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AEW to Return to Cape Town in 2025

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Serving as the leading platform for deal-making, energy partnerships and capital investment in Africa's energy sector, African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies will return to Cape Town, South Africa in 2025, in partnership with the Government of South Africa, S&P Global Commodity Insights and Afreximbank.

Featuring a strong lineup of industry leaders dedicated to securing a sustainable energy future for the continent, Africa's largest energy sector gathering will take place from September 29 to October 3 at the Cape Town International Convention Center 2. Building on the success of previous editions, the event continues to solidify its status as the premier gathering for the African energy industry.

With over 125 million barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant renewable resources, Africa holds the potential to become a global energy leader. With African energy demand expected to more than double by 2050 and fossil fuels projected to comprise up to 60% of the energy mix by 2040, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 aims to eradicate energy poverty by 2030 through an influx of investment and innovation across the continent.

With a tailored program addressing key challenges and opportunities within Africa's energy sector, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 promises impactful sessions, innovative showcases and unparalleled networking opportunities. This premier gathering will bring together industry visionaries, African governments, national oil companies and key stakeholders across the energy value chain to tackle the complexities and seize the opportunities within Africa's thriving energy landscape.

AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will feature workshops, discussions and presentations covering critical topics such as investment in upstream development, legislative and regulatory policies, infrastructure growth strategies, the downstream sector and Africa's role in the global energy transition.

With just one year to go, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 aims to build on the momentum of the 2024 edition. The impressive five-day agenda featured seven premium stages, five content stages, two technical hubs and a pre-event workshop day. Delegates in 2025 can look forward to new project updates, industry highlights, investment opportunities and strategies that align with Africa's energy and sustainability goals.

“AEW was established with the mission to make energy poverty history by 2030. As a central pillar of Africa's energy sector, the conference offers an unparalleled platform to forge partnerships, share knowledge and drive progress,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Having grown into one of the continent's largest energy events, we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025, with next year's edition promising to surpass all prior events. We are thrilled to bring together delegates from around the world to address Africa's pressing energy needs.”

Entering its fifth year, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 reaffirms its position as the preferred platform for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government leaders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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African Development Bank to Join World Leaders at the G20 Leaders’ Summit

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) President Akinwumi Adesina is in Rio de Janeiro where he will reaffirm his commitment to ending hunger and malnutrition.

The theme of the G20 Rio Summit is “Building a just world and a sustainable planet”. It will be held from 18-19 November, and a major focus here will the G20's Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, an ambitious initiative led by the current G20 Chair Brazil, which seeks to unite developed and developing nations in eradicating hunger and addressing inequalities.

The Alliance will launch a range of coordinated actions which include expanding the production of healthy food and developing sustainable agriculture. Africa, which accounts for more than a third of the world's hungry people is central to that. According to the 2024 State of Food security and Nutrition in the world 20.4% of Africa's population are facing hunger.

“In Africa over 280 million people suffer from hunger, some 38% of the hungry people in the world” African Development Bank President Adesina stated at the 2024 World Food Prize Norman Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa last month.

“Hunger is the worst form of deprivation. The mind, the body, and the soul are shrivelled by hunger. Hunger strips away human dignity,” he said.

The African Development Bank, along with the World Bank and several other development institutions have affirmed support for the new Global Alliance initiative. Specifically, the African Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank have launched a campaign to use IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) channelled through multilateral development banks under a hybrid financing mechanism, to scale up financing to back the effort.

The African Development Bank's Feed Africa (http://apo-opa.co/3ZazvNe) strategy under its High Five priority blueprint, steadfastly continues to bolster its objective of food security and resilience in Africa.

The Brazilian Presidency is building upon the progress achieved under the Indonesian and Indian G20 Presidencies in strengthening multilateral development Banks to become bigger, better and more effective institutions.

Brazil will hand over the baton of the chair of the G20 to South Africa at the end of the Rio summit.  The Group of Twenty or G20, comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies: the European Union and the African Union. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Amba Mpoke-Bigg,
Communication and External Relations Department 
email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

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World leaders pledge to help developing countries fight poverty

Location: News

World leaders pledge to help developing countries fight poverty

By Gabisile Ngcobo

Rio de Janeiro - Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced initiatives to support global development and strengthen the Global South as a significant player within the Group of 20 (G20).

Speaking at the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Monday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Xi emphasised that China was committed to fostering a fair world centred on mutual development.

The President commended Brazil’s G20 Presidency for placing fighting hunger and poverty at the top of the agenda and the decision to establish a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

“From Hangzhou to Rio, we have been working for the same goal, that is, to build a just world of common development,” he said. 

However, he said to build such a world, leaders needed to channel more resources to such fields as trade, investment and development cooperation, as well as strengthen development institutions. 

“There should be more bridges of cooperation, and less ‘small yard, high fences’, so that more and more developing countries will be better off and achieve modernisation.” 

He called on the opening, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment for international economic cooperation and integration in digital, smart and green development to bridge the North-South gap.

President Xi said China was committed to ensuring that the Global South research centre currently under construction is effective. 

He emphasised that the US$20 billion allocated for development funds would be utilised effectively to support developing countries and enhance practical cooperation in key areas, including poverty reduction, food security, and the digital economy.

“China has decided to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. We support the G20 in continuing to convene the Development Ministerial Meeting and will stay a committed host of the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste.” 

Meanwhile, he announced that China, alongside Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, was proposing an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science to help the Global South gain better access to global advances in science, technology and innovation.

“China is pursuing high standard opening up and unilaterally opening our doors wider to the least developed countries (LDCs),” he explained, adding all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines. 

“From now to 2030, China’s imports from other developing countries are likely to top US$8 trillion.”

He called on leaders to promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation to bridge the North-South gap.

United States President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to combat global hunger and poverty.

On Sunday, as part of his historic trip to the Amazon, President Biden announced that the United States had fulfilled the historic pledge to increase the country’s international climate finance to over $11 billion a year by 2024 – making the United States the largest bilateral provider of climate finance in the world. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed poverty, saying it was an important issue and that achievements in this area would significantly contribute to sustainable progress.

During his remarks, he spoke about India’s efforts, notably how the country collectively worked to remove 250 million people from the clutches of poverty.

The Prime Minister highlighted how India was providing free rations to 800 million people, thus strengthening the fight against hunger. 

He touched on the initiatives being undertaken to ensure top quality and affordable healthcare for the poor and elderly, steps to boost financial self-reliance among women and ensure food as well as nutritional security.

“India believes in the approaches of ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘March to Future’. That is why we are emphasising organic farming, popularising millets and encouraging climate-resilient crop varieties.” 

The G20 leaders will discuss global solutions to eradicate hunger, reduce social inequality, and promote sustainable development and food security to ensure a fairer and more equal future. 

Read I Two-day G20 Summit kicks off in Brazil

French President Emmanuel Macron said they were counting on Brazil's leadership to ensure that the G20 moves forward to address global crises and challenges. 

“No country should choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet,” he said, adding that France will do everything in their power to address these issues. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 21:51

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World leaders urged to intensify fight against poverty, hunger 

Location: News

World leaders urged to intensify fight against poverty, hunger 

By Gabisile Ngcobo

Rio de Janeiro - President Cyril Ramaphosa has used the opening of the G20 Leaders’ Summit to urge world leaders to intensify efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger.

“We must advance gender equality. And we must overcome the planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and pollution,” he said on Monday.

The President was delivering a statement on social inclusion and the fight against poverty and hunger during the first working session on the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

READ | Two-day G20 Summit kicks off in Brazil

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative launched today at the summit under Brazil’s G20 Presidency, takes a significant step towards its operationalisation with the announcement of the first members of its Board of Champions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasised that hunger and poverty are not the result of scarcity or natural phenomena, but rather a product of political decisions that perpetuate the exclusion of a large part of humanity.

President Ramaphosa has thrown his weight behind the Brazilian Presidency’s focus on social inclusion and the fight against hunger. 

The alliance is an initiative dedicated to mobilising resources and coordinating actions among countries, institutions, and organisations to achieve ambitious goals of reducing hunger and poverty, working to find solutions for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1 of no poverty and SDG 2 (zero hunger).

The Board of Champions will consist of up to 50 members, including 25 countries and 25 organisations, with South Africa still yet to announce its representative. 

“It is only through an integrated and comprehensive system of social support that we will be able to assist the most vulnerable in society,” the President told leaders.

According to the World Bank, nearly 700 million people are currently living in extreme poverty, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 67% of this population.

“At the same time, countries with developing economies are faced with declining growth prospects, declining investments and rising debt.”

The Head of State said the challenges could derail development gains and progress toward achieving the SDGs.

This is why he called for a renewed effort to eliminate poverty and hunger.

