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MANCOSA looks to address the AI skills shortage as it offers a South African first In line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the movement from localised job markets to a global job market, technology is having a significant influence on the future world of work, with artificial intelligence taking centre stage when it comes …
South African Medical Research Council says death notification form must be changed
SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards nominations now open
The nominations for the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) 2023 Scientific Merit Awards are now open.
These awards are aimed at acknowledging outstanding contributions to health research.
The awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen and have made innovative strides in addressing public health challenges, potentially influencing policy and thereby enhancing the well-being of the South African population.
Eligible candidates are pioneering researchers who have significantly advanced the realm of science and health research through their published work, with a focus on benefiting the lives of South Africans.
The accolades, widely regarded as some of the most prestigious in the country, encompass several tiers. These include Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and the esteemed President’s Awards.
Platinum medals, symbolising the Lifetime Achievement Award, are bestowed upon scientists who have exhibited a lifelong dedication to the field of health, leaving an indelible mark.
Respected academics, such as the late Professor Bongani Mayosi, along with Professors Valerie Mizrahi, Salim Abdool Karim and others, have previously been honoured with the Platinum Award accolade.
Gold medals are reserved for accomplished senior scientists, who have made seminal contributions that have had a profound impact on the health of people, particularly those residing in developing nations.
Last year, this award went to Professors Bavesh Kana, Elmi Muller, Sharon Prince and Ameena Goga.
Silver medals are dedicated to scientists who have played pivotal roles in scientific progress within the country, with an emphasis on fostering capacity development. Notable awardees in 2022 were Professors Theresa Rossouw and Samantha Sampson and Drs Tarylee Reddy and Muki Shey.
The Bronze medals are awarded to scientists who have recently entered the health research field, with not less than five years post PhD experience.
While this award is not tied to chronological age, researchers should preferably be under the age of 50 years.
Last year’s recipients were Professors Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Tivani Mashamba-Thompson, Lusilda Schutte and Drs Terusha Chetty, Wynand Goosen and Wanga Zembe-Mkabile.
President's Awards are conferred upon scientists who have exhibited an exceptional, lifelong commitment to health research and are granted at the discretion of the presiding SAMRC President and CEO.
In 2022, the sought-after President’s Award was bestowed on Professors Valerie Corfield and Johan Louw.
Corfield is a retiree who continues to serve in advancing research outputs and the research careers of academics in molecular and cell biology, health sciences and other disciplines.
Meanwhile, Louw is a biomedical scientist who serves as the Senior Platform Director at the Centre and Platforms Office at the SAMRC. His expertise and focal research areas are in the area of pathophysiology of metabolic disease, diabetes prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Glenda Gray, underscores that these awards honour research characterised by innovative methodologies and novel approaches in addressing public health issues, with the potential to influence policy and ultimately enhance the quality of life for South Africans.
“As we celebrate a decade of the SAMRC Scientific Merit Awards, these awards stand as a testament to the power of dedication, innovation and collaboration in advancing scientific discovery.
“Our honourees have illuminated the path towards healthier futures for all, embodying the spirit of excellence that drives us forward. With each passing year, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and shaping a world where knowledge knows no bounds,” said Gray.
More information about nominations can be found on https://www.samrc.ac.za/about-us/samrc-scientific-merit-awards. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 13:53
DubeRanx, the South African-born musician, is thrilled to announce his upcoming e.p ‘Love and Afrobeats: A Public Display of Affection’. The highly anticipated e.p, which features the incredibly talented Lars P and Ayanda, will be available for release on the 22nd of September 2023 under the record label ‘031 Records’. Known for his unique blend …
“Gas and oil and nuclear don’t need to be in our energy mix”
Over 70 gangsters nabbed by AGU in Gauteng
Ongoing investigations by the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) in Gauteng are bearing fruit, as the unit has so far arrested 73 gangsters in connection with 90 criminal acts.
Of these, three have been convicted to life in prison, and an additional combined 130 years in prison.
The rest are still behind bars and on trial for a spate of crimes such as murder, attempted murder, possession of weapons and ammunition, possession of suspected motor vehicles and drugs, among others.
