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Advocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector
Advocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector
The National Assembly (NA) has voted to recommend to President Cyril Ramaphosa that he appoint Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as South Africa’s new Public Protector (PP).
Gcaleka has served as Deputy Public Protector since February 2020, before acting as head of the institution when Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was suspended in June 2022.
As set out in the Constitution, the PP’s office is a Chapter 9 institution with powers to, amongst others, investigate “any conduct in State affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice”.
The NA’s process to nominate a new PP began in May this year with the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector.
The committee issued a call for nominations or applications from the public in accordance with Section 59(1) of the Constitution, which obligates public participation in processes of the NA.
“Broadly, the provision states that the NA must facilitate public involvement in its legislative and other processes, and conduct its business in an open manner and hold its sittings, and those of its committees, in public. The Committee accordingly conducted its business in an open and transparent manner,” Parliament said in a statement.
Some 53 nominations and 17 applications were received as a result.
“Of the 53 nominations, 32 did not meet the nomination requirements as set out in the advertisement and two candidates subsequently withdrew from the process. Eight candidates were shortlisted for interviews and underwent reference checks and verification of qualifications.
“Following the rigorous interview process, the Committee met on 29 August to deliberate and agreed to recommend to the NA that it nominate Advocate Gcaleka for appointment as Public Protector,” the statement read.
Parliament explained the requirements that have to be met in order to be appointed as head of the Chapter 9 institution.
“The person must be a South African citizen, who is fit and proper to hold such office, and who is a Judge of a High Court or is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or an attorney; or is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university, or has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance,” Parliament said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 10:42
561 views
N West appeals for unruffled after reports of alleged poisonous food from spazas
N West appeals for calm after reports of alleged poisonous food from spazas
The North West Provincial Legislature is appealing to communities to remain calm after receiving messages from the public “panicking about the death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops”.
The North West Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Bitsa Lenkopane, has also called on communities to remain vigilant.
The committee urged the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these disturbing allegations. It urged the department to join hands with municipalities and activists to create awareness to ensure that communities understand the State’s mandate in such matters.
“We are calling on the department to do inspections and furnish the portfolio committee with a detailed report, which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products, which are further extended to school learners.
“These must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with the business regulation act or not -- which must indicate compliance with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 about foreign-owned business,” Lenkopane said.
The committee said it has been inundated with calls from members of the community following media reports on children's deaths after reportedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.
Earlier this month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of at least five children due to suspected food poisoning. This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.
“While no formal and or authenticated information and evidence has been received, the portfolio committee has been receiving calls from panicking parents and community members seeking remedies to protect communities from alleged traders who sell them products containing deadly poison,” said Lenkopane.
The committee further urged officials to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province to reduce the amount of panic.
“The portfolio committee will rely on the report from the department that should be submitted within seven days and further engage communities on the work done and/or systems in place, including communication of the database of all businesses, regulated or not.”
In addition, the committee appealed to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest, and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police service.
“They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” said Lenkopane. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:02
682 views
Clearing the Way: Unveiling the World of Stock Clearance Companies
Introduction: In the dynamic realm of retail, businesses often find themselves facing the challenge of managing surplus inventory. This surplus, often termed as overstock, poses a significant obstacle for companies striving to maintain efficiency and optimise their bottom line. In such circumstances, stock clearance becomes an imperative strategy. This blog explores the concept of stock …
Eastern Cape grain planting season kicks off
Eastern Cape grain planting season kicks off
The Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, has kicked-off the provincial annual grain planting season, as part of the department’s ongoing investment in commercial and communal grain production.
Launched at the Dalasile Agri Park (DAP) in Ngcobo in the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality on Thursday, the grain planting season will see R93 million invested in the production of maize, oats, sorghum and soya beans in the province’s grain corridors of Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo and Amathole.
More than 9 000 farmers in the province will produce grain on 27 774 hectares through the R93 million investment of the department.
Speaking at the launch, Pieters said one of the department’s priorities is the transformation of the grain value chain in the province.
She said the department is investing money in black farmers to elevate them to a commercial level, while ensuring food security for families.