Since the start of democracy 30 years ago, the President said South Africa has invested significant effort and resources into alleviating poverty and reducing inequality.

“Through its substantial social protection programmes, our government has provided vital support to millions of South Africans, lifting many out of extreme poverty and ensuring that our communities meet most of their basic needs.”

These social protection measures include the provision of free basic services, healthcare, basic education, higher education, social housing and transport.

“South Africa is committed to ending poverty, malnutrition and hunger in line with our National Development Plan.”

In addition, he told his counterparts that food security will be one of the high-level priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency.

Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025.

South Africa is set to assume the Chair of the G20 from Brazil on 1 December next month.

“As the G20, we need to ensure that the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals remains at the forefront of international financing decisions. 

“We need to ensure that long outstanding commitments are met. And we need to ensure that new, at-scale, affordable and accessible funding is mobilised to support sustainable development. We must leave no one behind,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 18:19

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Two-day G20 Summit kicks off in Brazil

Location: News

Two-day G20 Summit kicks off in Brazil

By Gabisile Ngcobo

Rio de Janeiro - The long-awaited Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit has kicked off with Heads of State and their delegates being welcomed at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil on Monday. 

The venue, located in the heart of the city and showcasing a collection of Brazilian and international masterpieces, is hosting Heads of State from the 20 largest economies, along with representatives from the European Union and the African Union, over the next two days. 

Located within the iconic Flamengo Park, the museum boasts tranquil, lush green surroundings. 

This prominent gathering of world leaders has been convened to discuss critical issues affecting the globe, with a specific focus on climate change. 

Several roads will be closed to the public for the duration of the summit, which will conclude on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, as many visitors return home. 

Visitors are welcomed by clean streets adorned with billboards and posters featuring the G20 Summit logo. 

Security personnel, including local police and army members, are ensuring the venue is secure as they line the streets on a warm spring day, leading to the main venue and the media centre. 

Law enforcement personnel, many of whom are armed, are conducting security patrols and bag checks. 

The city has deployed 130 traffic operators along with 55 motorcycles and 22 operational vehicles in areas directly related to the event and along the city’s main traffic routes. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, United States President Joe Biden, and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the leaders in attendance. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the leaders of the G20 guest countries, while his wife, Janja Lula da Silva, greeted spouses of guest nations and G20 members. 

Da Silva delivered welcoming remarks before the first session, which will discuss social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty. 

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres is also attending the gathering and expressed gratitude to President da Silva for hosting him in his country for this year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

“Our times are tumultuous, and we need to race much faster to tackle fundamental common challenges. The climate crisis has burned through another record, with 2024 likely to be the hottest year in history.

“We see the impacts everywhere. Look no further than the drought in the Amazon and horrible floods in southern Brazil,” he told the media. 

Meanwhile, he said conflicts are raging and impunity spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter. 

“Inequality is growing, and progress on poverty and hunger has stalled. The Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.” 

He challenged the G20 leaders to lead and tackle key global problems including peace. 

He advocated for the strengthening of the global financial safety net to ensure that all countries are protected when shocks occur. In addition, he urged nations to agree on an ambitious climate finance goal that addresses the significant challenges faced by developing countries. 

“Many challenges, but also many possible solutions. The G20 must lead by example. 

“This is fundamental to restoring trust, credibility, and legitimacy of every government and our global system in these turbulent times. We need to seize every opportunity to lead transformative action for a safer, more peaceful and sustainable world,” the General Secretary added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 17:00

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Announcing the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit

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

The U.S. Mission to South Africa, in partnership with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org), is proud to announce the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit. This highly anticipated 3-day event will take place at the University of Pretoria (UP) Future Africa Campus (FAC), Pretoria, South Africa, from November 20th to 22nd, 2024, during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

The AWE Regional Alumnae Summit brings together women entrepreneurs from the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) countries Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa, who have participated in the prestigious AWE program between 2019 and 2023.

The Summit aims to foster regional collaboration and create new opportunities for business expansion and trade. Key objectives include:

  • Building Networks: Strengthening connections among women entrepreneurs across SACU nations to share insights, foster partnerships, and collaborate on business ventures.
  • Accessing Regional Markets: Exploring strategies for trade expansion, accessing regional markets, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Embracing Innovation: Providing learning opportunities on the latest digital innovations and how they can drive entrepreneurship and growth in Africa.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with government officials, civil society organizations, and investors, all of whom share a commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship across the region.

The AWE Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit underscores the importance of women-led businesses in driving economic development and gender equity. By connecting entrepreneurs with stakeholders focused on trade, investment, and innovation, the Summit aims to catalyze sustainable business practices and inclusive economic growth across Southern Africa.

The Summit will host alumnae entrepreneurs, government representatives, and investors, creating a unique platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. Selected participants will have their travel and accommodation expenses covered, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

The 2024 AWE Southern Africa Regional Alumnae Summit promises to be a landmark event for women entrepreneurs, offering invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we will continue to foster a culture of innovation, trade, and economic empowerment across the Southern African region.

For more information about the AWE program and the upcoming Summit, visit https://apo-opa.co/3OaefRs

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

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Municipalities urged to create conducive environment for manufacturing

Location: News

Municipalities urged to create conducive environment for manufacturing

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, has underscored the crucial role of local government in strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing and export capabilities.

Addressing the 2nd Annual District Development Model (DDM) Conference at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha on Saturday, Godlimpi said municipalities are central to providing services, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and creating opportunities for manufacturing enterprises -- whether located in central business districts, industrial parks or special economic zones.

"Manufacturing is not just an economic activity, it’s the engine that drives growth, supports resilience and creates stable, well-paying jobs.

“For our municipalities, this means fostering environments where manufacturing enterprises can flourish and in turn, drive local economies forward,” Godlimpi said. 

Godlimpi emphasised that manufacturing is an essential foundation of economic stability due to its resilience to external factors such as global commodity prices and weather conditions.

“Unlike sectors that rely on finite resources or favourable weather, manufacturing can operate in diverse environments, provided there is solid municipal infrastructure."

Manufacturing is also a key driver of upstream and downstream industry growth. The Deputy Minister said that for each manufactured item, like an automobile, numerous supporting sectors such as plastics, textiles, and logistics are activated, stimulating local economies.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) initiatives aimed at empowering businesses through export-focused programmes, such as the Global Exporter Passport Programme (GEPP) and Export Awareness Seminars, have equipped over 285 businesses since April 2023 with export-readiness skills across various districts.

“Our objective is to make exporting accessible to enterprises nationwide, not just those in urban hubs. Programmes like GEPP ensure that businesses in rural areas are equally prepared to engage with global markets,” Godlimpi said.

He stressed the importance of reducing red tape at the municipal level.

"Municipalities that prioritise efficiency and active support for manufacturers are creating environments far more attractive to investors than those focused on merely offering financial incentives." 

The Deputy Minister lauded the DDM as a unique opportunity to unlock economic potential and build inclusive, resilient economies across the country's districts. 

"By working in partnership with municipalities and stakeholders, we are creating a vibrant export sector that not only enhances South Africa’s competitiveness globally but also generates local employment,” Godlimpi explained.

The DDM Conference provided a platform to highlight the synergy between national, provincial and local government efforts in economic development. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 09:21

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SA seeks balance between livelihoods and renewable energy ambitions

Location: News

SA seeks balance between livelihoods and renewable energy ambitions

By Gabisile Ngcobo

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the importance of considering the livelihoods and jobs of ordinary people, as the energy sector transitions towards renewable sources.

“As we can go towards renewable energy, there must be a just transition. There is a transition that we in South Africa have to go through and it must be the type of transition that advances the interests of ordinary people, as it grows the economy. 

“The opportunities are enormous, and we just need to utilise the enablers to ensure it benefits everyone,” the President said on Sunday. 

President Ramaphosa spoke in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly launched the ’Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg’ campaign.

The campaign was launched during a panel discussion with Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen. 

The Global Citizen initiative, along with the 2024 G20 Presidency, supported by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, brought together over 450 world leaders, innovators, and advocates on the eve of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which kicks off today. 

Their goal is to promote urgent action to combat poverty and tackle the climate crisis.

“As we go to renewables, relying more on the sun, wind and hydro, we’ve got to make sure that as people lose jobs and as their livelihoods are eroded, and as towns where we used to draw fossil fuels [become] deserted, we have to make sure that the transition for ordinary people becomes a transition that they benefit from,” President Ramaphosa stressed. 

The Head of State believes workers should not fear job loss without being skilled in new technologies.

A prime example of South Africa's commitment to skilling workers in new technologies is the partnership between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government (which is home to about 80% of power stations in South Africa), the Presidential Climate Commission, the Climate Investment Fund and the World Bank. The entities are working together to explore plans on re-skilling and upskilling the most vulnerable in the labour force and supporting small businesses and co-operatives in local communities.

