The Transatlantic Slave Trade Is the Gravest Crime Against Humanity – Why the UN Declaration Matters
Ghana’s resolution represents a decisive step in an ongoing effort of historical reclamation and political transformation.
Architect
TransUnion Africa Appoints Michael Rogers as Chief Product Officer to Accelerate Client-Centric Innovation
TransUnion Africa, a global information and insights company, today announced the appointment of Michael (Mike) Rogers as Vice President (VP) and Chief Product Officer (CPO), effective 15 January 2026.
Rogers brings more than two decades of technology leadership, digital transformation, and product innovation experience across key African markets, including Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Namibia, Zambia, eSwatini, South Africa, and Malawi. His appointment underscores TransUnion’s commitment to developing market‑relevant, scalable solutions that enable organisations across Africa to grow responsibly, manage risk, and broaden access to financial services.
Most recently, Rogers served at Mastercard, where he led consulting engagement across the continent, developing new solutions for the payments ecosystem and driving performance for banking, fintech and digital commerce clients.
Prior to Mastercard, Rogers was Chief Executive Officer of Tarsus Technology Solutions, where he integrated multiple technology businesses spanning cybersecurity, infrastructure and networking and led group-wide digital transformation. He spent 18 years at Accenture, building and scaling technology consulting practices in South Africa, and was the first South African to attain Accenture’s Master Technology Architect certification.
In his new role, Rogers will lead TransUnion Africa’s end‑to‑end product strategy, with responsibility for advancing the product portfolio and strengthening sector‑specific solutions across banking, fintech, insurance, retail, automotive, telecommunications and digital commerce. His focus includes enhancing core credit and risk offerings, accelerating the responsible use of alternative data, and expanding fraud, identity and advanced analytics capabilities to meet evolving market needs.
Working closely with regional and global teams, Rogers will ensure TransUnion’s products are locally relevant, compliant and scalable across diverse African regulatory environments. A key priority will be simplifying product adoption and enhancing decisioning outcomes, enabling clients to more effectively acquire, serve and protect consumers in increasingly digital and data‑driven markets, while supporting inclusive growth across the continent.
Lee Naik, CEO and Regional President for TransUnion Africa, commented: “Mike brings an exceptional blend of technology, product and leadership experience, with a deep understanding of how data-driven products create commercial and social impact. His appointment strengthens our ability to market-relevant solutions that help clients manage risk, grow responsibly and extend access to financial services across Africa.”
Rogers added: “TransUnion Africa sits at the intersection of trust, data and technology. My focus is to simplify adoption, improve decisioning quality and deliver products that create tangible value – helping our clients acquire, serve and protect customers in increasingly digital ecosystems. I am excited to partner with our teams and clients to bring the next generation of solutions to market.”
New Exhibit Looks at Apartheid’s Effect on Current-Day Joburg
Nkosi Sikelel’ iAzania at Museum Africa runs until 27 February
Fort Hare Paid R17-Million for Work That Was Never Done
ICT department staff and service providers implicated in alleged multimillion-rand scam
Motion Tabled to Prevent Mass Displacement of Backyard Residents
The GOOD Party has tabled an urgent motion in the George Municipality calling for immediate relief for backyard dwellers who are being threatened with fines, evictions, and homelessness due to unaffordable building plan compliance demands.
The post GEORGE MUNICIPALITY: MOTION TABLED TO PREVENT MASS DISPLACEMENT OF BACKYARD RESIDENTS appeared first on For Good.
South Africa Has Chosen a Risky Approach to Global Politics: 3 Steps It Must Take To Succeed
If South Africa wants to make its own path in the global order, it must expect reprisals.
Fela and Food: How Lagos Restaurants Are Serving up the Music Star’s Legacy
Fela Kuti’s legacy plays out in music, in politics and even in food, with Nigerian restaurants paying homage to him on their menus.
Africa Is Not the Next Frontier — It’s the Blueprint: Rethinking Innovation on Africa Day
By Yi He, Co-Founder of Binance (www.Binance.com)
Each year, Africa Day serves as a celebration of the continent's culture, history, and progress. But in 2025, Africa is doing more than celebrating — it's leading.