“The Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality will be supported with 2 025 hectares under the DRDAR Grain Development Partners through the agri park, while 1 905 hectares is split between mechanisation and production inputs to support smallholder grain producers,” Pieters said.
One of the beneficiaries, Nokwandisa Mdayi, said her life changed from doing menial jobs, such as laundry for families in her community, to becoming a self-sustaining farmer when she joined the commercial grain production programme, funded by DRDAR through its multimillion rand investment in the Dalasile Agri Park.
“The development in this project has transformed our lives and those of our children. I used to suffer a lot, doing laundry for people but now I am able to earn more money at the end of the month and provide for my children.
“The business does not only provide opportunities for its members, but also for other community members. During harvesting, I call women from the community to pick excess grain that is not picked up by the harvester and we pay them R120 a day,” Mdayi said.
Highlighting the positive impact of government investment in Nkondlo, DAP Chairperson, Yanga Dalasile, said the agri park has received an investment of R16.3 million from government under the partnership model for the past three years, and the investment has, in the past seven years amounted to more than R500 million, through the cropping fields.
“We have more than 15 off-take agreements, which enable us to sell our produce at commercial markets. The one that has been the best is Bester, which sold our soya beans to China at R9 000 per ton,” Dalasile said.
Dalasile said the area had been known as a crime hub where all forms of violence thrived, but now that bleak picture has been changed.
“After the start of our grain business, the area is now known as an agricultural hub of the Eastern Cape because we are the second biggest communal land-based project in the province and we have been moving from strength to strength,” Dalasile said with pride.
AB Xuma Mayor, Siyabulela Zangqa, said the municipality has plans to construct a processing plant in the area for the production of animal feed.
“When we have a processing plant here, it means that we are going to have sustainable jobs and our fight against poverty, unemployment is going to succeed,” Zangqa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:54
175 views
Western Cape charity Safeline Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Centre receives R20,000 Sigma Connected donation
A NPO which supports children who have been victims of sexual abuse has received a R20,000 donation from a Western Cape outsourcing business. Safeline, which provides therapeutic counselling to children, and awareness and prevention programmes amongst various geographical areas including Athlone, Grassy Park, Delft and Mitchells Plain, has received the five-figure donation from business outsourcing …
N West appeals for calm after children die from alleged poisonous food
N West appeals for calm after children die from alleged poisonous food
The North West Provincial Legislature is appealing to communities to remain calm after receiving messages from the public “panicking about the death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops”.
The North West Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Bitsa Lenkopane, has also called on communities to remain vigilant.
The committee urged the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these disturbing allegations. It urged the department to join hands with municipalities and activists to create awareness to ensure that communities understand the State’s mandate in such matters.
“We are calling on the department to do inspections and furnish the portfolio committee with a detailed report, which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products, which are further extended to school learners.
“These must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with the business regulation act or not -- which must indicate compliance with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 about foreign-owned business,” Lenkopane said.
The committee said it has been inundated with calls from members of the community following media reports on children's deaths after reportedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.
Earlier this month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of at least five children due to suspected food poisoning. This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.
“While no formal and or authenticated information and evidence has been received, the portfolio committee has been receiving calls from panicking parents and community members seeking remedies to protect communities from alleged traders who sell them products containing deadly poison,” said Lenkopane.
The committee further urged officials to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province to reduce the amount of panic.
“The portfolio committee will rely on the report from the department that should be submitted within seven days and further engage communities on the work done and/or systems in place, including communication of the database of all businesses, regulated or not.”
In addition, the committee appealed to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest, and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police service.
“They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” said Lenkopane. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:02
227 views
Bidvest Life Uncovers The Dissimilarity Behind The Data: 2022 Claims Report
Life insurer Bidvest Life says that speed makes all the difference when it comes to paying claims. This is particularly important for income protection which is purchased to replace lost earnings when the life insured is unable to work. In 2022, the average time from lodging an income protection claim until the first payment was …
KZN Executive commits to continued improved audit outcomes
KZN Executive commits to continued improved audit outcomes
The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council says provincial departments will continue to improve their audit outcomes in future administrative terms.
“In keeping up with the improved audit outcomes for the 2022/23 financial year where, among others, 86% of the auditees submitted financial statements free from material misstatements, compared to 50% in the previous administration, the Executive Council declared that there will be more positive outcomes in the future,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
She said while the Executive Council had laid a solid foundation for future clean audits, there was a need to provide guidance to those departments that were struggling to realise positive outcomes.