These police breakthroughs are only for gang activities within the Sophiatown, Langlaagte and Eldorado Park areas within the Johannesburg district.
Some of the suspects have been positively linked to crimes committed in more than one policing precinct. Only four of the charges are outside of the abovementioned areas.
"The fact that these 73 are facing 90 charges tells us that they were the source of terror within those areas, and further charges against them cannot be ruled out as the Anti-Gang Unit is still investigating," said Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the Gauteng Police Commissioner.
The South African Police Service in Gauteng is anticipating the best outcomes for the dockets on trial, considering the level of investigations that culminated in their arrests and the evidence gathered. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 14:10
Food inflation remains high: EFPM report
The latest edition of the Essential Food Pricing Monitoring (EFPM) report, released by the Competition Commission on Wednesday, details how inflation has come down, but food inflation remains at nearly twice the inflation rate for all goods and services.
The report also highlights comparative trends in grocery retailer margins to global peers. It shares evidence of ‘rocket and feather’ [retail prices go up like ‘rockets’ after an increase in wholesale costs but fall like ‘feathers’ after a decrease] effects in maize meal, cooking oil and bread, and provides an in-depth overview of the beef value chain in South Africa.
The Commission said it is actively monitoring essential food prices and investigating the factors driving food inflation.
“This ensures transparency regarding the profit margins set by producers and retailers of these products. With upstream commodity prices declining in the first half of 2023, the Commission is now focusing on how quickly this translates into lower prices for consumers,” the Commission said in a statement.
However, this report indicates that these price drops have not consistently resulted in reduced producer or retail prices or have been delayed in doing so, noting that producers and retailers face other cost pressures.
The Commission noted that competition authorities in Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom recently published reports on the state of grocery retail competition in these countries in light of high food inflation.
“These reports assess trends in retail profits over the past three to four years. When comparing their findings to South Africa, we notice that local retailers are much more profitable than their counterparts in these countries. This could be due to various factors, including differences in the level of competition.
“Additionally, in some markets like the UK, retailer margins are decreasing, as discounters gain prominence, while in South Africa, margins increased between 2019 and 2022 before a recent decline primarily attributed to load shedding costs.
“This edition of the EFPM report also provides an overview of the work that has been done by other researchers, who have found evidence of the rocket and feather effect in local staple food value chains reviewed, where prices rise quickly during inflationary periods and decline slowly when inflation subsides,” the Commission said.
Various explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, with the key concern being the potential dysfunction of competition.
The EFPM includes an update on recent pricing trends and margins at the producer and retail level for sunflower oil, bread, maize meal, and individual quick frozen (IQF) chicken pieces.
Key findings of the EFPM include:
However, while retailers cut their margins during the period of rising prices, they have been slower to reduce prices, resulting in expanding margins. More recently, sunflower seed prices (lagged three months) have dropped but producer prices have still not responded.
As noted in the previous EFPM Report, IQF chicken price inflation remains lower than food inflation. The Commission will continue to monitor this value chain following the re-imposition of anti-dumping tariffs.
Some of the large food companies have recorded large revenue increases as a result of price increases, rather than volume growth, the Commission said.
Some producers have indicated that load shedding costs have not had a material impact on their businesses, except for poultry producers.
Beef value chain
This EFPM report takes a closer look at the South African beef sector, a crucial component of the country’s economy and diet, finding that it is becoming increasingly concentrated, with more companies vertically integrating across several points of the value chain.
The number of commercial cattle farmers has more than halved in the last 10 years.
The top 10 cattle feedlots account for almost 70% of cattle, up from 50% only six years ago. Feedlots are increasingly integrated into abattoirs and the top 10 slaughtered close to 50% of cattle.
During 2023, weaner calve prices declined substantially, which has resulted in lower prices for beef carcasses too.
However, the retail price for beef cuts collectively has not declined this year, resulting in the retailer share reaching 40% of the shelf price, the highest share since January 2021.
The complete report can be found on the Commission's website at: https://www.compcom.co.za/wp[1]content/uploads/2023/09/EFPM-Report_Sep-2023_publication.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 14:40
Oil and gas imperative for SA's energy security
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will “sustainably continue to develop” South Africa’s oil and gas resources in order to ensure energy security and alleviate dependency on foreign oil.
