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*Prof Mias de Klerk is the Director of the Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies (Africa), at Stellenbosch Business School. This year we celebrate 30 years of democracy, the freedom for all citizens as equals and the end of a despotic government in which only some were free. However, through the years it appears that there …
Minister celebrates recovery of rail corridors with train trip from Fish Hoek to Cape Town station
Chris Green, Managing Partner, Hogan Lovells SA M&A activity in South Africa declined sharply in 2023 relative to the two preceding years, in line with global trends. The factors driving this included, amongst others, global economic headwinds particularly high inflation and high interest rates, the well-documented geopolitical uncertainty in Europe and the Middle East, ongoing …
Worker share ownership schemes important to economic transformation
President Cyril Ramaphosa says giving workers a seat at the table where strategic corporate decisions are made fosters good morale and innovation and also builds a resilient economy.
The President said this when he delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Worker Share Ownership Conference held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The conference serves as a platform for advocacy for Employee Share Ownership Plans in private companies.
“This conference is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue among a diverse array of participants, including trustees, CEOs, labour and business representatives, and company chairs. It is an opportunity to develop a model of worker ownership that can serve the needs of our economy.
“When workers participate as owners, the workers also develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face their own companies, enabling more fruitful partnerships to unlock opportunities for growth, investment and job creation.
“This is a paradigm shift, which aims to empower workers not only as wage earners but also as partners, as stakeholders with ownership in capital,” he said.
President Ramaphosa added that beyond social justice “worker ownership initiatives make sound business and economic sense”.
“They are key to building a more resilient economy whose benefits flow equitably through society. Worker share ownership initiatives boost morale and productivity.
“Workers who feel valued and respected by their employers are more likely to contribute ideas for improving processes, products and services. It is human nature that one is more inclined to contribute one’s best efforts when one has a vested interest in the success of that particular venture,” he said.
Economic transformation
The President emphasised that government has done much to improve transformation of the economy following devastating apartheid legislation which deliberately excluded black South Africans from “participating meaningfully in the economy of their own country”.
The democratic government has done this through enacting laws in competition to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises, introducing labour legislation to ensure decent working conditions and the promulgation of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act.
“Yet, despite the measures of successive democratic administrations that we have introduced to transform patterns of ownership in the economy, we still have much more to do.
“This is therefore a good time to collectively assess the impact of the enabling legislative environment to examine the learnings over the past two decades. A vital measure of economic empowerment is the extent to which ownership and control of the economy is broadened, particularly among black and women South Africans.
“Worker [share] ownership schemes are valuable instruments to broaden ownership and, with time, to enable greater control of the economy. Also known as Employee Share Ownership Programmes, these schemes are underpinned…by the [BBBEE] Act, together with the Competition Act, the Companies Act and the various number of others,” he said.
Shared commitment
The President highlighted that government plays an important role in providing guidance on the design and implementation of these programmes through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and also provides catalytic funding through the Industrial Development Corporation, the National Empowerment Fund and others.
He added, however, that a shared “commitment to economic transformation” is imperative.
“It is vital that we harness the spirit of partnership as we chart the course for the future of these programmes and for an even better, more sustainable worker shareholder regime.
“By championing worker ownership, we are building a future where every employee has a stake in the success of their company. Together, we are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous society in which no-one is left behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 12:46
In a bold move to accelerate Africa’s entrepreneurial trajectory and empower a new generation of agile startups with 21st-century digital capabilities, ALX an award winning tech training and career acceleration provider, announces the rollout of ALX Ventures in South Africa (SA). Already launched in two other African markets, Lagos and Rwanda, the first cohort in …
A strong determination to succeed, a mentoring nature and her grounding in humility are the attributes that have contributed to Nozipho Ngobese’s rise from junior clerk to Head of Operations during three decades at Ithala SOC Limited. Despite a passion to become a chartered accountant after matriculating at Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma, Ngobese’s parents could …
PRASA reaches milestone with production of 200 trains
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has achieved a significant train production milestone with the 200 modern high-tech Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) manufactured in Gauteng.
“The first train set hit our railway tracks in February 2017. Today, we celebrate this progress made towards the overarching goal of 600 trains. With these new trains, we are contributing towards the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable transportation alternatives,” Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
These efforts are part of PRASA’s Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme which will, among other things, see the manufacturing of new trains. The programme is expected to create approximately 1 500 direct and 8000 indirect jobs over the 10-year period.