In last year's State of the Province Address, former Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane assured citizens that plans towards the Just Energy Transition will leave no one behind.

READ | Just energy transition to be inclusive

South Africa faces challenges due to its reliance on fossil fuels, while witnessing growth in the climate sector.

Currently, only 3% of global investments in renewable infrastructure are allocated to Africa, while the European Commission aims to triple renewable energy investment by 2030.

“Africa is well endowed with sun and wind, and that can be utilised to good effect to grow our economies to ensure that at a social level, people have access to electricity,” President Ramaphosa said.

However, he stated that this does not come cheaply and requires financing and clear decisions by leaders, not only on the African continent but globally as well.

He emphasised the need for collaboration between African countries and developed nations to fulfil commitments and secure essential funding and technology.

According to the President, energy drives growth and economies.

The 12-month ’Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg’ campaign aims to scale renewable energy in Africa by leveraging South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

The initiative seeks to tackle issues of inequality and promote sustainable development, to provide access to power to millions who currently lack electricity.

According to President Ramaphosa, South Africa's G20 Presidency will also focus on the importance of solidarity and equality in addressing global challenges, particularly in the context of Africa’s history of inequality.

Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025. South Africa is set to assume the Chair of the G20 from Brazil on 1 December this year.

The country’s first citizen also touched on the role of the upcoming 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in focusing on a just transition and the importance of global support for this transition.

In her address, Von der Leyen outlined the European Green Deal and its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. While underscoring the importance of global cooperation, she said there was a need to ensure no continent is left behind, particularly Africa. 

“But if we want to be successful in fighting climate change and protecting nature, we must think globally. 

“We will only be successful if we leave no continent behind, and [ensure] the transition in Africa is a just one.

“Africa has, as we said, all the resources necessary in abundance -- sun and wind, and 60% of the best solar places worldwide. But only 3% of the global investments in infrastructure for renewables go to Africa. And with that, the task is clear. We must step up,” Von der Leyen said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 11/18/2024 - 02:25

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Africa Tech Festival 2024 showcases innovation across Africa’s technology ecosystem

Location: News

Africa Tech Festival
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Over 15,000 attendees were welcomed to the 27th annual Africa Tech Festival (www.AfricaTechFestival.com) by South African Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi. The Department is an official partner of this year's event, which features more than 300 exhibitors and 400 speakers representing all facets of the tech ecosystem.

Emphasising a shared vision of a digitally connected, inclusive, and prosperous Africa, leveraging technology to drive economic and social progress, the Minister reaffirmed host country South Africa's commitment to bridging the digital divide through policy, partnerships, and investments in universal connectivity and affordability. “While technology holds enormous promise, it is essential that we harness this potential in a way that can benefit all the people on the continent and the rest of the world. South Africa is honoured to play its role on this journey, both as a leader and a partner to our fellow African countries,” he said.

Organised by Informa Tech (https://www.InformaTech.com/), the Africa Tech Festival's anchor events –AfricaCom, AfricaTech, and AfricaIgnite – along with the AI Summit Cape Town, provided delegates with the opportunity to explore enterprise tech innovation and disruption across key sectors such as cybersecurity, cloud, data centres, and green ICT.

Highlights of the first two days of the event, which ran from 12 to 14 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, included:

AI Summit Cape Town

Hon. Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, opened the inaugural AI Summit Cape Town. Along with introducing the newly-formed AI Institute of South Africa, he called for collaboration among government, industry, academia, and civil society to maximise AI's benefits while addressing challenges like job displacement and ethical considerations, saying, “Let's seize this opportunity to shape a future where AI helps us uplift our citizens, drive economic growth, transform our society for the better and leave no one behind.”

The AI Summit features the biggest names and brightest minds in AI, all exploring how this transformative technology can create a brighter future for Africa. For instance, the panel session Navigating AI Policy Challenges: Collaborative Approaches to Strengthen Governance in Africa focused on fostering global cooperation in AI governance, emphasising cross-border collaboration, universal safety standards, and ethical innovation. The discussion also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in implementing equitable AI policies.

AfricaIgnite

AfricaIgnite is the flagship event for founders, investors, and key players in the tech ecosystem. It supports market access and investment opportunities.

The panel Overcoming the Funding Winter: Strategies for Early-Stage Start-Ups highlighted resilience in the early-stage start-up ecosystem, exploring strategies employed by successful start-ups to attract investors and secure funding in a competitive market. It also examined the role of accelerators and incubators in fostering growth and supporting the development of African tech start-ups.

A dynamic fireside chat on The Rise of Debt Financing as an Alternative Funding Model explored the growing appeal of debt financing for late-stage start-ups, delving into the key drivers behind this trend. The benefits of debt financing and insights into the strategic considerations start-ups should evaluate when transitioning to this alternative funding model were also discussed.

Another high-level panel, titled The Search for Liquidity: Navigating African Startup Exits, explored the growing dominance of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as the main exit strategy for African start-ups, especially in fintech, with IPOs remaining scarce. It also examined the factors driving this trend and its impact on the African startup ecosystem.

AfricaCom

AfricaCom brings together Africa-focused connectivity leaders and the brightest minds in the telecoms space. Within the Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure stream, an insightful panel discussion on Connecting Africa's Next Billion: Scaling Africa's Digital Infrastructure explored the economic and social benefits and challenges of expanding internet connectivity. Industry experts and stakeholders discussed the critical role of governments, telcos, and tech innovators in building sustainable infrastructure to expand internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas, to advance digital inclusion across the continent.

In the Telcos of Tomorrow stream, panellists explored AI's transformative potential in the telecoms sector in a session titled Integrated AI: Telco Blueprints for Business Model and Service Delivery Transformation. Emphasising how AI optimises complex organisational systems, the panel discussed the challenges of implementing these systems.

AfricaTech

Driving funding for female-led start-ups was the theme of the Empowering Female Founders: Narrowing the Gender Gap in Venture Capital panel discussion, which addressed the persistent challenge of gender disparity in African venture capital. Networks, mentorship, technical support, celebrating successful female founders as role models, and challenging stereotypes were some of the topics.

“2024 is a standout year for Africa Tech Festival, being the largest event in almost three decades. We have more attendees and exhibitors, more features, more content, and more opportunities to position Africa as a tech powerhouse. The opening days have been overwhelmingly positive, with delegates engaging, networking, and sharing insights that have the potential to reshape Africa's tech ecosystem. We are seeing innovative solutions to the continent's tech challenges and a commitment to contribute positively to growing Africa's economic potential. I'm confident that this will continue not only for the remainder of the event but into the future as well,” concluded James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival.

Visit the AfricaTech Festival website (http://apo-opa.co/3ANhFGy) for more details.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:  
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite & AI Summit Cape Town is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 450 speakers and more than 15000 delegates.  

Read moreAfrica Tech Festival 2024 showcases innovation across Africa’s technology ecosystem

SA makes progress with HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer

Location: News

SA makes progress with HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer

As the country joins the global community in marking four years of the global movement known as the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, the Department of Health has expressed confidence in the nation’s progress in combating cervical cancer. 

Through expanded screening and testing initiatives, the country is making strides toward preventing cervical cancer as a public health challenge.

According to the department, the country has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer among women and faces a significant burden, with an estimated 13 800 new cases annually. 

According to the World Health Organisation, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with around 660 000 new cases and around 350 000 deaths in 2022. 

“In South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women. Though, cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly,” the department said. 

Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action, observed annually on 17 November each year, marks a historic commitment made in 2020 by 194 countries, including South Africa, to eliminate cervical cancer. The campaign aligns with the launch of the World Health Organization's Global Strategy to achieve this groundbreaking goal.

“The government has introduced a number of interventions to prevent cervical cancer amongst women, and these include the launch of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2014 to reduce the incidence of cancer of the cervix mainly targeting all girls in grade 5, aged 9 years and older in all public and special schools. 

“So far, between 85% and 89% of targeted girls received one or more doses. Studies have shown that vaccination in late childhood/early adolescents is effective as strong immunity develops (before onset of sexual activity),” the department said. 

The department highlighted that over this period more than 7.1 million doses have been administered, and more than 4 million girl learners protected. 

“It is estimated that approximately 85% of girls 9 – 15 years in public schools and approximately 75% of all girls 9 – 15 years in South Africa have been vaccinated and are protected from developing cervical cancer. The programme has since been extended to private schools effective from this year in order to ensure no girls child is left behind, with or without medical aid,” the department said. 

The success of the HPV vaccination programme in South Africa has been attributed to high level political commitment by the Ministries of Health and Basic Education including civil society, parents and school governing bodies, dedicated funding from the National Treasury. 

This year’s commemoration focuses on healthcare workers for their commitment in the fight against cervical cancer which is encapsulated in the theme: “Elevating Frontline Health Workers: Transforming Global Commitments into Lifesaving Actions”. 