This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Deputy Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, who was speaking at the Southern Africa Oil Gas Conference on Wednesday.
“It is imperative to accelerate the exploration of oil and gas both onshore and offshore, as having our own petroleum resources will reduce our dependency on foreign oil and cushion our economies, in particular our citizens against imposed whirlwinds of crude price volatility,” she said.
The Deputy Minister said South Africa has already initiated policy intervention processes to boost the development and growth of the country’s oil and gas industry.
“The first intervention is the development of the Gas Master Plan which is a policy that outlines and guides the critical role of gas in South Africa while providing policy direction to the gas industry.
“We have also developed the Upstream Petroleum Development Bill seeking to ensure that the upstream petroleum sector is no longer regulated under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA), but under discrete petroleum legislation. We believe the de-coupling of the Upstream Petroleum Development Bill from MPRDA will bring regulatory certainty and hopefully shore up investor confidence,” Nkabane said.
Natural gas
Deputy Minister Nkabane highlighted that natural gas in one the key components in South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 and accounts for at least 3% of the country’s energy supply.
She explained that natural gas can also contribute to South Africa’s quest to lower emissions output.
“[The] continued exploration and discovery of indigenous gas is crucial for meeting our climate change targets and securing of energy supply,” she emphasised.
Nkabane highlighted that the recent discovery of maiden gas reserves in Mpumalanga represents a “major boost in electricity generation capacity as the country was looking at different sources of energy”.
She urged countries that have discovered gas to ensure these reserves not only serve international appetite but also contribute to energy security in local communities.
“Mpumalanga is the epicentre of South Africa’s power generation because [it] has a high concentration of power stations, therefore the discovery of gas positions the province at the centre of the just energy transition and as a source of reference for the country’s emission-reduction targets.
“We have also seen that Europe is looking to Africa to diversify its gas supplies. This presents a good opportunity and market for local gas beyond our own use. However, the caveat is that we should not rush to export our gas to Europe at the expense of our domestic and regional markets, no matter how tempting the prospects of earning foreign revenue.
“The argument often advanced is the lack of transmission infrastructure and unaffordability of gas products for local communities. My counter argument is that we are not going to change this situation if we do not use the revenue earned from gas exports to develop … our economies to create employment opportunities that will lead to consumption of goods and services,” she said.
Nkabane also called on African countries to increase ties in oil and gas trade between themselves.
“Already, South Africa imports the bulk of its crude requirements from African producers, including Nigeria and Angola. There is ample opportunity for a massive expansion of gas trade, especially from the Gulf of Guinea and the broader West Coast of Africa, where we have many producers and some already exporting. We collaborate closely with the African Petroleum Producers Organisation and urge more meaningful engagement with this continental body.
“As a region we should strive to build a strong oil and gas sector that will drive regional and continental economic development as is the case with the advanced economies,” Nkabane said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 14:53
Apple Music is shining a light on Mzansi’s greatest musical legends with its latest campaign, Amaqhawe (meaning “hero” in Xhosa, and “legend” in Zulu). In honour of the country’s rich musical legacy and Heritage Day on 24 September, Amaqhawe celebrates the musical legacies of the South African musicians whose sounds influenced and continue to inspire …
Digital technologies have created new spaces for interaction and enabled new ways to connect, share experiences, work and build communities. It is estimated that by 2030 in Sub-Saharan Africa alone more than 230 million jobs will require digital skill sets. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector has always been a male-dominated industry. In 2022, …
Concerns have reached a critical point as the KZN North Coast beaches, including Sheffield and Ballito, face a sudden and disturbing surge in the presence of nurdles—tiny plastic pellets used in the manufacturing of plastic products. This alarming escalation poses an imminent threat to the health of marine ecosystems, human well-being, and the delicate balance …
When it comes to first-class coffee-growing nations, South Africa has yet to reach its peak, however, one KZN South Coast-based coffee collective is finding a way to change this. RedBerry Coffee Collective, driven by Dylan Cumming of Beaver Creek Coffee Estate on the KZN South Coast, is building a strong base to increase coffee farming …
Langa centenary: former beauty queen Nomsa Banjatwa remembers a township abuzz with social events
Nangamso Matebese appointed as Deputy President’s economic affairs advisor
Nangamso Matebese has been appointed to the advisory team in the Office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“Ms Matebese is being seconded to the Office by the Development Bank of Southern Africa to serve as economic affairs advisor to the Deputy President,” a statement read on Monday.
