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You are here: Home / Archives for Energy

Energy

26 September 2023

Mashatile to speak at Africa Oil Week

Location: News

Africa Oil Week
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South African Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile, is scheduled to speak at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) on Tuesday 10 October, in Cape Town.

The gathering is the continent's leading event in the upstream oil-and-gas energy space, and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the development of Africa's natural resources.

Deputy President Mashatile's attendance at the continental showpiece comes at a time when energy is a primary concern of national policymaking in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.

Announcing Deputy President Mashatile's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director of event organiser Hyve Events said that the presence of a government representative as senior as Mr Mashatile confirmed the importance the South Africa's government attached to oil and gas planning.

“There have been exciting offshore discoveries in South African territorial waters, which may herald a new dawn for the country's oil and gas sector,” says Ibidunni. “At the same time, there have been significant discoveries in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa. This emphasises the importance of Africa's government and business leaders coming together to discuss partnerships for energy security while enhancing regional economic development.'

Ibidunni said AOW provides the ideal platform to facilitate such discussions, as well as enabling deals, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.

This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.

AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125 expert speakers, and 1500 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities, designed to drive deals and investments for the betterment of the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.

Read moreMashatile to speak at Africa Oil Week
26 September 2023

Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

Location: News

Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa. 

The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa. 

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. 

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said. 

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session. 

The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023. 

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions. 

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” 

The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors. 

Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation. 

The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen. 

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.” 

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI). 

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003. 

The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12

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Read moreNzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 
25 September 2023

New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers

Location: MyPR

New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers South African fans of the sought-after drink, PRIME, can look forward to an exciting new addition to the hydration range with Strawberry Watermelon launching exclusively at Checkers on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Bursting with the taste of summer fruit, this bright pink hydration sensation will …

Read moreNew PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers
24 September 2023

Mashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner

Location: News

Mashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council’s second annual business gala dinner to be held on Tuesday.

The Presidency said the focus of the gala dinner will be the mining and energy, agriculture, finance as well as the information and communication technology sectors.

“The South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) is an economic and legal policy advocacy group that promotes youth participation and integration in the economy. The council aims to promote a transformed economy where the youth become actively involved in economic growth and job creation in South Africa.

“Held under the theme, 'Accelerating Economic Growth & Growing Investments for Youth Job Creation', the gala dinner will focus on the need for labour intensive industries and businesses to stimulate job creation, particularly among young people. It is also envisaged that insights will be gained from the participants as to what policy measures can be put in place to facilitate investment into the economy in a number of critical areas.

“Both SAYEC and government are concerned that South African youth unemployment for people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently stands at around 4.9 million, at 46.5%, well above the national average of 32.9%. The largest proportion of the young people who make up this percentage, are low to semi- skilled labour,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 09:08

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Read moreMashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner
23 September 2023

Exploring the Vibrant Heart of South Africa: Soweto Tours and Beyond

Location: MyPR

South Africa is a land of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. When it comes to immersing yourself in the heart of this beautiful nation, there’s no better place to start than with a tour of Soweto, Johannesburg, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or an adventurer seeking …

Read moreExploring the Vibrant Heart of South Africa: Soweto Tours and Beyond
23 September 2023

2023 Street Lines Skate Tournament Announced

Location: MyPR

2023 Street Lines Skate Tournament Announced   It’s back! The highly anticipated Street Lines Skate Tournament, presented by LW Mag and Dragon Energy Drink in association with Dickies, Garmin and GoPro, returns to Thrashers Skatepark for the third time on 30 September 2023. The country’s best skaters will battle it out for their share of …

Read more2023 Street Lines Skate Tournament Announced
22 September 2023

Natural gas set to ignite African economies

Location: News

Africa Oil Week
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The recent signing of an agreement to develop what has been called South Africa's largest liquified natural gas project in Mpumalanga province has emphasised the potential of natural gas as a viable energy source for the country.

The agreement, a “non-binding term sheet” (https://apo-opa.info/3PN65zR), is a partnership between South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Afro Energy, a subsidiary of Australian gas explorer Kinetiko Energy. The initiative is projected to generate 50MW of equivalent energy, growing to 500MW over time. There are also options for the development of further LNG gas equivalent projects.

The deal comes amidst renewed interest in onshore gas, as South Africa's power crisis shows few signs of easing. TotalEnergies has won approval (https://apo-opa.info/48phiOs) to search for oil and gas off South Africa's west coast, and in May, the South African government even announced plans to revisit the idea of shale-gas exploration in the Karoo region.

