A Taste of Somalia on the Streets of Joburg
We visited a Somali-owned coffee shop in Mayfair which serves qaxwo and other Somali treats
Franchise
Giants of Africa Festival 2025
Giants of Africa (https://GiantsOfAfrica.org/), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.
“Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,” says Ujiri. “As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.”
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa's leaders of tomorrow.
Taking place across Kigali Sports City's BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa's sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas.
The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.
Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival's championship and all-star games.
This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon's Hortense Mbea (Afropian: https://apo-opa.co/4d97Od4), Niger's Alia Baré (Alia: https://apo-opa.co/3GMuRyk), and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo (Masa Mara: https://apo-opa.co/4377tTx) will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion.
Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women's Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival (https://apo-opa.co/42RZZFe) which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit's 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali's local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda's own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025.
Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025's Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit www.GOAFestival.org or email info@giantsofafrica.org.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Giants of Africa.
For the festival launch video and still images:
https://apo-opa.co/430fZUd
For more information, please contact:
Tamara Kamaka - Giants of Africa
tamara@giantsofafrica.org
Emmanuel Ainamani - SRC Agency
emmanuel@srcagency.com
Social Media:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4d7L5Og
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44t3xik
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dbdpj9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4k6P14f
About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa:
Masai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri's unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri's ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life.
Partners:
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 would like to express its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to making this event possible:
|
● The Lake Family's All One Fund ● RwandAir ● ALX Africa ● Kensington ● Sport Court International, LLC
|
● BK Arena ● DHL Express Canada ● Imbuto Foundation ● Ministry of Sports ● Visit Rwanda |
● Volkswagen Move ● Zaria Court ● Bralirwa PLC ● Toronto Raptors ● Marriott
|
Africa Finance Corporation Appoints Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of Board of Directors
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent's leading instrumental infrastructure solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of its Board of Directors. She succeeds Mr. Emeka Emuwa who has completed 12 years of meritorious service to the Corporation.
Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu brings a wealth of experience spread over three decades leading and transforming the banking sector in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Until recently, she led Citi's institutional businesses in Nigeria and Ghana, with oversight across Banking, Markets and Services. During this period, she steered the franchise through significant macroeconomic and regulatory headwinds, strengthening its strategic momentum and resilience.
Her international career within Citibank included senior leadership roles across over 50 countries in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, during which time she worked in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Mrs. Samuel-Ogbu has extensive boardroom experience including Citibank Nigeria where she was a Non-Executive Director for 6 years and Chair of the Risk Committee prior to becoming the Managing Director. She also served on the board of CHAPS Clearing UK, the high value payment system now operated by the Bank of England and a UK-based charity, Opportunity International. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication to the advancement of Africa make her a valuable asset to AFC at a time when the Corporation is more committed than ever to accelerating Africa's transformation through bold investments, innovative financing models and catalytic partnerships.
AFC recently delivered a record-breaking FY2024 financial performance, with total revenue increasing by 22.8% to US$1.1 billion, surpassing the US$1 billion milestone for the first time. This strong performance was driven by several transformational projects including acting as the Lead Project Developer for the Lobito Corridor, a transformative multi-country transport network connecting Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), financing of the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC — one of the world's highest-grade, low-carbon underground copper mines and financing support for the commissioning of the Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa.
Speaking on the appointment, Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of AFC, said: " We are delighted to welcome Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu as Chair of the Board. Her wealth of experience, visionary leadership and deep understanding of Africa's financial landscape will be invaluable as we navigate our next phase of growth- expanding our impact, mobilising urgently needed capital and delivering transformative projects that enable inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the continent.”
Mrs Ireti Samuel-Ogbu commented: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at AFC, an institution that serves as a trusted bridge between international capital and Africa's dynamic growth opportunities. I look forward to working closely with the board, management, and all stakeholders to advance the Corporation's mission and strengthen its role as the leading provider of strategic, investment-driven solutions that unlock Africa's full economic potential.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
Media Enquiries:
Yewande Thorpe
Communications
Africa Finance Corporation
Mobile +234 1 279 9654
Email: yewande.thorpe@africafc.org
About AFC:
AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC's approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa's infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth.
Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 45 member countries and has invested over US$15 billion in 36 African countries since its inception.
Hotel Development Booms in Africa
This year's Hotel Development Pipeline Report, the definitive study of international hospitality development projects in Africa, reveals record activity. There are 577 hotels and resorts, with 104,444 rooms, in the development pipeline, up by 13.3% on 2024, way ahead of the single digit pipeline growth reported globally by the leading international chains.
The report, compiled by Lagos-based W Hospitality Group, with data from 50 international and regional hotel chains, shows that development activity has been growing impressively in North Africa, which saw a 23% year-on-year increase, compared to a 6% increase in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past five years, the hotel development pipeline has grown at an annualised rate of 4% in sub-Saharan Africa, 12% in North Africa and 7% overall.
Egypt continues to lead the way in terms of development, with 143 hotels and 33,926 rooms in the pipeline there. This is almost four times the number of rooms in second-placed Morocco, which has 8,579 rooms in 58 hotels. The following eight countries, ranked by number of rooms, comprise Nigeria, 7,320; Ethiopia, 5,648; Cape Verde, 5,565; Kenya, 4,344; Tunisia, 4,336; South Africa, 4,076; Tanzania, 3,432; and Ghana, 3,125. International hotel chains have deals signed in 42 of Africa's 54 countries.
Despite its clear leadership in the absolute pipeline numbers, Egypt has fewer than 50% of rooms under construction, a significantly lower proportion than second-placed Morocco, with over 72%. Of the top 10 countries, Ethiopia has the highest ratio of rooms “on site”, followed by Morocco and Ghana. Cape Verde, Nigeria and Tanzania have some of the lowest percentages. However, “under construction” does not necessarily mean that there is activity and progress towards completion and opening – many of the sites in Nigeria and Ghana, for example, have been closed for several years, with hardly a hard hat in sight.
A more granular analysis, looking at the location of planned properties, reveals an extraordinary boom in Cairo, with 17,757 new rooms projected in over 70 hotels. The contrast with the second-placed location, Sharm El Sheikh, is dramatic, where 4,231 rooms are planned in fewer than 10 properties. The cities and resorts with the next largest pipelines by number of rooms are Lagos, 3,709; Boa Vista, 3,650; Addis Ababa, 3,369; Casablanca, 2,939; Accra, 2,652; Abuja, 2,570; Zanzibar, 2,523; and Dakar, 2,334.
The growth is being driven strongly by the major international hotel chains, with Marriott International leading the way, 165 hotels with 29,639 rooms. It is followed by Hilton, 93 hotels with 17,040 rooms; Accor, 73 hotels with 15,013 rooms; IHG, 40 hotels with 7,951 rooms; Radisson Hotel Group, 32 hotels with 6,346 rooms; TUI Hotels & Resorts, 11 hotels with 2,954 rooms; Barceló Hotels & Resorts, 7 hotels with 2,193 rooms; The Ascott, 15 hotels with 1,897 rooms; Kerten Hospitality, 13 hotels with 1,881 rooms and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, 7 hotels with 1,706 rooms.
In the race for dominance, Hilton added slightly more rooms to its African pipeline last year than Marriott International and achieved a higher percentage growth. Barceló Hotels & Resorts recorded the largest percentage growth, more than doubling its pipeline to 2,193 rooms, with three large resort signings in North Africa.
Below the headline numbers, there are three notable trends. First, the actualisation rate (actual openings vs. expected openings), which has nearly doubled from 21% in 2023 to 38% in 2024. While it's substantially less than the 75% actualisation rate achieved in 2019, it shows a continuing recovery from the economic devastation of COVID-19. Of the total 104,444 rooms in the pipeline, over 50,000 rooms (nearly 50%) in 304 hotels are expected to open in 2025 and 2026.
