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As 2024 officially kicks off, business leaders have a unique opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead and inspire their workforce towards collective success and growth. As someone who has had history inspiring his workforce, Ryan Nofal, the Managing Director at popular integrated advertising agency Penquin, unpacks four powerful ways leaders can ignite …
In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, control rooms will be the nerve centres that ensure safety, protect critical infrastructure and assets and ensure efficiency and quality. However, while they will rely on everything from the internet of things (IoT) to artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to design environments that look after people, …
In today’s crowded digital landscape, visibility is key for businesses of all sizes. While major publications and directories have their place, niche industry-focused publications can offer unique advantages and be essential for targeting specific audiences. Let’s explore why getting mentioned or listed in these publications can be a valuable growth strategy. Reach the Right Audience: …
Hospitality has traditionally been associated with the service industry, such as hotels and restaurants, where companies make customers feel welcome and comfortable. But, especially with new styles of work, hospitality has extended beyond the hotel and restaurant industry into the workplace. Today’s workforce wants a workplace that’s alive with creativity, connectivity and productivity, with physical …
Introduction As we venture into 2024, the landscape of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Staying abreast of the latest trends, algorithm updates, and best practices is more crucial than ever for businesses and marketers aiming to maintain and enhance their online visibility. With search engines becoming increasingly sophisticated, a …
SIU welcomes arrest of allegedly corrupt former Eskom officials
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the arrest and appearance in court of two former Eskom officials on charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
The two employees, Thandi Magagula and Nontuthubo Mahweliri, were employed at the Hendrina Power Station and were arrested by the Hawks last week and have appeared in different courts.
“The court appearance is part of the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption strategy by law enforcement agencies to strengthen its fight against corruption, especially when such crimes are committed by state employees in positions of trust to deliver services for the benefit of the public and the economy, but instead, steal from the most vulnerable to enrich themselves and fund their opulent lifestyles,” the SIU said.
Magagula allegedly conducted business with the electricity supplier while employed there.
“An SIU investigation revealed that Magagula held a private investment in a company called Montoza Engineering. Montoza Engineering had one or more contracts with Eskom and according to Eskom records during the period of approximately October 2015 to November 2015, had rendered services and provided work or goods to Eskom to the value of approximately R58 888.76.
“Magagula as an employee of Eskom was not supposed to conduct any business with the entity as this is against Eskom’s policy on conflict of interest,” the SIU said.
She also underwent a disciplinary hearing at Eskom, was found guilty and was given a seven-day suspension.
Mahweliri also allegedly operated under the same modus operandi.
“The investigation by the SIU found that Mahweliri failed to declare that she is a member of a company called NKG Trading investments, which had a contract with Eskom and failed to apply for permission to perform private work. Her company received payments to the value of R1 082 884 for the period 2017 and 2018.
“The SIU also referred Mahweliri for disciplinary action. Eskom held a hearing, and she was found guilty of all charges of misconduct and suspended for 7 days without pay,” the SIU said.
Both cases were postponed and they are expected to appear in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:01
Taps have been dry since Friday because of a damaged main pipe
Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to fight crime
Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.
CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.
“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.
“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.
The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technology sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.
“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities.
“The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.
Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.
Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.
“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our world-class software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.
“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.
“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”
In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Provincial Government will be launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:53
Cape Town, 13 February, 2024—Founders Foundation today announced that it has partnered with the Silulo Foundation and global technology company, Zoho to train and equip township entrepreneurs enrolled in the Silulo Foundation entrepreneurship programme throughout the greater Cape Town area. As part of this collaboration, a group of entrepreneurs attended specialised training at the Zoho …
Global Access is thrilled to announce their official entry into the vibrant market of Ghana. Recently, the company was awarded a contract for the implementation of their IPTV solution for a large Financial Institution based in Ghana. This solution is for the distribution and management of Television channels, internal communication channels, digital signage and streaming …
Government working to connect IPPs to the grid
Government has procured and connected more 7 000MW of generating capacity onto the grid through its Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP).
This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.
The Minister was speaking during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The government-driven REIPPP aims to bring much needed additional megawatts onto the grid through private sector investment in renewable energy such as wind, biomass and small hydro.
Mantashe said that since the programme's launch in 2011, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has procured some 13 266MW from 140 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) whose technologies are based on renewable energy, diesel and battery energy storage.
“From these capacities, 7 362MW was from 95 IPPs, who are currently connected to the grid and supplying the much needed electricity. A combination of [renewables and base load] is required to deal with the challenges facing us. The remaining 45 IPPs, with a combined capacity of 5 904MW, are either in construction or preparing to reach commercial close.
“NERSA [National Energy Regulator of South Africa] has concurred with the Minister of Electricity [Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] that 2500MW of nuclear capacity has to be connected,” he said.
Under the current administration, some 5 939MW has been procured from 46 IPPs, with some 150MW already connected to the grid and a further 1 587MW expected to supply electricity from September this year.
The Minister said South Africa has the potential to lead the way in the global energy transition.
“We firmly believe that South Africa holds significant quantities of minerals needed for the transition from high carbon emissions to low carbon emissions, which informs the view that our mining industry is a sunrise industry,” he said.