“Matebese brings critical experience to the Presidency, having been responsible for infrastructure coordination among her many past responsibilities.”
Matebese is a qualified Chartered Banker with qualifications from Harvard Business School.
She has over 14 years of experience in investment banking, infrastructure and project finance, fund administration and management, and portfolio management.
The Office of the Deputy President said it believes she brings diverse and invaluable expertise to the already formidable team the Office has put together to support the Deputy President.
In this role, she will advise and apply her expertise in economic investments and infrastructure, forming part of the critical responsibilities of the Presidential Coordinating Council, which the Deputy President co-chairs.
Her responsibilities will also include analysing economic policies and recommendations for economic policies that will benefit the growth of the South African economy and the African investment trade.
“The Deputy President wishes Ms Matebese well during her time in the Presidency and commends her commitment to public service.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 09:01
Hostex 2024, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, is gearing up to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. With just months to go, Hostex has announced a significant milestone – an impressive 50% of the exhibition floorspace has already been sold, indicating the industry’s support and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Hostex 2024 …
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will highlight the country's fourth decimal coin series in September as the nation observes Heritage Month. The new circulation coin series features deep ecology as the overarching theme and is the first complete set of coins to be issued in the country's democratic dispensation. The SARB's focus on the coin series comes after the launch of the upgraded banknotes and coin on 3 May 2023 where the focus was placed largely on the upgraded banknotes.
The fourth decimal coin series has a contemporary appearance, and the design elements offer valuable information about the country's identity, including its culture, national symbols, history, languages, flora and fauna, cities and technology.
New security features have also been added, making the coins difficult to replicate.
The series was designed and engraved by South African artists and developed in consultation with key stakeholders such as the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the Institute for the Blind to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and accuracy of the design elements.
The six-coin denominations and designers are:
The coins retain the colours that South Africans are familiar with. The cents are brown (copper) or gold (bronze), the rands are silver, and the R5 is a bi-metallic copper alloy of both the gold (bronze) and silver colours. Each coin design has a unique landing pattern with various sides, which helps the visually impaired to identify the coins' value.
While the coins have undergone a makeover, they remain circulation coins. This means that they are worth their face value and can be used alongside earlier circulation coin series.
Design note to editors:
The 10c coin was designed by Carl Jeppe, a design lecturer, and bears the Cape honey bee which is indigenous to Southern Africa. The bee plays a vital role in South Africa's agriculture and agricultural economy by pollinating crops and producing honey.
The bitter aloe adorns the 20c coin, designed by Zinhle Zulu, an illustrator and cultural visual storyteller. The bitter aloe is a tall, single-stemmed plant that can grow to a height of 10 feet (3 metres).
The Knysna turaco or the Knysna loerie as it is referred to in South Africa, is a large turaco. The tall, elegant bird on the 50c coin was designed by Kotie Geldenhuys, an illustrator and graphic designer.
The South African Mint's Lilian Guerra and Richard Stone collaborated on the R1 coin, featuring the king protea, which has the largest flower head in the genus. This flower is also the national flower of South Africa. It is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem which contains many dormant buds; these produce new growth after a fire.
The springbok, featured on the R2 coin and designed by award-winning visual artist and environmentalist Themba Mkhangeli, is the national animal of South Africa. A feature unique to the springbok is its ability to perform multiple leaps into the air of up to 2 meters above the ground.