The Mpumalanga discovery is relatively advanced, and involves an innovative public-private partnership approach. However, the resource – estimated at 3.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas – pales in comparison to the gargantuan gas reserves in other parts of Africa.

Africa's natural-gas reserves have been estimated at around 620 trillion cubic feet (https://apo-opa.info/46iQ4qU), with the largest resources in Nigeria, Algeria and Senegal.

Thanks to its proximity to Europe, and well-developed LNG infrastructure, Algeria is currently Africa's largest exporter of natural gas, and the fourth largest gas export in the world (https://apo-opa.info/46m7Zgw), with the 10th largest proven natural gas reserves on the planet.

As Europe looks to wean itself off Russian energy, following that country's invasion of Ukraine, North and West Africa are well positioned to fill the gap. Established trans-Mediterranean gas pipelines can facilitate this, and several more pipelines are in the planning stages.

Supply bottlenecks and political challenges need to be resolved, but the upside for African oil-and-gas exports to Europe is enormous.

Natural gas has also long been heralded as a “transition fuel”, that can help ease the move from oil and coal towards renewable energy. By some measures (https://apo-opa.info/3sZeMy5), gas is a cleaner-burning, efficient fuel that produces fewer carbon-dioxide emissions than other fossil fuels.

It is abundant, and can be compressed, liquified and stored. This storage capability gives natural gas the advantage over forms of renewable energy like solar and wind, which are less easily dispatchable. Storing and providing renewable energy as and when required necessitates complementary technology like batteries, hydrogen or pumped storage.

Gas resources can simply be integrated into the well-developed global natural-gas infrastructure – through pipelines, and the international shipping. This means frontier natural-gas territories – such as South Africa – would be able to “plug in” to this system and begin supplying gas to where it is needed relatively soon after fields are established.

Ghana provides an instructive example of what is possible. The country's oil-and-gas industry launched with its first discoveries around 2006, and it was able to produce its first product within 40 months (https://apo-opa.info/3rkEXz1). In 2021, the country produced 2,4 million metric tons of gas (https://apo-opa.info/3PY0as9).

The imperative to minimise global greenhouse gas emissions to meet Paris 2050 commitments and to reverse climate change is a serious concern, which must be balanced against Africa's development imperatives.

Almost half of Africa's people remain without electricity (https://apo-opa.info/48BiLS2). The Africa Energy Commission (https://apo-opa.info/3ZtYv0d) has confirmed that it still sees a role for natural gas in the continent's evolving energy mix.

In a context where Africa still generates only four percent of global carbon emissions, and the majority (https://apo-opa.info/46oImM7) of its people still rely on biomass to meet their energy needs, a move to natural gas would still represent a net improvement (https://apo-opa.info/3RzRGIH).

That is the domestic scenario. Globally, the planet is hungry for natural gas. Africa is sitting astride enormous resources, but currently only provides 6% of global gas exports (https://apo-opa.info/46ioryf).

The opportunities are significant. There is worldwide gas activity going on, and Africa needs to come to the party. 

  • The continent's energy leaders will convene to discuss emerging energy opportunities at Africa Oil Week (https://apo-opa.info/466pce3), “Africa's leading upstream event” from 9-13 October in Cape Town. The event is a global platform for deals and transactions, bringing together governments, national and international oil companies, independents, investors and service providers for the betterment of the African continent. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.

Read moreNatural gas set to ignite African economies
22 September 2023

Tshepo Kgobe appointed modern Gautrain CEO 

Location: News

Tshepo Kgobe appointed new Gautrain CEO 

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has announced the appointment of Tshepo Kgobe as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), with effect from 1 February 2024.

The incumbent, William Dachs, will step down at the end of his tenure on 31 January 2024. 

“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Executive, GMA Board, and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, we congratulate Tshepo Kgobe on his appointment.  

“We believe his strong leadership will help steer GMA to greater heights, maintain its standards of excellence, innovation and good governance, and cement its position as a Centre of Excellence in the rail and public transport sector,” said Diale-Tlabela.

Kgobe is an engineer with diverse technical expertise in infrastructure, energy, mining and the railway environment. 

According to the provincial department, he has extensive experience managing complex projects and operations.  

“At the start of the Gautrain project, he was responsible for the engineering and project management of the track work subsystem.”

He joined the GMA in 2014 as the Senior Executive Manager responsible for the Technical Services Unit and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020. 

The department noted Kgobe's contribution to a number of novel and visionary ideas at the agency, He was part of a senior leadership team that ensured that the GMA delivered innovative and smart mobility solutions for the province.