Delving deeper into mining, Mantashe said over the past 30 years of democracy, government has done much work in transforming the industry.
“When we did research two years ago… we discovered that at the nine major mining companies that we studied, each one of them didn’t have less than 50% of the management structure being black. We did see that in procurement initiatives created, a lot of business people who are not necessarily seen as part of the mining sector but who have developed on the back of mining.
“If you talk coal, only one major company is white, the majority of them are black. In the manganese sector… black ownership in mining companies is a long list. In gold…ARM is dominant, Harmony is dominant. In the PGMs [platinum group metals] …[there is] black ownership. If you look at all these companies, you can see that there is practical progress being made,” Mantashe said.
He said for the sector to continue growing, exploration is needed.
“Cognisant of the fact that mines are born out of exploration, we have just launched an exploration fund. It is important that we invest in exploration so that the future of this very important sector continues to be bright,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 12:01
In today’s fast-paced world, where the lines between personal and professional life often blur, the significance of physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. It’s become clear that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just improve individual health outcomes but also enhances productivity and morale within the workplace. This understanding isn’t just a passing trend but has …
Introduction In the domain of corporate gifting and promotional strategies, the influence of a name holds immense weight. Brand name corporate gifts and promotional products transcend mere objects; they embody qualities of quality, dependability, and prestige. Acting as a bridge, these gifts establish connections between businesses and their clients, employees, and partners in a manner …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Loadit, a pioneering truck rental and moving service, is redefining the industry standards with its exceptional customer service, efficient booking process, and comprehensive coverage in major South African cities. Celebrated for its customer-centric approach, Loadit has consistently received high praise from its clientele, as reflected in its impressive 4.9-star rating from …
Introduction In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, efficient cash handling is crucial for businesses and institutions of all sizes. Whether you run a retail store, a bank, or any other organization that deals with cash transactions, the accuracy and security of your cash management can significantly impact your bottom line. This is where cash handling equipment steps in …
Operation Shanela nets 1 009 suspects in the North West
Over 1 000 suspects have been nabbed in the North West under Operation Shanela, which was conducted between Thursday and Sunday.
The suspects were arrested for rape, murder, assault grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle and theft out of/from motor vehicle, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Of the 1 009 arrested suspects, 248 were wanted for contact crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, assault common, house robbery and business robbery.
Also, 20 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
The arrests were made through the execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, inspection of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects.
The operation also resulted in the confiscation of 170 cell phones, seven unlicensed firearms, drugs such as crack cocaine, crystal meth, nyaope, seven rounds of ammunition, liquor and dangerous weapons.
The provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police officers, who worked with other law enforcement agencies, including the Traffic Department and Home Affairs, for the successes recorded in the operations. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 09:46
The university says its own accredited and leased residences have already reached full capacity
Draft work visa regulations a boon for attracting skills
South Africa’s new draft work visa regulations are a milestone for the country’s efforts to attract investment and promote job creation.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
Last week, the Department of Home Affairs released the draft second amendment of the Immigration Regulations for public comment. The draft regulations deal with remote work and critical skills visas.
“The publication of the new draft regulations are part of our ongoing drive to reform the country’s visa system, making it easier to attract the skills our economy's needs and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. An efficient, agile, responsive visa regime is key to attracting business investment and boosting economic growth.
“International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for,” President Ramaphosa said.
He explained that the new remote working visa is a response to “the rapidly evolving world of work, where increasing numbers of skilled workers…are attracted by the lifestyle benefits of working from a remote location”.
“It also caters to so-called digital nomads, who are able to work virtually from any location in the world. A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa.
“The draft regulations propose the introduction of a points system for critical skills visas that will take into account factors such as age, qualifications, language skills, work experience and having an offer of employment, amongst others,” the President said.
Attracting the right skills
President Ramaphosa explained that although South Africa has invested in producing the skills needed for the digital economy, more is needed.
“To succeed in an ever-changing global economy, our country needs far more people with the right skills. This is so that our economy can be competitive, grow and create employment. As a country, we have invested much in producing these skills, from significantly expanding access to higher education, introducing digital programmes in TVET colleges and a shift to a new pay-for-performance approach to skills development.
“However, it will take some time before we will be able to produce enough skilled people to enable our country to grow rapidly.”
He added that attracting these skills to South Africa will be important as the country is “fast becoming an increasingly attractive destination for industries like business process outsourcing and customer experience”.
“Last year, for example, a leading international strategic advisory firm ranked South Africa second as the most favoured offshore customer experience delivery destination globally. Since 2016, government has invested more than R3 billion towards supporting the growth and expansion of business process outsourcing and is targeting the creation of approximately 500 000 jobs in the sector by 2030.
“In line with our ongoing efforts to attract higher levels of investment and promote job creation, the new work visa regulations are a milestone. They are part of high-impact structural reforms we are undertaking to improve the business operating environment.
“They send a clear signal to business that we are committed to attracting skills that meet the demands of a modern, inclusive and growing economy,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 10:09
The growth of the economy is dependent on a robust and thriving SMME ecosystem. Therefore, the government is of the view that supporting SMMEs in sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, tourism, finance, and logistics, as well as construction, will create much-needed jobs in the province.