“As part of the first phase of the programme, 1 631 direct jobs have been created during the construction phase of the R1 billion factory, and Gibela has now employed over 1 198 full time employees.
“As this government we understand the need to create jobs that will benefit local communities. The workforce comes from local communities such as Duduza, Vosloorus, Katlehong, Kwa-Thema, Tsakane and Alfra-Park have benefitted from this project,” the Minister said.
In addition to the construction jobs, Gibela has employed a total of 1 205 people for both manufacturing and maintenance activities, 37% of those 1 205 come from immediate communities.
“Skills development and knowledge transfer is key for this government. About 20 000 training programmes have been established to enable the transfer of skills and development of employees from top management to unskilled employees.
“In 2019 Gibela Rail in partnership with Small Enterprise Development Agency and City of Ekurhuleni established a multi-sector business incubator, the doors opened in 2020 in the Kwa-Thema Township,” she said.
To date there are 140 Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) that were trained, mentored and coached. A total of 193 SMMEs also accessed Business Development Support.
“Gibela provides bursaries for universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships, a railway introduction course and other relevant programmes.
“Through these interventions, we are helping to nurture the next generation of skilled and capable individuals who will not only improve their own futures, but also the futures of their families, communities, and our larger society.
“Since the inception of the programme, we have contracted 1 665 bursars and spent over R127 million towards their studies,” Chikunga said.
Not only is government revitalising the railway and manufacturing industry through skills development that will reignite the industry at large, PRASA is also changing the lives of the previously disadvantaged people and the livelihoods of communities.
“Our young people are now trained as artisans, engineering technicians, technologists and designers, just to name a few. The investment made includes R135 million invested in Enterprise and Supplier Development initiatives, developing SMMEs.
“A total of R743 million has been invested in skills development to support inclusion in the rail sector. Over this 10-year period, Gibela has committed to train and develop 19 500 individuals in various skills such as engineers, artisans, technicians, and technologists.
“These were the contractual obligations that Gibela had to undertake as part of this 10-year project,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 13:08
[Johannesburg April 2024] Smoke Customer Intelligence, a leading provider of Customer Experience and Employee Engagement solutions, today announced a restructuring of its operations, resulting in the formation of distinct companies under the umbrella of The Smoke Group. This strategic move aims to streamline operations, enhance focus on core competencies, and drive growth in key market …
Dignity for those in need: Gauteng launches mobile shower facilities for homeless people
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment has unveiled mobile shower services for homeless people in the province.
MEC Mbali Hlophe said the services are aimed at restoring dignity for people who find themselves homeless in the province.
“It’s about giving them warm food and a shower. It’s also about ensuring that our social workers have access to them and they are able to direct them to the broader services that we have. That’s about family reunification, which is really an ideal one because we want to make sure that we are able to unify families.
“But where we can’t, we are able to place them within our shelters where they are provided with skills to make sure that they are able to take care of themselves and to be sustainably out of the streets,” Hlophe said.
According to the department, the mobile shower service is in line with “Pillar 1 of the Gauteng City Region Strategy on Street Adult Homelessness, which is advocacy, awareness, and prevention of crisis and early intervention”.
“The service, which will go out to locations daily, will provide access to bathrooms, ablution facilities, laundry services and linking the homeless with other services such as access to shelters and social work interventions,” the department said in a statement.
The mobile wash services will go to areas where homeless people can be found.
“The wash trailer and office will be towed by a vehicle to the identified homeless hot spots. The proposed locations for the service are parks, open areas, under bridges, and on streets where the homeless community sometimes reside.
“The mobile services have separated showers and ablution facilities and an office. The wash trailer, which is 6m long, with an estimated weight of 2 800 kilograms, has three showers and three toilets, and the estimated office weight is 1 800kg,” the department said.
According to the department, the launch is “an expansion to an already existing package of assistance to the homeless” in the province.
This includes homeless shelters in regions; provision of daily meals for the homeless; social work services; link to skills development; substance abuse rehabilitation, and family reunification.
New lease on life
At shelters, homeless people are afforded an opportunity to learn skills, including basic computer skills, construction skills, including brick laying and agricultural skills.
A resident at a homeless shelter, Michael Rasebokoa, said the opportunities he gained at the shelter have given him the restart he needed.
Rasebokoa holds a Business Administration qualification but found himself homeless when he lost the job he had.
However, through a non-profit organisation at the shelter, he was linked to a new job opportunity.
“I am grateful for the opportunities that the Gauteng Department of Social Development has afforded me.