“This is about service delivery to our people and a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, anchored on compliance, accountability and transparency, among other pillars,” Dube-Ncube said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Business Unit Leader for the Auditor-General Nomalungelo Mkhize presented awards to the departments and entities that received clean audit outcomes during a ceremony on Wednesday.
The awards recognise good performance and good governance in the financial management.
Six departments, including the Office of the Premier; Provincial Treasury; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Community Safety; and Agriculture and Rural Development, received clean audit outcomes for the 2022/23 audit cycle.
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature also received a clean audit.
Twelve provincial public entities - including 10 which are under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, one in Human Settlements and one in Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - also received awards from the Auditor General for attaining clean audits.
The Auditor General lauded the provincial coordinating departments, including the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury, for maintaining clean audit status thus setting a commendable example for the province.
The Auditor General said by coordinating departments the leadership had assisted other departments to improve undesirable or sustain positive audit outcomes though the various initiatives deployed.
The Premier commended the Director-General of the Province, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, for providing seamless interaction between the Executive Council and government.
“Dr Mkhize is a diligent public servant and a strong bridge that not only connects government, through Heads of Department and Cabinet, but ensures that there is implementation of resolutions of the Executive Council. Clean governance is one of the core resolutions of Cabinet,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier said government’s full migration to digitisation will eliminate human errors and assist the Auditor General perform its duties with ease, speed and diligence. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 11:55
314 views
#AEW2023 Highlights Best Practices to Advancing Africa’s Refinery Capacity
African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 hosted a high-level panel discussion analyzing trends within the continent's downstream segment, as African countries seek to ensure optimal exploitation of domestic resources for energy security, affordability and independence.
Moderated by Daniel Evans, Vice President, Global Refining and Marketing, S&P Global Commodity Insights, the discussion began with a keynote speech by Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).
“Fossil fuel demand in Africa will grow by 45% to 50% over the next three decades, hence the need to boost refinery and storage capacity to avoid the continued surge in energy imports which are increasing prices across the continent,” stated Kragha.
Supporting his statement Daouda Kebe, Technical Director, Senegal's SAR, said “Most of the refineries in Africa were built in the 1960s and are reaching end of life and need to be updated in line with changing energy and environmental sustainability standards.”
Peter Adeshola Olowononi, Head, Client Relations - Anglophone West Africa, Afreximbank, added that “Industrialization is the only way that Africa can remain viable and for that to happen the continent needs to have sustainable and resilient downstream systems. That is why we are working with APPO to establish the African Energy Bank to invest in African refinery projects.”
While the panel identified a lack of adequate financing as the biggest barrier hindering the growth of Africa's downstream projects, it served as a platform to showcase best solutions to driving investments within the segment.
Olowononi, added that with international banks pulling out financing in hydrocarbon projects due to the energy transition, there is a need for more cooperation between African banks and governments in coming up with home-grown financing solutions.
“Africa has to understand that we have an emergence. As long as we don't externalize this challenge, we will keep on suffering. Banks need to see that it is no longer about profits and capitalization but rather about guaranteeing African energy security, which will, in turn result in economic growth and more profits for them.”
Kragha emphasized on the role leveraging market-based pricing, the enactment of clear policies and coordination between key sectoral ministries to support investor business plans play in accelerating the flow of investments in the continent's downstream landscape.
“We have to look at what makes sense from an investment perspective. Not all countries need to have a refinery. We need a tighter and robust intra Africa refinery value chain to ensure intra trading and cooperation between upstream and downstream players. For instance, South Africa, with its four refineries, can be leveraged by the SADC region to refine energy sourced from Namibia and Mozambique for regional energy security,” added Kragha.
Zakaria Dosso, Managing Director, AEICORP said with global investors prioritizing ESG, the continent can attract new investments by building new refineries which have the latest sustainability certification instead of focusing on updating existing assets which are outdated.
Organized by the African Energy Chamber, #AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards
Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has congratulated Durban and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) for scooping major awards at the World Travel Awards held in Dubai.