It underscores the critical role that healthcare professionals play in enhancing awareness, screening, and treatment of cervical cancer. 

“Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal in implementing cervical cancer screening programs and educating communities about prevention. Their knowledge and attitudes significantly influence screening uptake among women. Studies have shown that inadequate knowledge and misconceptions among HCWs can lead to suboptimal care for cervical cancer patients, highlighting the necessity for continuous education and training,” the department said. 

It is for this reason that the Department of Health, in collaboration with World Health Organisation, is rolling out capacity training for clinicians in provinces to improve their confidence in performing cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment procedures. 

“A total number of 405 299 girl learners (88.6% of the target population) received HPV vaccination during February/March 2024 round of HPV vaccination against cervical cancer. To date, 17 of the country's 52 health districts have begun using HPV testing with more districts expected to start during the current financial year,” the department said. 

While the country is making progress with HPV vaccination, the department noted that cervical screening and treatment are lagging behind. 

Thus, the department has reminded parents and care givers to ensure that all eligible girls who missed HPV dose, should get catch-up doses offered in primary health facilities free of charge. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 16:30

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Read moreSA makes progress with HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer

Government welcomes S&P’s decision to revise SA’s outlook to positive

Location: News

Government welcomes S&P’s decision to revise SA’s outlook to positive

Government has noted and welcomed S&P Global Rating’s decision to revise South Africa’s outlook to positive from stable and affirm the sovereign’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’, respectively. 

According to S&P, the positive outlook reflects the agency’s view that increased political stability following the May 2024 general elections and impetus for reform could boost private investment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

“S&P further states that since the formation of the new broad coalition of 11 political parties under the Government of National Unity (GNU), debt yields and portfolio inflows have improved, leading to easing financing conditions and currency strengthening,” the National Treasury said in a statement.

According to S&P, despite the government publishing weaker fiscal projections in the most recent Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) compared with those it published in the February 2024 Budget Review, the agency sees higher fiscal policy predictability regarding efforts towards achieving primary surpluses and fiscal consolidation. 

The National Treasury highlighted that government’s strategy focuses on achieving fiscal sustainability, supporting economic growth and critical social services, and addressing significant fiscal and economic risks.

The four pillars of the economic growth strategy are maintaining macroeconomic stability; implementing structural reforms; building state capability and supporting growth-enhancing public infrastructure investment. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 11:14

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SA’s G20 Presidency will be inclusive and represent different voices – Lamola

Location: News

SA’s G20 Presidency will be inclusive and represent different voices - Lamola

By Gabisile Ngcobo 

Rio de Janeiro - To make South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency more inclusive, a vibrant and dynamic African leadership style that emphasises participation, consultation and the common good must be embraced. 

“The colourful tapestry of our diverse nation will be woven into our every thread to represent the voices and contributions of our diverse population,” said International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola. 

Lamola was speaking at the G20 Social Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The social initiative by Brazil’s G20 Presidency aims to include social and non-governmental participants in decisions made at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

The sharp focus is addressing hunger, poverty, inequality, sustainability and climate change, and global governance reform. 

“We believe this approach will transform our people from mere spectators into active weavers of our collective future, ensuring that their hands and hearts shape the outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

“Through this rich, collaborative process, we create a living mosaic of shared aspirations and achievements, reflecting the true spirit of our nation,” the Minister said.

This approach, he said, reflects South Africa’s G20 Presidency themes of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025. South Africa is set to assume the Chair of the G20 from Brazil on 1 December next month.

“Our call is a heartfelt plea for unified effort and mutual support among member nations, urging us to stand together in the face of common challenges. We envision a world where equal opportunities are not just a dream but a reality for all, where every individual has the chance to thrive.” 

He told the attendees that this commitment extended beyond present needs but transcended to future generations. 

“Together, we can weave a future that is not only just and equitable but also sustainable, nurturing the hopes and dreams of those who will inherit the world we build today.” 

According to the Minister, South Africa intends to build on the impressive achievements of previous G20 Presidencies. 

These efforts have established a foundation for reforming the global financial architecture, with a clear focus on promoting fairness within the global financial system.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the goal was to ensure the reform agenda has a meaningful impact and meets the needs and demands of developing countries.

Lamola emphasised that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the most relevant benchmark for developing countries’ development priorities and must remain central to the G20’s work.

“For this reason, South Africa intends to use its G20 Presidency to action the Pact of the Future, which world leaders adopted at UNGA79 [79th session of the UN General Assembly] on 22 September 2024. 

“We believe that the Pact of the Future is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to forge global consensus and make progress on priorities such as the SDGs.” 

Read I SA’s participation in the G20 reaffirms country’s values, says analyst

He took the time to commend the work done by the social and civil society partners to raise the level of ambition in global commitments when the world is more divided. 

“We endeavour to strengthen our relationship with the engagement groups to deliver the G20 to the people.” 

The Minister highlighted the recommendations made during various discussions regarding Brazil’s priorities for its G20 Presidency, emphasising the need to ensure that children’s rights are incorporated into all actions and decisions.

Lamola echoed Brazil’s view that more opportunities must be created to enhance civil society participation in the G20’s work and that additional efforts are needed to further increase their contribution.

“An inclusive G20 is no longer an option but an imperative. Thus, we wholeheartedly commend Brazil’s innovative inclusion of the Favelas 20, G20 Favelas, and other marginalised groups who often bear the brunt of hunger and poverty. 

“This inspired initiative shines a light on those who are frequently overlooked, ensuring their voices are heard and their struggles acknowledged.”

He stated that this serves as a powerful testament to the spirit of solidarity and inclusivity, reminding leaders that true progress is achievable only when nations uplift every member of the global community.

“This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for a more equitable and compassionate world.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sat, 11/16/2024 - 19:51

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SA’s participation in the G20 reaffirms country’s values, says analyst

Location: News

SA’s participation in the G20 reaffirms country’s values, says analyst

By Gabisile Ngcobo 

Rio de Janeiro - South Africa’s participation in the Group of Twenty (G20) reaffirms the country’s values enshrined in the Constitution and, given the ongoing global geopolitical tensions, every effort to foster cooperation must be pursued.

This is according to Research Professor of International Politics at the University of South Africa (Unisa) Jo-Ansie van Wyk.

The G20 is a group of developed and emerging market economies that are dedicated to promoting economic cooperation, environmental sustainability, social inclusion and global equity.

“These are values that South Africa has enshrined in its foreign policy and, of course, are enshrined in our Constitution.

“For South Africans, our government’s participation is a reconfirmation of these values. Therefore, we can hold government democratically accountable if there is a disjuncture between its domestic and foreign policies,” she told SAnews. 

She said the summit was an opportunity for leaders to engage with their peers and counterparts. 

“These intergovernmental forums express a commitment to and the practice of global cooperation, rather than conflict. It offers states an opportunity to address matters of mutual concern, share responsibilities and serve as a communication medium to foster further international cooperation.”

On November 18 and 19, leaders of the G20 nations will meet in Rio de Janeiro to discuss an agenda set by Brazil, with the African Union (AU) participating as a full member for the first time.

Read I President arrives in Brazil to lead SA’s participation at G20 Summit

According to Van Wyk, this means that the Global South and the AU have an important task to communicate their needs and positions for the first time.

“Moreover, it is an opportunity to bring our resources as limited as they are to the table. We have, for example, excellent diplomats and astute businesspeople. Therefore, the Global South should promote the message it offers to global cooperation.” 

She urged the Global South to negotiate mutually beneficial commitments and agreements.

In addition, the Global South must ensure that at each state’s domestic level, it complies with good governance and human rights, she said. 

“This will add to our status when we speak at these forums. In this way, we can hold the Global North accountable to the same standards.”

Van Wyk argued that gatherings like the G20 and BRICS Summits serve their purpose, emphasising that diplomacy is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, such as signing an agreement.

“It takes time for states to adjust to new ideas and domesticate new ideas and agreements due to each state’s unique constitutional system. Moreover, governments come and go, but states do not.”

BRICS stands for a group of significant emerging-market nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. 

Recently, additional countries have joined the group, which now represents an increasing share of the global economy.

She emphasised that a significant outcome of BRICS+ is its expansion, along with its formalisation and institutionalisation through the New Development Bank, summits, and interactions among academics and business professionals.

She cited Eskom, which has benefitted from a loan from this new bank. 

Reports indicate that the bank approved a R18 billion loan to enhance water and sanitation services in South Africa, along with a R5 billion loan to support Transnet’s recovery program.

However, the Professor explained that the outcomes of these summits are often aligned with states’ existing international commitments at bilateral and multilateral levels. 

She said past G20 Summits achieved tangible results. This includes South Africa joining the intergovernmental forum and the historic inclusion of the AU.