The R5 coin designed by Sujay Sanan features the southern right whale, which can be found in the southern part of the southern hemisphere. During the winter months these whales migrate to the coastal waters of South Africa, with more than 100 of them known to be in the Hermanus area.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Within the last decade, Dingo Dinkelman – aka South Africa’s ‘Steve Irwin’ – has become a globally renowned conservation crusader, leveraging social media to further his causes. He has racked up more than 400 000 subscribers on his Dingo Dinkelman YouTube channel – one of the fastest growing channels in the country – averaging 3 …
BENTELER expansion a boost for automotive manufacturing industry
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, says the expansion of the BENTELER South Africa plant in Gqeberha represents a significant milestone in South Africa's thriving automotive manufacturing industry.
The Minister has welcomed the investment made by BENTELER, which has resulted in the expansion of the Gqeberha plant by over 9 000m2, positioning it as the third hot forming plant in South Africa. The company started operating in Gqeberha in 2011.
Patel said this development reaffirms the nation's growth trajectory and its status as a hub for automotive production, notably in the Eastern Cape province.
During the construction phase, this expansion generated employment opportunities for 236 individuals and provided business opportunities to 42 different companies.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that an additional 50 skilled jobs will be created, increasing BENTELER's workforce from 697 to 743.
“This investment is significant, as it will achieve an annual import replacement value of an estimated R1 billion,” Patel said in his address via a video message.
“The investment is also a testament to the efficacy of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) and the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), operating within the framework of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).
“It highlights the pivotal role played by component manufacturing, a fundamental element of the APDP's objectives, especially in light of the constant evolution in vehicle technologies and manufacturing processes.”
The Minister said the investment underscores the growing recognition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the advantages of purchasing from localised suppliers.
“OEMs have seen that through local manufacturing of components, they can mitigate offshore supply chain costs, ultimately resulting in the creation of local jobs.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 14:00
Pioneers in the medical industry will gather alongside high-level representatives from government and business in October, for the inaugural Africa Health Indaba in Gauteng.
The Indaba takes place during the annual Africa Health Congress and is an evolution of the Leaders Forum event that was previously hosted during this annual gathering.
Set to be inaugurated by Mr Panyaza Lusufi, Premier of Gauteng province, the Indaba seeks to position Africa as a leader in medical innovation, spearheading global change.
By focusing on the local production of drugs and machines, fostering resilient supply chains, and promoting local industry, the event signifies Africa's commitment to leading medical innovation in areas where it is most needed and where resources are often most stretched.
A core component of the Indaba's discussions is the imperative of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC is a critical goal for health systems worldwide and holds particular significance for Africa.
The Indaba will create a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing about achieving UHC in the African context. It addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents and delves into the practicalities of resource sharing and balancing costs to stakeholders across the continent.
“A key focus of the discussions will be the alignment with the vision and trajectory of the South African NHI, currently a contested issue. The Indaba will provide an important forum for understanding how Africa's healthcare future can reconcile with the NHI's objectives, fostering an integrated and equitable health system,” says Dr Bandile Hadebe, spokesperson for the organisers of the event.
The Africa Health Indaba is more than a platform for dialogue and innovation. It serves as a roadmap for sustainable healthcare systems, universal health coverage, and fostering regional cohesion.
The event aligns with the principles of medical science and evidence-driven decision making, maintaining a non-partisan stance, and focusing on global best practices.
“The inaugural Africa Health Indaba is an elevated conversation at the heart of Africa's premier health industry summit. It offers an opportunity to network at the highest levels in a space of robust engagement featuring a balanced diversity of both technical and social perspectives, as well as inclusive stakeholder representation, including government, public, private and industry engagement,” says Dr Hadebe.
Each discussion is formatted and structured to ensure efficient knowledge sharing at the highest level and will culminate in a set of guidelines that will be published and distributed among stakeholders, ensuring the ideas and strategies discussed at the Indaba translate into concrete, actionable plans.
Drawing on the latest trends and innovations from both international and transcontinental perspectives, the Indaba will serve as a hub for learning and exchange. This approach will help to position Africa is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging global knowledge while tailoring solutions to local conditions and contexts.
The inaugural Africa Health Indaba is set to become an essential platform driving tangible change in Africa's healthcare landscape.
It signifies a commitment to leading the way in medical innovation, thereby fostering a prosperous and resilient future for the continent.