“The NPOs that are funded by the department has made it possible for me to secure a job. I am currently working as a Financial Advisor in Sandton,” Rasebokoa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 10:35
Press Release: Loadit – Leading the Way in Moving and Delivery: Superior Service Meets Ultimate Convenience Johannesburg, South Africa – April 18, 2024 – Since its establishment in 2017, Loadit has emerged as a leader in the South African logistics industry, offering innovative, flexible, and cost-effective delivery solutions tailored to both individuals and businesses. With …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Are unwanted pests turning your peaceful retail environment into a battleground? We’ve got you covered! Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg, is here to help you reclaim your space from pesky intruders. Pest infestations in retail environments can be a silent menace, causing damage to stock, posing …
KARIEGA – In March 2004, the Volkswagen Group Africa plant in Kariega opened the doors to its own heritage centre for the first time. The VW AutoPavilion, which was built following a R13-million investment, was established with the… Read more: 20 Years of Heritage Celebrations
Attractions such as the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches, top dive sites, nature-based excursions and golf courses are major drawcards to the incredible KZN South Coast. The region also boasts an extensive events programme such as the successful Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience which was hosted recently. “The KZN South Coast, with its subtropical climate …
In the face of persistent loadshedding challenges, an uninterrupted power supply is imperative for sustaining critical operations in businesses and industries. As a result, many South African companies have found that they have no choice but to invest in alternative power solutions such as solar, inverters or generators to ensure business continuity. Solar power can …
Kubayi talks tough on lawlessness and poor-performing contractors
The days of contractors abandoning government housing projects are over and people invading private properties must come to an end.
This was the warning from Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, during a recent community engagement and hand over of title deeds at the Dan Tloome Mega Human Settlements Project in Johannesburg.
Kubayi’s tough stance on lawlessness followed as the qualifying beneficiaries complained about not being allocated houses, while their houses are being invaded.
“We are acting against invaders of private properties. Please do us a favour and move out of a house or property that does not belong to you,” Kubayi told illegal occupants.
Regarding the projects that have not been completed on time, Kubayi warned contractors that the days of not completing work on time and within budget are over, saying it has cost the government millions with already limited resources “thus denying people of their constitutional rights of access to adequate housing”.
“My appeal to all contractors is please help us to hand over finished houses to beneficiaries [and] if you are subcontracting, please do the work. My mandate is to deliver a finished house,” Kubayi said.
While this development is a step in the right direction, Kubayi was adamant that there should not even be a single project that is delayed or blocked due to contractors not honouring their contractual obligations.
Gauteng Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, issued a stern warning to poor-performing contractors, saying their actions work against government’s commitment to provide housing for the poor.
“We cannot have a contractor that fails to deliver and still be kept onsite. The resources we use belong to the people and must be used for their benefits, nothing else,” Maile said.
Before the community engagement where title deeds were issued to several beneficiaries, Kubayi, Maile and the City of Johannesburg Mayor, Kabelo Gwamanda, launched two social housing projects, named the Ekhaya Gardens and Fochville Social Housing.
Ekhaya Gardens has a total of 333 units and is close to Roodepoort Central Business District, while the Fochville Social Housing, with a capacity of 258 units, is strategically placed within the mining and industrial sectors of the greater West Rand Municipality.
The two social housing projects will provide much-needed decent and affordable rental accommodation to people earning between R1 850 and R22 000 per month.
The launch comes a few days after the successful launch of Townlands in Tshwane, the current largest social housing project in the country with 1 200 units.
Between 2019 and 2024, the Department of Human Settlements through its agency, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), has managed to deliver over 13 000 units resulting in close to 50 000 rental and affordable units delivered over the years. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:22
Phaahla condemns acts of violence at Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, says he has noted with concern and has condemned the acts of anarchy, violence and criminality targeting healthcare facilities to disrupt the provision of essential health services and depriving patients of lifesaving treatment.
This comes after members of a local business forum who were disgruntled about procurement processes recently allegedly attacked healthcare workers at Themba Hospital in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga.
Reports suggest that the hospital had to be closed for almost three weeks due to the unrest which forced doctors to down tools.
According to Phaahla, these acts that threaten the safety and security of the health workers, patients, service providers and infrastructure are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We welcome the swift response and interventions by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies to normalise the situation to enable the health workers to perform their lifesaving duties in a safe and protected environment without disruption and acts of violence.”
