business

1 September 2024

President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China this week where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

The State Visit, which comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.

President Ramaphosa is expected to be flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.

The delegation will also include the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Oscar Mabuyane and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba as well as senior government officials.

President Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in Tshwane, cementing 25 years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries have enjoyed since establishing formal diplomatic relations.

“China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023,” the Presidency said in a statement.

On Monday, President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People.

Ahead of the bilateral engagement, the President will lay a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.

South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

“South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.

“On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa’s economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit,” the Presidency said.

On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.

On Thursday, the President will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.

“The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning, the High-Level Panel Seminar on Accompanying Africa in Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernisation,” the Presidency said.

South Africa’s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa’s position on development as outlined by the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.

A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued at the conclusion of the 2024 FOCAC Summit. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 09:22

315 views

31 August 2024

Blackout in Eastern Free State After Substation Vandalised

Location: News

Thousands of litres of oil stolen, says municipality

30 August 2024

President Ramaphosa Leads South Africa Delegation to China for State Visit and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
Download logo

President Cyril Ramaphosa will at the invitation of His Excellency President Xi Jinping undertake a State Visit to the People's Republic of China and participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).

The State Visit and FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 - 5 September 2024.

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa in August 2023 in the City of Tshwane, cementing twenty five years of strong bonds of friendship and cooperation the two countries enjoy since establishing formal diplomatic relations.

China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China's number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.

On Monday, 2 September 2024, President Ramaphosa's State Visit to China officially commences with a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. Ahead of the bilateral engagement, President Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the Monument to the Peoples Heroes in Tiananmen Square in honour of Chinese revolutionaries.

South Africa and China's bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) level, underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

South Africa and China will sign agreements that are aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and the implementation of technical cooperation, particularly in the fields of human settlements, agriculture and science and technology.

On Tuesday, 3 September 2024, President Ramaphosa will champion South Africa's economic diplomacy with China by visiting Shenzhen, an economic technology hub in the Guangdong Province to interact with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of two tech companies as part of the bilateral business programme of the State Visit.

The President will address the South Africa - China Business Forum on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, on the margins of the FOCAC in Beijing.

On Thursday, 5, September 2024, President Ramaphosa, will participate in the FOCAC Summit held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.

The President will co- chair, with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Wang Huning , the High Level Panel Seminar on “Accompanying Africa in Industrialization, Agricultural Modernization and Green Development to Embark on the path to Modernization”.

South Africa ‘s participation in FOCAC is driven by a constant advancement of Africa's position on development as outlined by the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa we Want and its related Flagship Programmes.

A Declaration and Action Plan (2025-2027) will be issued as the outcome documents of the 2024 FOCAC Summit.

The Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy ; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education ; Agriculture are accompanying the President to the China State Visit and FOCAC along Premiers of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo province as well as senior government officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

30 August 2024

South Africans Clock up 21 Used Car Searches per Second!

Location: MyPR

“Additionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by Eskom or the State. The investigation will encompass any unlawful or improper conduct by Eskom officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties.

“The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 March 2006 and 30 August 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 March 2006 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” the SIU said.

Meanwhile, the unit said the proclamation authorising it to investigate allegations at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has been amended.

“The amendment results from the SIU’s investigations, which revealed that the SIU needs to investigate further areas that the existing proclamations did not cover. The SIU requested a Proclamation amendment in terms of time and focus areas,” the unit said.

The amendment additionally authorises the SIU to investigate the acquisition by the Department or beneficiaries of:
• the Bekendvlei, Nirwanda, Wonderhoek, Mont Piquet, Appelkloof and Rietvlei farms.
• Mike's Chicken (Pty) Limited, immovable assets and animals for Project Harmonie, Project Uitkyk and Project Dipalemo.
• Shares in Bambanani Fruits BEE (Pty) Limited regarding the Department's Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy or the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Policy and identifying, selecting and appointing strategic partners and beneficiaries.

“Additionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State.