The MEC further thanked the outgoing CEO for his relentless commitment to excellence. 

“He navigated the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and led train ridership recovery post-lockdown while maintaining Gautrain’s world-class service,” Diale-Tlabela said.

The MEC also welcomed new Gautrain Management Agency Board members, effective from 1 January 2024. 

These include Mfanelo Patrick Ntsobi, who will be the Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson Malebo Matolong. 

The other members are Tebogo Nancy Seale, Lungile Mtiya, Mamela Luthuli, Desmond Khalid Golding, Kgotso Maja, Irvin Bafana Sibisi and Bongisizwe Mpondo. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:27

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Read moreTshepo Kgobe appointed modern Gautrain CEO 
21 September 2023

Urgent need to address Eskom transmission to deal with load shedding

Location: News

Urgent need to address Eskom transmission to deal with load shedding

Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has described load shedding as an economic problem that government is urgently addressing, as his department relentlessly tackles generation and transmission challenges. 

“It's a structural constraint to the economy of the country and therefore it's indispensable to the resolution of the economic question in the country,” he said on Thursday. 

The Minister is hosting a Transmission Financing Seminar with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).  

The gathering will discuss the financing of South Africa’s Transmission Development Plan, which seeks to expand, support and secure the sustainability of South Africa’s energy mix and electricity supply.

The seminar brings together government, energy industry veterans and potential private sector investors to engage in a critical conversation on South Africa’s energy crisis. 

Ramokgopa touched on the country’s Energy Action Plan (EAP), a comprehensive response by government to address the challenge of power cuts. 

“In 1997, we were told that at the rate at which you are connecting households to the grid and the economy is growing, you're going to run into a generation problem, a capacity problem 10 years later, and we know that we ran into that problem.” 

This is the reason he believes the country needs to speedily attend to transmission with the same vigour it is handling generation capacity. 

“We are saying also now if you don't resolve the issues on the transmission side, having that problem today might not be as pronounced and I want to argue that it will be pronounced in the next six to 12 months. 

“The similar amount of effort and exertion you’re placing on the generation side requires that they be placed also on the transmission side.” 

Eskom's transmission has the mandate to reliably control, maintain, plan, expand and provide access to an interconnected transmission system.

Ramokgopa told the summit that part of the problem that is confronting Eskom is structural constraint primarily presented by two issues – energy deficit and issues of logistics. 

The Minister spoke frankly about the impact of load shedding. 

He highlighted agriculture and manufacturing as sectors that are heavily impacted by severe shortages in power generation capacity.  

“And what this does really borrows from the modelling that has been done by the South African Reserve Bank, which begins to illustrate the kind of injury that is inflicted by load shedding on the South African economy, potentially contracting the economy.”

The Minister has since called for all hands on deck to contribute towards the resolution of this “bleak picture”.  

Ramokgopa, who has visited all power plants to better understand the challenges, said there are communities and businesses that have not had electricity for about six years. 

“This is not an exaggeration. And so as a result of the failure of the distribution infrastructure, I'm talking about transformers and substations, and this comes about as a result of municipalities being financially unviable.”

The Minister said he will introduce regular updates on the transmission side. 

“[This] is after we've gone to Cabinet [to present] the options that are available to us. Once that is adopted, then we will give feedback and then we're doing a significant amount of work on the distribution side (sic).”

These interventions will see the country significantly strengthen and increase South Africa’s electricity supply and capacitate the energy sector in meeting global decarbonisation targets, thereby ensuring South Africa’s long-term energy security and energy sovereignty. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:17

441 views
Read moreUrgent need to address Eskom transmission to deal with load shedding
21 September 2023

Developed economies urged to accelerate climate action

Location: News

Developed economies urged to accelerate climate action

President Cyril Ramaphosa says developed economy countries, in particular, must act with urgency to accelerate the reduction of emissions, fulfil their obligations and honour past promises.

The President was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

The President told world leaders that Africa has witnessed with increasing alarm the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable production and resource scarcity on human health and well-being. 

“As countries across the globe seek practical ways to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple crises, we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to set the global economy on a more equitable, environmentally sustainable and low-carbon developmental trajectory.

“Despite having little responsibility for causing global warming, Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world. Like other parts of the Global South, the continent is significantly affected by climate change. As such, climate actions cannot be separated from the drive for sustainable and inclusive development,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President science sends a clear message that the world is not on track to meet the goals contained in the Paris Agreement. He emphasised that this Climate Ambition Summit must instil the necessary urgency and propel the actions that are needed now to prevent the destruction of the planet and the devastation of societies. 