The ICC walked away with Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination Awards, beating the likes of Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda), Cape Town and Johannesburg in both awards.
The glittering 30th World Travel Awards, held on Sunday, marked seven years on the trot since Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been winning this award back-to-back from 2017.
The World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event in the global travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, influencers and media. They serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
Dube-Ncube said the awards are a great vote of confidence by the global travel and tourism sector in KZN province, the City of Durban, and the Durban International Convention Centre facility.
“We appreciate this honour but importantly value the sterling and untiring work put in by our entity, KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau for continuously attracting business events to our province. Such achievements are not a given nor come to us for free, we have to work hard to achieve them” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also noted with excitement that in the 23-year history of Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre Award category, the Durban ICC has won this title for the 18th time.
“This vote of confidence by the World Travel Awards organisation in the Durban ICC is as bold and significant as the establishment of the Durban International Convention Centre itself. During the formative years of our democracy the city’s fathers took a daring and futuristic view of making the Convention Centre one of the single largest investments in the future growth and development of the city.
“Today we are reaping the rewards of such decisions. Naming it after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli is indicative of the global stature of this facility. Hosting these awards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC will be a befitting tribute to the vision of our forebears,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:36
136 views
Women Dubbed Catalysts for Sustainable and Innovative Development at #AEW2023
Featuring a diverse group of influential women leaders in the energy sector, a Women in Energy Roundtable Discussion was held during the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference and exhibition. The panel explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all Africans, with women at the forefront of progress.
Moderated by Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy, the roundtable was hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network and bp SA.
The discussion kicked off with Sarah Baashan, Head of Global Insights and Engagements, Saudi Aramco, providing insight into how Africa can address its current energy challenges while also ensuring a sustainable future. She stated that, “We need to increase energy generation capacity while guaranteeing that energy produced is affordable. At the same time, we should not forget decarbonization, as it is crucial for a healthy environment.”
Baashan added that the continent hosts the world's youngest workers, and therefore, should prioritize creating more job opportunities to advance sustainable socioeconomic development. Ibi Ogunbiyi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi, added that the continent needs to adopt a “compromised strategy where we are having hydrocarbons producing baseload power and off-grid and other renewable systems providing access to underserved communities.” She also believes that, “Gas should serve as a transition fuel.”
Additionally, the panel identified a lack of adequate infrastructure and project financing across the value chain as key challenges hindering the expansion of African energy economies. Commenting on how the continent can address infrastructure deficits, Oluseyi Afolabi, Principal Consultant/CEO at Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria, stated that it starts with African governments prioritizing the development of assets which allow secure and resilient generation and transportation of energy to both rural and urban communities.
“Investments in the research and development of innovative solution needs to also be prioritized while streamlining the deployment of projects and ensuring construction is fast-tracked. Lastly, there is a need for maximizing value addition in local content development in projects rollout,” added Afolabi.
Echoing Afolabi's notion, Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, said increasing investments in Africa's capacity building initiatives is crucial for the diversification of Africa's energy mix and for the continent to be able to reduce the reliance on international aid.
Commenting on the factors that have influenced the current state of Africa's energy industry, Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp SA, stated that, “Energy demand is growing by at least 3% a year while investments in new projects have been slow. We have also failed to define our own principles, hence we have significant inequality which are compromising [progress regarding] Sustainable Development Goals. We need to exploit all the energy resources we have including coal, gas and oil before we do into the transition.”
Ayanda Noah, Chairperson of South Africa's Central Energy Fund, provided insight into best practices for the continent to improve its current energy status. According to Noah, governments should improve cooperation with the private sector, and that “Connectivity and collaboration at the basic level is crucial. Africa has tangible examples of interconnectivity success projects such as the Southern African Power Pool which we can maximize to enhance energy security. Women have the potential to be innovative, coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to critical energy challenges.”
Amb. Martha Nyamal Choat, Deputy Managing Director and CEO, Nile Petroleum Corporation, shared similar remarks, adding that for African projects to be able to attract private investments, governments need to ensure security and market stability which are absent in an increasing number of African countries.
Shirley Webber, Head of Natural Resources & Energy at ABSA, concluded the session by adding that in addition to market stability, governments need to prioritize Environmental Social Governance and the adoption of a mix of financing mechanisms for the different energy infrastructure development projects.