Second, resort projects are increasing much faster than city or airport hotels, both in percentage terms and in absolute numbers, driven by the number of signings and by the larger average size of the developments, 210 keys vs. 170. Also, almost half of the rooms that opened last year were in resorts.
Third, there is a definite movement by the chains towards the franchise model, with 108 projects representing almost 19% of the total, compared to less than 10% in 2020. A major factor is the emergence of quality, international, white-label operators such as Aleph Hospitality and Valor Hospitality, and some indigenous operators in Nigeria, Kenya and elsewhere, that are increasing confidence that brand standards will be met.
The full report will be discussed at FHS Africa (formerly AHIF) 17-19 June in Cape Town. It is the leading hospitality investment conference in the region, which brings together senior decision-makers to shape the future of the industry. Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: “The growth in hotel development across Africa is a testament to the continent's economic and tourism potential. Furthermore, the commitment from the international hotel chains makes it clear that global players see Africa as a strategic opportunity."
Trevor Ward, Managing Director of W Hospitality Group, concluded: “Despite the various trials that the continent faces, the fact that hotel chains signed 125 new deals last year, with 21,000 rooms, is evidence that opportunities for further development abound. According to the Global Cities Institute, by the year 2100, 10 of the world's 16 largest cities will be in Africa, with all but one of them (Cairo) in sub-Saharan Africa. So, one might say that development activity in Africa has barely scratched the surface.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
David Tarsh
+44 (0) 20 7602 5262
+44 (0) 7770 816 070
Email: David@Tarsh.com.
About W Hospitality Group:
The W Hospitality Group, a member of Hotel Partners Africa, specialises in the provision of advisory services to the hotel, tourism and leisure industries, providing a full range of services to clients who have investments in the sector, or who are looking to enter them through development, acquisition or other means. In sub-Saharan Africa W Hospitality Group is regarded as the market leader due to the market and financial expertise of its staff, its worldwide knowledge, and its commitment to its clients. In Africa, W Hospitality Group has to date worked in 40 countries on the continent, from its Lagos and Addis Ababa offices.
About FHS Africa (Formerly AHIF):
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, Equate, JLL, Knight Frank, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supporter: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events is "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect; the Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact industry meetings.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel & tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners & investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines & aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in the Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders and innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at TheBench.com
Access Bank’s Africa Trade Conference Ignites New Era of Intra-Africa Commerce
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.
For inquiries:
- Olakunle Aderinokun
olakunle.aderinokun@theaccesscorporation.com
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.
KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women
KZN Premier’s Netball Cup to empower young women
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has officially unveiled the 2025 KZN Premier’s Netball Cup, marking a groundbreaking milestone in the province’s efforts to foster netball talent and empower young women through sport.
Launched on Sunday, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Netball Federation, the tournament will take place from 5 - 9 March 2025 at the Victoria Mxenge Indoor Complex in Umlazi, south of Durban.
The competition is designed to provide a platform for young women aged 16 to 36, and serves as a crucial building block for the future of netball in the province.
The tournament will feature 12 district-based teams, each representing a local district and named after its respective mayor. The teams will compete for supremacy in one of the province's most prestigious netball tournaments.
A key feature of the competition is the requirement that each 15-member squad must include at least six players under the age of 20, ensuring the inclusion of emerging talent and helping to nurture the next generation of netball stars.
Furthermore, each team must field a minimum of 12 players per match, with at least 50% match participation, promoting both fairness and opportunities for skill development.
A launchpad for future netball stars
Speaking at the launch, KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, said the tournament will not only showcase the grace and intensity of modern netball, but also offers valuable exposure for players aiming for provincial and national representation.
“Players will have the chance to be scouted for teams such as the Kingdom Stars, KZN’s professional netball franchise, and potentially the Spar Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team. The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup is not just about competition, but it represents a comprehensive strategy to professionalise the sport,” Ntuli said.