It takes place on Wednesday 18 October 2023 at Gallagher Estate in Gauteng, as part of the annual Africa Health Congress.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Health .
About Africa Health:
Minister Gordhan will apply the law regarding Mango Airlines judgement
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has in a statement emphasised his responsibility to apply the law and policies that govern the way he dispenses his oversight of State Owned Companies (SOCs) as the government shareholder representative.
This in relation to the Pretoria High Court’s decision ordering that the Minister decide on the sale of South African Airways (SAA) subsidiary, Mango Airlines, within 30 days as proposed by the business rescue practitioner.
Gordhan said he is studying the judgement and will proceed on the basis of legal advice he receives on the matter.
“My duty as the executive authority is to safeguard the interests of South Africans. At no point will I abandon my fiduciary responsibility to ensure that any decision that is taken regarding the future of Mango is consistent with the prescripts of the law and is in the best interest of the public.
“The issues around this case evolve around my request for further information from the business rescue practitioner. This is what the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) requires in order to make a judiciously sound decision. I will not be bullied to act in a manner that will compromise the work of government in this regard.
“While we respect the decision of the Court, the department will ensure that we follow all the prescripts of the law in terms of how we execute on our responsibility to put all our SOCs on a stable footing,” Minister Gordhan added.
According to the department, Gordhan requested the following information from the business rescue practitioner to “enable him to make the decision on the PFMA Section 54 (2) application”:
“Despite several requests, the Minister was not furnished with the requested information. The Minister cannot make a decision based on insufficient information,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 10:18
Today, Canon (Canon-CNA.com) begins its role as the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will be the third Rugby World Cup tournament it has sponsored. As the Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon provides world-leading technology that ensures fans don't miss a moment of the action. Canon will be supplying a full range of support from its diverse businesses, including cameras, lenses, video camcorders and network cameras. As with many major sporting events, Canon Professional Services will be available, where its team members will be providing technical support to more than 800 press, 400+ photographers, 300+ TV crew personnel, 300+ agency staff and 70+ radio personnel. Support includes camera and lens maintenance services and product loans, ensuring they are equipped to capture every nail-biting moment.
AFP Partnership
In addition to its official imaging role, Canon is supporting several activities off the pitch that are designed to champion inclusivity across the sport. This includes an exciting partnership with the AFP, which will see one aspiring young photographer from each of the participating nations partnered with a staff photographer, equipped with a Canon camera.
Earlier this year, ahead of the tournament, each pair worked on an assignment together that illustrated their nation's relationship with the Rugby World Cup through photography. By allowing the next generation to show the world what the tournament means to their nation, we can celebrate the diversity of the sport and inspire a world of change.
Partnership with the Portuguese National Team
At the Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon will be giving members of the Portuguese national team PowerShot V10 (https://apo-opa.info/3VTs35H) cameras and will be featuring their stories on its website, enabling them to catalogue their tournament journey through their own lens.
Let's Celebrate our Differences
Rugby is a universal sport. It brings together women and men sharing key values of the sport such as solidarity, commitment, and respect, no matter where they come from and no matter who they are. These values have been celebrated in a unique international “Celebrating Our Differences” (https://www.LetsCelebrateOurDifferences.com/en/) photography competition, of which Canon is an official sponsor.
Once again, ahead of the tournament, the power was handed to fans across the world, to illustrate what the sport means to them. The winners of the challenge – from France, Argentina, Uganda, India, and Vietnam – were awarded prizes that included 16 Canon cameras: 12 Canon EOS R50s for the winners of each category and 4 EOS R8s for Canon's favourites. The photographs can be found on display on the gates of the UNESCO's headquarters in the seventh arrondissement of Paris until the 6th September, as well as during the tournament at the host cities of this year's Rugby World Cup.
See the winning images here (https://apo-opa.info/3Ewr6Zr).
“We're delighted to be the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup this year, following two great tournaments in England and Japan” says Peter Morris, Brand and Sponsorship Senior Manager, Canon EMEA. “We've also been thrilled to participate in the AFP partnership and the “Celebrate our Differences” photography competition, two initiatives that put the power of imaging in the hands of the diverse fans that help make this tournament such a special event. We hope that these moments, captured through the lens of our iconic imaging equipment, will help drive positive change.”
