Tears and joy as miners return to the surface after hostage drama
Police open kidnapping case after events at Gold One mine
agreement
Farmers placed on alert as El Nino takes effect
The South African Weather Service warns of possibly hot and dry summer ahead
Tension mounts at Springs mine as police mobilise
AMCU claims that miners are voluntarily protesting underground at Gold One but there are definitely people being held hostage
NSG, UJ sign MOU
NSG, UJ sign MOU
The National School of Government (NSG) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the secondment of academic personnel of the UJ to the NSG during their sabbatical leave.
The MoU enables UJ scholars to pursue education and research in line with the education, training and development (ETD) initiatives at the NSG for the duration of their sabbaticals.
The MOU will promote knowledge exchange and resource support, and will greatly enhance the NSG’s interventions in improving State capacity.
Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet has hailed the agreement as a progressive partnership towards the professionalisation of the public service, since the academics are expected to contribute to education, training and development programmes at the NSG.
“Building an ethical, capable developmental State is an apex priority of government. Such a partnership will go a long way towards the achievement of this goal,” Kiviet said.
Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) said: “I am delighted to announce the secondment of our esteemed academic personnel to the prestigious National School of Government during their sabbatical. This opportunity will not only enrich their own research and teaching expertise but also contribute to the advancement of public administration and governance practices in the country.
“We believe that this collaboration will pave the way for greater innovation, knowledge-sharing, and academic excellence in the field. Our commitment to fostering partnerships with leading institutions such as the NSG underscores our dedication to creating a positive societal impact and shaping future leaders in the public service.”
The Principal of the NSG, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, welcomed the agreement and said the NSG looks forward to the benefit that the public sector will derive from this development.
“Academics will be able to share their expertise and gain practical experience of how the public service works, through being stationed in a government department for a period,” Ngcaweni said.
Government departments will also gain a lot from the expertise and research capacity of the academic personnel.
Ngcaweni said the NSG will explore the conclusion of a similar agreement with higher education institutions, as well to expand the pool from which government will benefit. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 14:05
332 views
Minister Pandor undertakes Working Visit to Zambia
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Dr Naledi Pandor, will undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Zambia to hold political and diplomatic consultations with her counterpart, Mr Stanley Kakubo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on 20 October 2023.
It is expected that the Ministers will discuss preparations for the Inaugural Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) at a date to be mutually agreed by both countries.
The Working Visit will also provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional, continental and international issues of mutual interest.
Zambia has assumed the role of Chair of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in August 2023. The Organ is responsible for safeguarding peace, democracy and good governance in the region.
Bilateral relations and the bond of friendship between the peoples of South Africa and Zambia date back to the 1960s when Zambia provided much-needed support to the South African anti-apartheid movement.
In 1992, relations between the two countries were conducted at the level of Representative Offices. Full diplomatic relations were established in 1994.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Zambia in August 2018. During the visit, the Agreement on the Establishment of the South Africa-Zambia BNC was signed.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Health department agrees to pay nurses uniform allowance
The temporary allowance is R3,153
Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan welcomed
Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan welcomed
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed Cabinet’s concurrence of the Tourism Sector Masterplan, which was gazetted on Friday.
“Implementing the masterplan will create opportunities for inclusive participation of all sectors of society, including women, youth and people with disabilities. This plan also gives impetus to the recovery and sustained growth of the sector,” said de Lille.
Due to its multiplier effect, labour intensity and value chain that creates significant employment opportunities, tourism is recognised as a priority sector of the South African economy.
The sector’s interlinkages with other economic sectors provides business opportunities for Small, Micro to Medium Enterprises, which is why it was identified as one of seven key sectors in South Africa's Re-Imagining Industrial Strategy, approved by Cabinet in 2019.
This is the basis upon which the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (TSRP) was converted into a comprehensive Tourism Sector Masterplan.
The conversion of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan into the Tourism Sector Masterplan was one of the key priorities given to Minister de Lille by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of her performance agreement. This priority has now been achieved, said the department.
“The masterplan aims to galvanise industry, labour and government to collectively act on a shared vision, identify priorities, and deliver economic activity and jobs for all South Africans,” de Lille said.