The Premier said the tournament aims to contribute to netball’s holistic growth, focusing not only on players but also on coaching, officiating, sports administration, marketing, and sponsorship.
Through these investments, Ntuli said the province is creating pathways for job creation and boosting sport tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Premier also urged local businesses, municipalities, and fans to actively support the sport, both financially and through engagement, to ensure its continued growth and success.
Positioning SA as a dominant force in international netball
The KZN Premier’s Netball Cup aligns with the larger vision of Netball South Africa (NSA), the sport’s governing body, which has been pivotal in positioning South Africa as a dominant force on the global netball stage.
This includes the successful hosting of the 2023 Netball World Cup, which highlighted the country’s rising influence in international netball.
According to NSA, netball is the most popular female sport in South Africa and ranks as the second-most participated sport overall, with over two million active netball players participating on a weekly basis.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has extended its best wishes to all participating teams and encouraged the communities to rally behind their local districts. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/04/2025 - 13:18
260 views
KFC Celebrates Inspirational African Women Accelerating Action Towards Equality
Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster.
KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before.
The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.
The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender.
They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code.
Gender gap
“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa.
The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later.
“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.”
In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment.
Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa.
In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%.
Transforming franchising
Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent.
“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies.
“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.”
KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it.
“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.”
“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.”
“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.”
“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.”
Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.”
Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM
To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane:
Elmarie Swart
Phone number:
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za
KFC Socials:
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
KZN Inland Rural Remain The Only Unbeaten Team Left At Rural Week
VEREENIGING: Day two saw the KZN Inland Rural team finish as the only undefeated team left in the CSA Inland Rural...
No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare
No. 1 Hair is number one in haircare
By: Bongani Lukhele
In 1993 Andrew Lebitsa, a Free State Black Industrialist, participated in an empowerment and capacity building project that he said was initiated by South Africa’s first Black President, Nelson Mandela, and New York’s first Black Mayor, David Dinkins.
The objective of the programme was to develop a pool of black corporate bank managers to equip them with skills, knowledge and information that would empower them to play a critical role in the transformation of the banking industry after the country had transitioned to democracy.
Lebitsa spent six months at the Chase Merchant Bank and Baruch College in New York honing his corporate management skills in the bank and acquiring knowledge through the college’s Executive Management Development Programme.
At the time, little did Lebitsa know that he was bound to follow in the footsteps of the two visionary leaders and blaze his own trail, as he attests that his No.1 Hair company is the only black-owned hair braids manufacturing company in the country.
This was made possible by the support he received from the Black Industrialists Programme of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).
In line with the vision of Mandela and Dinkins, the objective of the scheme is to produce a pool of capable and successful Black Industrialists who will actively and meaningfully participate in the manufacturing industry and contribute to growing the economy, creating jobs and transform the sector in particular, and the country’s economy in general.
Today, No.1 Hair, which operates from the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Harrismith, is providing employment to 60 people who are producing the synthetic hair braids, or hair extensions as they are commonly known, for both domestic and Southern African markets.
“After a long spell in the petroleum franchise and retail industries, I got into a hardware products import and distribution industry. Many of my retail clients requested me to import hair as well. This was initially never in my mind. But after conducting a research I realised that it was a R9-billion industry in South Africa that these people were indirectly encouraging me to participate it. I decided to get into it,” recalls Lebitsa.
After bouncing off the idea with the late prominent businessperson, Don Mkhwanazi, he advised Lebitsa to consider setting up a plant and manufacture hair in South Africa, instead of importing it.
He connected him with two South Korean businessmen who assisted him to set up the factory in the Maluti-a-Phofung SEZ. The location was an obvious choice for Lebitsa as he once worked in the zone while he was employed by the Free State Development Corporation as a property manager.
“That is how No.1 Hair was born,"he said.