“The investigation will encompass any unlawful, improper or corrupt conduct by Department Officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties. Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] for further action,” the SIU concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 13:06

153 views

30 August 2024

Behind the Scenes of McCann Joburg and L’oréal Paris Women’s Month Content Series

Location: MyPR

In honour of Women’s Month, an all-female creative team at McCann Joburg, in partnership with L’Oréal Paris South Africa, embarked on an inspiring journey, to create a content series that delves deeper into the concept of self-worth, as viewed through the lens of South African women. The content series features five popular South African female …

30 August 2024

UsPlus Raises R80 Million From Its Inaugural Listed Bond Issuance

Location: Business

Verdant (www.Verdant-Cap.com) has raised ZAR 40 million for Us Plus Limited (“UsPlus”) as a senior unsecured note through UsPlus' JSE-listed social bond. The investment comes from an Africa-focused fund headquartered in Europe and was matched by an equal investment through local funding on the JSE making ZAR 80 million in total through the bond issuance. Furthermore, in parallel UsPlus drew down ZAR 60 million for a bilateral facility previously arranged by Verdant, making a total of ZAR 140 million of new funding this quarter (approx. USD 7 million). This substantial funding injection increases the total capital raised for the business by Verdant to USD 22 million in just over 2 years. It underscores market confidence in UsPlus' mission to drive economic growth and social impact in South Africa.

UsPlus, known for its innovative financial solutions tailored for SMEs, is dedicated to enhancing competitiveness and access to finance for small and medium enterprises. This strategic partnership reinforces UsPlus' commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic inclusion in South Africa.

The fresh capital will empower UsPlus to expand its support, particularly to black-owned, women-owned, and youth-owned MSMEs, particularly in underserved provinces. By focusing on sectors such as food security, waste management, and manufacturing, UsPlus aims to create lasting positive changes in local communities by contributing to employment creation, food security and sustainable production.

This collaboration highlights the vital role of social bonds in mobilising capital for impactful projects, and it reinforces UsPlus' position as a catalyst for financial inclusion and economic empowerment in South Africa. The commitment from this latest funding partner and the continued support from local funders are a testament to the crucial work being done by UsPlus to promote sustainable growth and support the nation's SME sector.

This is the fourth investment into UsPlus arranged by Verdant from international development finance institutions and impact investors.

The transaction further solidifies Verdant as a leading advisor and manager for inclusive financial institutions in Africa.

Terms for the transaction were not disclosed.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media enquiries:
Orient Mahonisi
orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant IMAP:
Verdant IMAP is a leading investment bank operating on a pan-African focus, specialising in M&A and in private capital markets. Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region. IMAP with partner firms in nearly 50 countries, with over 600 M&A professionals, completing over 200 M&A transactions per year, reinforces Verdant IMAP's capability to deliver innovative financial solutions to clients across Africa and around the World. www.Verdant-Cap.com

Source: US Plus Limited, Verdant

Media files
Verdant Capital

Download logo

30 August 2024

SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister

Location: News

SAPS celebrates its Deputy Minister

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on a series of profiles to celebrate women in policing and in particular female leaders within its ranks who are playing key leadership roles within the organisation to ensure a safer and secure country for all.

As Women’s Month draws to a close, SAPS celebrates the recently appointed Deputy Minister of Police and Member of Parliament, Polly Boshielo.

Boshielo took up her new role in the Police Ministry in June 2024, following the establishment of South Africa’s seventh democratic administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Section 93(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa stipulates that Deputy Ministers appointed in terms of subsection (1) (b) are accountable to Parliament for the exercise of their powers and the performance of their functions.

As a Deputy Minister in the Police Ministry, Boshielo's role, alongside Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, is to support the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu in the execution of his duties.

This is a task Boshielo does not take lightly and says she is “rolling up her sleeves” in the fight against crime.
Boshielo hails from Seshego, a township in Polokwane in the Limpopo province.

Growing up, Boshielo always knew she was destined for a life in the political realm and matriculated at Mmakgabo High school in 1989.

Her political leadership acumen led her to become a respected South African politician and a leader who served the country in various leadership positions, both in public and private sector, said the SAPS.

This year, the country observes Women’s Month under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Year of Democracy Towards Women’s Development”.

Boshielo is a sterling example of a woman in leadership that believes in continuous self-development and obtained the following academic achievements:
• Master’s in Philosophy (MPhil) in Transport Studies (2018), University of Cape Town
• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) (2007), Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership, University of Limpopo
• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) specialisation in Management (2004), University of South Africa
• Diploma in Road Transport (Passenger)(2000), then Rand Afrikaanse Universiteit

Boshielo is currently enrolled and studying towards a Doctorate’s degree in Administration through the University of Limpopo.

Over the years, Boshielo also completed a number of additional qualifications which include a Diploma in Office Administration, a Certificate in Personal and Team Effectiveness and a Certificate in Strategic Planning and Change Management.