As the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan has a lifespan of three years, from 2021/22 to 2023/24.
The department had embarked on a process to convert the TSRP into the Tourism Sector Masterplan. “This entailed the integration of all TSRP interventions into the Tourism Sector Masterplan, with the extension of the timeframe for implementation up to the 2025/26 financial year,” the Minister said.
Additionally, the vision, mission, guiding principles and values of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) 2016 – 2026 were adopted.
Institutional and governance responsibilities for developing and implementing the masterplan were added in accordance with the masterplan guidelines to prepare, develop and implementation of the masterplan.
The TSRP was a three-year, highly focussed intervention and product of collaboration with key stakeholders from the government, the private sector and other social partners aimed at mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism economy and charting a roadmap for recovery.
It proposed various measures to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability for tourism recovery.
Overall, the plan proposed seven strategic interventions underpinned by specific actions aimed at helping the sector recover to pre-pandemic levels and positioning the sector for long-term sustainable growth.
The plan is aligned to the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), in particular to the ERRP's priorities in the areas of employment creation, infrastructure investment, green economy or sustainability interventions inclusion of women and youth as well as skills development.
The Tourism Sector Masterplan is available on the department’s website at: www.tourism.gov.za and a copy of the gazette can also be viewed on: https://www.tourism.gov.za/AboutNDT/Publications/Government%20Gazette%20Number%2049503%20-%20Tourism%20Sector%20Masterplan.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:54
6 views
Green hydrogen economy plays prominent role in SA’s honest energy transition
Green hydrogen economy plays prominent role in SA’s just energy transition
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the vital role the green hydrogen economy plays in the country’s development and just energy transition.
“The hydrogen economy has a prominent role to play in our country’s just energy transition, providing employment and support to vulnerable workers, communities and small businesses.
“It has been estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to our GDP by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs. We must act with purpose to harness the potential of the green hydrogen economy,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the second iteration of South African Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS) in Century City, Cape Town, on Monday.
The inaugural SAGHS, held in 2022, reaffirmed South Africa as an investment destination of choice and a world leader in the green energy space. It focused on scaling up regional cooperation around green hydrogen.
This second summit aims to highlight South Africa’s exceptional potential as an early stage, large scale and low cost world-class green hydrogen production hub, and total value chain investment destination.
South Africa’s Investment Strategy, approved by Cabinet earlier this year, lists green hydrogen as one of the big frontier strategic sectors expected to attract foreign and domestic direct investment.
The President emphasised the nation’s goal to position itself as a globally competitive player in this dynamic and growing industry.
The President noted that 64 countries, accounting for 89% of global emissions, have announced net zero targets by 2050. He further said that is anticipated that global green hydrogen demand will increase sevenfold by 2050.
He said that for the world to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, green hydrogen will need to constitute 10% to 20% of the global energy mix.
“South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10% to 15% of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security,” he said.
Green Hydrogen Alliance
The President acknowledged the collaboration efforts being made through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.
The alliance aims to harness Africa’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries. It aims to make joint calls for technical support, funding and market access to international public and private sector partners.
“The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and advancements in the green hydrogen space.
“Close cooperation between public, private and financial partners will be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential. This will enable mass-scale domestic and international demand for green hydrogen, and increase cooperation on green hydrogen production, storage and distribution infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that if investment is significantly scaled-up, green hydrogen can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, increase the collective GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities.
He said proper planning, regulation and incentive schemes are critical to mobilise private sector investment.
“South Africa has deep capital markets, with world-class conditions for generating renewable energy through solar and wind power, which are key drivers of the production of green hydrogen.
“Funding green hydrogen projects will require innovative financing structures sourced from multiple stakeholders,” President Ramaphosa said.
Building the green hydrogen industry
In June 2023, South Africa concluded a Heads of Agreement with the intention to launch the SA-H2 Fund. This is an innovative blended finance fund that will facilitate the development of a green hydrogen sector and circular economy in South Africa.