Rugby World Cup 2023
Host country: France
Tournament period: September 8 – October 28, 2023
Participating teams: 20 (South Africa, Namibia, England, Wales, New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Uruguay, Georgia, Romania, Portugal, Tonga and Chile.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: Canon-CNA.com.
Boasting a fast, flat route, the inaugural Boxer Super Run is set to make waves in the streets of Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023. “The lightning-fast route is set to inject a thrilling dose of excitement into the Men’s and Women’s Elite Races,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We’re confident the …
SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the world's leading telecoms technical customer support vendor, today reveals new research on the South African market, providing key insights into the online habits and customer support expectations of South Africans.
South Africans are spending increasing amounts of time online
The global shift towards digitalisation hasn't bypassed South Africa. Rather, as South Africans transition to the latest smartphones, they're spending more and more time online. According to a recent ProxyRack report, for example, the average South African now spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day online – making them the world's heaviest internet users.
A new study by Sweden's Subtonomy, provides unique insights into how South Africans are spending this time, revealing:
What all of these advanced data applications have in common, is that they require a robust, stable and always-available network, and this is precisely where customers say there's a big problem - with 7 in 10 admitting they're frequently experiencing problems with their connectivity.
Excellent customer support has become a critical decision point for customers
In addition to dealing with the demands of more complex services, and responding to changing customer needs, South African service providers have the added challenge of regular and unpredictable load balancing events to cope with. But while South Africans don't necessarily blame their service provider - indeed 8 out of 10 say they're doing a great job supporting them – disruptions to their service have become such a significant issue that customer support quality is now seen as a key decision point when deciding which network to use.
But what does excellent customer service look like to the average South African? Increasingly, they expect it to be fast, convenient, proactive and digital.
Fast, convenient, proactive, digital support is available today
The good news is that the type of fast, convenient, proactive digital support South Africans want has already been developed, tried and tested, and is now being routinely delivered in the advanced mobile markets of Scandinavia. South African service providers are now actively seeking to replicate this type of experience in order to meet customer expectations, drive down support costs, and deliver a world-class experience to customers.
“All networks experience both planned and unplanned problems at one time or another,” explains Fredrik Edwall, EVP Sales & Marketing, Subtonomy. “But what differentiates service providers is the ability to rapidly pinpoint exactly what's causing their customer's problem and then quickly resolve it, while at the same time keeping the customer informed and updated throughout.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.
Contact Tina Rosén to set up an interview: tina.rosen@subtonomy.com
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President Ramaphosa welcomes inclusion of AU into G20
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20, the premier forum for global economic, trade and financial dialogue for growth and sustainable development.
President Ramaphosa concluded his working visit to New Delhi, India, from 9 - 10 September, where he addressed the G20 Leaders’ Summit, held under the theme: ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’.
The inclusion of the AU in the G20 comes after President Ramaphosa advocated for the AU’s membership in the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
The President appreciated India's Presidency in hosting an inclusive summit and placing the interest of the global South firmly on the agenda. He further acknowledged G20 member States, who supported the AU's inclusion.
“The participation of the AU will strengthen global economic governance and allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues,” President Ramaphosa said.
On the margins of the New Delhi G20 Summit, South Africa participated in the EU-African Leaders’ Meeting attended by the Presidents of the European Council and Commission; African Heads of State invited to attend the G20 summit; the African Union Commission (AUC); Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
The purpose of the meeting was to, among others, discuss the AU’s G20 membership; food security, grain and fertiliser supply, and the reform of the global financial architecture.
South Africa used the summit to advocate for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development to meet climate change commitments.
“South Africa welcomes the Indian Presidency’s efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The achievement of the SDGs must remain at the centre of international financing discussions to ensure that finance is mobilised in sufficient quantities and of suitable quality to support development in low- and middle-income countries,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working closely with President Lula da Silva as Brazil prepares to take over the Presidency of the G20 in 2024, and to build on the foundation laid by India.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
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Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:07