According to the Minister, government will continue to respond proportionally to these criminal acts to protect those who need help in the hospital, the healthcare workers and the infrastructure.
“We are already working with the SAPS to ensure that healthcare service continues undisrupted and prevent future incidences. We want to assure the healthcare workers and community at large that similar acts will not happen unattended and will be responded with speed and appropriately,” said Phaahla.
The department and the SAPS signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 2019 committing to cooperate to ensure the security and safety of patients, workers in the health facility and the entire infrastructure.
“The SAPS in response to criminality in the health facility will deploy a dedicated team to ensure the security of the facility.”
Phaahla has called on anyone with evidence of unethical behaviour by health officials and who has concerns about the level of service delivery or operations to raise them through proper channels instead of resorting to violence and intimidation.
“We will not entertain any form of anarchy and feeling of entitlement in our facilities because we follow normal procurement processes like any other public institution.
“We implore people to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully within the confines of the law, without infringing the rights to life by others and access to healthcare,” he stressed.
In addition, the Minister confirmed that no life has been lost at the facility due to the recent violent incidents.
However, several patients could not access their chronic medication and some planned surgeries had to be rescheduled, while other patients were transferred to nearby hospitals and stable patients were discharged.
“The situation is now under control and the hospital is fully operational. Staff members are back at work.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 14:08
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has welcomed Egypt into the family of BRICS nations.
“This development further enhances the role the South plays in global matters,” she said on Friday.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia – has admitted four new members. These include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor was speaking in Pretoria where she was co-chairing the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her counterpart, Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Meanwhile, Pandor said South Africa and Egypt need to exponentially increase trade and investment.
“In this regard, partnerships between our private sectors and Sstate-owned entities are crucial. This also entails the need to formally establish and launch a Business Council,” she said.
The Minister announced on Friday that a decision on the Business Council has been taken and once operational, this structure will go a long way in coordinating and galvanising trade and investment opportunities.
She also asked her counterpart to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will facilitate easier trade.
“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”
She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship.
Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.
Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.”
JCC
Meanwhile, Pandor said the framework provided by the JCC entails that the constituent committees cover a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.
These include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, water resources management, health, financial services, tourism, transport, information technology, communications, women and people with disabilities, judicial matters, sport, arts and culture, people-to-people links and consular issues.
She also announced that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be concluded during the session.
Conflict
She highlighted several conflicts and wars that have erupted and called on the international community to be vigilant and redouble its efforts to promote peace, stability and development.
“The United Nations, our premier guarantor of global order as enshrined in its charter, and the regional organisations should remain seized and be decisive in addressing these matters.”
However, Pandor said the world was witnessing an attack on the global system of multilateralism and its institutions of governance.
“The world is seeing the rise of unilateralism and impunity that threatens to erode the very foundations of multilateralism, international law and the creation of a just and equitable world.”
South Africa, she said, is deeply concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has befallen the people of Palestine.
“The catastrophe that is happening before our eyes in the Gaza Strip, with the destruction carried out by the occupying state of Israel, and the humanitarian disaster therein, is a collective blemish on the moral conscience of the world.”
She also spoke about the unresolved plight of the Saharawi people.
“Silencing the Guns on our continent is a pressing challenge that the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities should continue to address.”
She reiterated South Africa’s position, which views dialogue, mediation and negotiations as vital for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“In this regard, it is important not to further delay the reforms needed to transform the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and for it to reflect the realities of today. In this endeavour, although North-South collaboration remains important, the Global South should remain united in ensuring that its voice is resoundingly clear.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:32
City of Tshwane asked for Blackhead Consulting to be put on the list of restricted suppliers more than two months ago
Programme to assist KZN small-scale farmers to become sustainable commercial businesses
KwaZulu-Natal small-scale farmers have been afforded an opportunity to grow into sustainable commercial businesses through a holistic, integrated programme, which will provide mechanisation, infrastructure and sector expertise.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube led the provincial launch of the Integrated Agricultural Development Programme, where a total of 1 128 tractors, worth R17 million, and other implements were allocated for the small-scale farmers.
During the launch in Richmond on Thursday, Dube-Ncube, together with Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) MEC, Super Zuma, also handed over ownership certificates to community projects.
Dube-Ncube said through this initiative, the provincial government aims to strengthen the ability of farming groups to maintain, take responsibility and care for their assets.
She said additional mentorship and mechanisation training will be provided to community projects that are experiencing challenges in their farming activities to ensure self-sufficiency.
