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La Mercy, Kwa-Zulu Natal — FUTURELIFE®, a leading South African food company and wholly-owned by PepsiCo South Africa, is excited to announce the opening of its new manufacturing facility in the Dube Trade Zone, Kwa-Zulu Natal. This milestone reflects FUTURELIFE®’s ongoing commitment to nutrition, innovation, growth, and community empowerment. With this R75 million investment, FUTURELIFE® …
DSV, one of the world's largest freight and logistics providers, has chosen the Agility Logistics Park (www.Agility.com) in Mozambique as the location where it will manage storage and distribution for a global beverage customer .
The Agility park is the leading warehouse facility in Mozambique's capital, Maputo. DSV has leased 12,000 SQM at the facility with the possibility to add an additional 2,000 SQM to help its customer meet seasonal demand for raw materials, bottles, packaging and finished products.
Philipp Buechler, Managing Director, DSV Mozambique, commented “At DSV, a safe, secure, and efficient distribution center is fundamental to our business model. The Agility warehouses provide the necessary infrastructure to meet exacting international standards and our operational requirements. Agility Logistics Parks also ensures that strict HSSE standards are followed within the park, something that is very important for optimal operations. This partnership is one of the key milestones in our supply chain strategy, which will support our further business growth in Mozambique.”
The Agility Logistics Park is located on the Maputo Ring Road, at Chiango area in Marracuene and is strategically situated for efficient distribution both across the country and into Maputo. The park is within a 25-kilometer radius of the Maputo port and airport, the N4 highway to South Africa, and the capital's Central Business District.
Agility is funding and developing 300,000 SQM of warehouses on the site, a center of excellence for warehousing in the region, to support businesses operating in and from Mozambique. The Agility warehouses provide the essential infrastructure required for both multi-national companies and local businesses that need storage, distribution, packaging, processing and light manufacturing space.
Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that DSV chose to lease warehouse space in the Agility Logistics Park in Maputo. We believe that the provision of international-standard warehouses for storage, distribution and light manufacturing is one of the fundamental building blocks necessary for economic growth. Demand in Maputo has been strong post the pandemic from both local and international companies, and we are now expanding the warehouse park and investing in further warehousing to support economic growth, jobs and prosperity in Mozambique.”
White added: “Across Africa Agility is funding and developing warehouse parks that provide move-in-ready warehouses, enabling fast deployment, flexibility and reduced capital commitments for our existing and new customers. The provision of secure, ready-built, quality, warehouses with consistent power and IT connectivity in the Maputo market is a true enabler of growth and prosperity in Africa.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.
For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820
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About Agility Logistics Parks:
Agility Logistics Parks is one of the largest private owners and developers of warehousing and light industrial parks in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It funds, builds and manages world-class facilities and infrastructure that help companies operate in the world's fastest-growing markets. Agility Logistics Parks' parent, Agility, is a pioneer in emerging markets and a leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency. Agility is a publicly traded company with $2.8 billion in annual revenue. For more information about Agility, visit www.Agility.com
I. Introduction Explanation of the Importance of a Good Web Designer In the digital age, a well-crafted website is indispensable for conveying the essence and values of a business or personal brand. A proficient web designer not only provides aesthetic appeal to your online presence but also ensures optimal user experience, functionality, and alignment with …
Reimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success Innovation often stems from a unique perspective and a fresh outlook on the future. This has been the driving force for the partnership between EduPower, a leading training provider and the branded merchandise company, JIMBU. Together, they are reimagining the potential of learnerships, and …
Step into the world of unparalleled digital success with First Page SEO Agency, South Africa’s foremost Specialist SEO Marketing Firm. Positioned at the nexus of innovation, strategy, and excellence, we are devoted to propelling your business to the zenith of search results, exponentially enhancing your online presence and turbocharging your digital growth journey. Unmatched Expertise …
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has today adopted the A-list and B-list of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF) Bill. The Bill was tabled in Parliament and referred to the committee on 11 October 2022. It was classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill.
The committee received its first briefing on the NCGBVF Bill from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on 28 February 2023. In facilitating effective public participation on the NCGBVF Bill, the committee conducted in-person and virtual public hearings on 6 and 13 June 2023. 17 oral submissions were heard by the committee during these hearings.