SA-H2 aims to secure $1 billion in funding raised directly in South Africa or via indirect channels. The Fund is a partnership of private and public enterprises, locally and globally.
Since the last Summit, the President said advances have been made towards building the green hydrogen industry in the country.
These include a Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government, focusing on market access, off-take opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser.
South Africa has also signed a MOU with the Netherlands as an off-taker for green hydrogen derivative products.
“It is encouraging to note that a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed at this conference by three multinationals in the green hydrogen mobility space, namely Sasol, Anglo American and BMW.
“Sasol will serve as a supplier to Anglo and BMW as part of their focus on commercial and passenger fleet transformation. These are important initiatives within the context of carbon border adjustment mechanisms,” the President said.
He thanked all the partners and sponsors that have made this summit possible. He sent a special mention to Anglo American, BMW, Sasol, the Industrial Development Corporation and GIZ.
“I wish business and government delegations at this summit well as we work to shape Africa’s green hydrogen agenda for the benefit of our economies and societies, now and into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:20
319 views
Game-changing proptech: Lisa smart leasing platform launches in South Africa
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 October 2023 – Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa’s largest last-mile logistics operator. Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, announced Lisa’s breakthrough market entry today and confirmed that Inospace has …
South Africa, Namibia highlight areas of partnership
South Africa, Namibia highlight areas of partnership
South Africa and Namibia have reached agreements in more than 150 areas which will deepen relations between the two Southern African countries.
This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum held in Namibia.
“Our Ministers of International Relations tabled a report at the Bi-National Commission where they reported on up to 159 areas of agreement that they have worked on in the past few days. This process started after His Excellency Hage Geingob visited South Africa on a state visit earlier this year.
“This business forum was presaged by those agreements that they have been working on for all this time. To have had up to 150-something areas agreement is a truly outstanding feat…that is a result of real good hard work,” he said.
The President said the two countries can use the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to position themselves as an industrialising hub for the continent with a focus on increased trade between the two countries and with the rest of the continent.
The agreements presented encouraged the two governments to deepen or broaden cooperation in four specific areas including in:
- Green Hydrogen
- Developing cross-border value-chains to boost industrialisation and economic development
- Promoting higher levels of investment in each other’s economies
- Facilitating deeper private sector relations
On Green Hydrogen, the President said: “South Africa is in the process of considering and finalising a Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. Namibia too is implementing its green hydrogen strategy. We can either go it alone as South Africa and Namibia or we can position this part of the west coast of the African continent as a key green hydrogen region.”
Turning to cross border value chains, President Ramaphosa said the two countries together have “the key elements of success”.
“We have raw materials, ranging from critical minerals to agricultural raw materials. We have technology, capital, an increasingly skilled and educated workforce and infrastructure. A number of value chains can be identified.
“One of these relate to our use of critical minerals to ensure that manufacturing takes place on the African continent,” he said.
President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s favourability as an investment destination and called on Namibian businesses to do business in the country and called on South African companies to do the same.
“I want to invite Namibian businesses who want to expand their operations to set up businesses in our country. Similarly, South African companies can work with the government of Namibia and local business partners to set up operations here.
“In order to boost investment, we agreed earlier today to request our Ministers of Trade and Industry to work towards establishing a financing facility for industrial and productive development projects,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said business forums like the one held on Friday are an example of platforms that must be created to strengthen “dialogue and stimulate joint ventures” in the private sectors of both countries.
“Namibian businesses must see benefits from the involvement of South African firms in Namibia, and vice versa.
“I wish to welcome two key decisions we made at the Binational Commission today. They are, firstly, to deepen cooperation to attract private sector investment in agreed areas of cooperation.