“Sustainable mechanisation is critical in the development of value chains and food systems, and through this programme, we are ensuring that even our small-scale farmers are given an opportunity to be competitive.
“They will be able to sufficiently cultivate land, be more efficient, effective and environmentally friendly in their operations,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also emphasised that food security is a priority for the province, and the provincial government remains committed to opening the market for provincial farmers, through government’s Radical Agrarian Socio-Economic Transformation (IRASET) Programme.
She said the provincial government wants the farmers to be game changers of the market, as per the commitment made during the State of the Province Address to assist farmers to meet demands of the province.
“We want them to supply major markets locally and eventually service cross borders markets and we are ready to assist them to meet any criteria. Today we have officially handed over a cheque and equipment to SyaJay Agricultural Services, a project we are most proud of.
“SyaJay Agricultural Services (Pty) Ltd, is a 100% Black-owned business and the two beneficiaries are graduates of the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture. The project was approved for a total funding of R5.6 million from the Agricultural Development Agency (ADA) and 10 hydroponic tunnels, a cooling and irrigation systems have been completed. A mobile pack house will be ready at the end of May,” Dube-Ncube said.
Sya Ngcobo, one of the beneficiaries, said over and above becoming a sustainable business that is making profit, their vision is to create an information hub.
Ngcobo said they partly want to function as a demonstration site, where small-holder farmers would sharpen their skills and gain crucial sectorial knowledge.
“In many instances, you find that some farmers struggle once they have penetrated the market. Even though they may have good quality produce, vegetables do not sell because of incorrect packaging.
“We want to teach our farmers and give them an opportunity to come and see how it is done from the work we will be doing,” Ngcobo said.
Dube-Ncube said the items will at a later stage be distributed to all the districts when champion MECs roll out the programme. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:20
Nxesi calls on all spheres of government to work together to fight unemployment
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, says government spheres must do away with a “silos mentality” as it prevents service delivery programmes from reaching ordinary citizens.
In an effort to eradicate unemployment in South Africa, particularly among the youth, Nxesi engaged several potential employers and work-seekers at the Saldanha and Vredenburg areas in the Western Cape on Thursday.
The Department of Employment and Labour is hosting a two-day jobs fair and service delivery initiative, where Nxesi has paid a visit to work-seekers at the local Vredenburg Sports Ground.
The two-day event commenced with an Employer Breakfast Session where the Minister led discussions on labour market issues and addressing unemployment in the province.
Nxesi said unemployment and employment have nothing to do with politics.
“I want to repeat this, employment or no employment knows no politics. It is a crisis facing our young people. Therefore, when we deal with the issue of unemployment, we must know that we are dealing with a crisis, which is facing our young people.
“And we are saying, we are interacting with all the Premiers, but our intention is very simple because the Premiers have the authority to talk with their departments and their municipalities. At the end of the day, if we want these programmes to be relevant they must come to the district and local municipalities and that is our logic,” he said.
He is of the view that the problem with the state is not allowing each sphere of government to conduct programmes in provincial, district and local government.
“The District Development Model (DDM) says we must come down to the people to talk with them. The President said he wants integration and coordination of all the programmes between national and all spheres of government.
“We should do away with the silos. The problem with government is silo mentality and territorial,” he added.
The department and the Minister have since embarked on the initiative to provide a platform for employers to share information, engage with stakeholders and develop partnerships.
The jobs fair initiative is championed by the department’s Public Employment Services (PES) branch and seeks to create opportunities for work seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers.
“These efforts should be understood against President [Cyril] Ramaphosa’s 2019 Budget Speech in which he committed government to the roll-out of a new integrated district-based approach – popularly known as the DDM tailored to promote and support local businesses and local communities.”
Nxesi raised concerns about the unemployment rate on the West Coast, which he said was “alarmingly high”.
“In an attempt to mitigate this, the department has considered the Jobs and Careers Fair as a useful platform where the unemployed, especially the youth, can meet with prospective employers from different sectors to access both jobs and learning opportunities,” said the Minister.
The inter-departmental jobs fair involves the Departments of Small Business Development and Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The session also provides a platform where people can get access to career information and employment counselling; registration of work-seekers and exhibitions by various departments; registration of vacancies and or recruit work-seekers on the Employment System of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 09:09
City of Ekurhuleni has not helped the residents who have reported the issues for nearly a year
The Somerset West Family Shelter is one of few in the country
Orange (www.Orange.com) is launching the third season of its flagship program Y'Africa, which will be broadcast weekly from mid-April on 15 national TV channels across Africa; This new season is dedicated to the journeys of 28 rising sporting talents from 12 countries; Like the first two seasons, it is directed by Dan Assayag and produced by Fame Productions; Season 3 has 7 episodes, each 52 minutes long.