R60 million state-of-the-art plant
The R60 million state-of-the-art plant was set up with assistance from the dtic and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
“After a delay caused by the COVID-19 [pandemic], we eventually started the production of our brand of hair braids in January 2021. We started with black hair braids and extended our range to numerous other colours over a period of time,” said Lebitsa.
He concedes that penetrating the hair market as a black manufacturer has been and remains a steep challenge.
“Firstly, consumers of this product are used to particular famous brands that are all imported. It is not easy for them to warm up to and embrace a new, unknown product. Secondly, but more importantly; it is the problem of perception and stereotypes that one has to deal with in the industry.
“As a black manufacturer, you are already disadvantaged when approaching buyers who source products for big companies and retail stores.
Summer season
“From not even giving you a chance to present your products to them, to doubting both your capability as a businessperson to deliver on orders, and the quality of your products. It is a big challenge. However, one order at a time we have managed to build quite [a] sizeable number of clients,” he adds.
Lebitsa’s spirit lifts when he starts speaking about the summer season that he says sparks a high demand in hair braids. To this end, he has received huge amounts of orders that will soon see all of his production lines running at full capacity.
“Despite all these market penetration challenges, we are making steady progress and continue to grow the company. Slowly but surely, we are increasing our own market share.
“We pride ourselves in being a proudly South African company whose products and raw material are produced in the country.
“We are hopeful that the Buy Local Campaign will instil patriotism in consumers of our products and enable them to choose locally-produced quality products instead of poor quality imports.”
He revealed that his plan is to expand his business by diversifying his product range and venturing into the manufacturing of hair care products. - SAnews.gov.za
*Bongani Lukhele is the Director: Media Relations for the dtic
DikelediM
Thu, 12/26/2024 - 07:00
76 views
Vantage Capital Concludes a €66M Deal With Camusat
Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co), Africa's largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it had closed a €66 million mezzanine investment in Camusat Holding S.A.S, the proceeds of which will be used to refinance debt and fund the capital expenditure required for expansion of the group's AktivCo division. Vantage Capital's investment is part of a global financing package of €81m provided in consortium with Eurazeo, a leading European investment group.
Camusat is a leading telecommunications player managing fully integrated and sustainable business models for the deployment and management of telecom infrastructure whilst championing the decarbonization of mobile network operators (MNOs). Partnering with major investment funds that support green investments, Camusat is pursuing its ambition to become the leading “Infra as a Service” partner for the mobile telecom industry, with a broad presence in emerging markets, especially in Africa. The group operates across twenty countries (including fifteen on the African continent) and through two synergistic divisions, AktivCo and OpCo:
- AktivCo is the Infrastructure as a Service business structuring and financing complex transactions under long-term contracts to transform the telecom infrastructure by applying sustainable business models. With a strong focus on low carbon footprint solutions and digitalization of operations, AktivCo accelerates the expansion and modernization of MNOs' infrastructure and reshapes the telecom world for cleaner communications; and
- OpCo is a telecom service partner that combines technical expertise with operational excellence to design, build, and manage telecom infrastructure.
Since inception, Camusat has been capitalizing on the rapid expansion of the telecom industry, but most importantly the ever-growing need of MNOs to outsource non-core operations to specialized service providers. This trend is observed worldwide but is more prevalent in emerging markets, especially Africa. As network coverage remains relatively low, MNOs are being pushed by regulators to ramp up their infrastructure investment especially to increase coverage in rural areas, where most of the population lives. MNOs therefore need to contract with service providers like Camusat to support the rapid and viable roll-out and management of their tower infrastructure.
In this context, Camusat has established itself as the key strategic partner for telecom operators such as Orange, Moov Africa (Maroc Telecom group), MTN, Vodafone, Airtel and others. The group's comprehensive offering drives long-term performance for mobile networks and inclusive connectivity, digitalization and sustainable access to technology, making it a one-stop-shop for MNOs. Its multi-decade experience and track record attest to the quality of its performance.
