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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The 15th anniversary of World Read Aloud Day, observed on 5 February 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the literacy crisis in South Africa. The reality is that according to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 81 percent of Grade 4 learners still cannot read for meaning, an alarming statistic that has …
Exciting manufacturer entries in Road Car and Supercar category from BMW, MINI, Opel and Suzuki, along with Mercedes-AMG and MG in class A8 for hybrids and EVs Dazzling array of desirable supercars encompassing Audi, Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche, along with a strong contingent of exclusive Shelby Mustangs New King of the Hill winner will be […]
Access Bank PLC (www.AccessBankPLC.com) successfully hosted the inaugural Africa Trade Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to drive solutions for accelerating intra-African trade and unlocking the continent's economic potential. The conference tackled critical challenges, including limited access to capital, market information gaps, trust deficits between trading partners, and the urgent need for modernised trade infrastructure.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for discussions by highlighting the critical barriers hindering trade across Africa. He emphasised the urgent need for financial sector collaboration to facilitate seamless access to capital and foster a business environment where African enterprises can scale and compete globally.
“We must invest in the initiatives that ensure that we can bring businesses together, forge trust, and create the connections necessary for trade. In doing so, we must stamp out the narrative that 'Made in Africa' is inferior to any product made anywhere else in the world. We must buy Africa, be proud to wear Africa, and invest in Africa because that is what the continent needs to leap forward into the next generation,” Ogbonna stated.
With Africa's population projected to surge to 2.5 billion by 2050 from 1.2 billion, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) stands as the most significant free trade initiative since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. By fostering economic integration, AfCFTA has the potential to reshape trade dynamics across the continent, creating a unified market that enhances industrialisation, boosts employment, and strengthens Africa's global competitiveness. Recognising this transformative opportunity, H.E. Wamkele K. Mene, Secretary-General of AfCFTA, emphasised the urgency of fully implementing the agreement to unlock its immense benefits.
"The AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement; it is an instrument for Africa's industrialisation and economic sovereignty. It is a tool that will enable us to break down historic trade barriers and build an Africa that is self-sufficient, competitive, and prosperous. But for this to happen, we must commit to operationalising the agreement fully, ensuring that businesses, particularly SMEs and women-led enterprises, have access to the information, capital, and platforms they need to thrive,” Mene stated.
Also, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, emphasised the importance of financing mechanisms that support African businesses in their expansion across borders. She reaffirmed Afreximbank's commitment to championing trade finance solutions and infrastructure investments that will unlock Africa's trade potential.
“At Afreximbank, we understand that trade finance is the lifeblood of economic development. Without it, businesses cannot scale, industries cannot innovate, and Africa cannot fully realise its trade potential. This is why we have developed instruments such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to facilitate seamless transactions across borders, reducing reliance on foreign currencies and strengthening intra-African trade,” Awani remarked.
The conference featured an insightful testimonial from Nathalie Louat, Global Director at the IFC/World Bank Group, who pointed out the pivotal role of trade finance in enabling cross-border transactions and supporting financial inclusion. She underscored the long-standing partnership between IFC and Access Bank in fostering Africa's economic resilience.
Several high-level panel discussions explored strategies to overcome trade barriers and enhance market access through innovative solutions. Experts from leading institutions, including Deutsche Bank, Traydstream, OWP Partners, Fiducia International, and more, examined how infrastructure improvements, digital solutions, and policy harmonisation could drive economic growth and boost intra-African trade.
Dr. Marc Auboin from the World Trade Organization (WTO) shared key insights on how digital transformation is reshaping Africa's supply chain landscape, creating efficiency and unlocking new global market opportunities. Tanya Dos Santos-Ford from GIBS Business School also led a session on sustainable trade practices, emphasising the need for environmentally responsible economic growth strategies.
The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to intra-African trade and economic transformation. Tradepass Commodities Limited (Ghana), Chemaf International FZE (DR Congo), and Harvest Group of Companies (Zambia) were honoured for their impact on SMEs and women-led trade enterprises. Bulkstream Limited (Kenya) and Electricidade de Moçambique (Mozambique) received awards for advancing intra-African trade, while Tennant Metals South Africa Pty Ltd was recognised as an Emerging Leader in Trade.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) was awarded the Climate Finance Leadership Award, while Afreximbank received the Champion of Intra-African Trade Award. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) were celebrated for their roles in economic transformation and infrastructure finance, respectively. The prestigious African Icon Award was presented to IHS Group, Dangote Industries Limited, and MTN Group Limited for their significant contributions to Africa's economic progress.
As the conference ended, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to supporting trade finance, fostering regional integration, and championing policies that create an enabling environment for businesses across Africa.
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.
About Access Bank PLC:
Access Bank PLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning three continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE.
Access Bank's parent company, Access Holdings PLC, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998 (now Nigerian Exchange (NGX)). The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 20 years, becoming one of the continent's largest retail banks.