The Y'Africa project was launched by Orange in February 2020. The first two seasons were very successful, not only on the 15 African terrestrial TV channels on which it was broadcast, but also on social media, where content from the series has racked up 80 million views. The first two seasons highlighted the richness and diversity of African culture by profiling 63 artists. The third season presents 28 high-level Olympic and Paralympic athletes and champions, each of them represents the continent's hopes.
Inspired by the extraordinary pool of talent seen across the continent, Y'Africa celebrates the vitality and plurality of modern Africa and its people. The name of the program also reflects this connection, “Y'Africa” is the contraction of “Africa Ya lelo”, or “Africa today” in Lingala.
Breathtaking images, extraordinary stories
Season 3 of Y'Africa involved 18 months of filming in all corners of the world: South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Spain, the US, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. Among our 28 athletes are 13 Olympic champions, world champions, or world record holders, including:
Y'Africa Season 3 covers 21 Olympic disciplines, from traditional favorites (such as athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, and judo) to the most exciting new ones (including BMX, skateboarding, and surfing). As well as the acclaimed athletes profiled in the series, we also feature rising athletes, training for top-level international competitions through sheer rigor and commitment, despite having not yet won a title. Their journeys, their preparation, and their stories are worth hearing.
Season 3 was also the occasion for last summer's launch of the Y'Africa Facebook page (https://apo-opa.co/4d04OPE). With more than 350,000 followers to date, this exceptional communication platform will help us continue to promote African talent.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East: “Season 3 of Y'Africa marks a new stage in our commitment to highlighting the wealth and diversity of African talent. This series offers a unique platform to celebrate our ambitious and determined youth. I am delighted that the Orange Group is once again playing a key role in highlighting these inspiring stories.”
Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Director of Communications at Orange: “In this Olympic year, we have decided to highlight the sporting talents of the African continent. After two seasons dedicated to artists, Y'Africa returns with an exceptional series of portraits of athletes, women and men, champions, and their aspirations, all arranged around the theme of surpassing oneself. Through this program, launched in 2020, we want to share the dynamics of the African continent with as many people as possible. It is also another way of consolidating the Orange brand by establishing a sincere dialogue with audiences.”
Dan Assayag, Director: “I have admired the beauty, grace, agility, and power of athletes when they realize their full potential. I have understood why motivation is nothing without discipline. I have observed that top athletes have an above-average work capacity. I have also seen their tolerance of pain. I have understood that Olympic sport is a world of its own. And they made me understand, all in their own ways, what it meant to represent your country as an African. For all these reasons, Season 3 of Y'Africa is special for me.”
Discover the first episode of the new season: https://apo-opa.co/49KN1ci
Password: Y'africa
Additional information on Season 3 of Y'Africa is available on Orange.com
And here (https://apo-opa.co/3Jp4axr) you can find the biographies of the athletes, photos and a trailer, as well as the broadcast schedule for the program in the different countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.
Press contacts:
Elodie Filopon
ef@35ouest.com
+225 07 89 031 724
Ibtissame Nafii
ibtissame.nafii@orange.com
+33 6 37 38 60 50
About Orange:
Orange is one of the main telecommunications companies in the world, with a turnover of 44.1 billion euros in 2023 and 137,000 employees as of December 31, 2023, including 73,000 in France. The group served 298 million customers on December 31, 2023, including 254 million mobile customers and 25 million fixed broadband customers. The group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also one of the world leaders in telecommunications services to multinational companies under the Orange Business brand. In February 2023, the group presented its Lead the Future strategic plan, built on a new business model, and guided by responsibility and efficiency. Lead the Future capitalizes on high-standard networks to strengthen Orange's leadership in quality of service.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).
For more information, see www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com, and the Orange News app, or follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.
Orange and any Orange product or service mentioned in this press release are trademarks owned by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.
Small pet foods business gets a power boost from the Shoprite Group “Our business would not survive another 12 months with constant rolling blackouts. We had to find an alternative solution,” said Harvard-trained entrepreneur, Nhlanhla Dlamini, who founded Maneli Pets in 2016. The small, Johannesburg-based pet foods manufacturer uses refrigeration and dehydration machines that run …