Mr. Richard Thomas, CEO of Camusat, commented, “we are very pleased to have concluded the transaction with Vantage Capital. This financial and strategic partnership comes at a time when we are further expanding our presence in Africa, and we are confident that Vantage Capital's extensive network and expertise on the continent will be a great support in achieving our objectives.”
Mr. Luc Albinski, Executive Chairman at Vantage Capital, added, “we are proud to partner with such a leading and dynamic group as Camusat. Throughout the process, we have been impressed by management's deep knowledge of the telecom industry, but also their firm commitment to help increase connectivity in parts of Africa where network coverage remains underdeveloped.”
Mr. Thibaut de Rodellec, Deputy CEO of Camusat, said, “we were convinced from our very first discussions that Vantage Capital and Camusat would be a great fit. We always look beyond the financial aspect when forming new partnerships, and we were glad to discover that our firms share common ethics, vision and dedication. We will ensure this partnership is a success for all stakeholders.”
Mr. Driss Benabdeslam, Partner at Vantage Capital, concluded, “by investing in Camusat, we are backing a group that is engaged in a vital and buoyant industry and constantly strives for operational and corporate excellence. Camusat has incorporated best-in-class ESG practices and implemented various CSR measures directed at supporting local communities and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the telecom sector. We are thrilled to support the group in creating more value and generating an even greater positive social impact over the years to come.”
This transaction represents Vantage Capital's 39th investment across four generations of funds with its portfolio of investments spread across eleven African countries.
Vantage Capital was advised by Clifford Chance (in Morocco) who acted as its legal counsel. KPMG (in France) and Webber Wentzel (in South Africa) provided tax advice, KPMG (in France) was the financial advisor, Emerton (in France) provided commercial advice, and Ibis Consulting (in France) reviewed the environmental impact.
Camusat was advised by Goodwin Procter (in France) who acted as their legal counsel and Marlborough Partners (in France) who acted as financial advisor.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vantage Capital Group.
For more information contact:
Luc Albinski
Executive Chairman
luc@vantagecapital.co.za
Luc Albinski
Executive Chairman
luc@vantagecapital.co.za
Driss Benabdeslam
Partner
driss@vantagemezzanine.com
Partner
driss@vantagemezzanine.com
About Vantage Capital:
Founded in 2001, Vantage Capital is an Africa-focused fund manager that has raised funds of over $1.6 billion.
Since 2006, Vantage Capital's Mezzanine division has made 39 investments across four successive funds into 11 African countries, making it the largest and most experienced independent mezzanine funder on the continent. In addition, Vantage Capital's GreenX division has made 15 senior debt investments into South African solar and wind energy projects across three funds. Vantage Capital launched Vantage Best in Class in 2022 to provide long-term financial and strategic support to education businesses operating in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As a first step, Vantage Best in Class has partnered with Maple Bear Global Schools, the largest and fastest growing franchise of K-12 bilingual schools in the world in a €100 million investment programme for the Central & Eastern European region.
Vantage Capital targets mezzanine debt opportunities of $10-50m across more than a dozen key African markets.
Mezzanine debt is an intermediate form of risk capital, which is situated between senior debt, the least risky tranche of the capital structure, and equity, the riskiest tranche of the capital structure. It combines elements of both debt and equity thereby providing companies with long-term funding on terms which are less dilutive to shareholders than pure equity.
Website: www.VantageCapital.co.za
About Camusat:
Headquartered in Paris, Camusat is a global group operating in the telecommunications industry across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Over almost five decades of existence, it has established itself as leading player and a key partner for telecom operators, thanks to a comprehensive offering and best-in-class capabilities. With the launch of its AktivCo division in 2017, the group pioneered the ESCO (Energy as a Service) and TWESCO (Tower & Energy as a Service) models in Africa, enabling clients to achieve significant cost-savings and streamline their cash outflows, while ensuring a positive environmental impact with the use of renewable energies, low environmental solutions and smart technologies to support the deployment, extension and management of telecom infrastructure. The group has been able to secure infrastructure debt funding from major development finance institutions, including FEI (Facility for Energy Inclusion), Africa Go Green Fund, Proparco, and Norfund.