#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.aecweek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
#AEW2023 Panel Explores Fundamentals of African Petroleum Systems
The 2023 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition featured a panel session focused on the fundamentals of exploration in Africa's petroleum system.
Hosted by EnerGeo Alliance, the panel session took a scientific view of Africa's petroleum resources, highlighting the importance of hydrocarbons, particularly liquid fuels, in the continent's future energy mix.
“Greater than 50% of the energy mix will be oil and gas, even by 2050,” stated Phil Birch, Impact Oil and Gas Exploration Director, adding, “The increase in indigenous sources of energy and indigenous sources of hydrocarbons will prevent further energy poverty and also prevent nations from having to source really expensive fuel oil.”
Boasting favorable legislative and regulatory systems throughout much of the continent's largest hydrocarbons producers, rights to explore, produce, establish facilities, and transport petroleum resources was noted as a requisite for Africa to enable the next generation of major discoveries.
“Uncertainty has a cost, so more predictability is better for bringing interested investors,” stated Rune Olav Pedersen, CEO of global geophysical company, PGS, adding, “When a licensing round has been held, it is clear to everyone what the terms are, and then negotiations rise up. So, limiting the time period between the award and signing agreements will cut down on periods of uncertainty.”
Meanwhile, the panel explored market factors – including geopolitical tensions and the global energy transition – as a means for Africa to benefit from its natural endowment of vast petroleum resources. The panel also highlighted technology as an imperative tool to ensure new opportunities in some of the continent's more mature fields.
“We believe the future for energy is lower-carbon and that energy truly does enable human progress,” stated Liz Schwarze, Chevron Vice President of Global Exploration adding, “At Chevron, we are investing in our oil and gas business, including recovery technologies and exploration to find additional resources to offset depleting rouses and fields. And we're also investing in newer forms of energy and technology, like carbon capture, sequestration, geothermal, etc. and we've been very consistent in this approach.”
“It's going to take a number of different technologies to unlock this opportunity, and speaking in the seismic space, SLB has seen quite a lot of innovation in a few different areas, particularly near-field development while leveraging existing date to create really detailed earth models,” stated Tristan Allen, SLB Global New Ventures Manager.
Africa boasts considerable crude oil reserves, estimated to a total combined 125.3 billion barrels. The continent's oil output – at 7.9 million barrels per day – accounted for approximately 9.6% of the global output in 2019, resulting in a revival of oil and gas exploration in Africa. It was concluded during the panel discussion that, given the exponential rise in global population – estimated to rise to 10 billion by 2050 – new technologies and more efficient extraction techniques for hydrocarbons will be imperative to making energy poverty in Africa history by 2030.
Taking place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets', this year's edition of AEW aims to chart a new course for Africa's energy landscape. As such, citing Africa's rich hydrocarbon endowment and frontier discoveries in Namibia, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa, the panel positioned petroleum development as the key to alleviating energy poverty and spurring industrialization across the continent.
#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Top merchants announced at the Uber Eats Merchant Awards
Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards in South Africa, celebrating outstanding restaurants and other non-food merchants on the platform. The ceremony took place at The Roof in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests gathered to honour these remarkable achievements. The public had the opportunity to participate by nominating their favourite …
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Laptop Power Bank: Your Portable Computing Lifesaver
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected and productive on the go is essential. For professionals, students, and anyone who relies on their laptop, a reliable power source is a must. This is where a laptop power bank comes to the rescue. These portable devices have revolutionized the way we use our laptops, ensuring that we’re …
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Navigating the Complex World of Insurance and Financial Planning with GS Insure
The journey through life’s many stages comes with various risks and uncertainties. Whether it’s safeguarding your health, planning for retirement, or securing your assets, insurance and financial planning are crucial for peace of mind and stability. At GS Insure, we specialize in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to every facet of your personal and professional life. …
Unveiling the Dynamics of SEO: Firms, Consultants, Revenue, and Start-ups
The digital marketing landscape is a complex web of strategies aimed at enhancing online visibility, with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) sitting at its core. As businesses vie for top spots on search engine results pages (SERPs), the relevance of SEO firms and consultants has skyrocketed. But what exactly is an SEO firm? What role does an …
Roundtable Explores Economic Ties Between Saudi Arabia and Africa at African Energy Week (AEW) 2023
African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 featured a Saudi Arabia-Africa Energy Investment Forum roundtable that explored the untapped potential for stronger economic ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations.