The Deputy Minister went on to complete various other post graduate programmes among others, Executive Leadership Programme Certificate with the University of Cape Town (UCT), Senior Management Programme with the University of Pretoria (UP) as well as obtaining a Project and Programme Management certificate with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).

Boshielo said her political career started as an Administrator in the Office of the Secretariat in the African National Congress (ANC), Northern Province, before her appointment as the Head of the MEC’s Office of Dr Aaron Motsoaledi from 1994 until 2007.

She also served as General Manager in the Department of Roads and Transport responsible for public, freight and air transport.

Her leadership qualities and capabilities were recognised following her deployment to the National Assembly where she was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on 21 May 2014 and served until 5 June 2015.

She was assigned to serve at the Auditor-General for Transport, Status of Women and Public Enterprises committees.

Boshielo was also appointed as the Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature from October 2015 to May 2019.

Following the inauguration of the provincial government in 2019, she was then appointed an MEC for Education from May 2019 until June 2022 and then re-deployed to the Transport, Safety and Liaison portfolio as MEC until October 2022.

Boshielo was then deployed back to the Limpopo Provincial Legislature where she was appointed Chairperson for Quality of Life and Status of Women, Youth and Disability portfolio from October 2022 until May 2024.

Prior to her political appointments, the Deputy Minister served in various senior positions in both public and private institutions.

“As the Police Ministry our goal is this - to ensure South Africans and visitors to our country are safe and feel safe. Professionalism is key in ensuring services of a high standard are rendered to the communities our members of the South African Police Service serve,” Boshielo said.

The Deputy Minister promised to plough her wealth of knowledge and experience into her new portfolio towards a safer environment for all. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 11:52

14 views

30 August 2024

Un Expert Urges Tougher Action on Pesticides in SA

Location: News

Pesticides which are banned in Europe are still exported to developing countries

29 August 2024

Season Two of NBA Africa’s “Born & Bred” Original Content Series Featuring Raptors’ Ulrich Chomche and Jazz’s Babacar Sané Premieres on the NBA App

Location: Sport

Second Season Tells the Stories of Five Current and Former NBA Academy Africa (www.NBA.com) Prospects from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal; All Five Episodes Will Be Available on the NBA App with One Episode Releasing Weekly Throughout September.

NBA Africa announced the return of its first original documentary series “Born & Bred” which will premiere its second season on the NBA App today. The docuseries returns with five episodes telling the stories of current and former NBA Academy Africa student athletes from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal as they pursue their basketball dreams at the academy and beyond.

Season two of “Born & Bred” features the first NBA Academy Africa prospect drafted to the NBA Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), former NBA G League Ignite players Babacar Sané (Utah Jazz; Senegal) and Thierry Darlan (Central African Republic), and current NBA Academy Africa prospects Ali Assran (Egypt) and Modou Fall Thiam (Senegal).

Chomche became the first prospect from one of the three NBA Academies around the world to be drafted directly to the NBA when he was selected 57^th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft. During his time at NBA Academy Africa, he was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp and participated in the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club (REG BBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police in 2022.

The first episode, “Small Village. Big Dreams”, features Chomche and is available to watch today on the NBA App. All five episodes will be available to stream on the NBA App, with one episode releasing each week throughout September.

Descriptions of each season two “Born & Bred” episode are included below:

Episode 1 (Aug. 29): “Small Village. Big Dreams” features Ulrich Chomche, an 18-year-old forward from Bafang, Cameroon, who is set to make his NBA debut later this year during the 2024-25 NBA season. Chomche joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019. He represented Team World at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon in April, before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. He became the seventh Cameroonian to be drafted, joining Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (NBA Draft 2001), Luc Mbah a Moute (NBA Draft 2008), seven-time NBA All-Star and 2022-23 Kia NBA MVP Joel Embiid (NBA Draft 2014), two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (NBA Draft 2016), Christian Koloko (NBA Draft 2022) and Yves Missi (NBA Draft 2024).

Episode 2 (Sept. 5): “Birth of Young Ossoko” features Babacar Sané, a 20-year-old forward from Ziguinchor, Senegal. Following his breakthrough performances during the BAL's second season, he spent two years with NBA G League Ignite, before going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft and signing with the Jazz earlier this month.