Earlier this month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

To achieve this vision of economic transformation, African leaders have called on the international community to support efforts to massively increase Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.

“They are seeking investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies to decarbonise the transport, industrial and electricity sectors in African countries.

“They have called for support to strengthen actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification. And to boost agricultural yields through sustainable agricultural practices,” the President highlighted. 

Structural reform to promote just and inclusive transitions 

President Ramaphosa said structural reform is needed to promote transitions that are just and inclusive.

He said global and regional trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. 

“Trade related environmental tariffs and non-tariff barriers must be the product of multilateral agreements. They must not be unilateral, arbitrary or discriminatory.

“The multilateral financial system must build resilience to climate shocks and better leverage the balance sheets of multilateral development banks to scale up concessional finance. Developing economy countries also require new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage.”

The system, President Ramaphosa said, needs to provide interventions for debt management and relief to prevent debt default.

“The actions necessary now must not place an undue burden on the citizens of tomorrow.”

The President emphasised that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways, while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation,” he said. 

Due to regulatory changes and a surge of investment, South Africa has a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects in development that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity.

South Africa has also established a Just Transition Framework to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice.

“We are committed to building resilience to the impact of climate change and reducing our emissions in ways that are appropriate to our national circumstances and development pathways.

“As South Africa, and as the African continent, we are working to give substance to our assertion that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa called on the summit to demonstrate that the leaders of the world are committed to ambitious climate actions that are inclusive, comprehensive and leave no one behind. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:24

462 views
Read moreDeveloped economies urged to accelerate climate action
21 September 2023

The Power of High-Quality Distribution Boards: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

Introduction: In the world of electrical systems and power distribution, the backbone of safety and efficiency lies in the quality and design of distribution boards (DBs). Whether you’re working on residential or industrial projects, the choice of distribution boards can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of high-quality distribution …

Read moreThe Power of High-Quality Distribution Boards: A Comprehensive Guide
21 September 2023

Repo rate remains unchanged

Location: News

Repo rate remains unchanged

Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced that the repo rate will remain unchanged at 8.25%.

Kganyago made the announcement in Pretoria on Thursday after a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

He said South Africa’s load shedding has increased and prices for commodity exports continue to weaken. In the near term, stronger El Niño conditions threaten the agricultural outlook, while global climatic events present additional risks.

“Energy and logistical constraints remain binding on the growth outlook, limiting economic activity and increasing costs,” said the Governor.

The GDP growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 is unchanged from the previous meeting, at 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively.

Kganyago said oil prices have increased in recent months and commodity export prices have moderated further.

“South Africa’s external financing needs will increase as the current account deficit expands from a forecasted 2.0% of GDP this year (from 1.9%), to 3.0% of GDP in 2024 and to 3.4% of GDP in 2025.

“Sharply lower tax revenue, higher employee compensation and ongoing financing needs of state-owned enterprises are expected to keep the long-term cost of borrowing elevated. Despite the forecasted moderation of inflation, long-term bond yields currently trade around 12.6%.

“The rand has weakened over the past year, depreciating by about 10% year to date against the US dollar, and is showing high volatility in response to risk-on and risk-off episodes. The implied starting point for the rand forecast is R18.45 to the US dollar, compared with R18.13 at the time of the previous meeting.”

The trajectory of South Africa’s headline inflation rate has been shaped primarily by fuel and food prices.

“Risks to the inflation outlook are assessed to the upside. At a global level, headline inflation continues to moderate, but food price inflation remains high, oil markets have tightened significantly, and core inflation looks sticky.

“Despite recent easing in some food price components, domestic food price inflation was still elevated at 8% in August and the risk of drier weather conditions in coming months has increased.

“We expect food price inflation to moderate further in the near term, but with high risk that it picks up later in 2024. In the absence of sustained increases in energy supply, electricity prices continue to present clear inflation risks.

“Load-shedding and logistics constraints may also have broader effects on the cost of doing business and the cost of living. Given uncertain fuel and food price inflation, considerable risk still attaches to the forecast for average salaries.”

He said sticky inflation implies that average interest rates in major economies will remain high. As a result, tighter global financial conditions are likely to persist, raising the risk profile of economies needing foreign capital.

“Against this backdrop, the MPC decided to keep the repurchase rate at its current level of 8.25% per year,” he announced.

Three members of the committee preferred to keep rates on hold and two preferred an increase of 25 basis points.

“At the current repurchase rate level, policy is restrictive, consistent with the inflation outlook and elevated inflation expectations. Serious upside risks to the inflation outlook remain,” said Kganyago.