The roundtable discussion kicked off with opening remarks by Saudi Arabia's Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, Hussam Y. Algheraimil, who spoke on the Middle Eastern country's strategy to implement financial relations with African countries while contributing towards attracting investment to the continent.
“Our main goal is to contribute to attracting investment, exploring access, and representing Saudi Arabia,” Algheraimil stated, adding, “We are currently working to create easy trade between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and African countries by helping stakeholders find appropriate financial instruments in the short, medium and long-term.”
The roundtable discussion served as an engaging conversation on how increased trade, particularly in petroleum products and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and collaboration across upstream, midstream and downstream segments can contribute to addressing energy poverty across Africa, with Saudi Arabia serving as a strategic gateway.
“We want to build strong, win-win partnerships,” stated Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations of the African Export-Import Bank, adding, “Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the African opportunity. They are uniquely placed in this environment to take advantage of what is happening on the continent.”
“LPG can help us in South Africa in a big way in terms of ensuring supply and access to energy. Saudi Arabia has a different problem, they have too much energy. We have a lot of people in the country and region with no access to power and I believe there is a big opportunity to bring LPG from Saudi Arabia to use here,” stated Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the strategic solutions organization, the Strategic Fuel Fund.
The roundtable discussed the role Africa's vast, and yet unexploited oil and gas resources play in delivering a just and inclusive energy transition. As such, South Sudan's Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, stressed the importance of turning the continent's resources into value and engaging with international partners to ensure the facilitation of investment and knowledge transfer.
“My expectations with regard to Africa, is having Saudi Arabia engage in direct conversations with the continent, because we are ready to do business with them and we have the necessary laws to facilitate investment on the continent,” Minister Chol stated.
As Africa seeks to maximize the development of its entire energy resource base, including oil, gas, coal and renewable energy for a secure and sustainable energy mix that will support the continent's efforts to accelerate electrification and drive socioeconomic development, the roundtable speakers highlighted cooperation regarding knowledge sharing, skills development, project deployment and financing with global parties as vital for the continent's energy goals.
“The bilateral cooperation in place between Saudi Arabia and South Africa has opened an opportunity for us,” stated Sandisiwe Ncemance, Acting CEO for the state-owned Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa, adding, “It would be an indictment on us not to seize those opportunities. There is untapped potential for economic ties to increase trade between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and also collaboration through all facets of the energy sector, through the down-, mid-, and upstream.”
As one of the world's premier hydrocarbons producers and exporters, Saudi Arabia's participation during this session, titled, ‘Partnering with Africa's Private Sector to Drive Energy Growth', served to shape discussions around the challenges and opportunities for local content development and the beneficiation of the local market.
“Local companies are able to add tremendous value in our ability to implement and develop projects,” stated Nanda Bhula, Country Manager for electric power generation company, ACWA Power South Africa, adding, “Local companies have a big understanding of local conditions, more so than international investors. Local companies also understand things like supply chain management and local labor laws, so we see a lot of benefits in terms of their understanding of the local market.”
Africa boasts an estimated 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, resources that will be essential to lift the continent's over-600 million people living in reliable access to electricity out of energy poverty. As such, the Saudi delegates speaking at the roundtable discussion spoke on the importance of drilling more oil and gas wells and building more refineries and pipelines whilst reducing emissions for energy independence, reliability, and affordability.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established leadership in this domain, and we always want to continue playing that role of leader in energy,” Dr. Gasem Fallatah, Deputy Manager for the sustainability initiative, the Oil Sustainability Program stated, adding, “Leadership comes with responsibilities, it comes with accountability, and we do recognize that. We will determine together what will be the agenda that we can work on, so we can determine together, the future that we would like to see.”
