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Eswatini Joins Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024, Following Launch of Critical Mineral Mapping Program

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

Following the launch of the second phase of its critical mineral mapping program, Eswatini is seeking foreign partners to support mineral exploration and extraction activities. To showcase opportunities across the sector, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Eswatini's Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, will speak at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) (www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com) 2024 summit in Cape Town, joining African ministers including Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mining of South Sudan; Monica Chang'anamuno, Minister of Mining of Malawi; and Louis Kabamba Watum, Minister of Industry and the Development of SMEs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As a frontier mining market, Eswatini is currently engaged in various programs to accelerate the exploration of its critical minerals (https://apo-opa.co/3yzeZvd). In December 2023, the Geological Survey of Eswatini, in partnership with South Africa's Council for Geoscience, launched the second phase of a joint geoscience mapping program. The initiative, which leverages AI-based techniques, aims to locate and map the country's critical mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration to advance sector growth. To date, the country produces minor quantities of aggregate, coal, gold and iron ore.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (www.AECWeek.com) on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

“Eswatini represents a promising yet untapped critical minerals market. Recent mapping programs have identified mineralization in several basins across the Kingdom. As a result, increased cooperation with global stakeholders is key to injecting capital and technology into new projects,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Event & Project Director at CMA 2024 organizers, Energy Capital & Power.

Eswatini is also working with industry stakeholders on best practices to attract foreign investments to bolster its critical mineral industry. Last January, Minister Lonkhokhela met (https://apo-opa.co/3AdjVq1) with the country's Minerals and Mines Management Board to work toward creating an enabling environment for enhanced private sector participation in exploration, production and job creation within the mining sector. At CMA 2024, Minister Lonkhokhela will connect with global investors and industry service providers to discuss and explore Eswatini's mining prospects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Deputy Minister Botes meets representatives of the German Bundestag

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, met representatives of the German Bundestag on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, in Pretoria.

The meeting with Mr Nils Schmid, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Bundestag, and Ms Bettina Lugk, Deputy Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the SDP in the Bundestag, took place in the context of the two countries' endeavour to forge closer political, diplomatic, economic and trade ties.

The SDP is the largest party in Germany's governing coalition and a member of eleven of the sixteen State (Provincial) Governments in Germany.

The meeting presented an opportunity for the two sides to discuss important geopolitical issues.

In addition to meeting the Deputy Minister, Mr Schmid and Ms Lugk will also meet with Members of Parliament, think tanks, trade unions, political parties, German companies, the Ghoethe Institute, the GIZ (Germany's development agency) and KfW (Germany's development bank).

South Africa maintains a substantial and diverse relationship with Germany. Germany is one of South Africa's most important strategic partners and is the second-largest market for South African exports, the third-largest source of overseas tourists, a major investor and development partner. The German Government views South Africa as a “global development partner” with which it seeks close coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Germany is a leading investor in the South African economy, with approximately 600 German companies represented in South Africa.

Bilateral development cooperation focuses on energy and climate change (green economy), good governance and public administration, HIV/AIDS prevention and vocational training.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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Demystify science for the most marginalised – Minister Nzimande

Location: News

Demystify science for the most marginalised - Minister Nzimande

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has insisted that, given South Africa’s – and Africa’s – historical past of discrimination and under development of parts of the population, it is imperative to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised”.

He was addressing the opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.

“Astronomy offers such an amazing opportunity to naturalise and indigenise scientific thinking within all our communities. Therefore, it is most fitting that this event will have Open Access features online, to generate scientific interest from the wider public.

“Young people have been appointed as volunteers for this event while others will be presenting their research posters, the General Assembly [GA] satellite viewing sites across Africa and astronomy ambassadors programme that has been launched throughout the continent as one of the legacy projects post the General Assembly,” Nzimande said.

On a continental scale, the Minister said it was in the interests of the international community to “broaden the participation of the African continent in astronomical sciences”.

