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Inspired Education Group, the global leader in premium education, is proud to announce the expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse-based learning programme to selected schools in South Africa. Following a successful pilot in five international schools, Inspired is now taking this innovative approach to education to Reddam House Helderfontein and Reddam House Waterfall …
The Judicial Service Commission’s failings threaten judicial accountability and independence
In today’s fast-paced world, technology is constantly evolving, bringing forth innovations that make our lives more convenient and entertaining. From streaming devices to portable power solutions, the market is flooded with gadgets that cater to various needs. EvoGames, a leading name in the tech industry, offers a curated selection of some of the best tech …
The vast, 100 hectare site is a hive of activity, with local contractors Stefanutti Stocks heading up the construction work with approximately 500 people currently on site. Piling, earthworks, retaining structures and columns of Westown Square are virtually all complete and the walls of the 50 000m² retail experience, the first project within Westown, are …
Partnerships key to prosperity, job creation for youth, says Deputy President
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says partnerships between business and government are key to strengthening economic recovery and creating thousands of jobs in the energy, transport and logistics sectors.
“We must never undermine the importance of our efforts through structures such as NEDLAC [National Economic Development and Labour Council] and others, because it is indeed through these social compacts that we can further develop our country and empower South Africans,” Mashatile said on Thursday.
Speaking at the 7th Annual Solutions Exchange Conference in Johannesburg, Mashatile said government is encouraged by the pledges signed with 115 CEOs, who have demonstrated their willingness to help to implement some of the interventions undertaken towards socio-economic transformation.
Mashatile said the Department of Employment and Labour has spearheaded the National Pathway Management Network, which is a networking initiative that has brought together over 30 diverse partners to aggregate opportunities from across the economy.
He said the network enables young people to find earning and learning opportunities, enter the labour market and receive the support that they require to establish their own businesses at no cost.
“The SA Youth platform launched by Harambee, through the National Pathway Management Network, has over 4.1 million young people registered and is the largest platform in this network.
“This is an inclusive platform that uses cutting-edge technology such as geo-mapping, which allows for youth to be matched with opportunities closer to their residence, thereby saving transport and other costs.
“It is indeed this niche innovation that has made it possible for young people, who live further away from the economic hubs, to also access economic opportunities, and kick-start their entry into the labour market,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said young people have been supported to secure over one million opportunities on the system from over 1 000 opportunity holders.
“Our government remains committed to increasing private sector investment in order to promote job creation. To accomplish this, we have facilitated an investment drive with an initial target of R1.2 trillion over a five-year period.
“We have since mobilised nearly R1.5 trillion in investment commitments, therefore exceeding this goal and many of these investment commitments are expected to translate into actual employment,” he said.
He said the South African economy currently employs 5.1 million youth, 3.4 million of whom are employed in the formal economy.
“As we work closely with the business community to create jobs for our youth, we must not forget the power of entrepreneurship. The State has the responsibility to collaborate with business and the people in co-creating strong economies that enable development to occur,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile said as leaders of government, business and civil society, they believe in the youth of South Africa, whose contributions will be critical in shaping the future of the economy. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 14:00
South Africa – Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda, Limpopo was announced as the winner of the Solve for Tomorrow schools competition at a ceremony at Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg. The competition, which was run in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), was aimed at giving grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved …
Ekurhuleni residents, businesses urged to be water wise
The City of Ekurhuleni has urged residents and businesses to implement water-saving measures, while work continues to increase water storage levels in some areas.
“The more we save water by implementing simple interventions daily, we reduce the threat of water cuts in the future,” City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said
Water supply has been interrupted in multiple areas due to low supply from the bulk supplier, Rand Water, and of late, increased demand from customers.
Dlamini said technicians are working to maintain supply to all residents during this peak demand season.
“The city has identified supply zones that are the highest contributors to its water demand. Water demand management interventions such as pressure management will be implemented in those areas with immediate effect to minimize the impact on residents.
“Water is a critical natural resource that cannot be produced or recreated. It is therefore in the interest of all consumers to safeguard its availability for the benefit of everyone including future generations,” he said.
Dlamini added that Ekurhuleni’s technical team remains on high alert in monitoring the water infrastructure with special attention being given to the areas, including Tsakani, Etwatwa, Daveyton, Primrose, Germiston and KwaThema, which experienced massive water shortages in recent weeks.