“All these developments are concretely giving South Africa and the AU a seat at the table.”

Last year, government faced criticism for spending R180 million on the BRICS Summit, which some referred to as a “talk shop”. 

The Professor recognised that intergovernmental gatherings and summits are expensive; therefore, their outcomes must be concrete and align with South African interests.

“Our economy is not growing as expected, investment is not flowing in as expected, state capture has depleted the fiscus and DIRCO’s [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] budget is not sufficient to realise all our foreign policy ideals, commitments and responsibilities. 

“Therefore, it is very important that South Africans experience these summits as beneficial to us.” 

She emphasised that if funds are allocated for this purpose, equal amounts must also be directed towards domestic needs.

“This is difficult. Besides the status and prestige value of hosting the summit, we will be able to host world leaders and benefit from cooperation. Therefore, South Africa’s Presidency must be innovative, produce tangible results and grip the imagination of South Africans.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sat, 11/16/2024 - 20:13

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Read moreSA’s participation in the G20 reaffirms country’s values, says analyst

President arrives in Brazil to lead SA’s participation at G20 Summit

Location: News

President arrives in Brazil to lead SA’s participation at G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Brazil on Saturday night to lead South Africa’s participation in the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit, which will be held between 18 and 19 November 2024, will focus on “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”. 

“Brazil’s G20 Presidency continues the global south rotating Presidency and during its tenure prioritises social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty, energy transitions and the promotion of sustainable development in its economic, social, environmental dimensions and the reform of global governance Institutions,” the Presidency said in a statement.

On Sunday, 17 November 2024, President Ramaphosa will participate in the launch of the Leveraging the Potential of Renewables – The Road to Johannesburg Campaign. 

On Monday, 18 November 2024, at the beginning of the Leaders’ Summit, the President will present South Africa’s statements during plenary sessions. These statements will focus on the fight against hunger and poverty and the reform of global governance institutions.

South Africa will officially receive the G20 Presidency during the Leaders’ Summit and will continue to build on the initiatives of its Global South predecessors starting from 1 December 2024, under the rallying call of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”. 

The G20 is the leading forum for global economic cooperation and governance, representing 85% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 75% of global trade, and two-thirds of the global population. 

It serves as a platform to promote effective multilateral cooperation by uniting the world’s major economies to ensure economic stability and sustainable growth worldwide.

The G20 consists of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, it includes two organisations: the African Union and the European Union.

The President is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the margins of the Leaders’ Summit. 

According to the Presidency, South Africa’s participation in the G20 is guided by the four strategic foreign policy pillars.

These include advancing national interests to attain domestic objectives, enhancing the African agenda and promoting Africa’s sustainable development, South-South Cooperation and influencing the global multilateral architecture by advancing the agenda of the South through North-South dialogue. 

“South Africa’s participation in the G20 therefore seeks to provide strategic direction in establishing a more equitable, representative and fit-for-purpose international order, in support of the main multilateral processes under the United Nations.”

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 11/17/2024 - 05:58

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Call for comments on prohibition activities for African lion

Location: News

Call for comments on prohibition activities for African lion

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George has called for public comments on the draft notice prohibiting certain activities involving the African lion.

“With the world's largest captive lion population of around 8000, South Africa faces numerous issues such as misalignment with global conservation trends, questionable tourism practices, inadequate regulation, and persistent animal welfare and other issues,” the Minister said on Friday. 

The industry's deficiency in social license and departure from international norms present massive problems to its sustainability.

“To understand these issues better with the view to find a solution, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Environmental Affairs convened a Colloquium on Captive Lion Breeding for Hunting in South Africa: Harming or Promoting the Conservation Image of the Country in 2018. 

“One of the recommendations of the Portfolio Committee was that a policy and legislative review of captive breeding of lions for hunting and lion bone trade should be initiated as a matter of urgency, with a view to putting an end to this practice,” George said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has given notice of its intention to prohibit certain activities involving African lion (Panthera leo), in terms of section 9A, read with sections 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) in the Government Gazette No. 51581 Notice No. 5555.

On 24 April 2024 the Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros was published in the Government Gazette for implementation. 

The Policy Objective with regards to captive lions is: “To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions."

The Minister said lions have a highly developed social organisation. 

“Lions are gregarious and territorial, comprise a matriarchal society, with male coalitions, and exhibit communal care. Their complex social structure is manifested in their innate behavioural ecology. 

“Providing opportunity for complex social interactions, such as the ability to interact naturally with other lions, for example, as groups of males, with groups of females or with their offspring, is critical,” he said.

This requires sufficient space for groups of lions to choose to be together in a group, or to move separately at sufficient distance to provide for a refuge from the group. 

Artificial behavioural enhancement may not be sufficient to substitute for these highly evolved needs.

ions are a highly territorial and competitive species, especially in respect of competition for access to mates and promoting the production and survival of their own progeny. The ability to escape when dominated as a result of intra-specific competition is a critical consideration.

As apex predators, hunting and killing, as well as the diverse diet associated with a generalist apex predator and access to prey, are central to the physiology and behaviour of lions.

“It has become critical to implement appropriate measures to prevent the establishment of new captive facilities and other controlled environments for lion whilst a process to facilitate the voluntary exit of captive lion facilities is currently underway,” the Minister said.

A draft Notice Prohibiting Certain Activities Involving African Lion (Panthera leo) was published in the Government Gazette on 29 September 2023 for public comment.

Due to substantial amendments to the afore-mentioned draft notice subsequent to the public consultation process, an amended draft prohibition notice has now been published in terms of section 9A of NEM: BA for public comment.

The proposed prohibition relates only to the establishment and registration of new captive breeding facilities, commercial exhibition facilities or rehabilitation facilities, or any other new controlled environments in respect of live specimens of African lion (Panthera leo).

The establishment and registration of new sanctuaries are excluded from the proposed prohibition in the circumstance specified in paragraph 3. 

Persons who operate under existing permits are not affected by the proposed prohibition.

Members of the public are invited to submit, within 30 days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or newspapers, whichever date is the later date of publication, written comments to any of the following addresses: 

By post to:  The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
                       Attention: Ms Magdel Boshoff
                       Private Bag X447
                       PRETORIA
                       0001

By hand at: Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083

By e-mail: revisedlionprohibition@dffe.gov.za  

The Government Notice and the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment can be accessed at these following links: 
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema_lionactivitiesprohibition_g51581gon5555.pdf.

https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema_lionactivitiesprohibition_draftseias_g51581gon5555.pdf

Any inquiries in connection with this Notice can be directed to Ms Magdel Boshoff on +27 83 952 2334 or revisedlionprohibition@dffe.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 14:52

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Read moreCall for comments on prohibition activities for African lion

JETOUR Joins Hands with DISCOVERY and Cheetah Conservation Fund in Wildlife Conservation, Practicing “Travel as ESG” Philosophy

Location: News
JETOUR

Recently, at the JETOUR Global Travel+ Conference 2024 (www.JETOURGlobal.com) in Fuzhou, JETOUR emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation and reaffirmed its strong commitment to the pursuit of "Travel as ESG Practices". After releasing a teaser of Discovery's documentary "Return of the Cheetah", JETOUR invited the documentary's protagonist, Hazen Audel, a renowned biologist and artist, to jointly launch the charity auction for the protection of cheetahs. JETOUR announced that all proceeds from the auction will be donated to cheetah conservation, continuing its consistent support for ecological conservation.

JETOUR: Cheetah Protection will be Our Long-term Public Service

At the conference, more than 1,000 people watched the teaser of the documentary "Return of the Cheetah". The documentary, jointly produced by JETOUR, the Discovery Channel and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, uses the Namibian grasslands in Africa as a backdrop to illustrate the plight of the cheetah around the world, and to encourage more people to get involved in this public welfare activity and help protect the environment for the survival of wildlife, including the cheetah.

While discussing cheetah conservation with Dr. Laura Marker, founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, and Hazen Audel, the main character in the documentary, Ke Chuandeng, Vice President of JETOUR Auto, said, "Public welfare is not just about giving. It is about encouraging more people to get involved. Through our cheetah conservation project, we hope to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and inspire more people to get involved. When we add up every small act of kindness, it creates energy that can help build a better and more harmonious world.”

On September 20, 2024, JETOUR officially announced its strategic partnership with CCF in South Africa. In support of CCF, JETOUR will sponsor the care of two orphan/non-releasable cheetahs and donate official vehicles to improve cheetah habitats. JETOUR has successfully adopted a wild cheetah and partnered with the Discovery Channel to produce the documentary "Return of the Cheetah" about the growth of the cheetah cub. Hazen Audel also brought his own hand-carved "Cheetah's Guardian" artwork for the auction. He said, "I am very fortunate to be able to participate in the ESG project of cheetah conservation, and during the filming of the documentary I was very touched by the actions of JETOUR and CCF to help cheetahs continue to live on earth. With the sculptures I created for cheetah conservation, I hope to attract new people to see what's happening in the world. I wanted the proceeds from the sculptures to go back into the efforts of wildlife conservation.