As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.
We spent time with 31-year-old Khanyo Mantshi from Khayelitsha who says his grant falls short of his needs
Classic Car Friday is the first event at the annual Simola Hillclimb, with a diverse range of cars from 1937 to 2000 set to compete this year for class wins, and ultimately vying for the overall Classic Conqueror title Illustrious brands and legendary cars from Austin, Jaguar, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Shelby, Ford, Lotus, Chevrolet, BMW, […]
Ford South Africa honoured the outstanding achievements of its dealer and distributor partners at the prestigious 2024 Ford Recognition Awards, held at the Sandton Convention Centre on February 13. The event, themed Blueprint for Success, celebrated the dedication, resilience, and customer-focused commitment of the 119 Ford dealers and distributors across Southern Africa. The awards recognised …
PRETORIA, South Africa, 12 February 2025 – Ford Approved is the official pre-owned vehicle sales platform of Ford South Africa. This portal offers a range of vehicles that have undergone stringent and comprehensive quality testing. Ford Approved has enhanced its services with key refinements designed to deliver a more seamless and rewarding customer experience. Continuing …
Deputy Ministers engage communities affected by crime
The Police Ministry, led by the Deputy Ministers of Police Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, will lead a crime prevention imbizo in communities affected by high levels of crime on Tuesday.
According to police, the purpose of the community engagements is to find lasting solutions to communities affected by gun and gang violence.
The engagements will start at Avondale Primary School in Atlantis on Tuesday and proceed to Sophumelela Secondary School in Samora Machel on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, through its high-density operations, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 13 105 suspects from the period starting on Monday, 30 December 2024, and ending on Sunday, 5 January 2025.
“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects.
“All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province,” said the police in a statement.
In this period, the following arrests were made:
Police registered the following successes:
Police in Mpumalanga arrested two suspects, who shot and killed two men while sitting inside a Toyota Avanza in Ermelo. The suspects then fled the scene after the incident.
Police said they managed to trace and arrest the suspects and they are facing two counts of murder.
A multidisciplinary team comprising the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi members and private security, rearrested Zimbabwean fugitive, Lovemore Musoyi, after escaping from police custody.
The 32-year-old is facing more than 10 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, armed robberies, house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assaults, stock theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition that occurred in Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton and Rakgoadi policing areas in Sekhukhune District.
A joint operation conducted by the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime, Brand Protectors, and Reservist units resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth R 627 290 in Midrand, Johannesburg.
Members of the Anti-Gang Unit in the Western Cape arrested a 35-year-old man after found him in possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition.
On 5 January 2025, police in the North West apprehended five suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 26-year-old Lesego Klaas Makaku in Hartbeespoort Dam. The suspects dragged the victim outside a tavern to the street, where they allegedly assaulted him to death.
Police arrested suspects and they are facing charges of kidnapping and murder.
“Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.
“Just last week alone, police arrested 54 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Mpumalanga province. Again, the team deployed in the North West is still monitoring ongoing operations in Stilfontein,” said the police.
A suspect was fatally shot in a shootout with police and one was arrested after a house robbery in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
“The armed suspects held the family, including a nine-month-old baby, hostage and robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash before they drove away with them with their Ford Ranger. Police spotted the vehicle, and the suspects fired at the police who also returned fire. A pistol with ammunition as well as a magazine were seized in the incident.”
The police said they will continue with their operations “by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country”. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:45
Ford South Africa notched up two significant achievements in November 2024 by leading the vehicle exports for the month, and recording its highest monthly sales volume in more than three years which placed it fourth overall on the domestic sales charts. A total of 10 574 Rangers were exported from Ford’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in November …
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 29 November 2024 – Ford’s stated objectives are to create a better world by providing customers with innovative products and services, enhancing peoples’ lives, and making a difference in the regions in which it operates. The latter two goals are especially true of its wide range of community empowerment and upliftment initiatives, …
More than 40 percent of South Africans are considering purchasing an electrified vehicle1 in the next five years according to a recent survey2 by Ford Motor Company, with most preferring hybrid technology. As part of its multi-market research, Ford spoke with South African car owners and those looking to buy a new car to understand …
It has been an entire year since Ford South Africa kicked off its Centenary celebrations, marking the company’s exceptional legacy that helped create and shape the automotive industry that we have today – one that, in 2023, accounted for 5.3 percent of the country’s total GDP and 21.9 percent of its manufacturing output according to …
New vehicles to help fight crime in eThekwini
To bolster ongoing efforts to curb crime and ensure increased police visibility, the eThekwini Metro Police in KwaZulu-Natal has procured an additional 146 vehicles to be added to their fleet.
The procurement of new vehicles comes after the city announced plans to roll out the Smart Policing System, which seeks to fast track crime reports.
eThekwini Metro Police spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, said the fleet includes 50 Volkswagen (VW) Golf GTIs, 29 Ford Rangers, 30 Isuzu bakkies, and 37 VW Polos.