“Meanwhile, some parts of Brakpan which are supplied by Rand Water continue to experience intermittent water supply due to the low levels in the reservoirs. However, different strategies are being implemented to ensure that the system normalises as soon as possible,” Dlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:16
In the world of plumbing, two critical concerns often arise: leak detection and pipe relining. Watergate, a name synonymous with excellence and innovation, emerges as the go-to source for comprehensive plumbing solutions. Learn more. Let’s delve into the services that define Watergate’s commitment to resolving plumbing issues with precision: Leak Detection: Nipping Plumbing Problems …
PNA, South Africa’s top retailer of stationery, art supplies, and educational books, has partnered with Breadline Africa, a well-known non-profit organisation, to enhance Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in vulnerable communities across South Africa. Together, they aim to invest in the country’s young children and promote education. Their joint efforts have raised over R1.5 million, …
Three Directors of the 12-member Eastern Province Cricket Board have been removed through a unanimous board decision on the basis of the findings of two inquiries headed by retired judges. They are Mr Rafiek Potgieter, Mrs Dai Tai Marais and Mr Leon Miggels. This follows a finding by Judge B M Ngoepe on behalf of …
Afrika Tikkun Bambanani’s mission revolves around Early Childhood Development (ECD), a critical phase in a child’s life. ECD encompasses those tender years from 2 to 6, often referred to as the Nursery School years. It’s during this period that young minds are like sponges, eager to soak up knowledge and build the foundation for a …
In today’s digitally connected world, a sudden power outage can disrupt our lives and work. Whether it’s at home or in the office, losing access to electricity, even momentarily, can lead to data loss, equipment damage, and productivity setbacks. This is where Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems come to the rescue. In this article, we’ll …
In a world where investing in the future is paramount, no investment is more crucial than that in early childhood development. Research¹ has shown that the first one thousand days in a child’s life could hold the key to unlocking their lifelong potential. By age five, almost 90% of a child’s brain is developed, making …
In the realm of healthcare, the power of diagnostic imaging cannot be overstated. It’s a critical component in the journey towards accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Amid this landscape, there is a group of dedicated professionals quietly revolutionizing the field of radiology services. Their mission: to provide top-tier diagnostic imaging solutions that empower healthcare professionals …
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, where cars are an essential part of our daily lives, having a reliable service centre is like having a trusted friend who always has your back. RS Services service centre understands this, and they have been that friend for countless vehicle owners, providing top-notch car services that …
A forward-looking panel at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2023 (https://CriticalMineralsAfrica.com/) will explore how technology, sustainable practices and localization can ensure stable and secure critical minerals supplies, under the theme, The Future Minerals Economy and the Resilience of Supply Chains.
Panelists include Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw, Interim Director of the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC), Ethiopia; Deshan Naido, Managing Director of AQORA, South Africa; Duma Sisulu, Co-Founder & Chief Analyst at Parime Battery Minerals, South Africa; Alex Benkenstein, Head of the Climate and Natural Resources Program at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA); and Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals and Mining at BloombergNEF. The panel will be moderated by Olimpia Pilch, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Critical Minerals International Alliance, UK.
As demand changes and complexities increase, African and global mineral supply chains are undergoing several transformations to better manage supply disruptions and price fluctuations, from adopting digitalization to strengthening local and regional outputs. The panel will explore how market instability – triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war – has accelerated the need for localized supply chains and how African countries can ensure their demand for critical and industrial minerals is met, while foreign markets like the US and Europe seek to secure their own supplies.
The panel will evaluate the strength of Africa's existing local and regional supply chains, strategies for improving operational efficiencies and the role of cross-border cooperation and partnerships in ensuring supply chain stability and resilience. Discussions will also address best practices for decarbonizing mining activities and how circular economy principles can be integrated to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste, with a view to establishing green supply chains of the future.
Other key developments in the critical minerals space include mining companies diversifying their operations across multiple sectors, while fostering synergy among mining, energy, and oil and gas in the quest for transition minerals. As the sole high-level, dedicated summit for African critical minerals, CMA 2023 will bring these discussions to the forefront, as Africa emerges at the center of global hub activities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit on October 17-19 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is organized by Energy Capital & Power and held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (https://AECWeek.com) on October 16-20, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town.
Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com
In the intricate world of automobiles, every journey begins with the sum of its parts. As vehicles propel us forward, it’s the unseen components and mechanisms that ensure a smooth and safe ride. Start My Car, a haven for car enthusiasts and mechanics alike, understands the importance of these elements. Let’s embark on a journey …
When one thinks of the animal kingdom’s vast array of majestic creatures, the ostrich certainly stands out. Renowned not just for its impressive size and curious behaviour but also for its one-of-a-kind feathers. Dive into the world of ostrich feathers, check here, and discover what sets them apart. Introduction The ostrich, native to the vast …
Load shedding is a common challenge faced by many regions, causing disruptions in daily life and impacting productivity. Whether it’s due to an overloaded power grid, extreme weather conditions, or inadequate infrastructure, the effects of load shedding can be frustrating and costly. However, in today’s technology-driven world, there are smart solutions available to help individuals …
Leading food company, wholly-owned by PepsiCo South Africa, FUTURELIFE®, today celebrated the grand opening of its new cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This event brought together key government officials, business leaders, and FUTURELIFE® employees. The opening of the facility showcases FUTURELIFE®’s resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to …
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Student funding scheme given seven working days to answer portfolio committee’s questions
Futurelife invests R75m in Dube Trade Port SEZ facility
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the investment in a new Futurelife manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has created hope for a better future for the province.