For too long, Africa has been positioned as a “frontier market,” a place waiting to catch up. That narrative is outdated. Africa is not waiting to be included. It is already setting the pace, through innovation born out of necessity, creativity rooted in culture, and progress driven by community.
At Binance, we've witnessed firsthand how innovation looks different in Africa. It doesn't always begin in formal boardrooms or with multi-million-dollar funding rounds. It often starts in WhatsApp groups, community meet-ups, and with side-hustlers using their mobile phones to build. It's a bottom-up revolution shaped by real-world needs.
Take Mary Usaji, a developer and project manager at ICP Hub Kenya. After being scammed, she turned to blockchain not as a buzzword, but as a tool. With support from platforms like Binance, Mary educated herself, rebuilt her confidence, and now leads blockchain development training for others. Her story is not just one of recovery, but of leadership — and it reflects a larger movement led by African women who are redefining the tech landscape.
There's also Emmanuel, a Web3 content creator and crypto influencer. His journey into the world of cryptocurrency began in 2014 when he launched his first eCommerce store. Faced with the challenge of integrating payment gateways, Emmanuel discovered Bitcoin, which offered a borderless solution for receiving payments from anywhere in the world. This discovery changed the way he handled business and finances, opening up new possibilities in investment and payment systems. By embracing crypto, Emmanuel became part of a larger movement of entrepreneurs revolutionizing their industries. His story is one of growth, financial literacy, and a mindset of continuous learning, embodying the transformative power of cryptocurrency for business and personal empowerment.
Or Chris Howard, the founder of Story, a premium marketplace for sneakers and collectables in Cape Town. His passion for sneakers turned into a thriving business that not only caters to sneakerheads but also embraces new technologies. By adopting cryptocurrency payments through Binance Pay, Chris made transactions smoother for his customers, allowing them to use cryptocurrency as a mainstream payment method. His story is one of adaptability and growth, and it reflects a wider trend where African entrepreneurs are embracing innovation to elevate their businesses and create unique experiences.
Innovation in Africa isn't theoretical. It's practical, tested daily against the pressures of currency instability, unreliable power, and low-trust systems. These are the conditions where bold ideas are stress-tested, and where blockchain technology has found meaningful, everyday applications.
While many countries debate blockchain regulation, several African communities are already using it to solve pressing problems. Stablecoins are powering cross-border payments for families and small businesses. NFTs are being used for digital identity and authenticating African art. Smart contracts are making community projects more transparent and accountable.
This isn't leapfrogging, it's building better from the start. And it's not happening on the margins. It's shaping global thinking on what sustainable, inclusive innovation looks like.
Africa Day is more than a cultural celebration. It's a call to pay attention — because what's happening here is a preview of where the world is going. Africa is showing that resilience, community trust, and resourcefulness are not traits to overcome — they are competitive advantages.
At Binance, we're not just investing in Africa; we're learning from it. Through community education, partnerships, and local capacity-building, we are committed to supporting this growth from the ground up. We believe innovation should be accessible, inclusive, and adapted to local realities, and there is no better place to demonstrate this than Africa.
To date, our work through Binance Charity (https://apo-opa.co/4myVTcW) and Binance Academy (https://apo-opa.co/4myVTcW) has supported women in over 10 countries, including South Africa and Kenya, with blockchain education, mentorship, and scholarships. These programs aren't about charity; they're about unlocking talent and empowering long-term participation in the digital economy.
The world once called Africa an “emerging market.” But emergence implies something that's still in progress. That no longer applies. Africa has emerged — not only as a user of innovation but as its architect.
On this Africa Day, let's move beyond outdated narratives. Africa isn't just part of the future — it's building it. And for those paying attention, it's clear: the rest of the world would be wise to follow its blueprint.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Binance.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025
Giants of Africa (https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.
“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” says Ujiri. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa's leaders of tomorrow.
Taking place across Kigali Sports City's BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa's sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.
The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.
Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival's championship and all-star games.
This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon's Hortense Mbea (Afropian: https://apo-opa.co/4d97Od4), Niger's Alia Baré (Alia: https://apo-opa.co/3GMuRyk), and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo (Masa Mara: https://apo-opa.co/4377tTx) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.
Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women's Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival (https://apo-opa.co/42RZZFe) which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit's 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali's local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda's own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025.
Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025's Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit www.GOAFestival.org or email info@giantsofafrica.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Giants of Africa.
For the festival launch video and still images:
https://apo-opa.co/430fZUd
For more information, please contact:
Tamara Kamaka - Giants of Africa
tamara@giantsofafrica.org
Emmanuel Ainamani - SRC Agency
emmanuel@srcagency.com
Social Media:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4d7L5Og
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44t3xik
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dbdpj9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4k6P14f
About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa:
Masai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri's unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri's ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life.
Partners:
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 would like to express its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to making this event possible:
|
● The Lake Family's All One Fund ● RwandAir ● ALX Africa ● Kensington ● Sport Court International, LLC
|
● BK Arena ● DHL Express Canada ● Imbuto Foundation ● Ministry of Sports ● Visit Rwanda |
● Volkswagen Move ● Zaria Court ● Bralirwa PLC ● Toronto Raptors ● Marriott
|
Sedgefield Developer Sues Knysna Municipality for More Than R2.5-Million
A local environmentalist is also being sued
Developer Sues Sedgefield Environmentalist for R5-Million
Tessa Joubert, blamed for delaying the development, says the lawsuit is designed to silence her and others
New Cape Town Crèche Is Being Built From Tyres
Goal50 in Heideveld will be made from 5,000 tyres and other recycled waste
Work underway to construct new temporary Parliamentary home
Work underway to construct new temporary Parliamentary home
The construction of Parliament’s interim home has begun in earnest with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) having conducted the official site handover for the dome installation to the contractor, in Cape Town.
Director-General of the DPWI, Sifiso Mdakane Mdakane, conducted the official site hand over for the Dome installation to the contractor in Cape Town, on Tuesday.
“The Dome will serve as the temporal home for Parliament for the next 24 months, whilst Parliament is being rebuilt, following the fire that gutted it two years ago. The Dome will be set up at the Niewmeester Parking Site within the Parliamentary Precinct,” said the department in a statement.
The project of setting up the dome is expected to take 24 days from the official handover, which will be on time for the 2025 opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation address (SONA).
The project has the blessing of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza and the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson.
“The erection of this structure is set to save the state a lot of money in terms of accommodating Parliament in the next two years. Today, eight, twelve metre containers, carrying all the necessary accessories and parts, which were transported from the Defence Force storage facility in Pretoria, to Cape Town, were handed over to commence construction by Director-General, Sifiso Mdakane,” the department said.
The project is being overseen by the Chief Professional Architect from the Prestige Unit of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and construction experts.
The department said it will provide regular updates until the completion of this project and official handover to Parliament.-SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/18/2024 - 09:20
75 views
Five Winners of the 2024 Earthshot Prize Unveiled at Awards Ceremony in Cape Town
- Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, Keep IT Cool, Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative and Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) revealed as 2024 Earthshot Prize Winners during star-studded ceremony broadcast live across 50 African countries
- Each Winner to receive £1 million to accelerate and scale the impact of their innovative environmental solutions
- Calls for nominations for the 2025 Earthshot Prize are now open
Last night, the five 2024 Earthshot Prize Winners were announced at a star-studded awards ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted by Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Billy Porter and award-winning television presenter Bonang Matheba. The 2024 Winners, selected from this year's 15 Earthshot Finalists, will be awarded £1 million each to accelerate and scale their game-changing environmental solutions.
Following a rigorous selection process focused on identifying impactful, inspiring and inclusive environmental solutions, the five Winners are:
- Fix Our Climate: Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems
- Revive Our Oceans: High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People
- Build a Waste-Free World: Keep IT Cool
- Protect and Restore Nature: Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative
- Clean Our Air: Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO)
Speaking during the Awards Ceremony, Prince William said:
“I believe our world can be rich in possibility, in hope, and in optimism. That is why The Earthshot Prize exists. To champion the game-changers, the inventors, the makers, the creatives, the leaders; to help them build upon the amazing things they've already achieved; to speed their innovations to scale and to inspire the next generation to create the future we all need."