Episode 3 (Sept. 12): “Breaking Ground” features Ali Assran, a 17-year-old forward from Cairo, Egypt. Assran represented the U17 Egyptian national team at the 2024 FIBA Basketball World Cup and joined the NBA Academy Africa in 2023. The episode follows him as he continues to discover his passion for basketball while channeling his struggles into determination and finding solace on the court.

Episode 4 (Sept. 19): “The Quiet Leader” features Modou Fall Thiam, a 19-year-old from Senegal who joined NBA Academy Africa in 2023. Hailing from Yeumbeul, the athletic dunker faced an early injury which saw the young point guard sidelined in his second year at the academy. Thiam details his journey of playing in several international tournaments, participating in the BAL's third season as a BAL Elevate member of Nigeria's Kwara Falcons, and the adversity of dealing with an injury as a young athlete.

Episode 5 (Sept. 26): “Against All Odds” features Thierry Darlan, who as a 20-year-old guard from Bangui, Central African Republic became the sixth NBA Academy graduate and third from the NBA Academy Africa to sign with NBA G League Ignite. Named the MVP of the 2022 BWB Africa camp in Egypt, Darlan also led the academy team to a championship at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Georgia the same year. Following his BAL debut with Angola's Petro de Luanda in 2022 as part of the BAL Elevate program, Darlan returned to the BAL in 2024, making his professional debut during the Nile Conference for Central African Republic's Bangui Sporting Club.

“Born & Bred” season one (https://apo-opa.co/4e2kQbl) premiered on the NBA App last November, featuring current and former NBA Academy Africa prospects Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu, Egypt's Seifeldin Hendawy, South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, Senegal's Khadim Rassoul Mboup, and Angola's Aginaldo Neto, spotlighting each prospect's basketball journey, including the communities where they were raised and the moments that have shaped them as players and young men.

NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent. Since its launch in 2017, more than 40 male and female participants have committed to NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. or signed professional contracts.

The NBA App is free to download here (https://apo-opa.co/3T9WrZA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Media files

Download logo

29 August 2024

Call to place young people in critical infrastructure projects

Location: News

Call to place young people in critical infrastructure projects

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has emphasised that every project, from ideation to implementation, must include the upskilling, reskilling, and placement of young people, through emerging industrialist apprenticeships.

Chikunga was speaking at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) learning event on youth unemployment crisis and gender equity.

“The country is currently facing a situation where serious infrastructure projects, from small harbours development, rail, road, and rural bridge construction to human settlements projects, water sanitation projects, and energy, are in [the] pipeline. It is about time that we insist that no labour is imported for these projects while unemployed graduates are sitting at home,” Chikunga said at Thursday’s event.

Putting in place sustainable interventions

Chikunga underscored a need for strategies to cultivate all of the country’s resources in a coherent and purposeful effort and put forward interventions that can be sustained into the future.

The Minister argued that South Africa cannot have youth hopping from one learnership to another, and from one internship to another.

She emphasised the need for an emerging industrialist programme that reaches every corner of the country.

“These interventions should, in line with our DDM (District Development Model), be implemented at national, provincial and local levels by government, parastatals, organisations within civil society and the private sector working within the framework of reconstruction and development.

“In order to respond in a more purposeful way, we are called upon to transcend traditional boundaries and do away with siloed interventions and adopt a more integrated and coordinated approach,” Chikunga said at the gathering held in Sandton, Johannesburg.

According to the Minister, a lack of industrial dynamism, youth unemployment, the high cost of living, economic inactivity, violent crime, and a lack of social cohesion, are all multidimensional challenges that require what economists refer to as a “Mission-Oriented Approach” to development.

“We are required to set ambitious goals; foster creative public-private collaborations; approach the state as a patient investor-of first resort; and develop dynamic capabilities to adapt and steer the mission as it evolves.

“The NYDA, for example, must be transformed into a capability that is able to gather market and economic intelligence about the future of industry and work; identify emerging strategic opportunities; measure (cross sectoral) impact of policies; enhance our ability to spot risks/opportunities; increase our ability to anticipate and adapt; and support new agents of systemic socio-economic change.”

Research capability

She also challenged the NYDA to have a well-resourced research capability that is able to provide situational awareness.

“[The NYDA] must address the questions such as: in light of the youth question, where are we, where should we be going, and what is likely to get in our way [both threats and opportunities], as we navigate to that collectively desired destination.