“Secondly, to establish a South Africa-Namibia Business Council to serve as a public-private sector platform for coordinated and concerted actions,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 12:53
322 views
Sony Launches Sony Innovation Fund: Africa
Fostering ventures specializing in the entertainment business in Africa Sony Group Corporation (“Sony”) announced today that it has established “Sony Innovation Fund: Africa” as an initiative to support the growth of the entertainment businesses in Africa. Since 2016, Sony has been participating in the ecosystem of new business creation around the world and has contributed …
Almost 4,000 households still to be moved off Cape Town railway land
While plans for temporary relocation of 891 households occupying the Central Line are making progress, thousands of households remain on the railway
Former municipal manager in court for ‘unlawful sale’ of municipal land
Former municipal manager in court for 'unlawful sale' of municipal land
Former municipal manager of the Mahikeng Local Municipality, Henry Smit, has appeared in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the unlawful sale of municipal land to the value of R144 million.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Smit is facing charges of fraud, theft, Contravention of Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), four of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Activities Act (PRECCA), two of Corruption, money laundering and Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA).
He was arrested on Tuesday and granted R150 000 bail.
The NPA said Smit allegedly sold the municipal land in 2007 to a company “without council approval and further ignoring the competitive bidding process”.
“The said company only paid R5 million as a deposit to purchase the land. Investigations reveal that the company went into liquidation in December 2011 without paying the municipality the outstanding debt. The assets of this company were subsequently sold to another company for an amount of R16 million at an auction.
“In April 2012, the new owners of the land changed their company name, and between 2013 and 2015 they sold and transferred portions of the land to five other companies and a trust account.
“Investigations by the Hawks revealed that directors and shareholders of these companies had links to the company that was liquidated and they acted in common interest in illegally making gains from the municipal land that was acquired irregularly,” the NPA said.
Also, it is alleged that the company bought the land at auction and went on to enter into an “unlawful agreement with the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), to build 2400 units at the value of over R301 million”.
“An amount of R54 million was allegedly authorised by the North West Department of Human Settle for the start of the project. This contract, however, failed to materialise, as it was not budgeted for by SHRA.
“Investigations also revealed that an amount of over R550 000 was paid as gratification to one suspect and it was further traced to a purchase of a house to the accused’s daughter,” the NPA said.
The case has been postponed to December and more arrests are expected. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 10:34
348 views
#UniteBehind takes PRASA and transport minister to court
The organisation argues the state has a statutory and constitutional duty to devolve rail to the City of Cape Town
3 Eastern Province Cricket Board Directors Removed
Three Directors of the 12-member Eastern Province Cricket Board have been removed through a unanimous board decision on the basis of the findings of two inquiries headed by retired judges. They are Mr Rafiek Potgieter, Mrs Dai Tai Marais and Mr Leon Miggels. This follows a finding by Judge B M Ngoepe on behalf of …
Pact to fund STEM postgrad students
Pact to fund STEM postgrad students
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Energy Mobility Education Trust have concluded a three-year partnership agreement to fund postgraduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and commerce fields.
The agreement is said to focus on traditionally marginalised groups and contribute to the transformation of the education landscape, with a specific focus on South Africans who are Black, female or people with a disability.
According to the Energy Mobility Education Trust CEO, Vuyo Mwase, the move will promote academic, scientific, and technological cooperation by supporting full-time studies for South African postgraduate students at the Honours level for the first year and Master’s and Doctoral levels from 2024.
“The Energy Mobility Education Trust has championed the attainment of formal qualifications in STEM and commerce for over years,” said Mwase.
The CEO also noted the lack of funding for postgraduate studies.
“As such, this complementary and strategic partnership with the NRF strengthens our position and commitment to narrowing this gap. Additionally, our partnership will augment the much-needed innovation in developing and managing the current and emerging renewable energy systems,” Mwase explained.
The programme will initially provide funding opportunities for 38 Honours students for the 2023 academic year, with an initial investment of R6.8 million, with Master’s and Doctoral programmes to start in 2024.
Funding for postgraduate students will be made available in the STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mathematical science, data science, computer science, green economy, renewable energy and climate change studies.
The first phase of the programme will support students from the Universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo, Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Western Cape and Johannesburg.
The NRF’s Dr Mbulelo Ncango is of the view that the scholarship programme comes at a critical time as South Africa strives to respond to energy and climate change challenges amongst many other national concerns.
“This partnership is aligned with national policy goals on higher education, science, and technology such as the strengthening of human resource development and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 15:00
178 views
Simba granted urgent interdict against striking workers
Allegations of transport deductions are false, says Simba
SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management
SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management
The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC – GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the promotion of equitable and reasonable utilisation of water resources of the Incomati and Maputo Basin.