Descriptions of the five Winners, by category:
WINNER for Fix Our Climate:
Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (https://apo-opa.co/48EySP6), USA
Nominated by: Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems (ATS) has developed a simple, safe and scalable technology to capture waste heat and convert it into electricity, offering a game-changing solution for heavy industries like cement and steel production. These industries require extremely high temperatures, which generate vast amounts of waste heat that is typically lost. ATS's technologies have the potential to save gigatonnes of CO2.
“At ATS, we are proud to lead the way in converting this waste into clean, usable electricity. Winning the 2024 Earthshot Prize underscores the transformative potential of our technology. Tonight is a key moment for us as we focus on scaling up production in larger manufacturing facilities.” – Kelly Adams, CEO, Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems.
WINNER for Revive Our Oceans:
High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (https://apo-opa.co/3AxM7Ew), Global
Nominated by: Campaign for Nature
A groundbreaking alliance of 119 countries with the ambitious goal to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, High Ambition Coalition identifies technical, financial and knowledge gaps and connects governments with technical assistance and funding. They've already achieved a major milestone with the adoption of the “30×30” target in the 2022 UN Global Biodiversity Framework.
Rita Maria El Zaghloul, Director, High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People said, “On behalf of the alliance, we are deeply humbled to be a Winner of this year's Earthshot Prize. Today's award validates the hard work and dedication of all involved in the 30x30 initiative and fuels our excitement and determination to protect 30 percent of the world's land and oceans by 2030. Together, we can achieve a more sustainable and biodiverse future.”
WINNER for Build a Waste-Free World:
Keep IT Cool (https://apo-opa.co/3AAGjdr), Kenya
Nominated by: Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Katapult Ocean
Keep IT Cool (KIC) addresses the challenge of food spoilage by providing sustainable, localized refrigeration systems that help small farmers and fishers preserve their produce. By installing solar-powered cold storage units where fish are landed, KIC significantly reduces spoilage and waste by ensuring the catch stays fresh and managing its transport to market. With plans to grow into East Africa and beyond, KIC is now working to expand their activities in poultry, fruit and vegetables and aims to bring their solution to more communities.
Francis Nderitu, Founder and Managing Director of Keep IT Cool said, “We are on a mission to revolutionise the food supply chain in East Africa. We are grateful for the recognition from The Earthshot Prize, and it is an important milestone for Keep IT Cool. We will continue to enhance market access, reduce waste and build climate resilience for small-scale fish and poultry farmers throughout the region.”
WINNER for Protect and Restore Nature:
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (https://apo-opa.co/3NWG3Zk), Kazakhstan
Nominated by: United Nations Environment Programme
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative has achieved the almost unprecedented feat of saving the critically endangered Saiga antelope from extinction. This mission has grown into one of the world's largest conservation projects and is focused on protecting and restoring Kaakhstan's Golden Steppe, one of the world's least protected natural ecosystems.
Vera Voronova, Executive Director, Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative said, “We are thrilled to be receiving the 2024 Earthshot Prize for Protect and Restore Nature. Altyn Dala demonstrates that when governments and civil society work together with a shared vision, we can achieve remarkable results. The restoration of the Saiga antelope population and the revival of the Central Asian steppe are not just triumphs for wildlife but for the local communities that depend on these ecosystems.”
WINNER for Clean Our Air:
GAYO, Green Africa Youth Organization (https://apo-opa.co/3NVrpSe), Ghana
Nominated by: Clean Air Fund
A youth-led, gender-balanced organisation, GAYO uses its “Zero Waste Model” to drive behavioural change in waste management practices across Africa that cut greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution, while also bringing additional income to communities. Their goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and particle pollution in Ghana by 70%, compared to open burning, as well as divert a total of 4,000 tonnes of waste by 2030. GAYO's plans to scale would make them the leading model for waste management on the continent.
Desmond Alugnoa, Co-Founder of the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) said, “We are incredibly honored to be winning the Prize, which is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of empowering those most affected by climate challenges. Our work in Ghana demonstrates that sustainable waste management isn't just a possibility—it's a necessity. The recognition by The Earthshot Prize fuels our commitment to replicating these models across Africa, proving that local solutions can have global impacts.”