Zungu commended the council for approving the procurement and for sharing the Metro Police’s vision of ensuring a safe city for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Further crime prevention initiatives will be implemented and will be announced in due course as the city prepares to welcome thousands of holidaymakers during the festive season,” Zungu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/17/2024 - 09:40
Simola Hillclimb is South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event 15th edition of SA’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event takes place in Knysna from 1 to 4 May 2025 Competitor applications open on 1 October 2024 at simolahillclimb.com, closing date is 31 January 2025 The annual Simola Hillclimb, widely regarded as South Africa’s […]
City centre should accommodate up to 50,000 people by 2040
World Rivers Day, celebrated on Sunday, 22 September 2024, is a global event that underscores the importance of rivers and their conservation. Rivers are essential to ecosystems, biodiversity, human life, and economic activities. They provide fresh water which is vital for drinking, agriculture, industry, and energy, making them indispensable to life on Earth. Despite their …
As the world commemorates International Literacy Day on Sunday, 08 September 2024, Ford South Africa reaffirms its commitment to tackling the literacy crisis in the country through its enduring legacy projects. Despite significant investments in education, South Africa continues to grapple with high illiteracy rates, particularly among young learners. According to the 2024 Reading Panel …
Invoices suggest Nketoana mayor spent R100,000 on a rented car in a single month
An impressive 21 used car searches took place every second in South Africa during the first half of 2024. This is one of many fascinating insights to emerge from the 2024 AutoTrader Mid-Year Car Industry Report. The theme of this year’s report is #RethinkAutoSales, and – as George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, explains – traditional …
Finding a reliable used engine can be challenging, but Lou Appels Engine Room makes it easier with its extensive selection of high-quality options. Known for their meticulous inspection process, Lou Appels ensures every engine meets high standards of performance and reliability. This blog will focus on used engines from Citroen, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, and Haval, …
The annual Enactus National Exposition, a premier event for student entrepreneurs, has once again showcased the immense creativity and enthusiasm of its participants. This vital platform for learning, engagement and collaboration highlights how student-led projects and enterprises drive progress through entrepreneurial action. The event was held in Sandton in July, and brought together over 700 …
Arms cache, drugs discovered in Goodwood apartment
A suspect who was arrested at the weekend during a routine stop and search procedure by members of the police’s Flying Squad will make his first court appearance in Athlone in the Western Cape on Monday.
The suspect was discovered with an arms cache and a substantial quantity of drugs and arrested in Goodwood.
According to a statement by the South African Police Service (SAPS), vigilant Flying Squad members were drawn to a suspicious silver Ford double cab bakkie, which prompted them to stop and search the vehicle and the occupant.
The search resulted in the discovery of an unlicensed 9mm firearm, drugs and a substantial amount of cash.
The 28-year-old driver was arrested and interrogated which led the SAPS to an apartment in the Bergzicht complex, situated in Goodwood.
There a further 19 firearms of various calibers were found, including an AK47 assault rifle, a shotgun and other automatic and semi-automatic firearms, as well as an assortment of drugs valued at R3 million.
“We have reason to believe that the apartment, which is leased in the suspect’s name, was never used as a residence, but rather a storing facility for the firearms and the drugs,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.
“As our investigation unfolds, the possibility that more suspects can be apprehended is not excluded. The arrest of the suspect and subsequent seizure are deemed a step in the right direction to tackle gangsterism in the Province,” the police said.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile commended the members who effected the arrest and said detectives assigned to the case will dig deeper to uncover more as “this could be the tip of the iceberg” in their investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 09:55
Alleged illegal mining kingpin to appear in court
An alleged illicit mining kingpin is expected to appear in the Apel Magistrate’s Court in due course after being arrested with two others in Atok, Limpopo, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“In a coordinated operation on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, a swift response by a multidisciplinary team, including units from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force, and the National Intervention Unit under Operation Vala Umgodi, resulted in the apprehension of a notorious illicit mining kingpin in the Atok area along the R37 road, within the Apel policing precinct,” said the police.
In a statement on Friday, the police said the team intercepted illegal mining activities, leading to the arrest of three individuals aged between 31 and 45 at the scene.
“Among the apprehended suspects was a Congolese foreign national believed to be the mastermind behind illegal mining operations in and around the Atok region,” said the SAPS in a statement on Friday.
A white and blue Scania horse and trailer truck loaded with chrome, TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe), a maroon Toyota Yaris, and a white Ford Ranger were seized during the operation. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 13:56
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 June 2024 – A million of anything is a huge number. Now imagine one million Ford Rangers being lined up bumper-to-bumper, starting at Ford South Africa’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria and heading due north through Africa. Ford’s segment-defining pick-ups, or bakkies in South African vernacular, would reach all the way …