He added that decisions will continue to be data dependent and sensitive to the balance of risks to the outlook.

The next statement of the Monetary Policy Committee will be released on 23 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 15:39

169 views
Read moreRepo rate remains unchanged
21 September 2023

President Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78

Location: News

President Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa’s participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.  

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa. 

The President delivered South Africa’s National Statement on Tuesday under the theme: 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all'.

On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.

The President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture. 

President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order. 

"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa. 

The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where he joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.

The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

President Ramaphosa said that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation,” the President said. 

The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive, as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa’s support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic and trade ties.

These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. 
 
Another highlight of the President’s working visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa’s hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 - 4 November 2023.

President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States’ Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. 

This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.

In his assessment of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally. 

“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally." – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:47

212 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78
21 September 2023

Ramaphosa concludes participation in 78th United Nations General Assembly

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa's participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.

The President delivered South Africa's National Statement on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.

On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.

The  President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture. 

President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order. 

"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa. 

The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where the President joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.

The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.

President Ramaphosa said: “Financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.

“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation.”

The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa's support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of  U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.

On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Cyril Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic, and trade ties.

These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe. 

Another highlight of the President's Working Visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa's hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum,  (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November 2023.

President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States' Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.

In his assessment of UNGA78 President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally. 

“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally." 

The President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers that included the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa. 

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

Read moreRamaphosa concludes participation in 78th United Nations General Assembly
21 September 2023

Africa among regions with highest number of industrial systems under attack in the first half of 2023

Location: News
Kaspersky

Malicious objects of all types were detected and blocked on 34% of Industrial Control System (ICS) computers in the first half of 2023, according to the ICS CERT landscape report (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719) by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za). In Africa over this period attacks were detected on 40,3% of ICS computers, placing it in first place among the other regions. The top industries under attack were energy (45,9%), engineering & integration (44%) and building automation (40%). All these attacks were blocked after detection.

ICS computers are used in oil & gas, energy, automotive manufacturing, building automation infrastructures and other spheres to perform a range of operational technology (OT) functions – from the workstations of engineers and operators to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) servers and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Cyberattacks on industrial computers are considered to be extremely dangerous as they may cause material losses and production downtime for the controlled production line and even the facility as a whole. Moreover, industrial enterprises put out of service can seriously undermine a region's social welfare, ecology and macroeconomics.

An analysis of the most significant and targeted threats detected on ICS computers in selected countries of Africa in the first half of 2023 shows that the threat landscape can vary between countries and between industries due to the differences in the security maturity of different countries/industries and the current focus of threat actors. In South Africa in the first half of 2023 malware was detected and blocked on 29,1% of ICS computers, in Nigeria on 32,6%, in Kenya on 34,5% of machines.

There are different types of cyberthreats that OT-related computers face – malicious scripts, spy trojans, worms, ransomware, and others. In the first half of 2023 Africa had the highest percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked (9,8%). The Middle East and Southeast Asia had similarly high percentages (8,3% and 8,1%). The global average stands at 6,1%. 

Africa was also the region with the highest percentage of ICS computers (14,8%) on which attacks from denylisted Internet resources were blocked (these are web resources associated with distributing or controlling malware). The global average is 11,3%.

Viruses and worms spread across ICS networks by means of removable media, shared folders, infected files, such as backups, and network attacks on outdated software. The percentage of ICS computers on which worms were detected was very high in Africa (7% vs. 2,3% global average), making this region the leader by percentage of ICS computers on which threats were detected after removable devices were connected.

“Africa's industrial landscape is diverse, ranging from large-scale mining operations to small-scale agriculture. This means that ICS cybersecurity solutions need to be adaptable to various sectors and technologies. In some regions, legacy ICS systems that lack modern security features are still in use. These systems are often more vulnerable to cyberthreats and require significant upgrades. Lastly, some critical infrastructure in Africa is located in remote areas with limited connectivity, which can make it difficult to monitor and secure ICS assets effectively,” comments Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky ICS CERT. “By understanding these risks, organisations can make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and efficiently fortify their defenses. In doing so, they not only protect their bottom line but also contribute to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.”

Read more about the ICS threat landscape in the first half of 2023 on the Kaspersky ICS CERT website (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719).