The five Winners of the 2024 Prize cohort were selected by Prince William and The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse group of experts, advocates and individuals dedicated to championing urgent and innovative action to protect our planet. The Earthshot Prize Council is chaired by The Earthshot Prize Board of Trustees Chair, Dame Christiana Figueres, architect of the Paris Agreement.
Members of The Earthshot Prize Council include: His Royal Highness Prince William, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, José Andrés, Sir David Attenborough, Cate Blanchett, Ernest Gibson, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Wanjira Mathai, Stella McCartney, Nemonte Nenquimo, Luisa Neubauer, Indra Nooyi, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Naoko Yamazaki.
In addition to the five £1 million prizes supporting the growth of Winners' solutions, each of the 15 Earthshot Prize Finalists will receive dedicated mentorship, resources and technical support through the year-long Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme.
That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of influential experts and partners, including The Earthshot Prize's Global Alliance of Partners (https://apo-opa.co/4fh0E6D), comprised of some of the world's largest businesses, donors, investors and environmental organisations committed to climate action.
Finalists will also have access to Launchpad (https://apo-opa.co/3O1bhi2), Earthshot's bespoke online finance platform to matchmake Earthshot solutions to a growing community of members made up of mission-aligned donors and investors seeking to speed proven environmental solutions to scale.
The Earthshot Prize is already gearing up for the 2025 Earthshot Prize. Nominations for the Prize's fifth cohort of innovative solutions and entrepreneurs are now open.
If you missed last night's spectacular live event you can watch repeat broadcasts of the star-studded ceremony from 07 November on DStv Catch Up, Showmax, and on multiple DStv channels across Africa from 08 November. Check your local television schedules for more details.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Follow The Earthshot Prize on:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3UKashj
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4fEHeZ8
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3AA6uB4
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3YU9tNY
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3UGroFo
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4fFj00P
About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organisation, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.
The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organisations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust, and Uber.
Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organisations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organisations each year. For a full list of our Global Alliance Partners, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4fh0E6D.
Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners. They are Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group, and Walmart.
For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
President Offers Condolences on Passing of Former Judge Willem Heath
President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family and former colleagues of former Judge Willem Heath who passed away at the age of 79.
Judge Heath, a graduate of the University of Pretoria, served as a prosecutor in the early years of his career before practising as an advocate and later becoming a Judge of the High Court.
From 1995 to 1997, he chaired a Commission of Inquiry into corruption, fraud and maladministration in the Eastern Cape.
One of the outcomes of the Commission was the establishment by President Nelson Mandela of the Special Investigating Unit as an independent agency of government that investigates corruption and maladministration in state institutions.
President Mandela appointed Judge Heath, who had played an instrumental role in dradting the Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunals Act, as the first head of the unit.
President Ramaphosa said: “Judge Willem Heath will be remembered as an early architect of government's anti-corruption architecture and a pioneer in the efforts, early in the life of our democracy, to rid the state and society of corruption and maladaministration.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Progress at Last on Woodstock Hospital Occupation?
After seven years the City of Cape Town and the occupiers appear to be finding common ground but difficulties lie ahead
What’s your flavour?
What's your flavour?
A venture that started as a passion project for creating ice cream recipes to indulge friends and family during a difficult period in the life of a former architect, has evolved into a successful artisanal ice cream business.
With a presence at various SUPERSPAR outlets, popular stockists, hotel groups and high-end restaurants, the Johannesburg-based business plans to grow its customer base to offer premium ice cream to consumers in various cities in the country.
Established in 2019 by Kamal Manilal, Roska Artisan Ice Cream has experienced a steady growth, enabling it to employ 12 people.
Manilal started making ice cream in his home with an ice cream machine he had received as a gift from a friend 14 years prior.
“Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, I was going through a rough patch in my career. There were quite a few retrenchments that were being implemented. It was a very taxing time in my life as I had just lost my father.”
At the time, he had also recently completed his Master of Business Administration.
“One morning as I was on Facebook and a picture of an ice-cream machine appeared on my feed.”