“What adjustments, if any, do we need to make to deal with the threats and make the most of opportunities? Through knowledge management, we must be able to anticipate, respond, and navigate uncertainties and potential crises,” Chikunga said.

In efforts to attract manufacturing, promote beneficiation and drive industrialisation, Chikunga stressed a need to ensure that women and youth have access to land for agricultural purposes and related value chains. She also stressed the need for an emerging industrialist fund to turn young people’s ideas and innovation into productive economic activities.

She also spoke of a need to engage with all unemployed graduates, listening to their experiences, understanding their needs, and working with them to pursue sustainable opportunities; as well as a need for a cap on the minerals that leave as unprocessed rocks.

‘We need to leverage public procurement to provide off-take for youth and women owned business. We can only do this if we leverage our convening powers as government,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 13:52

281 views

29 August 2024

Anti-crime agreement to enhance collaboration, coordination

Location: News

Anti-crime agreement to enhance collaboration, coordination

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver the keynote address at the signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime to be held in Cape Town on Friday.

The signing is expected to be led by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

“The cooperation agreement aims to enhance collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in the region to address safety and security concerns effectively. It will also focus on community-driven initiatives, the integration of resources, and the development of innovative strategies to combat crime and promote public safety.

“This is also in line with the Constitutional mandate of the South African Police Service, which is to prevent, combat, and investigate crime and to protect the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The signing of the cooperation comes after engagements with community this week.

“This significant event follows a stakeholder engagement held on the 27th of August 2024, which saw a robust and productive dialogue with representatives from Community Policing Forums (CPF), spiritual organisations, and the business community,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 14:05

17 views

29 August 2024

Unlocking Productivity Potential in the Western Cape!

Location: MyPR

Media Invitation: Unlocking Productivity Potential In The Western Cape! Join us for an engaging and impactful event as Productivity SA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), present the Western Cape Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. Date: Friday, 30th August 2024 Venue: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, …

29 August 2024

Ntuli to launch KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund

Location: News

Ntuli to launch KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, says the provincial government is making significant strides towards advancing the lives of women and putting them at the forefront of the economic mainstream.

This follows an announcement the Premier made during his State of the Province Address that within the first 100 days in office, he would unveil the KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund (KZNWAF).

The KZNWAF is a pioneering initiative designed to empower and support women entrepreneurs in the province by addressing the unique challenges they face in business.

The Premier is expected to launch the fund on Friday.

“This launch will provide a platform to connect visionary women entrepreneurs with corporate and government leaders, promoting long-term investments, collaboration, and innovation,” said the Premier.

Meanwhile, a lack of funding, limited support, gender bias, and access to markets which result in exclusion from the mainstream economy are among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Ntuli said the fund will provide women with financial resources, mentorship, and business development services.
“We are excited to be launching this fund which is led by the Office of the Premier and is a result of engagements with the private sector and leading women, who saw a need to empower and develop other women.

“We appreciate the partnership between government and the private sector. This partnership will support our vision of ensuring that women do not remain disenfranchised, but they become active participants in our economy,” Ntuli said.

At Friday’s launch, the Premier will present the private sector partners who collaborated with government to support women entrepreneurs.

The KZNWAF launch will be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, under the theme “Igniting Her Future: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment."

“Various women entrepreneurs will speak about their business journeys through a panel discussion. About 15 women-owned businesses chosen from across the province will exhibit their products,” Ntuli said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:11

244 views

29 August 2024

Godlimpi to lead Women’s Month seminar

Location: News

Godlimpi to lead Women’s Month seminar

With Women’s Month drawing to a close, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) will host a seminar for women entrepreneurs on Friday.

Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi is expected to lead the seminar that is aimed at promoting women’s participation in entrepreneurship.

According to the dtic, the event will offer a unique opportunity for dialogue, building valuable connections, and exploring success strategies essential for women in business.

“It will also serve as a platform to showcase the work of businesses supported by the dtic and its entities and the role the entities play in helping women entrepreneurs through various mechanisms, including funding, regulation and exports among others.

Friday’s seminar which will get underway at 9 am, will take place at the Industrial Development Corporation in Sandton.– SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 09:19

41 views

28 August 2024

Enhancing Customer Relations: The Strategic Advantage of 24/7 Answering Services

Location: MyPR

Introduction In an era where customer service can make or break a business, staying accessible to your customers around the clock is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. A 24/7 answering service allows businesses to achieve this by ensuring they never miss a call, regardless of the time or day. This blog explores the strategic …