Johannesburg in the News 29 October 2024

Pick n Pay to exit Nigeria: South African grocery retailer Pick n Pay will exit Nigeria by selling its 51% share of a joint venture as part of plans to restructure outside of its home market, CEO Sean Summers said on Monday, 28 October 2024.

Johannesburg: Soweto – A famous township known for its role in the anti-apartheid struggle.

The Balalaika turns 75, Bridgerton style: A grand and glamorous affair was held at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika on October 24 as the historic hotel celebrated its 75^th birthday. The hotel was the perfect backdrop for the Bridgerton-themed event, where extravagant ballgowns, jewelled tiaras, top hats and tails were the order of the day in one of Johannesburg’s favourite and oldest hotels.

Andrew Visagie, COO of the hotel, said it was a delight to celebrate its grand history and progress with such esteemed company, adding that the presence of the London Marriott International team had added a touch of….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: GDP Contribution – Contributes about 16% of South Africa’s GDP.

DA Joburg demands end to unlawful JPC CEO contract extension:  The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is deeply concerned by the recent decision to extend the contract of Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) CEO, Helen Botes, under questionable and potentially illegal circumstances. The process by which Ms. Botes contract was extended raises serious questions about governance, transparency, and accountability within the ANC-ActionSA-EFF government.

The DA is particularly troubled by the fact that the extension was done for 5 years, after the contract had expired, without following due process. As much as the board has oversight over the entity, the CEO appointment must be guided by the city recruitment and….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Rivers – The city is located near the Jukskei River and the Tshwane River.

In Pictures: Johannesburg Pride 2024: Johannesburg Pride, Africa’s oldest Pride event, returned to the streets of Sandton on Saturday, 26 October 2024, in a memorable celebration of LGBTIQ+ visibility.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone: 35 years since Africa’s first-ever Pride march, held in Johannesburg on 13 October 1990.

Thousands turned out for the vibrant street festival, celebrating their identities and the freedom to love in a massive show of queer unity, joy, and community.

While there was less focus on the protest roots of Johannesburg Pride, the parade included activists holding placards in memory of the 13 LGBTIQ+ individuals murdered in South Africa this year. It served as a sobering reminder that many LGBTIQ+ people remain targets of hate and….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Unemployment Rate – The unemployment rate is approximately 34%, reflecting economic challenges.

Business confidence in South Africa improves, says PwC:

JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) — Business confidence in South Africa has “notably” improved since the formation of its Government of National Unity (GNU), said the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Monday.

South Africa in June established the GNU consisting of 10 political parties after the general elections which did not produce an outright winner.

In its latest version of the South Africa economic outlook report for 2024 released Monday, PwC said the Johannesburg Stock Exchange All Share Index gained 15.2 percent in the third quarter to reach new record highs on the back of growing optimism of what a more effective government could mean for the economy and company revenue.

Meanwhile, the rand, the South African….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Nickname – Commonly referred to as Jozi, Joburg, or Egoli (meaning “City of Gold”).

SA Tomorrow Conference | SA leaders engaging investors in the U.S: Prof Danie Meyer weighs in: …continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Libraries – The Johannesburg Public Library has significant historical collections.

From Accra to Johannesburg: Wanderlust Ghana’s 30,000 km Expedition Continues: Wanderlust Ghana is making waves as they embark on an ambitious 30,000-kilometer road adventure, officially leaving Ghana and heading towards Johannesburg. This epic journey, which kicked off in Accra, is set to span three months and will take the team through 30 countries, including notable cities like Paris, Dubai, and Cape Town.

Johannesburg: Manufacturing – Johannesburg has a diverse manufacturing sector, including textiles and food processing.

Morgan Stanley sees fiscal gains easing South Africa junk rating: South Africa’s improving economic prospects after years of lackluster growth will result in better fiscal metrics and may soon lead to an upgrade of its junk-rated debt, according to RMB Morgan Stanley.

Positive sentiment in the continent’s most industrialised economy has built up since the African National Congress formed a governing coalition with business-friendly parties after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994 in the May 29 election.

Reforms undertaken by Cyril Ramaphosa during his first term as president have also boosted the outlook and triggered a wave of investment by multinationals as well as rallies in the rand, bonds and the benchmark stock index.

“South Africa stands out as the….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Water Supply – Water scarcity and supply challenges are ongoing concerns.

Cape Town ‘disappointed’ as Joburg gets to host G20 Summit thanks to airports, hotels | Business: Johannesburg will host the G20 Leader’s Summit next year. Cape Town and eThekwini were in contention….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Apartheid History – Johannesburg played a significant role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Ethiopia-South Africa Business Forum underway in Johannesburg: Addis Ababa, October 28, 2024 (FBC) – The Ethiopia-South Africa Business Forum has officially commenced in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg: Constitutional Court – The court is located in the Old Fort Prison, a site with historical significance.

Ferroviario de Maputo book Basketball Africa League Second Round Qualifiers slot: Mozambican giants Ferroviario de Maputo recorded their fourth straight victory at the ongoing Group E Basketball Africa League Qualifying Tournament to book a well-deserved ticket to the Second Round.

Spaniard Alvaro Calvo Masa was in fine form scoring 22 points and picked 13 rebounds for his fourth double double of the competition to inspire Ferroviario to victory over the University of Zambia Pacers 84-69.

This matchup was billed to be intriguing as both sides were unbeaten in three games and indeed the Pacers lived up to expectations when they stayed within range even though they had a six-point deficit at the half time break 41-35.

Ferroviario were too strong in…..continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Cricket – The Wanderers Stadium is a major venue for cricket matches.

Four suspects arrested for selling unregistered pesticides released on a warning: Gauteng police said that the four suspects arrested for selling unregistered pesticides have been released on a warning.

The men were nabbed after spaza shop owners in Soweto reported them to the police, following the deaths of six children in Naledi earlier this month.

On Monday, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed that the children died after ingesting the pesticide organophosphate known as Terbufos.

Scientists are testing samples from their local spaza shop for the same pesticide after it was reported that the children died after sharing snacks.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said that the suspects who were not linked to the Naledi incident, were found at a mall in Johannesburg selling fertiliser farm….continue reading HERE.

Johannesburg: Urban Biodiversity – It’s known for its urban biodiversity, with various species of birds and plants.