Travel as ESG Practices: Enriching the "Travel+" Strategy

Currently, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mission has become a significant trend in corporate development. JETOUR has incorporated ESG mission into its business and global development since its establishment.

In China, JETOUR launched the long-term charitable program of "Journey of Hope", focusing on the education and healthcare of left-behind children. Since 2020, JETOUR and its users have organized over 300 charitable activities. The company also established an ESG section on its app, encouraging users to participate in various charitable activities, with plans to hold 2,000 events over the next decade.

Internationally, JETOUR follows the "In somewhere. For somewhere" philosophy, conducting various charitable activities, such as traffic safety campaigns in Angola, sponsorship of vehicles for disabled athletes in Peru, support for rural road construction in Kazakhstan, and donations to children's education in Saudi Arabia. Through these initiatives, JETOUR continues to demonstrate that travel and ESG are deeply interconnected, creating social value for regions where it operates.

Li Xueyong, President of JETOUR Auto, said, “With the development of JETOUR's global business, we are increasingly aware of the harmonious symbiosis between economic development and the ecological environment. If we treat the earth well, the earth will treat us well. Cooperation with CCF is just the beginning. In the future, we will continue to support ecological conservation and contribute to global sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JETOUR.

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Call to voluntarily exit captive lion industry

Location: News

Call to voluntarily exit captive lion industry

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called on individuals in the captive lion industry to voluntarily consider giving up their stockpiles of lion bones and derivatives.

South Africa has the world's largest captive lion population of around 8 000 and the captive lion industry faces escalating ethical, regulatory, conservation and economic hurdles.

The industry also faces misalignment with global conservation trends and persistent animal welfare and other issues. The industry's deficiency in social license and departure from international norms present formidable problems to its sustainability.

“In developing the voluntary exit options and pathways, several key guiding principles were considered including the imperative of preventing unemployment for vulnerable individuals and underlying pillars of sustainable use. I encourage everyone who has lion bones and derivatives to voluntarily surrender them as early as possible,” the Minister said on Friday.

In December 2022, the then-Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, appointed a Ministerial Task Team to identify and recommend voluntary exit and pathways from the captive lion industry.

Recommendations, dated 15 February 2024, were submitted to the Minister and the report was released. 

The Minister re-appointed some of the Ministerial Task Team members, to facilitate the implementation of the outcomes of the report. 

The Terms of Reference were published under Government Notice No 4765, Government Gazette No. 50574 of 26 April 2024.

George has encouraged those that wish to consider the voluntary exit options involving lion bones and derivatives to register their interest by submitting their details to the department. 

All information provided is treated confidentially and registration does not constitute any obligation to proceed with voluntary exit options. 

A detailed implementation process plan of surrendering lion stockpiles and derivatives will be communicated and shared in the public domain, once approved by the Minister and the registration process is concluded. 

Interested persons are invited to respond to the notice within 120 days from the date of publication in the Government Gazette which can be accessed at
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/nema_lionbonestockpilesurrender_g51551gn5539.pdf.

Registration details to exit from the captive lion industry can be access at https://forms.gle/KiDqv8sru8pXLwhd7.

Download the form on the departmental website at www.dffe.gov.za and once completed post/hand deliver/ email it as follow:

By post to:    Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention:     Ms Ofentse Mashiyane (Secretariat of the Ministerial Task Team)
                     Private Bag X447
                     PRETORIA
                     0001 
By hand at:  Reception, Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083
By email: lionstockpile@dffe.gov.za.

Any inquiries in connection with this Notice can be directed to omashiyane@dffe.gov.za and lionstockpile@dffe.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 11/15/2024 - 13:09

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Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

Location: News

Social Development announces de-registration of non-compliant NPOs

With the deadline to submit progress to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on the status of South Africa’s grey listing, the Department of Social Development has announced the commencement of the de-registration of non-compliant non-profit organisations (NPOs) in a phased approach. 

The department revealed this to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development.

The FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 plenary meeting held in Paris. 

The FATF is the international standard-setting body that oversees global compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
It developed an Action Plan with 22 Action items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and combating of financial terrorism regime.

The department noted that South Africa has made progress in five action items and has 17 outstanding items to which it must report progress by 2026.

“South Africa is required to address all 22 items in order to exit the grey-listing status. One of the action items relates to the risk of terror financing and money laundering by NPOs.

“FATF identified that NPOs can be used for terror financing and money laundering and recommended that South Africa develops an NPO Terror Funding Risk Assessment,” the department said in a statement on Thursday.

This assessment titled: “The Information on the South African Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment for the Non-Profit Organisations” found that there is a medium exposure to terror financing by the NPO sector in South Africa.

The risk assessment also identified some threats that NPOs can be exposed to relating to terror financing, such as: 

•    NPOs raising funds or other support for foreign terrorist groups 
•    NPOs facilitating foreign travel for terrorist causes, amongst others, and 
•    NPOs using the Internet and online media for fundraising, recruitment and propaganda

“The Department of Social Developing together with SARS [South African Revenue Service] and the FIC [Financial Intelligence Centre], are developing monitoring mechanisms to mitigate this risk.

“There are high, medium and low risk categories. The department has commenced with the deregistering non-complaint NPOs that do not fall in the high- risk category of NPOs as one of the mitigating monitoring mechanisms.

“Closer supervision and monitoring has been instituted by the department for NPOs identified to be at high risk of terror financing,” the department said.

As of October 2024, the department had 295 052 registered NPO and 167 103 of non-compliant NPOs.

Adequate standards of governance

The Department of Social Development through the Non-profit Organisations Act, 71 of 1997, as amended by General Laws Amendment Act (GLAA) provides for the registration of three types of NPOs, namely, Trust, non-profit company (NPC) and voluntary associations.

“Non-profit organisations play a crucial role in societal development and community welfare. However, some organisations fail to comply with regulatory frameworks, risking public trust and the integrity of the sector,” the department said.

The department said it has the responsibility to encourage NPOs to maintain adequate standards of governance, transparency, and accountability and to improve those standards.

The department explained that the need to deregister non-compliant NPOs is required by the need for the department to comply with the provisions of the NPO Act.

The FATF in the Mutual Evaluation Study indicated the need to implement the law in the form of the NPO Act as amended by the GLAA legislation.

“The risk of not deregistering/cancelling noncompliant NPOs is the likelihood of those NPOs being used by criminals for money laundering and terrorist financing.

Processes

“The department has a responsibility that NPOs that are not complying with provisions of the NPO Act are removed from the NPO Register as required in terms of section 21 (1) of the NPO Act deregistration or cancellation of NPOs is primarily about NPOs that fail to submit annual reports as required in terms of section 18 (1) of the NPO Act,” the department said. 

Other instances that might lead to cancellation of registration status is when an organisation does not comply with the provisions of its own founding document. The department said the objective of the deregistration/cancellation is to identify NPOs that have failed to submit annual reports. 

The department issues them with notices of compliance and subsequently remove them from the NPO register kept in terms of section 24 of the NPO Act.

The department will also provide deregistered/cancelled NPOs with an opportunity to appeal against the decision to remove them from the NPO Register.

The department will further raise its awareness program on the intention to deregister NPOs.

Steps taken:  

•    The process for deregistration/cancellation will start with the verification of compliance status.
•    Once an organisation is found to be owing annual reports, it would be issued with a notice of compliance that would explain the annual reports that the organisation failed to submit.
•    The organisation will be given 30 days to submit outstanding annual reports.
•    Once an organisation fails to submit the required reports or fail to respond timeously to the issued noticed it would be cancelled or removed from the NPO Register.
•    Deregistered/cancelled organisations will be afforded an opportunity to appeal against the decision of the Director to cancel the organisation’s registration status.
•    The organisation would be required to submit a notice of appeal together with supporting documents.
•    The notice of appeal together with relevant documents will be sent to the chairperson of the panel of arbitrators for distribution to the appointed arbitration tribunal for the adjudication of the appeal.
•    The arbitration tribunal works independently and is appointed by the Minister in terms of section 9 (1) of the NPO Act.
•     A lodged appeal must be considered with 3 months of receipt of the appeal.
•    An appeal can either be denied or upheld. Once an appeal is upheld the department must reinstate the appellant and the organisation should be considered never to have been deregistered. 

The department said that a denied appeal may take the matter on review with a competent court of law. 

“The deregistration of non-compliant non-profit organizations is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the nonprofit sector.

“By implementing a structured process, we can ensure that only organisations that meet compliance standards continue to operate, thereby protecting the interests of beneficiaries and the public at large,” the department said.