“I would also like to recognise the efforts made by the IAU Office for Astronomy Development [OAD] and the African Astronomical Society [AfAS], both based in Cape Town in supporting other African countries to take advantage of opportunities in astronomy.

“We also see this Assembly as an opportunity for raising awareness of the IAU within the African science community and encouraging the emergence and professional development of the next generation African scientists.

“The Organising Committee of the 2024 GA has also announced that over 3000 abstracts were submitted, which is an impressive number for such an event and certainly offers an opportunity to share new sources of data and evidence to test through experimental work the explanatory value of the theoretical models developed in recent years,” he said.

A leading light

Minister Nzimande told the general assembly that government’s vision for South African astronomy is to become a “global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities as articulated in our National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy of 2015”.

“The strategy provides a framework to take maximum advantage of South Africa’s historical strengths in astronomy, its geographical advantage of clear southern skies in the Karoo, the engineering and scientific base, large-scale investments in the MeerKAT/SKA endeavour and SALT [Southern African Large Telescope], and South Africa’s growing international ranking and partnerships in astronomy.  

“This strategy is currently under review in consultation with the astronomy community so that it can be enhanced in order to take advantage of new opportunities in this era of multi-messenger techniques and technological innovations.

“The MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offers us an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, thereby driving transformation and human capacity development. The SKA is the flagship frontier science partnership of the 21st century and South African remains fully committed to it,” he said.

The Minister revealed that the department is working with the Department of Tourism to develop an “astro-tourism sector through community-public-private partnerships in remote parts of South Africa”.

“We are looking forward to the approval of our newly established Astro-Tourism Strategy by Cabinet in the next few months. 

“[Tourism] Minister Patricia de Lille and I will soon be co-hosting the Annual World Tourism Day in Carnarvon on 27 September 2024 – and this event will provide us with a unique opportunity to promote the preservation of dark skies and radio silence in the Karoo as this is essential for star-gazing and astro-tourism to thrive and to create jobs,” Minister Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:37

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Top Click Media Celebrates Eighth Consecutive Year as Google Premier Partner in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Top Click Media, a global leader in digital marketing, proudly announces its selection as a Google Premier Partner in South Africa for the eighth consecutive year. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Top Click Media’s outstanding performance and leadership in Google Ads and SEO services, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier digital marketing solutions.   …

Read moreTop Click Media Celebrates Eighth Consecutive Year as Google Premier Partner in South Africa

Africa’s leading Venture Capital firm Founders Factory Africa rebrands to 54 Collective

Location: Business
54 Collective

Today, leading African venture capital firm, Founders Factory Africa (FFA), has announced its rebrand and name change to 54 Collective (https://54Collective.VC/), evolving its business model to better support transformative technology ventures across the continent through catalytic capital and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4diDADB

54 Collective, builds on its exceptional track record of investing in and scaling early-stage ventures in Africa. The new name, 54 Collective, reflects the firm's ambitious pan-African vision, aspiring to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses to serve all 54 African countries.

The firm is a commercial-first investor and embeds impact in everything it does. 54 Collective invests in ventures from idea to Pre-Series A stage by offering catalytic capital, and value-add support through its Venture Success Platform.

"Our catalytic capital and value-add support to founders, through our Venture Success Platform, signifies our evolution and ongoing mission to support entrepreneurs across Africa and enable them to build without boundaries to drive commercial and impact returns. Our name change to 54 Collective communicates our continued commitment to African founders. We are more supportive than ever of unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and ensuring a level playing field for youth and women founders,” commented 54 Collective CEO Bongani Sithole.

Investment strategy

54 Collective, offers equity and non-dilutive capital up to a total of $500k, enabling founders to scale their ventures across the continent. To break barriers of access, female founders receive an additional $150k, to their male counterparts, in the form of a non-dilutive capital. 