Representing one of the world's largest oil and gas reserve holders as well as one of the most established hydrocarbons markets, the Saudi delegation drove the dialogue on how Africa can boost investments, production activities, infrastructure rollout across the mid- and downstream sectors, as well as enhance the use of monetization of hydrocarbon resources to make energy poverty history across the continent by 2030. It was noted that these efforts and strategies are poised to improve the continent's GDP and contribute towards global energy security.
“Saudi Arabia, with huge financial capacity, they designed the model that can help Africa stabilize and grow their own energy potential. As African countries, what we need to look at, is the strategic position of how Saudi Arabia is increasing their businesses. There's a lot to learn in how they are engaging and in doing business, and we need to create new markets for our products and crude to expand our business framework,” stated Kola Karim, Managing Director and CEO for power solutions company, Shoreline Energy International.
Taking place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets', the roundtable also highlighted renewable energy and sustainability as key aspects towards Africa's energy development. Boasting similarly abundant solar and wind resources, it was noted that Saudi Arabia's and Africa's renewable energy potential also has an important role to play in alleviating energy poverty while promoting socioeconomic development.
Representing the largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent, #AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – prioritizes sustainable development, integration, and collaboration as a means to support explorers and producers across Africa. Centered around partnering with the private sector to drive energy growth, the Saudi-Arabia Energy Investment Forum showcased how emerging synergies between Africa and its global partners will reinforce the continent's job creation, skills development, and economic empowerment.
#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Mchunu celebrates Netherlands partnership in water sector
Mchunu celebrates Netherlands partnership in water sector
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has celebrated the strong collaboration between South Africa and the Netherlands regarding water management.
“Netherlands is … well known globally because of their expertise in water. They are very skilled in water management and a partnership with them … helps us to lift our skills level on water management as South Africa,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu made the remarks during a visit to the Blesbokspruit wetland in Ekurhuleni, where His Majesty the King of Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima visited the Blue Deal South Africa project on Wednesday.
The Blesbokspruit wetland has challenges with poor water quality due to the massive growth of water hyacinth. During the tour, the King and Queen saw how water hyacinth is removed. This is not only done by hand and machines, but researchers are experimenting with biological control, including fleas from South America.
The wetland is a water project which South Africa and the Netherlands are currently implementing under the banner “Blue Deal South Africa Programme”.
The goal of the Blue Deal South Africa partnership is to have access to clean, sufficient and safe water for 2.5 million people in South Africa in 2030.
The Blue Deal South Africa Programme aims to support water management worldwide by exchanging knowledge and experiences and assist national, regional and local organisations.
The programme will specifically contribute to clean and sufficient water.
Through the partnership, the South African Water Institutions work together with the Dutch Water Authorities, with the first four local projects already been identified to improve water quality.
Combating pollution, optimisation of wastewater treatment plants and combating invasive species are among the local goals.
Speaking to SAnews.gov.za on the sidelines of the King and Queen's visit to the wetland, Mchunu said it was an important interaction after the last meeting between South Africa and the Netherlands at the Global Conference in Water and Sanitation, held in New York, in March 2023.
Mchunu said the two countries recently renewed the Blue Deal initiative.
“This is a project of maintaining this ecosystem for the benefit of South Africans. This wetland is one of the biggest wetlands in the country and its water contributes to the main system, the Vaal River System, which supports around 20 million people.
“The Blesbokspruit wetland is one of the most important systems in the world, and therefore, the work that we are doing in partnership with Netherlands to protect this wetland, even via the moving of the hyacinth, is beneficial in many respects. But the main core business is to keep the wetland alive,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the department often sends officials to the Netherlands for training on their water management projects as well as areas of work.
“We have practical collaborative programmes, where we join hands and maintain this wetland together.”
During their tour of the wetland, King Willem-Alexander also visited a greenhouse where the fleas are grown and watched them being introduced to the water hyacinth, while Queen Máxima spoke to a local entrepreneur who uses the dried water hyacinth to weave baskets and other useful products to sell.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are currently on a State Visit to South Africa, which will take place from 18 to 20 October 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 15:24
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Limpopo hawkers evicted to produce way for road repairs
These Elim vendors pay licence fees but they have not been helped to find an alternative trading site
#AEW2023 Explores the Scale and Commercial Viability of Africa’s Oil & Gas Hotspots
A number of exploration hotspots have emerged across the continent, with major finds made across both on- and offshore basins. The rebound in high-impact drilling success rates have not only demonstrated the sizeable potential of untapped acreage but made a strong case for upstream investment in Africa.