The agreement also seeks to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the resources.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBO) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWI) workshop, held at Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo on 2 - 4 October 2023.
The workshop aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas that will enhance effective transboundary water resources planning, development, and management in the region, while ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience in order to improve regional water security, and ultimately reduce poverty through regional integration, economic productivity and industrialisation.
Through the signed MoU, the two parties have agreed on the following areas of cooperation, amongst others:
• Engage in academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins on items of mutual interest, particularly on groundwater related issues.
• Share any information that improves the knowledge base on transboundary aquifers in the Incomati and Maputo Basins.
• Design and undertake joint excursions and projects within the two basins.
• Explore funding opportunities from various cooperating partners and funders to implement joint activities within the basin.
INMACOM is an entity established by the Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Mozambique, and Republic of South Africa through the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement entered into in November 2021.
This is an instrument used to guide the Riparian States in contributing to regional cooperation with regard to the utilisation and development of common water resources.
The main responsibility of the Commission is to, amongst others, encourage cooperation between the parties to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of the water resources shared by the Member States.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has welcomed the new development, saying the combined effort by the Member States, through South Africa’s Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources in Eswatini and Mozambique’s Department of Water and Natural Resources, could also contribute positively towards “peace, stability and prosperity of the Southern African region”.
“SADC-GMI, is established as the regional Centre of Excellence in promoting equitable and sustainable groundwater management and providing solutions to groundwater challenges across the SADC region for improved livelihoods and socio-economic development. This also forms part of SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty eradication.
“Furthermore, SADC-GMI mandate is to create an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and create an enabling dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information in the SADC region,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:48
24 views
University Drop-Out’s Huge Ideas Manufacture Waves In Tech Industry
Born and raised in Thembisa, Johannesburg, young Mongezi Masombuka (30) is the founder and Managing Director of a successful IT and business solutions company and is steadily making waves in the tech industry. Having only recently celebrated his 30th birthday, Masombuka has already conquered a myriad of challenges. Stopping at nothing, his passion for knowledge …
Simba factory workers down tools over “unfair” transport deductions
The company is in the Labour Court on Thursday afternoon to get an urgent interdict against the strikers
Chemicals, cosmetics sectors to benefit from AfCFTA
Chemicals, cosmetics sectors to benefit from AfCFTA
The chemicals, cosmetics, plastics and pharmaceutical sectors are set to get acquainted with the benefits offered under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This will occur during the virtual workshop on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that will be hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) on Wednesday, 11 October 2023.
The dtic has already embarked on provincial awareness workshops, which provided a platform for information sharing with the private sector on the benefits offered under the agreement.
The workshops were also used to identify South African companies in various provinces, in the targeted sector masterplans and other priority sectors that have the capacity to export to the rest of the continent.
More workshops focusing on different sectors are being organised.
The workshop seeks to engage the chemicals, cosmetics, plastics, and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as industry agencies, associations and export councils, including their members on the benefits of exporting under the AfCFTA.
According to the Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina, the interactive workshop is critical as it will afford the department an opportunity to provide a status update on the progress made in the development of the National Implementation Plan of the AfCFTA.
This also includes the establishment of the National Implementation Committee.
“The department will update the sectors on the role expected of them in the implementation of the AfCFTA and essentially obtain challenges that the sectors may be facing in accessing the market in the continent. Obtaining this intelligence will assist the department to unlock the bottlenecks that the sectors may be facing,” Gina said.
Additionally, the workshop seeks to communicate and engage with the private sector, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as women and youth-owned export ready businesses, on the status of the implementation of the AfCFTA, including opportunities for South African companies to participate in preferential trade beyond the Southern African region.
“I am making a call to all these sectors to take advantage of the opportunities that the agreement is expected to unlock for companies.
“This agreement intends to create a large single continental market with a population of about 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately USD3.4 trillion and we cannot lose out on it,” she said.