The committee received oral submissions from individuals, various groups and organisations such as academics, civil society organisations, one statutory body, business sector experts and one labour union. In addition to the public hearings, the committee received 52 written submissions from the public. The written submissions were submitted electronically (via email) and online.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities responded to the issues raised during the public hearings on 29 August, 5 and 12 September 2023, and thereafter the committee was briefed by the department on 19 September 2023 on the revised Bill as a working document, with further inputs received from the members of the committee made in the meeting held on 12 September 2023.
The committee also deliberated clause-by-clause on the Bill with respect to the amendments made. Furthermore, it deliberated clause-by-clause on the Bill in its entirety on 27 September 2023. The committee accepted and adopted its report on the Bill on 29 September 2023. The report will be tabled in the National Assembly for its consideration and thereafter it will be referred to the National Council of Provinces for further processing before it goes to the President for assent into law.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, thanked members of the committee for their insightful contributions on the views of the people on the Bill. “Your dedication and contributions delivered the report we are proud of and which we pass to the National Assembly with full confidence. The establishment of the Council would be an important milestone for the country in the fight against GBVF,” said Ms Ncube-Ndaba.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
SA, Tunisia bolster relations
South Africa and Tunisia should increase their political consultations to ensure a robust and dynamic utilisation of opportunities that exist between the nations, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
Pandor on Friday hosted Tunisian Foreign Minister, Nabil Ammar.
“I'm really pleased, Minister and brother, to welcome you to Pretoria today on the occasion of our political consultations, which gives us a chance to discuss our bilateral relations - regional, continental and international issues - of mutual interest,” said Pandor.
Today’s political consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for the two Ministers to reflect on the state of bilateral relations between South Africa and Tunisia and discuss further strengthening bilateral cooperation in several areas.
These include economic cooperation, security, health, science and technology.
“The meeting we're going to have today is also going to lay the ground for the future meeting of our Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation (JBCC), which we established in 1996.
“However, the last meeting of JBCC was held in 2008. A further meeting is long overdue to revitalise its mission to ensure that we have focused programme areas of cooperation and projects that we execute together,” Pandor said.
The Minister said she hopes that officials in both countries are going to work hard to ensure they meet these ambitions and come up with concrete programmes of cooperation to work together.
“I do believe we have opportunities to expand and explore, and that these will benefit both our countries, as well as the people of our country. I've made reference to stronger cooperation between our business sector as well as stronger cooperation in skills, training and development.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, has a great ambition to enhance innovation and research capacity and has developed programmes in nanoscience and space science.
“I know on satellites, previously, our researchers had been collaborating and it would be wonderful to revive that collaboration.”
She also told Ammar that she was pleased his country has taken an interest in establishing the business forum, who was accompanied by the President of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, who also has business interests locally.
“So dear Minister, please know that we are absolutely committed to the relationship between South Africa and Tunisia.
“I assure you that I would like to walk together with Tunisia as we advance the goals of Agenda 2063 as well as implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, and together, support our continent to achieve its Developmental Goals.”
Pandor also took the time to express her gratitude to Ammar for attending South Africa’s 15th BRICS Summit last month and leading his country's delegation.
“We were thrilled that your country was in attendance,” she said.
She also applauded her counterpart after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced it was adding the Tunisian resort island of Djerba to its list of World Heritage Sites because of its ancient ruins, whitewashed villages, mosques, churches and synagogues.
“Minister, our bilateral relationship continues to be one that is strong and solidified through bilateral mechanisms which provide for political, economic, scientific and socio-cultural engagement,” she added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 13:44
Former SAA chairperson appears in court on fraud, corruption charges
Former South African Airways (SAA) board chairperson, Dudu Myeni as well as former Sondolo IT director, Trevor Mathenjwa have been granted bail of R10 000 each at the Richards Bay Magistrates’ Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, said the two were arrested earlier today on charges of fraud and corruption related to controversial business BOSASA.
Seboka said Myeni allegedly failed to disclose her interests during her tenure as SAA board chairperson.
“Myeni thus stands accused of corruption for receiving gratification from BOSASA subsidiary Sondolo IT, offered by Trevor Mathenjwa, the company's former director. Myeni is accused of having received security upgrades for her Richards Bay premises during May 2014 to March 2015, to the value of R200k.
“She is further accused of benefiting from hotel accommodation and travel expenses for her and persons close to her, from BOSASA, facilitated by Blake Travels, between May 2014 and March 2015 for over R107k,” Seboka said.
The case is expected back in court in November. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 14:26
By Dr Nivisha Parag (Head of Healthcare Management Studies at Regent Business School) In an era of constant transformation within the healthcare sector, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the profound changes shaping the future of healthcare in South Africa. Recently, Dr Nivisha Parag from Regent Business School had the privilege of hosting …
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) elected Mathu Joyini (South Africa) Chair on 1 June. (See Press Release GA/12504.)