As part of achieving this goal, DESTEA MEC Thabo Meeko will host the Provincial Youth Business Pitching competition on 15 February 2024 at 10h00, PACOFS. The pitching competition is aimed at unearthing innovative business ideas from youth entrepreneurs and providing comprehensive support for the sustainable growth of such ideas.
To this end, the Youth Business Pitching programme has been rolled out across all four districts, and Mangaung Metro, where each district winner scooped the first price of R200 000, followed by the second price of R120 000 towards their businesses.
Those who emerged as district winners will be presenting their ground-breaking business ideas at the provincial level to a highly experienced and competent panel of adjudicators.
The provincial winner will scoop business funding and non-financial support worth R500,000.
The Youth Business Pitching initiative affords young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to potential investors and funders for exploring business opportunities, technical advice, and support.
MEC Meeko explained that entrepreneurship drives economic growth, job creation, poverty alleviation, and reduction of inequality.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South Africa: Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Castrol celebrates fifth year as official lubricants partner of Simola Hillclimb Suzuki Auto South Africa enters fourth year in 2024, continues as Tier 1 sponsor Volkswagen’s second year as Tier 2 sponsor, will feature ex-WRX Polo again Other key sponsors include Hyundai, XPEL and PG Glass 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place […]
Dalan Holton, a 49-year-old director at Debella Finance from Morningside, Sandton, is embarking on an extraordinary journey as he approaches his 50th birthday on March 1, 2024. Unlike the typical ‘midlife crisis,’ Dalan jokes, which might lead one to indulge in luxury or travel, he has set his sights on a challenge that is as …
Your “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim: Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and seeing a couple going out on a “first date”, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According …
#UniteBehind wants President Ramaphosa to axe the deputy minister for allegedly enabling looting at PRASA
Up to 100 students to receive mentorship from industry experts representing established news agencies and news publications, as well as Canon Ambassadors (www.Canon-CNA.com); A shortlist of 25 students will be invited to take part in a four-day workshop in Girona, including a visit to Visa pour l'Image, where they can form new connections with professionals and peers; Applications are being accepted between 12th February and 7th March to students across Europe, Middle East and Africai.
Canon Europe announces the call for entries for the eighth edition of the Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP), a prestigious annual programme designed to help aspiring photojournalists advance their careers. The industry-leading initiative offers access and exposure to experienced professionals from the photographic community and the opportunity to attend key industry events.
CSDP has established itself as an invaluable springboard to the next generation of photojournalists. Former alumni have gone on to work for reputable news agencies and internationally renowned publications and continued to build successful careers. 2022 alumni Mohamed Mahdy (b. 1996), whose work focusses on the hidden and often unseen communities in Egypt, has won a main prize at the 2023 World Press Photo awards in the Open Format category. Fellow alumni Alexandra Corcode (b. 2000) has been selected for the 2023 Tom Stoddard Award for Excellence with her intimate portrayal of loneliness and abandonment amongst the elderly generation in her home country of Romania. Finalists of the 2023 programme, Ebrahim Alipoor and Fatma Fahmy, have both been selected for the 2024 VII Mentor program, run by VII Academy.
The 2024 edition is open to students and internsi residing and studying in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with applications running from February 12th until March 7th. A limited number of spaces will also be available to talent endorsed by industry professionals. Submissions will be judged by a panel of editors from Getty Images, Reuters Pictures, AFP and EPA who will decide on the initial cohort of the region's most promising young storytellers.
One-to-one mentorships
The selected students will be partnered up with one of the programme's expert mentors, with the aim to discuss their current work and longer-term career aspirations in dedicated one-to-one sessions. Virtual reviews throughout summer will help refine their new project proposal and current portfolio – with a particular focus on exploring different editing options and ways to further strengthen narrative skills and develop authorial signatures.
Canon Ambassador and photojournalist, Brent Stirton said, “This is a unique programme to meet and spend time with curators, editors and photographers – a real investment into the future of photography. Stats show that only a fraction of those who study photography survive in the profession long term, and I know that it will make a profound difference for those selected. Growing up in South Africa, there was no way that I could've accessed some of the best editors and photographers in the world when I was starting out, much less borrowing some of the best gear out there.”
Girona workshop and Visa pour l'Image in Perpignan, France
In September, up to 25 students will be invited to a four-day Canon workshop in a grand Catalan farmhouse in Girona, Spain, concluding with a final night's stay at the Visa pour l'Image international photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France.
The workshop will offer an intimate forum to exchange ideas and build relationships with renowned professionals from the world of photography. Group portfolio reviews offer a rich learning opportunity for students and a chance to both critique the work of their fellow peers, as well as receive professional feedback on their own.
Aside from taking in the key exhibitions and evening screenings during Visa pour l'Image, students will also have the opportunity to participate in additional portfolio reviews and further expand their network.
To apply to be a part of the 2024 Canon Student Development Programme or view the entry criteria, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3UFOaxZ
Footnotes:
[i] For full terms and conditions, please go to this page: https://apo-opa.co/3SxqRUx
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3SvVhrS) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com