To keep your OT computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:

  • Conducting regular security assessments of OT systems to identify and eliminate possible cyber security issues.
  • Establishing continuous vulnerability assessment and triage as a basement for effective vulnerability management process. Dedicated solutions like Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (https://apo-opa.info/451Yguw) may become an efficient assistant and a source of unique actionable information, not fully available in public.
  • Performing timely updates for the key components of the enterprise's OT network; applying security fixes and patches or implementing compensating measures as soon as it is technically possible is crucial for preventing a major incident that might cost millions due to the interruption of the production process.
  • Using EDR solutions such as Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response (https://apo-opa.info/3OsQQvs) for timely detection of sophisticated threats, investigation, and effective remediation of incidents.
  • Improving the response to new and advanced malicious techniques by building and strengthening your teams' incident prevention, detection, and response skills. Dedicated OT security trainings for IT security teams and OT personnel is one of the key measures helping to achieve this.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman | INK&Co.
nicole@inkandco.co.za

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About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.  

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20 September 2023

The Unsung Heroes of Home Security and Functionality: Door Hinges, Bolts, Closers, and Stops

Location: MyPR

Introduction When it comes to home security and functionality, we often focus on high-tech gadgets, alarms, and surveillance systems. However, there are simple yet crucial components that play a significant role in keeping our homes safe and functional.    In this blog, we’ll explore the unsung heroes of home security and convenience: door hinges, bolts, …

Read moreThe Unsung Heroes of Home Security and Functionality: Door Hinges, Bolts, Closers, and Stops
20 September 2023

The Rise of the Smart Living Era

Location: MyPR

The 21st century has ushered in a wave of technological advancements that have transformed our daily lives. At the forefront of this revolution is the concept of the smart home.   A smarthome is not just a buzzword; it’s a lifestyle shift. It represents a home where devices and systems can be remotely controlled, offering …

Read moreThe Rise of the Smart Living Era
20 September 2023

Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for 2023 AWIEF Awards

Location: News
Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (https://www.AWIEForum.org) is delighted to announce the finalists for its 2023 AWIEF Awards.

Launched in 2017, the prestigious annual AWIEF Awards is an initiative to recognise, honour, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa across various industry sectors for their achievements and contribution to the continent's inclusive economic growth and social development.

An international and independent Panel of Judges selected the twenty-four (24) finalists across eight (8) categories. These outstanding women founders and business leaders operate in a diverse range of sectors and represent companies from fourteen (14) different African countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The 2023 AWIEF Awards winners will be announced and celebrated at a special ceremony and gala dinner at the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards, taking place on 9 and 10 November at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

AWIEF Founder and CEO, Irene Ochem, said: “Given the huge number and calibre of the nominations received this year, it is clear that female entrepreneurship and business leadership is thriving across Africa. It is our honour to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of these women to the inclusive growth of their respective sectors, their countries and the continent's economy.”

A member of the 2023 AWIEF Awards Panel of Judges, John-Paul Iwuoha, Founder of Smallstarter Africa, said: "As a Judge, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of applications in all the categories. It is great to see how AWIEF continues to attract innovative women across Africa who are creating enormous value for society."

The finalists for the 2023 AWIEF Awards are (listed in alphabetical order):

Young Entrepreneur Award

Salamba Diene, CEO, BIOSENE SARL, Senegal

Joyce Kamande, Co-founder & CEO, Safi Organics, Kenya

Jovia Kisakye, CEO, Sparkle Agro Brand, Uganda

Tech Entrepreneur Award

Norah Magero, Founder & CEO, Drop Access Limited, Kenya

Kathryn Malherbe, CEO, Med Sol AI Solutions, South Africa

Kidist Tesfaye, Founder & CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia

Agri Entrepreneur Award

Chinwendu Nweke, CEO, Bridge Merchant Enterprise, Nigeria

Forget Shareka, Founder, Chashi Foods, Zimbabwe

Nonopa Tenza, Founder & MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa

Energy Entrepreneur Award

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder & CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group, South Africa

Ifeoma Malo, CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria

Margaret Yainkain Mansaray, Founder & CEO, Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited, Sierra Leone

Creative Industry Award

Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco

Gladys Chibanda, Founder & CEO, Krafted Ink, Zimbabwe

Ararat Tamirat, Founder & GM, Tuba By Ararat, Ethiopia

Social Entrepreneur Award

Damilola Aminat Adeyemi, Co-founder & CEO, D-Olivette Global Enterprise, Nigeria

Kayumba Chiwele, Founder & Principal Psychologist, MindAid Zambia, Zambia

Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid and Research Association, Cameroon

Empowerment Award

Aya Chebbi, Founder & President, Nalafem Collective, Tunisia

Zulfat Mukarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda

Catherine Wijnberg, Founder & CEO, Fetola, South Africa

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rina Gunter, Founding Partner, Gunter Attorneys, South Africa

Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt

Anke Weisheit, Co-founder & Chair, PHARMBIOTRAC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Tickets for the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards are available online at: https://apo-opa.info/3JHKUem

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

For more information and media enquiries, email: info@awieforum.org

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20 September 2023

Electricity Minister to co-host South African Transmission Financing Seminar

Location: News

Electricity Minister to co-host South African Transmission Financing Seminar

Minister in The Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to co-host a Transmission Financing Seminar with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Thursday.