Prior to her appointment in 2021 as Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ms. Joyini served as Deputy Director-General of her country's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and Head of its Diplomatic Academy and Policy Research and Development Unit, since 2016. Previously, she was Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority from 2010 to 2015.
Among other diplomatic assignments, Ms. Joyini served as High Commissioner and Ambassador to six countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, from 2010 to 2015. She was the International Relations Department's Deputy Director-General for Human Resources from 2008 to 2010. Before joining the Government in 2001, she held senior private sector positions in mining, finance, petroleum and consulting, among other fields.
Ms. Joyini holds master's degrees in social work from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States and in business administration from Wits Business School in South Africa, where she also earned a bachelor's degree.
She was born in 1968.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations (UN).
South African retail group, Retailability has described the reconstruction of its 13 000m² apparel distribution centre at the Cornubia Ridge Logistics Park north of Durban as a “massive collaboration” and a “good news story” for the regional economy. The retail brand which includes Edgars, Legit, Swagga Style and Keedo was just one of the hundreds …
All six squads confirmed as 20-year-old Matthew Boast fetches joint-highest price of R1.6million in auction Thursday, 28 September 2023: Betway SA20...
As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …
SIU probe into Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works tender welcomed
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of maladministration and corruption related to the R295 million tender to refurbish and upgrade the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Mchunu said the mismanagement of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment plant funds will remain "etched in the mind of many South Africans as lives were lost due to alleged improper conduct”.
“We welcome the investigation into the allegations of unlawful and improper conduct related to the tender awarded by the City of Tshwane.
“We believe that the SIU will do a thorough investigation on maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud against any person or entities that were responsible. We also hope that the SIU will recover any financial losses suffered by the State,” Mchunu said.
The investigation into the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will resume following the signing of a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa which authorises the SIU to probe the tender of Phase 1 of the upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the wastewater treatment plant.
The plant receives wastewater from Atteridgeville, Pretoria’s central business district, Pretoria North, Soshanguve South and Rosslyn.
However, due to problems with operations and maintenance, the treated effluent from the waste water treatment works is of sub-standard and it continuously discharges into the Apies River and the Leeuwkraal Dam, resulting in poor water quality in Leeuwkraal Dam.
The Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW) abstracts water from the Leeuwkraal Dam for purification and supply to the Hammanskraal area. As a result, the water produced at the Temba plant is of poor quality and not potable.
On 20 August 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) declared that water in Hammanskraal was not fit for human consumption. This followed tests on the water with the help of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) after residents lodged complaints with it.
Mchunu said the department has on numerous occasions engaged with the City of Tshwane on the poor quality of effluent released from the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works.
The department has made interventions, including the western side of Hammanskraal (Refentse), which was supplied with water from the water supply pipelines in Soshanguve, and the Eastern part of Hammanskraal, which was supplied with water by Magalies Water.
However, Mchunu said the central part of Temba is still experiencing problems with the quality of drinking water.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation and the City of Tshwane have formed a partnership to repair and upgrade the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works, and it is estimated that the cost of a full rehabilitation and upgrade of the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works will be in the region of R4 billion.
“The Development Bank of Southern Africa will be appointed as an independent implementing agent to manage the design and construction work, whereas the department and the City of Tshwane will form a joint steering committee to oversee the project,” Mchunu explained.
The project will be implemented in stages with an emphasis on work to stop or reduce the pollution from Rooiwal in the early stages. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:53
Employment up by 0.4%
Employment has increased by 39 000 or 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, from 10 039 000 in March 2023 to 10 078 000 in June 2023.
This is according to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics report released by Statistics South Africa on Thursday.
According to the report, this was largely due to increases in community services (40 000 or 1.4%), business services (12 000 or 0.5%), mining (2 000 or 0.4%) and electricity (1 000 or 1.7%).
However, there were decreases in the following industries: manufacturing (-10 000 or -0.8%), transport (-3 000 or -0.7%), trade (-2 000 or -0.1%) and construction (-1 000 or -0.2%).
Total employment was up by 104 000 or 1.0% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
Full-time employment decreased by 25 000 or -0.3% quarter-on-quarter, from 8 816 000 in March 2023 to 8 791 000 in June 2023. This was largely due to decreases in community services (-11 000 or -0.5%), manufacturing (-10 000 or -0.9%), construction (-6 000 or -1.4%) and transport (-1 000 or -0.3%).