Camusat employs more than 2,000 people and is guided by a highly dedicated and experienced management team with deep industry expertise and firm commitment to financial, operational, and environmental excellence.
Since 2016, the group has been majority-owned by Equistone, a leading mid-cap private equity fund in Europe with 12 billion euros of assets under management since inception. Camusat's management owns the remaining share capital.
Shamsi Opts Out of National Contract
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Proteas Men’s spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have today jointly announced that the 34-year-old has decided...
Westlake Shopping Centre Reopens with New Shops, More Convenience
Westlake Shopping Centre Reopens with New Shops, More Convenience Cape Town, [11 September 2024] – Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant Westlake community, the newly revamped Westlake Shopping Centre is ready to welcome shoppers from the southern suburbs and beyond. Visitors will delight in several upgrades designed to bring more convenience to their …
Betway SA20 Final Returns to Wanderers; Season 3 Opener and Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park
The highly anticipated Betway SA20 Season 3 is set to light up the South African summer once again, bringing world-class...
Seize the moment: Opportunities in Gauteng’s Residential Property Market
Gauteng’s property market presents a mix of opportunities with varying trends across its regions. Despite modest inflation figures, the demand for property remains strong, especially among first-time buyers and those seeking investment opportunities. Lara-Rachel Spronk, Franchise Sales Manager at Just Property Head Office, looks at the current market and the opportunities available. Overall, Gauteng’s annual …
Mpongwana And SA Emerging Ready For Zim Test
BULAWAYO: Rising all-around star Mihlali Mpongwana is relishing the prospect of leading South Africa Emerging in the first unofficial Test against...
TOP Brand sauce manufacturing workers in Sandton down tools for higher wages
Striking workers on minimum wage are demanding an increase of R4 per hour while the employer has offered R1.75, says union
Unlock the Magic of Co-Viewing with Your Children and Care Bears
[Johannesburg, SA, 27 June 2024]: Join in on the bellywarming journeys of the Care Bears. They are back with an all-new six-episode special titled ‘’Care Bears: Unlock the Magic”, scheduled to debut on Cartoonito Africa on Monday 1-7 July at 8:30 CAT. It will feature prominent characters like Tenderheart Bear, Wish Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy …
Radisson Hotel Group targets expansion to 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, doubling its current portfolio
Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce its goal to reach 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, effectively doubling its current portfolio. This ambitious expansion along with the Group's recent updates to its South African portfolio underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence and contributing to the growth of the South African hospitality industry.
Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shared insights into the Group's strategic approach to reach its ambitious goal of 25 hotels by 2030, stating, "We are prioritizing, through either management or franchise models, conversions for quicker market entry and exploring strategic collaborations with existing management companies to increase our footprint, which presents the potential introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand to South Africa, an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of our other successful core brands at a later stage. We are also seeking opportunities to expand our upper-upscale portfolio and enter the lifestyle luxury market in Cape Town with our Radisson Collection and art'otel brands, leveraging the city's strong tourism performance and our successful existing portfolio.”
Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant updates to its portfolio of operating hotels in South Africa, including:
The debut of its first Safari hotel in South Africa with the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit:
In February Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (https://apo-opa.co/3Kwoqy0) its first Safari hotel and 13th hotel in South Africa. This property offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of South Africa's wildlife region, with premium amenities and exceptional service. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities.
“Building on the success of our recently opened Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, we plan to expand into safari and leisure regions like the Kruger National Park and the world-renowned Winelands region surrounding Cape Town. Additionally, we are targeting secondary cities displaying strong hotel demand generators such as Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban, and East London, following our successes in Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. In addition, we are also exploring entry into smaller tertiary cities and towns if it aligns with our expansion strategy,” added Trappler.