On the back of regional oil and gas discoveries made in 2022 and 2023, a panel discussion held during the 2023 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference – organized by the African Energy Chamber - explored the resource potential of Africa's new oil and gas hotspots. Speakers from The Gambia, Angola, Namibia, Sierra Leone and more examined the scale and commercial viability of these discoveries, detailing estimated reserves, quality and recoverability.
Emmanuelle Garinet, Vice President for African Exploration, TotalEnergies, kicked off the discussion with a presentation, emphasizing that, “Despite the challenges, we are entering a time of opportunity.” Garinet highlighted the fundamental enablers for Africa's oil and gas exploration industry.
She explained that, “Having access to good quality data such as 2D and 3D data is fundamental for unlocking new basins. We also need to retain geoscientists. We need to continue hiring and training people. It is key for Africa to continue integrating young students and scientists, they have a role to play. Exploration is a costly and risky business, and companies need incentives and favorable regulatory environments.”
Dubbed the final frontier for oil and gas exploration, Africa continues to turn heads across the global hydrocarbon industry, as new discoveries demonstrate the commercial potential of both on- and offshore basins. In established markets such as Angola, ongoing efforts to stimulate E&P investment amid production decline have shown fruitful results, and exploration remains of crucial importance.
According to Marco Fonnesu, Exploration Manager (Blocks 1/14 & 28), Azule Energy, “Exploration plays a big role not only to create value but to find new assets and areas in which we can achieve larger results,” adding that, “Azule Energy is planning 16 exploration wells over the next four years, most of which are in new exploration blocks.”
Brian Reinsborough, CEO of ReconAfrica, a Canadian company exploring both Namibia and Botswana's onshore Kavanago Basin, emphasized that, “Africa has tremendous potential.” Reinsborough believes that Government support plays a role in ensuring the success of exploration.
“Important factors include subsurface, contract terms and above-ground contract stability. Governments need to encourage the acquisition of data, both onshore and offshore. This is how basins evolve. Good data acquisition is key to drive innovation by geoscientists,” he stated.
Meanwhile, billion-barrel finds made in emerging markets are poised to bring new producers to the global energy scene. Namibia, for its part, has made a strong play for investment five major discoveries in two years. Justin Cochrane, Director, African Regional Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights, believes that this success can largely be attributed to the country's attractive fiscal terms.
“We are seeing exploration take place in locations that are attractive for investment. In Namibia, for example, fiscal terms are great and wells are being drilled. South Africa also has great fiscals, and TotalEnergies will likely be drilling next year. As we head up the coast, ExxonMobil were also able to negotiate some good terms in Angola. Where exploration is taking place is tied to where the fiscal terms are good,” he stated.
In line with this trend, untapped markets such as The Gambia and Sierra Leone are eager to replicate regional upstream success, with the introduction of policy reforms and licensing rounds aimed at enticing investment into promising hydrocarbon plays. Sierra Leone has committed to providing an enabling environment for investment, and the results are already showing.
Foday Mansaray, Director General, Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone, explained that, “We have concluded our fifth offshore licensing round, successfully. We have three prominent industry players that have pre-qualified. We will conduct negotiations in November and expect to award licenses in December. From application to the issuing of licenses, we have given ourselves 85 days.”
The Gambia is also inviting investors to the market. Cany Jobe, Director E&P of the Gambian National Petroleum Company, stated that, “We have massive resource potential but we face the conundrum of stranded reserves. In 2014, the world's largest hydrocarbon discovery was in Senegal, the Sangomar field. The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal. By all indications, our basin and shelf plays offer the same potential… You are all welcome to The Gambia, which has great fiscal terms and a proven petroleum system.”
#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Financial Inclusion: A Pathway to Eradicating Global Poverty
Dr Velenkosini Matsebula is a Senior Lecturer in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. As we enter the final quarter of 2023 and closer to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), marked by unprecedented technological advancement and global interconnectivity, we must acknowledge a stark reality: extreme poverty persists. While we commemorate the International Day of the …