The Minister will deliver a keynote address at the seminar.

According to a statement, the seminar is aimed at galvanising “discussions on the financing of South Africa’s Transmission Development Plan, which seeks to expand, support and secure the sustainability of South Africa’s energy mix and electricity supply”.

“The development and expansion of South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure is a critical cog to enabling diverse energy solutions, which are geographically located in various parts of the country, to contribute to the country’s electricity grid.

“This will significantly strengthen and increase South Africa’s electricity supply and capacitate the energy sector in meeting global decarbonisation targets and ensuring South Africa’s long-term energy security and energy sovereignty,” the statement read.

Various industry stakeholders are expected to attend the seminar.

“The seminar will bring together government, energy industry veterans and potential private sector investors to engage in a critical conversation on South Africa’s transmission infrastructure requirements for long-term energy security; explore alternative funding mechanisms for maintaining, modernising and expanding the national grid and an exchange on international experience of countries that have had similar challenges and what models were pursued to overcome these challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:25

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19 September 2023

Illuminating South Africa’s Future: The Solar Revolution

Location: MyPR

South Africa is witnessing a transformative shift in the energy landscape, and at the forefront of this change is a dedicated team committed to saving South Africans one solar installation at a time. Welcome to the heart of the country’s solar industry, where innovation, sustainability, and a brighter future unite. In this blog, we delve into the ethos …

Read moreIlluminating South Africa’s Future: The Solar Revolution
19 September 2023

Mining Department Refuses West Coast Prospecting Bid

Location: News

Government turned down Limpopo-based Nekwana Trading Enterprise’s application because of shortcomings in basic impact assessment

Read moreMining Department Refuses West Coast Prospecting Bid
19 September 2023

Mantashe to Speak at Africa Oil Week

Location: News

Africa Oil Week
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South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Hon. Gwede Mantashe will be a keynote speaker at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com), to be held in Cape Town next month.

AOW is the continent's leading event in the African upstream and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the responsible development of Africa's natural resources.

Announcing Minister Mantashe's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW said that the involvement of the minister and South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed the role of AOW as a critical platform for driving energy investment and shaping the future of Africa.

“As Minister Mantashe said at last year's Africa Oil Week, developing Africa's oil and gas resources can help guarantee the continent's energy security while enhancing regional economic development,” says Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW. “Bringing together leading energy thought leaders like Minister Mantashe and others, helps build the partnerships and develop the knowledge that will drive this process.'

This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.

The event is a global platform driving collaboration, reputable deals and transactions between the public and private sector, shaping the future of the African upstream, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.

This year's AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125+ leading speakers, and more than 2 000 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities to delivering deals and investments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.

Read moreMantashe to Speak at Africa Oil Week
19 September 2023

Africa ready for novel investment – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Africa ready for new investment – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told American business representatives that Africa is ready for new investment and strong partnerships.

The President was delivering remarks at the US - South Africa Trade and Investment Business Roundtable Dialogue in New York on Monday. 

“Africa is ready for new investment and strong partnerships. South Africa is well positioned as the continent’s industrial centre, with deep capital markets, the rule of law, protection of property rights and a dynamic and youthful population. 

“The significant presence of US companies operating in South Africa, including Ford, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Procter & Gamble, Google, Amazon and Walmart, among many others, forms a base for increased investment,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said he was pleased to hear that the US Africa Business Council and BUSA will be hosting the inaugural business and investment forum on the margins of the AGOA Forum scheduled to be held in South Africa in November 2023. 

He said this platform will present the countries’ respective governments, private sectors and civil society with numerous opportunities to advance trade and investment relations. 

“I look forward to our discussions and encourage your candid views. I also look forward to welcoming all of the companies present here today to South Africa in November this year during the AGOA Forum… I look forward to building and strengthening business relationships that will accelerate growth, enable commercial success and ensure prosperity for both our countries,” President Ramaphosa said. 

Global prosperity

The President told the business representatives that global prosperity has been founded on greater levels of openness and engagement between nations and people. 

He said in recent decades, a more open, rules-based trading system, complemented by deeper levels of cross-border investment, has helped to sustain and grow global GDP. 