Extensive Refurbishments at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town:
The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg (www.RadissonHotels.com), is undergoing a significant renovation, with 60% of the hotel's rooms already completed, enhancing the overall guest experience. This extensive refurbishment features upgraded wooden flooring, stone countertops, local artworks, carefully crafted furniture, and technological upgrades like smart TVs and conveniently located USB ports. This two-phase refurbishment project has already completed its first phase, with each floor and corridor renovated to showcase a new level of contemporary luxury.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (https://apo-opa.co/3Kvyebp) has announced its highly-anticipated refurbishment plans, reaffirming its commitment to offering guests world-class furnishings and contemporary interior design. Phase one is set to be completed by September 2024, with public Atrium and bedroom renovations expected in July 2024. An expert team of local and international designers has meticulously reviewed and handpicked the design, artwork, fabrics, and raw materials, ensuring an enhanced and stylish hospitality experience.
Rebranding of Park Inn Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore:
In April, Radisson announced the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore (https://apo-opa.co/3yVxYzK). This rebranding brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's ‘Mother City'. Following an eight-month renovation, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore's120 rooms now boast a fresh and modern decor that creates a relaxing environment for guests as well as magnificent views of the prominent Table Mountain and the city center. The hotel now hosts South Africa's first Filini restaurant, offering fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine with an interactive open-plan kitchen setting. Additionally, the vibrant Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace provides an ideal spot to unwind with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the cityscape, complete with a perfectly positioned plunge pool for a complete rooftop experience.
“These significant updates to our South African portfolio reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the country. Our ongoing growth in the region underscore our position as a leading force in the South African hospitality industry. This is just the beginning of a series of exciting announcements for our South African portfolio and the unmatched experiences guests can expect from our hotels,” concluded Sandra Kneubuhler, Country Director of Sales and District Director, South Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.
Connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KrNeHc
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Ku07R3
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aNzAJg
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45hQsH2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Vq1zu6
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/45hQuPa
About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,350 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.
The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.
Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3Vu87Ij) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4aU1nHY) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.
At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/45hQA9u) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.
The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.
For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/45hQC16).
Proteas Men’s Squad Named For 2024 T20 World Cup
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to...
Illegal school in Limpopo closed, but parents ask why it took so long
Parents fear their children have lost years of education and will be held back
DPD Laser and Multiserv partner to democratise parcel delivery to all South Africans
South Africans live busy lives and the massive growth in online retail and associated deliveries since the COVID-19 pandemic really does show just how much they’ve come to depend on the convenience it makes possible. The only part of the online shopping process that some consumers may find less than ideal is being tied to …
Only The Imax Screen Is Big Enough For Big Ghosts, Bigger Apes, Epic Falls, Civil War, And A Renegade Warrior
Catch all these blockbusters at Ster-Kinekor’s IMAX cinemas for an immersive cinema experience There’s nothing that beats watching a blockbuster movie in the cinema… except if you’re watching it on the biggest screen for a fully immersive sound and picture movie experience. With nine state-of-the-art IMAX cinemas at select sites around the country, Ster-Kinekor has …
Lindie Malan ActionCOACH Celebrates the Remarkable Success Story of Social Happiness
Somerset West, 11 April 2024 — In an inspiring showcase of business transformation and success, Lindie Malan ActionCOACH extends heartfelt congratulations to Social Happiness, a leading digital marketing agency based in Somerset West, on their phenomenal journey of growth and achievements. Under the guidance of ActionCOACH’s business coaching and the visionary leadership of Tamsin Hayley, …
There’s Only One Cinema Screen Big Enough To Do Justice To Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Watch this epic blockbuster in IMAX for a truly immersive cinema experience “As the director sitting in an IMAX theatre, with Godzilla roaring in Kong’s face, and then Kong roaring back, there was something about that moment; it personifies everything about why I wanted to make this movie in the first place… And, it’s so …