Duma made the remarks during the launch of a R75 million investment by South African health foods manufacturer, Futurelife, which took occupation in a new manufacturing facility in Dube TradePort, located near the King Shaka International Airport.
The modern factory is set to streamline Futurelife's production processes, enhancing the organisation's efficiency through the purchase of advanced machinery and equipment that will enable the factory to operate at international standards.
Cutting the ribbon to officially mark the factory opening for business, Duma emphasised the important role that the factory will play in sustainable economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.
Duma said locating the business within the Dube Trade Port SEZ will ensure efficiencies in the operations while reducing the logistics costs.
Ahead of the COVID-19 lockdown, about 315 000 people were employed in manufacturing, representing just of 12% of total formal and informal employment.
He said the plant is an integral part of the provincial industrial strategy which aims to stimulate the manufacturing industry in order to increase employment.
“This launch is a result of your ability to work together to master new state-of-the-art technologies and to do this all on schedule. If we are to realise the province’s full potential and discharge our shared commitment to create a better life for all South Africans, then increased investment in the province is of critical importance.
“The fact that Futurelife already sources 87% of its raw materials locally, gives local producers an advantage of future upstream integration as Futurelife continues to pursue growth into regional and international markets," Duma said
Futurelife, which previously had its operations in Pinetown for 14 years, was fully acquired by food and beverage company, PepsiCo South Africa in 2023.
Former Futurelife Managing Director and now PepsiCo South Africa’s Commercial Vice President Mark Bunn said the exceptional facility is a testament to the company’s commitment to transforming and improving South Africans' health and well-being.
“The new factory embodies our dedication to contributing positively to the local community and ultimately the broader economy. The company has its origins in KwaZulu-Natal and has experienced significant growth and success within this region and, over time, in South Africa at large.
“We are, therefore, unwavering in our commitment to giving back to the very community and economy that has played a pivotal role in our journey. Our dedication extends beyond business as usual; it's a pledge to support and enrich the local community and economy through our endeavours, ensuring a lasting positive impact for years to come,” Bunn said.
Bunn said the company currently has a staff complement of 186 and anticipates creating an additional 24 direct jobs in the next five years of its operations within the new facility.
He added that the company anticipates growing 30% of its business into export markets in Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America and the rest of the African continent.
Dube Trade Port SEZ CEO, Hamish Erskine said the investment is significant for FutureLife, and serves as a notable endorsement for the SEZ, as an investment destination in South Africa.
“As the Special Economic Zone operator, we welcome this investment and look forward to working with and supporting FutureLife in their development journey, as we also continue to build a highly secure and functional industrial precinct,” Erskine said.
Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone is home to 46 operational business enterprises, which have collectively created 10 803 jobs, as at March 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:20
Pact to fund STEM postgrad students
The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Energy Mobility Education Trust have concluded a three-year partnership agreement to fund postgraduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and commerce fields.
The agreement is said to focus on traditionally marginalised groups and contribute to the transformation of the education landscape, with a specific focus on South Africans who are Black, female or people with a disability.
According to the Energy Mobility Education Trust CEO, Vuyo Mwase, the move will promote academic, scientific, and technological cooperation by supporting full-time studies for South African postgraduate students at the Honours level for the first year and Master’s and Doctoral levels from 2024.
“The Energy Mobility Education Trust has championed the attainment of formal qualifications in STEM and commerce for over years,” said Mwase.
The CEO also noted the lack of funding for postgraduate studies.
“As such, this complementary and strategic partnership with the NRF strengthens our position and commitment to narrowing this gap. Additionally, our partnership will augment the much-needed innovation in developing and managing the current and emerging renewable energy systems,” Mwase explained.
The programme will initially provide funding opportunities for 38 Honours students for the 2023 academic year, with an initial investment of R6.8 million, with Master’s and Doctoral programmes to start in 2024.
Funding for postgraduate students will be made available in the STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mathematical science, data science, computer science, green economy, renewable energy and climate change studies.
The first phase of the programme will support students from the Universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo, Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Western Cape and Johannesburg.
The NRF’s Dr Mbulelo Ncango is of the view that the scholarship programme comes at a critical time as South Africa strives to respond to energy and climate change challenges amongst many other national concerns.
“This partnership is aligned with national policy goals on higher education, science, and technology such as the strengthening of human resource development and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 15:00