He said it has helped to increase employment in many countries and spur innovation and new technologies.

“Yet, the heightened tension of this moment has led to fragmentation, hostility and increasing protectionism. For South Africa, a divided world is not a good thing. We are a trading nation, with above average trade-to-GDP ratios. A significant part of our economic growth is driven by exports. 

“We believe that the voices advocating greater dialogue and continued economic engagement between nations need to be strengthened,” he said.

Trade and investment agenda

Turning to the trade and investment agenda, President Ramaphosa said that they are finalising the modalities for the imminent launch of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

“We expect that the first goods to be traded under this free trade pact would commence within the next six months or sooner. The AfCFTA, as it is called, will cover 1.3 billion consumers in countries possessing some of the world’s most valuable minerals and raw materials,” he said. 

South Africa is working with the US Administration to make the case for the extension of AGOA to current beneficiary countries for a further period of 10 years, prior to its expiry in 2025, President Ramaphosa said.

He emphasised that the US remains a very important economic partner in trade and investment, with great potential to further expand economic ties. 

Accompanying this trade agenda, the President said government has embarked on far-reaching economic reforms, including the energy market being restructured. 

Economic reform agenda

Turning to the economic reforms agenda, President Ramaphosa said the country is also focusing on expanding its industrial capacity. 

“The availability of critical raw materials in South Africa and in neighbouring countries is driving efforts to expand high-value manufacturing. This is a real opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa. 

“African growth rates provide a stable growth in aggregate demand over the next decade and more,” he said.

The recently published African Economic Outlook for 2023 noted: “Growth is projected to rebound to 4% in 2023 and consolidate at 4.3% in 2024, underpinning Africa’s continued resilience to shocks.” 

The report goes on to say that Africa is endowed with 30% of the world’s mineral resources and 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, the world’s most productive forests both in timber and carbon retention resources, and ample solar, wind and hydropower.

“With this kind of potential, savvy investors will be expanding… their base in South Africa and the rest of the continent. 

“Our economic reform agenda also includes targeted measures to open the market for more South Africans to participate,” he said. 

The President told the business leaders that South Africa has increased its target for its investment drive to R2 trillion over the next five years. 

“To appreciate the great opportunities in our economy, I invite you to the next South Africa Investment Conference, to be held in March 2024,” he said. 

The investment drive includes an expansion of Special Economic Zones, the most recent of which was built around the Ford Motor Company plant in the capital city, Pretoria. Around 10 large factories now produce components for the scaled-up Ford plant. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 11:39

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19 September 2023

World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda

Location: News

World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Heads of State and Government to join the Global Leaders Network to champion the women, children and adolescent health agenda. 

The President was addressing the High Level Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) event on Monday at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, USA. 

“As Heads of State, we can provide leadership and inspire ambitious action. We have the convening power to mobilise our peers and advance policies, programmes and financing initiatives for improved outcomes.

“As part of our agenda, we must challenge the disregard in many communities and countries for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women,” President Ramaphosa said. 

The President spent the first and second day of his working visit to the United States - for the 78th United Nations General Assembly - discussing sustainable development goals and investments in South Africa. 

On Sunday, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Professor Klaus Schwab, CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), to discuss South Africa’s participation at WEF and the progress the country is making on the reforms aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth. 

The President also met with United States Congressman, Gregory Meeks. Both President Ramaphosa and Congressman Meeks acknowledged the need for greater cooperation between the US and South Africa in tackling global issues that are impacting the African continent, primarily, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Africa. 

“Congressman Meeks welcomed the briefing on the conclusion of the investigation into the docking of the LadyR vessel in Simmons Town, South Africa, and expressed his commitment to contributing to the strengthening of US-Africa diplomatic and trade relations, and to attending the AGOA forum in South Africa later this year,” the Presidency said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded his first day of engagements with a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

The two leaders discussed developments related to the reform of the international financial architecture and other initiatives in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the reform of the United Nations Security Council. The Secretary General commended South Africa for its important role in advancing these efforts.  

The President also delivered remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, where he joined the call to address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised an unequal world. 

“The President emphasised the need for targeted investment, technology transfer and capacity building support especially in key areas such as industralisation, infrastructure, agriculture, water, energy, education and health. The President further underscored the requirement for sustained financial support, including supportive trade policies from the international community,” the Presidency said. 

Later on Monday, President Ramaphosa led the business roundtable discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Center. 

President Ramaphosa used the occasion to position South Africa’s economic reform agenda, which is focused on expanding industrial capacity as an opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 12:01

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