The department will deregister organisations according to the different financial years and it will be over a period of six to 12 months.

This is done with an intention not to cause alarm to the sector and give other NPOs time to respond to the call to submit annual reports.

The department said it will continue to support NPOs by creating an enabling environment for them to operate effectively and efficiently. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 11/14/2024 - 10:58

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Liquid C2 Builds on Strategic Partnership With Cloudflare to Introduce Enhanced Cyber Security Solutions

Location: News
Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Liquid C2, a business unit of Cassava Technologies has further solidified its strategic partnership with Cloudflare. The latter has appointed Liquid C2 as the first distributor of their new range of cyber security products in South Africa, a testament to Liquid C2 expertise and trustworthiness in the industry. In addition to South Africa, the company will make the solutions available to its partners in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. 

With the new offering, Liquid C2 is set to deliver application services that provide security and performance solutions for web applications, network services that secure enterprise networking and zero trust services. The 2023 Cyber Security report from Interpol revealed a 23% year-on-year increase in the average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in Africa, underscoring the pressing need for cost-effective integrated cybersecurity services for businesses in the mid-market segment.

Oswald Jumira, CEO of Liquid C2, reassures, “Through this partnership, we will enable our channel partner ecosystem through Cloudmania to expand their cyber security solution offering to their customers. Modern businesses need robust, scalable, and secure solutions to support hybrid work environments, protect against network and application-level threats, and ensure reliable connectivity. This offering, which combines the reach of Liquid C2 and Cloudmania and Cloudflare's expertise, is a testament to our commitment to enabling businesses to thrive in the growing African digital economy”.

Graham Turnbull, Cloudflare said, “Cloudflare is excited to announce an expanded partnership with Liquid C2 to launch a Managed Services Programme aimed at delivering advanced security and performance solutions to businesses of all sizes across Africa. As long-standing partners, Cloudflare and Liquid C2 are committed to empowering organisations with scalable, resilient digital infrastructure. This collaboration brings together Cloudflare's world-class technology with Liquid C2's extensive network, supporting the continent's digital growth and security needs”.

Additionally, Cloudflare's zero trust services provide a security model that requires strict identity verification for every individual and device trying to access resources on a private network. This solution is critical for any organisation that has moved to a hybrid and remote work model. In today's ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, businesses need to secure access to applications and data from any location, ensuring that only authorised users and devices can connect. This milestone enables African companies to level the playing field against their international counterparts, making Africa an attractive investment destination.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2, a business of Cassava Technologies, delivers cutting-edge cloud and cybersecurity services and solutions. Committed to facilitating digital transformation, Liquid C2 is positioned to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving demands of the digital era by empowering businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape securely. The company's offerings span cloud solutions that enhance accessibility and scalability, and robust cybersecurity services to safeguard sensitive data and elevate security and compliance posture to ensure businesses remain seamlessly connected and protected. https://LiquidC2.com/

About Cloudflare:
Cloudflare, Inc. (www.Cloudflare.com / @ cloudflare: https://apo-opa.co/3YPYmnV) is on a mission to help build a better Internet. Cloudflare's suite of products protect and accelerate any Internet application online without adding hardware, installing software, or changing a line of code. Internet properties powered by Cloudflare have all web traffic routed through its intelligent global network, which gets smarter with every request. As a result, they see significant improvement in performance and a decrease in spam and other attacks. 

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SA inches towards G20 Presidency 

Location: News

SA inches towards G20 Presidency 

The countdown to South Africa assuming the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” has begun.

“The Leaders Summit will be held in Johannesburg, Gauteng and the IMC [Inter-Ministerial Committee] is working with other provinces to host Ministerial and Working Groups meetings. We will launch the South Africa G20 programme on the 1st of December 2024,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday. 

This as the country will participate in the upcoming G20 Summit on 18 and 19 November 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with the 19 member countries.

READ | SA to play key role at upcoming G20 Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously said in his weekly newsletter that when South Africa takes over the G20 Presidency later this year, it will focus on the priorities of Africa and the Global South.

South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from December 2024, approximately five years before the deadline of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

The President said that as a signatory to the Pact for the Future, the country aims to push for a people-driven, sustainable development.

“When South Africa assumes the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) later this year, we will prioritise the needs and aspirations of our continent and the Global South. As a signatory to the Pact for the Future, we want people-driven, sustainable development to become a reality,” the President said at that time. 

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed the filing of South Africa’s memorial to the ICJ, which shows how the government of Israel violated the Genocide Convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza.

READ | Government condemns genocide disinformation efforts

The memorial of more 1300 pages – supported by exhibits and annexures – contains evidence of Israel’s genocidal acts, and its failure to prevent incitement to genocide.

“The filing of the memorial takes place at a time when Israel is intensifying the killing of civilians in Gaza and is intent on following a similar path of destruction in Lebanon. 

“The memorial is a reminder to the global community of the atrocities perpetuated against the people of Palestine and the need for solidarity to stop the catastrophe. 

“The filing also comes in the footsteps of the United Nations resolution condemning the actions of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 15:00

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Dismissed and Ignored: Keys to an African Lobby Group’s Success Being Overlooked by Climate Activists and Africa Oil Week

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

By Ajong Mbapndah L.

In 2021, the citizen-driven African Energy Chamber-AEC (www.EnergyChamber.org), and its unapologetic position in support of the right of African countries to produce oil and gas spread like wildfire. They adopted a narrative of Drill Baby Drill shocking most western political establishment, African elites and pundits.

Within a short time, well funded backers were leaping at the chance to harness this new display of African public power backing the oil and gas industry led by a charismatic and well-connected US trained lawyer NJ Ayuk. He talks like a southern Baptist preacher and trial lawyer and religiously wears only cowboy boots. Ayuk had been mentored at the University of Maryland by Dr. Ron Walters, who was Jesse Jackson's campaign Manager and at William Mitchell College of Law by John Radsan who was Assistant general counsel of the C.I.A under George W Bush. In 2013, he became part of Global Shapers, a non-profit foundation created by the World Economic Forum to unite a community of young leaders. In 2015, he was named among the 10 most influential men in Africa by Forbes magazine.

Eventually, hundreds of energy groups across Africa translated their collective strength into substantial results, putting a message engineered by the African Energy Chamber to influence African political establishment to back the oil and gas industry during COP and also provide incentives for oil drillers. Oil and natural gas is not a dirty word in Africa thanks in large part to the crusade of the African Energy Chamber.  

It's true that the AEC's anger at western wokeness and transition plans sometimes came across as extreme. While they showed that African voices can impact energy policy and international discourse, they may have also set the stage for increased divisiveness in a polarised energy discussion across the world. In some instances, observers believe the AEC pressured African leaders into backing a capitalist driven oil and gas industry at the expense of green energy. They gave home to Trump loyalist who wanted to deal with Africa. 

Given even sharper language in 2021 and 2022, it's perhaps more important than ever to understand that the AEC's success wasn't dependent solely on hostility. Behind the scenes, the story is a bit more complex. And love them or hate them, the AEC showed that African voices really can add up to something big.

So, how did the AEC turn regular, even highly cynical, Africans into an army of engaged people defending the interest of Africa and oil and gas investors in Namibia, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal, Algeria, Mauritania, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda and many more countries? Here are some strategies that set the AEC apart, gained it instant attention, and built—in short order—real power.

These strategies aren't really secret, of course, or even necessarily new, but the AEC offers lessons that any grassroots group would be wise to review even when it is a capitalist organisation. After attending African Energy Week in Cape Town and talking to observers you understand a few things.

The AEC Gave Good Content And Sweets To The Media

The AEC content and position or energy transition and oil and gas were irresistible political theater for news media. Some of the early success was about novelty. An unusual African protest movement, featuring not only Africans but older, whiter, more conservative Europeans and Americans who weren't used to taking their views in public (that kind of action was considered by many whites, the domain of hippies and Lefties).

But beyond that, members' intensity and authenticity were key factors: their heart and soul, their true colors were on display and the media couldn't get enough. The AEC got massive coverage. Their members loudly embraced slogans and symbols, and most were extremely passionate and vocal. They demonstrated their commitment in authentic, home-spun ways that made great TV footage—that is, by brandishing provocative Drill Baby Drill signs. The attention they earned was tremendously exciting for participants, and when events garnered headlines, they encouraged others to join in and start AEC groups of their own in Nigeria, Namibia, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Senegal and Algeria.

The AEC Gave Africans A Safe Haven To Oppose A Western Driven Anti Oil And Gas Agenda

Many Africans were anxious about longstanding cultural shifts they felt were occurring in the climate change culture and strong calls to abandon oil and gas. Africans still have to deal with energy poverty issues and also industralisation that is lagging behind in the continent.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 600 million Africans lack access to energy, around 900 million are without clean cooking. To solve this the African Energy Chamber has aggressively lobbied and pushed African nations to embrace an “All of the Above” energy strategy—which supports greater domestic production of oil and natural gas, renewable and nuclear energy, and critical mineral mining—would help to provide energy access and encourage development  and job creation.