Gina describes the chemicals, cosmetics, plastics and pharmaceutical sectors as important to the South African economy as they play a critical role and are interwoven with the manufacturing sector which creates much needed employment.
South Africa is Africa’s largest market for cosmetics and personal care products.
In 2018, the sector recorded close to US$3.2bn in revenue. Imports of cosmetics have almost doubled in the last 10 years, presenting opportunities for localising production.
Against this backdrop, Gina says it is critical to support the sector and all others to produce locally and export to other markets particularly to the continent. This she says will reduce the import dependency and create more jobs. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 15:18
103 views
Western Cape Premier set to open pan-African clean tech pitch event at Green Energy Africa Summit
On 11 October 2023, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, will provide the opening remarks at Green Energy Africa Summit's (https://GreenEnergyAfricaSummit.com/) high-octane deal pitching platform, the Energy Investment Village.
A selection of ten African clean-tech start-ups will pitch their clean-tech solutions before a panel of judges and a room full of potential international investors on day 2 of the highly anticipated Green Energy Africa Summit. The Premier's presence at the Energy Investment Village signals the growing interest in - and serious consideration of - African clean-tech start-ups as viable clean energy investment assets.
This is the second year that Green Energy Africa Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3PLZHI8) has hosted the Energy Investment Village. The initiative was developed in partnership with Freeport Saldanha's Innovation Campus (https://www.InnovationCampus.co.za/) and advisory firm, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) (https://EnablingInnovation.Africa/) and Anza Capital (https://Anza.holdings/), an early-stage tech start-up investment company. The Energy Investment Village is supported by Africa Scotland Business Network, JSE, Oceanhub-Africa, Savant, Firecracker, CHIETA, and Sasol.
The Green Energy Africa Summit itself provides an important role in enabling international investors to originate projects that will reduce the energy deficit whilst also contributing to developing low-carbon pathways. The Energy Investment Village is the action-based aspect of the Summit, providing a key moment for African clean energy projects and international investors to have direct sight of one another.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, African energy investment needs to double to over USD 200 billion per year by 2030, for the continent to meet its energy-related development goals. However, emerging and developing economies (except for China) remain stuck at 2015 levels, with no increase since the Paris Agreement was reached.
Premier Winde says, “Our energy demands are currently outstripping supply. When ramping up capacity, clean energy solutions must be a priority. This is particularly important for South Africa if we are to reach our goal of net zero emissions by 2050, to which we've committed in our Low-Emission Development Strategy as part of the UNDP Climate Promise, and the Western Cape Government is committed to supporting. Initiatives such as the Green Energy Africa Summit's Energy Investment Village are excellent vehicles to enable clean energy innovation to flourish. As the Western Cape Government, we are investing heavily in making our province energy resilient. This involves striking a balance between driving economic growth while at the same time developing and harnessing renewable energy solutions.”
As well as finding potential investor-start-up linkages and synergies, the competing start-ups can win valuable prizes provided by the Energy Investment Village sponsors. This includes capacity-enhancing programmes such as:
- Pitch preparation training programme sponsored by CHIETA (for all finalists);
- JSE's Enterprise Acceleration Programme;
- Build Acceleration Programme 2024 by Savant;
- Enterprise Supplier Development Programme by Sasol; and
- a half day brand workshop valued at R25k by Firecracker Events and Marketing.
Additionally, up to R5 million in VC funding (dependent on terms & conditions and company audit) will be made available by Anza Capital, and corporate membership to an international network worth R9k will be given to the top start-up by Africa Scotland Business Network. A cash prize of R100k from Sasol for a selected start-up.
Energy Investment Village finalists for 2023
- Therm, pioneers in sustainable heating solutions, utilizing innovative technologies for efficient energy consumption.
- AET Africa, providers of renewable energy systems, specialising in solar and wind power generation across the African continent.
- Ceneco Green Power, developers of environmentally friendly power plants focused on reducing carbon emissions.
- Energy Cubes, innovators in energy storage, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for optimising power distribution.
- Powerstove, providers of clean cooking solutions in the form of efficient and clean-burning stoves for households and communities.
- Revive Earth, turning organic waste into renewable resources while mitigating environmental impact.