The electricity and business services industries reported no quarterly change. However, there were increases in mining (2 000 or 0.4%) and trade (1 000 or 0.1%).
Full-time employment decreased by 46 000 or -0.5% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
Meanwhile, part-time employment increased by 64 000 or 5.2% quarter-on-quarter, from 1 223 000 in March 2023 to 1 287 000 in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in community services (51 000 or 8.6%), business services (12 000 or 5.2%), construction (5 000 or 7.1%) and electricity (1 000 or 100.0%).
The manufacturing industry reported no quarterly change. However, there were decreases in the following industries: trade (-3 000 or -1.3%) and transport (-2 000 or -11.8%).
Part-time employment increased by 150 000 or 13,2% year-on-year between June 2022 and June 2023.
The second quarter report also provides insight into employment figures in industries before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Three out of eight industries (mining, manufacturing and community services) have returned to pre-pandemic employment levels.
“Gross earnings paid to employees increased by R3.6 billion or 0.4% from R828.7 billion in March 2023 to R832.4 billion in June 2023. This was largely due to increases in the following industries: community services, trade, transport, construction, manufacturing and mining. However, there were decreases in the following industries: business services and electricity.
“The year-on-year total gross earnings increased by R42.9 billion or 5.4% between June 2022 and June 2023,” StatsSA said.
StatsSA said that basic salary/wages paid to employees increased by R19.3 billion or 2.6% from R738,5 billion in March 2023 to R757.8 billion in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in the following industries: community services, business services, trade, manufacturing, construction, transport and mining. However, the electricity industry reported a quarterly decrease.
The year-on-year basic salary/wages increased by R38.6 billion or 5.4% between June 2022 and June 2023.
“Bonuses paid to employees decreased by R17.7 billion or -26.4% from R66.9 billion in March 2023 to R49.3 billion in June 2023. This was largely due to decreases in the following industries: business services, manufacturing, community services and electricity. However, there were increases in the following industries: transport, trade and construction.
“The year-on-year bonus payments increased by R2.1 billion or 4.4% between June 2022 and June 2023,” StatsSA said.
Meanwhile, overtime paid to employees increased by R2.0 billion or 8.7% from R23.3 billion in March 2023 to R25.4 billion in June 2023.
This was largely due to increases in the following industries: manufacturing, business services, transport, trade, construction and electricity. However, the community services industry reported a quarterly decrease.
“The year-on-year overtime payments increased by R2.3 billion or 10.1% between June 2022 and June 2023.
“Average monthly earnings showed a quarter-on-quarter increase of 2.8%, from R25 274 in February 2023 to R25 994 in May 2023. Year-on-year, average monthly earnings increased by 5.4%,” StatsSA said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:32
The Earthshot Prize has announced the 15 Finalists for this year's Prize at the second Earthshot Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3ZCnC1i), an event held alongside the UN General Assembly, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, to celebrate and champion innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges.
Out of over 1,100 nominations, the 15 Finalists for The Earthshot Prize stood out following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of scientific, academic, and subject-matter experts. Each of these Finalists stands a chance to win one of the five £1 million prizes designed to propel their initiatives towards greater impact. The unveiling of the five Winners will take place at the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony scheduled later this year in Singapore.
Furthermore, all the Finalists will benefit from invaluable mentorship, resources, and technical support through The Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. This program will also provide them with access to a robust network of influential businesses, investors, and climate experts.
The Earthshot Prize revolves around five transformative 'Earthshots,' each embodying simple yet ambitious goals that represent the world we aspire to build for future generations.
In the spirit of celebrating African innovation, we are proud to highlight two remarkable finalists from the continent: Freetown the Tree Town representing Sierra Leone and ABALOBI from South Africa.
These African finalists come after Mukuru Clean Stoves, a start-up providing cleaner-burning stoves to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook, won the coveted environmental prize during the inspirational awards ceremony hosted in Boston last year.
Freetown the Tree Town is a visionary initiative aimed at reforesting landscapes, restoring the degraded coastline of Freetown, and creating sustainable green jobs. The project meticulously tracks newly planted trees, assigning them to local tree guardians, and publicly documenting their growth, resulting in an impressively high survival rate for newly planted trees.