For many Africans, speaking their minds in public was daunting and unfamiliar. The AEC events prompted many people to speak out in public for the first time. People who had felt shut out, misunderstood, and alienated were encouraged to vent their frustrations and talk about themselves, their families, and what they wanted—and into a microphone, no less! Great early set up and as crazy as it sounds it worked.

Africans and oil industry for once felt safe. The western oil companies had found “their people.” Their voices finally mattered. Western oil companies felt for once that an African organisation spoke to their issues. The AEC spoke from the heart through their press releases.

Most importantly, speaking out made them feel like proper, boisterous Africans having their say. 

The AEC Kept It Simple And Never Strayed Away From Its Core Purpose

The AEC has been laser focused on its core message around free markets, Drill Baby Drill, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and limited government intervention in the energy markets. They have been virtually lock stepped in agreement that these issues—and only these—were their primary focus.

Motivated largely by opposition to a radical energy transition that does not consider Africa's energy poverty needs and development, they built a solid and well-structured case against what they saw as a radical overreach by western governments. These values resonated powerfully with conservative whites and corporations in America and Europe who rallied support for the AEC, help sharpened their message and represent an agenda that any group could buy into. By sticking to these values, they avoided getting bogged down in arguments over more contentious issues that could divide, delay, or sidetrack their core base.

You need to watch how NJ Ayuk the Executive Chairman Keeps a clear and narrow focus and invites more people in and avoids alienating others over inevitable differences. By experimenting with this stripped-down approach, they have been able to avoid quibbles about top priorities and fast-forward to high-impact activities across Africa.

The AEC Built Its Muscle By Picking Fights It Could Win

While the rhetoric of the AEC favored sweeping Pan African change on how oil and gas industry is viewed and a rejection of western climate action, their actual achievements were huge, and they basically got the IEA and western governments to start listening to Africans. They got African Presidents and Ministers to be bold in their defence for oil and gas sector. They became the premier lobbying house for the oil and gas sector in Africa. They figured out where they could have an immediate impact and put their energies into small wins. Case in point, in 2021, Hyve group made a brutal and arrogant move of taking Africa Oil Week (AOW) to Dubai. The AEC saw an opportunity and produced a textbook rebuke of this British group. It recruited Blackwater's Erik Prinz, Robert Stryk Ryan Zinke (Trump's interior secretary) various American congressmen and former US Ambassadors to speak at its rival African Energy Week in Cape Town. They quietly built a relationship with the American Petroleum Institute and other US oil and gas groups and support came strong from the oil and gas companies like ExxonMobil, Total Energies, Chevron and many others. Since then, the Africa Oil Week brand by Hyve group has seen a gradual death with most of its staff defecting to the AEC or other companies. In 2023, sensing change the Biden administration deployed Joshua Volz, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa to attend the African Energy Week and meet with the African energy sector. American official Joseph McMonigle, Secretary General, International Energy Forum also gave a keynote speech at the event.

Small wins like African Energy Week or getting governments to approve projects for oil companies in a speedy format, gave the AEC the taste of victory and built momentum. And all the little victories tallied around Africa added up to a greater voice for the AEC. The AEC also scored strong victories across Africa for incentives to oil companies, getting them permits, license extensions, reduction in taxes, and passion oil friendly reforms.

Most organizations have broad, high-level goals, but it's worth remembering that every small victory can help pave the way in the direction you're going. In fact, you may want to purposefully pick a small, winnable fight, especially as you're getting started.

Climate Group Reaction

Climate activist have been stunned because they dismissed and overlooked the AEC. Climate activist and their allies ignore the AEC as it built a 4 million membership base something of a dream for any group. They decided to pummel the AEC and its leadership with a volley of attacks on the media then demonstrations at the AEC office and also in Cape Town. And yet from the blowback that erupted once the attacks started Africans rallied around the AEC and supported the AEC.  Climate activists were surprised that an oil lobby group in Africa was being seen as innocent civilian under assault by a drone western activist. Green groups and their negativity were self-destructive and made it difficult for them to push a green energy message in Africa which a continent that has great potential for renewables.

Only at the African Energy Week will you have a closing panel with Oil and Gas stalwarts like Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) of Nigeria, NJ Ayuk of the AEC, Florival Mucave, Executive Chairman of the Mozambique Oil & Gas Chamber, Eric Williams, Principal Consultant and President at Royal Triangle Energy Solutions inviting climate change zealots like David Le Page, Director-Coordinator at Fossil Free South Africa.

When I come to your events, I am booed and vilified, but here at the African Week, we welcome debates and diverse opinions and people even cheer for you when you make points, NJ Ayuk reminded David Le Page who looked flummoxed at the buoyant atmosphere and civility that greeted his presence.

“There is an amazing opportunity to transition as quickly as possible to renewable energy – if we can find the finance, and any new developments of oil and gas, no matter where they are developed in the world, risk the chance of pushing us past the point of stability, Le Page said.

Africa only accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, NJ Ayuk schooled Le Page. “We need oil. We are not saying that we do not welcome solar, wind and renewable energy, but we understand the intermittent nature of these technologies. With oil and gas, you create a market where people do things for themselves rather than relying on others,” Ayuk said.

The Bottom Line: Restore Africans' Trust In Their Own Energy Sector.

So many people in the Africa and its energy sector feel isolated, frustrated, and powerless. Despite this, no matter how cynical or checked out they get, and no matter how divisive things seem, the vast majority of Africans still have faith in a foundational part of the oil and gas industry thanks to the AEC. Africa Oil Week has been sold to Paul Sinclair and he exited quietly to Ghana as the brand faces a natural death. Many observers wait to see what the AEC opinion on Hyve Group and Mining Indaba is. Will the AEC make a move?

Whatever you think of the AEC, one thing it did was restore trust in Africa's oil industry, showing that the grassroots—the public—can make a difference. Regular people who had long felt shut out of the process flexed their civic muscle in the AEC, and they saw quick and enormously satisfying results.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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SA to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Location: News

SA to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Cabinet has approved the conceptual approach to this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign.

The campaign will take place under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children”, which emphasises the importance of a whole-of-society approach to combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and the importance of a multi-sectoral accountability.

“This year’s campaign continues to address the root causes of GBVF while promoting positive masculinity and gender equity, along with creating economic opportunities for women and children.

“While more than 1 000 GBVF perpetrators were convicted between 1 April and 31 September 2024, we still have more to do as a nation to eradicate this scourge from society,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Wednesday in Cape Town.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, which will be launched on 25 November 2024 in Rustenburg, in the North West.

This supports the global campaign which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 14:36

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SA strengthens bilateral ties with Egypt

Location: News

SA strengthens bilateral ties with Egypt

International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister Ronald Lamola, along with a business delegation, will today undertake a working visit to Cairo, in the Arab Republic of Egypt, to co-chair the South Africa-Egypt Political Consultations.

The Minister will co-chair the consultations with his counterpart, Dr Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriate Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, from 13 to 14 November. 

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial political, economic and social relations following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations on 29 March 1995. These relations are historical and based on friendship, solidarity and collaboration between the peoples of both countries.

The Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) that exists between the two countries is a structured bilateral mechanism that provides a platform for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between the two.

“We will be accompanied by a South African business delegation consisting of close to 50 companies. The delegation will explore further investment and trade opportunities across a range of economic sectors.

“The working visit will provide an opportunity to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest, with an emphasis on the conflict in Sudan. Before the conflict, Sudan was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis,” Lamola said during a media briefing on Tuesday.  

Lamola said the long-term political instability and economic pressures left 15.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid, and that the conflict has only exacerbated these conditions, leaving 25.6 million people -- more than half of Sudan’s population -- in need.

“The brutal conflict has forced more than 11 million people from their homes. The vast majority (over 8.1 million people) remain within Sudan, representing the largest displacement crisis in the world. 

“Furthermore, the session will also reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and in consolidation of Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Lamola said. 

The working visit will further reinforce the commitment by both countries to expand and strengthen political and economic relations.

South Africa and Angola strengthen economic ties 

On the 1st of November 2024, the Minister undertook a working visit to Luanda, Angola, for political and diplomatic consultations. 

Discussions included preparations for the upcoming State Visit by President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to South Africa. 

“It was agreed that this visit should reaffirm the existing bilateral relations, underpinned by a strong economic partnership. We informed our counterpart that a business forum will also be organised during the visit, with the participation of companies from both countries, focusing on sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, mining, energy, transport, healthcare, tourism and education,” Lamola said.  – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:44

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