This inspired Manilal to use his ice-cream maker and explore recipes.
“I started making ice cream and I took it to work for tasting. I started getting orders,” he said.
In March 2020, Manilal posted pictures of the ice cream on Instagram, which generated interest from consumers. This move took his business to greater heights.
“Before I knew it, I was making ice-cream at home. In October 2021, I realised that I needed more space so I decided to move into a commercial property to start making ice cream on a bigger scale. Since that time, we have on-boarded 140 customers and we are now in our second premises because we outgrew the first premises,” he said.
The journey of building Roska Artisan Ice Cream has not been easy as there were hurdles that the business had to overcome.
“The biggest challenge is cash flow. To start the business, we needed to have an investor to fund freezer rooms, generators and facilities. Cash flow is very important because sometimes you are not paid on time but the business still needs to cover the expenses for production, rental and utilities. We also used our corporate savings to fund the business to buy the machines that we needed,” he said.
Manilal co-founded the business with his wife Roshni Morar, who has played a fundamental role in positioning the business's brand.
With capital being essential in running a business, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) funded the expansion and growth of the business for about 30% while a private investor paid for the rest.
“The highlight of our journey has been moving into our second premises. We have proper facilities that include offices, freezer rooms for storage, and an industrial generator. When we showcased the product at the Paris Food Show, the chief executive officer of Checkers saw our product and offered our company an opportunity to work with them. We now have a store inside the Checkers Hyper in Sandton City,” he concluded.
For more information about Roska Artisan Ice Cream visit www.roska.co.za. Log on to www.thedtic.gov.za if you would like to find out about financial assistance for your business.
*This story first appeared in Vukuzenzele
Janine
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:14
365 views
Future Talks shines with a dynamic line-up of speakers
August is swiftly approaching, bringing with it Joburg’s most anticipated talks series, Future Talks, which takes place from August 1 to 4, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Centre. Here, inspiration and innovation will converge, with the Future Talks series set to ignite critical discussions and inspire groundbreaking solutions. The Future Talks stage will feature a …
Workplaces that adapt to an evolving workforce are key to attracting next-generation talent
Gen Z is redefining the future of inclusive office design for multi-generational teams Optimising office environments for multi-generational teams has been a part of workplace dynamics for decades. Yet the rise of Generation Z in the workplace has increased the importance of accommodating different values and work styles as this radically different generation becomes more …
Bahari Bay architect set to bring the ‘essence of the North Coast’ to the KZN South Coast
As the subtropical climate, natural beauty, and affordable property prices continue to attract investors to the KZN South Coast, estate developments are being constructed to provide secure, holistic living options. The multi-billion-rand Bahari Bay eco-estate in Shelly Beach has renowned architect and project manager, Vinodh Bridglall, on board, with a vision to emulate the real …
Sustainability blooms at Boschendal with launch of new Werf Food Garden
Boschendal has revealed its newly-transformed and redesigned Werf Food Garden, a further showcase of the historic farm’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its focus on farm-to-table dining. The Werf Food Garden is designed to sustainably enhance Boschendal’s sourcing capacity and ensure fresher, more flavourful produce for the seasonal menus on offer. Everything in the redesigned …
Accelerating Growth with Visionary CFO Strategies
Traditionally, the Chief Financial Officer or CFO was seen primarily as guardians of the company’s finances, focusing on cost control, budgeting, and financial reporting. However, in today’s fast, digital business environment, the role of the CFO has expanded significantly, and they are expected to contribute to organisational growth, beyond just managing the financials. It involves …
Westown Square Reveals Exciting Community Market Experience
March 2024, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Created to embody a community market experience, The Barn on The Square (THE BARN) includes an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food and beverage outlets, alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries, all housed in an iconic barn-shaped structure. THE BARN is the spatial heart of the …
Valuations in Property and Beyond
Introduction: In a world where assets come in various shapes and sizes, the importance of accurate valuations cannot be overstated. Whether it’s real estate, art, or other valuable possessions, understanding their true worth is essential for making informed decisions. In this blog, we delve into the realm of valuations, exploring the intricacies of property valuations, …