ABALOBI, on the other hand, is a community-centric mobile application supporting small-scale fishers in their quest for sustainable fishing practices while preventing the overfishing of at-risk species. It also enhances boat and fisher safety by providing real-time weather warnings and tracking capabilities. The initiative has already expanded its reach beyond South Africa, directly benefiting over 1,600 fishers with a substantial increase in revenue due to better access to profitable markets for sustainable species.
"We are immensely proud to see African innovation shining on the global stage through the Earthshot Prize. At MultiChoice, as a proudly African organization, we believe in the power of homegrown solutions to address the world's most pressing challenges. These African finalists exemplify that spirit, and we salute their remarkable efforts in safeguarding our planet for future generations,” says Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive at MultiChoice Group.
By participating in this prestigious prize, African innovators gain a platform to showcase their solutions, inspire corporate entities to join the fight against climate change, and urge governments to prioritize climate action on their national agendas.
In addition to the chance to win the £1 million prize, all Finalists will receive tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses worldwide dedicated to scaling innovative climate and environmental solutions to maximize their impact.
The five Winners will be carefully selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to leveraging their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to restore and regenerate our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is a truly global initiative, bringing together a diverse coalition of nominators from over 200 individuals and organizations worldwide. It encompasses a distinguished Expert Advisory Panel and The Earthshot Prize Council, comprising influential figures who wholeheartedly support positive environmental action.
The fifteen Finalists have earned their place through rigorous assessment and their potential to make a game-changing impact on a global scale, all while contributing positively to people, communities, and the natural world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
MultiChoice Group Contact Details:
Litlhare Moteetee
Corporate Communications
Tel: +27 11 289 3312
Litlhare.Moteetee@Multichoice.co.za
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About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which was listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 23.5m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to providing audiences with only the best local, sports and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers, and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market.
Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets.
Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, 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 catalyze 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. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
Leading African law firm Bowmans is further strengthening its dispute resolution capacity in South Africa by appointing senior litigation lawyer Vanessa Jacklin-Levin as a partner in its Johannesburg Litigation Practice. ‘Vanessa is one of the most highly regarded dispute resolution lawyers in South Africa, with a formidable combination of skills, not only in litigation, adjudications …
By Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf For hotel operators in South Africa, Tourism Month represents a unique business opportunity with the potential for substantial growth and sustainability. Jaco Minnaar, CEO of The Houghton Hotel, Spa, Wellness and Golf in Johannesburg, shares a heartening perspective on the state of tourism …
South Africa’s booming tourism industry is poised for long term success South Africa’s tourism industry has emerged strongly from the effects of the pandemic. Within the next 10 years, the sector is expected to contribute 800,000 jobs and R287 billion to the national economy. Furthermore, according to the Department of Tourism, the country hosted more …
Work continues between government and business to tackle SA’s immediate challenges
President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders to receive an update on progress made in the collaboration between government and business.
This collaboration was initiated in June 2023, with the aim of significantly growing South Africa’s economy, and restoring public and investor confidence through critical interventions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption.
Highlighting the meaningful progress made since the start of the initiative in a joint statement, President Ramaphosa said they have established an effective working relationship between government and business to tackle the most immediate challenges facing the economy.
“While we have identified key milestones and set out the processes to achieve these, the real test of our success will be in the results felt by ordinary citizens.
“We are confident that by working together and marshalling the significant resources and expertise that exist in our country, we will end load shedding, fix our logistics system, and tackle crime and corruption,” the President said.
Adrian Gore, co-convenor of the business delegation, said while it’s early in the partnership, the collective work rate has been excellent and "there are clear areas of progress", which he believes they can build upon to achieve real change.
“Putting in place a viable, critical path per focal area, with clear short-term deliverables against which we collectively measure our progress, is crucial for building confidence in our ability to deliver,” Gore said.
The joint statement sated that good traction has been achieved within the energy focal area, through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), which has been established to ensure delivery of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).
Business and government reaffirmed the importance of the EAP as the country’s blueprint for reducing the severity and frequency of load shedding in the short term and ending it altogether in the long term.
“Full implementation of the plan across three core priorities – improving the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations; adding new generation capacity, and reforming the energy sector – will result in over 12GW of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system from Eskom and the private sector by the end of 2024,” the statement read.
As part of this collaboration, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Cas Coovadia, and chair of the Steering Committee of Business for South Africa (B4SA), Martin Kingston noted that business is mobilising additional capacity and skills to support the implementation of the EAP.