- Green Share, providers of a decentralised energy management system, enabling communities to generate, store, and share renewable energy.
- Think Bikes, providing sustainable urban transportation through the design and manufacture of electric bicycles for eco-conscious commuters.
- Flx, offering cutting-edge electric vehicles with a focus on performance, affordability, and sustainability.
- Impact-free Water, providers of sustainable solutions for clean and accessible water in resource-challenged regions.
Find out more about attending Green Energy Africa Summit and take part in the excitement as the Energy Investment Village finalists battle it out for pole position: https://apo-opa.info/3Q6u6Cp
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Green Energy Africa Summit.
Media Contact:
Amie Sparrow
PR Manager
amie.sparrow@hyve.group
About Green Energy Africa Summit:
The Green Energy Africa Summit is a high-level gathering advocating for policy reforms and the harmonisation of Africa's natural resources, to help pave the way for a just energy transition to ensure Africa remains competitive and attractive to global finance. The Green Energy Africa Summit takes place in the heart of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) from 10-11 October 2023.
Revitalisation of uMkhomazi multi-billion rand water project underway
Revitalisation of uMkhomazi multi-billion rand water project underway
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced that the R23 billion uMkhomazi Water Project has been resuscitated, after being delayed for several years.
Mchunu made the announcement during a media briefing held in Durban to give an update on water security in eThekwini and other districts, particularly Phase I of the uMkhomazi Water Project.
Mchunu said the uMkhomazi Water Project will increase water security in the uMngeni Water Supply System which supplies eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala District Municipalities and Msunduzi Local Municipality, and ensure water security in 2030.
He said, this represents progress after a number of meetings with the Ministers of Finance, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and eThekwini Mayor.
Mchunu explained that the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a state-owned entity charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will implement the raw water component of the project, while the potable water component will be implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water.
“This means that, the ball is now in eThekwini’s court to start consultations and complete them as soon as possible so that the project can really start without any further delays. These consultations will also enable TCTA to start raising 50% of the finance required for the project on the market.
“The remaining 50% will be funded by National Treasury, through a 25% loan to the TCTA and a 25% grant. The contribution to the project from the fiscus enables the water that will be provided to be affordable to the municipalities. We now want TCTA to proceed with planning and design work right away so that construction can start as soon as possible in 2024 / 2025,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu also reported that the department has completed the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall by 7.02 metres, which will put additional water to eThekwini, following the floods which left Aqueducts 1 and 2 damaged.
The Minister said the repairs to Aqueduct 1 and 2 have been completed and they are back online, and will be commissioned soon.
“The shortages of water in the South and other areas require a number of accelerated activities, including the completion of repairs to eThekwini’s own south-bound Aqueduct. We are aware of several infrastructure projects by eThekwini, and these represent a positive development,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the next priority activities would be to deal with non-revenue water and physical losses, including operations and maintenance, billing, and revenue collection.
He said the department is working in partnership with National Treasury and CoGTA to support eThekwini to improve its water and sanitation services.
In this regard, he said the city has put in place a Water and Sanitation Turnaround Strategy and the private sector as an additional component in the accelerated efforts, will play a role.
On wastewater infrastructure in the city, Mchunu announced that eThekwini and Umngeni-Uthukela Water have agreed on an immediate target of 10 wastewater plants for refurbishment, operation and maintenance, representing 90% of the effluent that the city treats.
He emphasised that eThekwini needs to sign the Service-Level Agreement soon.
Appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water Board
The Minister also used an opportunity to introduce the newly appointed 12-member board for uMngeni-uThukela Water, which includes Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo as the Chairperson and Nothando Mkhize as the Deputy Chairperson.
Other board members are Senamile Masango; Khanyisani Shandu; Sylvia Mhlongo; Lavandran Gopaul; Hlengiwe Mvubu; Timothy Cornish; Diana Hoorzuk; Sipho Mtolo; and Sibusiso Mkhize.
“The newly appointed 12-member Board comprises of individuals who collectively possess Science, Engineering, Law, Accounting and Finance competencies,” Mchunu noted. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 13:26
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