This includes nearly 130 volunteers from the private sector who are being coordinated through the Energy Council of South Africa to work in partnership with Eskom and government. The deployment of technical support teams to five power stations – Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla, and Tutuka – is on track, in addition to ongoing support for the return of Kusile Units 1 to 3.
Energy stabilty
The joint statement highlighted that the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill has been tabled in Parliament, and the public comment period is underway. Government is engaging closely with Parliament to prioritise the passage of this Bill, given its crucial importance for the reform of the energy sector.
Encouraging progress has been made in the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), with all three licenses approved by the National Energy Regulator of SA (NERSA), and the appointment of an independent board is in process.
The One Stop Shop for energy projects has been established, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Energy Council to support enhancement of its capacity and systems to further streamline regulatory processes and facilitate private investment in energy generation.
In the logistics focal area, the collaboration is centered on ensuring implementation of immediate operational interventions, which have already been defined, alongside the development of the Freight Logistics Roadmap.
Government has committed to finalise the roadmap, which will outline a sequenced set of actions to fundamentally reform the logistics system, by the end of October 2023. Business emphasized the urgency of this roadmap in the context of the ongoing challenges in the logistics system.
“Six of the eight work streams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) are now fully operational, while the remaining two will transition from Operation Vulindlela. Interventions to improve the operational performance of the multimodal bulk freight rail network and port system are well underway through the NLCC”.
Corridor Recovery Teams have been established for five strategic corridors, comprising Transnet managing executives, industry representatives and independent experts, and a delivery plan has been developed with specific actions and timeframes to achieve the targeted increase in freight volumes.
Business and government further emphasized the need to support the Board of Transnet in its turnaround plan in order to drive operational improvement and sustainability.
“A multi-disciplinary team has been formed to address congestion challenges at the Lebombo border crossing, resulting in a reduction in the border processing time, while a dedicated work stream has been established to expedite the restoration of passenger rail services. Law enforcement agencies are working to protect rail infrastructure through a range of interventions, including aerial surveillance on the North and Central Corridors as well as the Majuba rail line,” government and business said.
In the crime and corruption focal area, current engagements centre on building capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the SAPS to address crimes targeting infrastructure.
The NPA Amendment Bill has been tabled to establish the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity with investigative powers.
This Bill responds to a key recommendation of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, and will strengthen the capacity and independence of the NPA to tackle corruption-related crimes. A further meeting will be held in six weeks’ time to assess progress on these commitments.
“During this period, the immediate focus will be on ensuring the passage of critical reform legislation such as the ERA Bill and the NPA Amendment Bill; scaling up technical support for power station performance recovery; finalizing and adopting the Freight Logistics Roadmap; and establishing a joint delivery mechanism to coordinate agreed interventions to tackle crime and corruption,” the joint statement said.
Both government and business continue to engage with other social partners in parallel, as part of their respective commitments to advance collaboration on shared national objectives. – SAnews.gov.za
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Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:42
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the African Embassies in Bangkok, namely, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and South Africa, as well as Khon Kaen Province, Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khon Kaen University and Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation organised the Colours of Africa 2023 events during 13 - 14 September on 21 September 2023. The events sought to promote public awareness, including the private sector and the academia, on the African continent, as well as the potential of trade, investment and tourism opportunities in Africa.
The activities included:
1. The Seminar on Trade and Investment Opportunities in Africa on 13 September 2023 at Avani Hotel Khon Kaen, with speakers including African ambassadors to Thailand and successful Thai entrepreneurs. The session observed the exchange of knowledge on trade and investment opportunities in Africa, as well as first-hand experience on conducting business in the region to the audience comprising of entrepreneurs from Khon Kaen and nearby provinces.
2. Academic Lecture on Africa on 14 September 2023 at Khon Kaen University, under the topic “The African Union Agenda 2063” and “Nelson Mandela: The Epitome of Ethical Leadership in Africa and the World: Learning from his Legacy for a better Africa and a Humane World Order,” was given by the African Ambassadors to Thailand, with more than 300 students and lecturers from Khon Kaen University participated. On this occasion, the African Ambassadors also visited the university's Faculty of Agriculture, which already had academic cooperation with various universities in Africa.
3. The Student Quiz Competition, Games and Exhibitions to enhance knowledge on Africa on 21 September 2023 at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with more than 200 participants, including students and teachers from 23 Thai schools around Thailand affiliated with the Young Ambassador of Virtue Foundation. During the quiz's final round, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, and African Ambassadors to Thailand were invited to ask questions and present scholarships to the winning teams, as well as tokens of appreciation and certificates to all participating students.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
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