The Venture Success Platform is made up of a team of highly experienced venture specialists who provide tailored support. This is in the form of product, growth, commercial relationships, business strategy, talent, technology and data to build ventures for scale. The team also ensures that founders have access to the right funding by preparing them for investor readiness, investor access, fundraising strategies, unlocking debt and impact capital. The Venture Success Platform empowers founders to succeed globally by facilitating networking and community building opportunities.

This unique combination of significant funding and comprehensive support distinguishes 54 Collective as the only Venture Capital firm in Africa offering early-stage founders with the highest amount of catalytic capital and support from the largest Africa-based venture capital team with over 70 staff members in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and the UK.

The firm has evolved from investing only in the Agtech, Fintech, and Healthtech sectors to being sector-agnostic in its investments, supporting more founders across many sectors on the continent. ​​54 Collective helps founders navigate complex challenges to achieve commercial success and make an impact on the continent through economic growth and job creation.

In 2023, Founders Factory Africa was named one of the top venture capital investors in Africa, with an active portfolio of over 50 ventures across 10 countries. To date, the firm has supported more than 70 ventures across Africa and helped its portfolio startups to raise nearly $140 million in follow-on capital.

A future of empowerment

With seven of the world's fastest-growing economies in Africa, the continent's venture capital sector is rapidly expanding, with $6 billion invested annually. However, this represents less than 1 percent of global venture funding, indicating a significant unmet need for smart capital.

“We are pursuing opportunistic investments in different sectors across the continent where there are uniquely large opportunities for startups to scale and create sustainable impact in these sectors. Our goal is to invest in 105 startups across Africa in the next five years, enabling entrepreneurs to provide solutions to the continent's biggest challenges and transforming lives and industries,” concluded Sithole.

The firm is well on its way to achieving many of its five-year goals which range from enhanced financial inclusion, improved healthcare access, and creating dignified and fulfilling work to creating a gender forward portfolio. 54 Collective is targeting a portfolio where 50% or more of its startups are founded by women. Currently, from the 17 investments made between January 2023 and July 2024 in its portfolio, 45% of them are founded by women. The firm's investments are also creating social economic impact in the wider economy. For example, Asaak, a vehicle asset financing company has improved financial inclusion for over 11,000 bodaboda drivers. An impact study uncovered that 79% of these drivers improved their quality of life significantly and 80% increased their income after receiving credit from Asaak.

Speaking on the significance of the brand evolution and future ambitions, 54 Collective's Executive Chairman and UTOPIA CEO Roo Rogers said, “54 Collective is a powerful economic and social force in the African economy. It is anchored with strong roots on the continent and exceptional network and reputation across the globe. Together with our sister funds, we continue our mission to  redistribute investment and knowledge pathways towards a more inclusive, relevant, and equitable future for the Global South.”

54 Collective's vision is to create a future where African entrepreneurship drives generational progress and prosperity across the continent. The firm's new name, catalytic capital, and value-add Venture Success Platform offering, marks a new era for the venture capital ecosystem. 54 Collective is redefining investing across Africa, enabling its founders to build without boundaries and solve some of Africa's biggest challenges.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 54 Collective.

For more information please contact:
Adam Wakefield - 54 Collective, Managing Editor
Tel: +27820490381
Email: adam.wakefield@foundersfactory.co

OR

David Mbai
Tel:  +254716811083
Email: 54COmms@webershandwick.com

54 Collective social media handles:
Instagram: 54collective_vc
X: 54collective_vc
​LinkedIn and Facebook: 54 Collective VC

About 54 Collective:
54 Collective  is a Venture Capital firm dedicated to redefining investing across Africa. By offering catalytic capital and value-add tailored support through its Venture Success Platform, 54 Collective empowers entrepreneurs to build without boundaries. With a presence across Africa, 54 Collective leverages local expertise to help startups scale and achieve commercial success while creating systemic social and economic impact.

Join us in this exciting journey of transforming Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. For more information, visit (https://54Collective.VC/) https://54Collective.VC/ and become a part of 54 Collective's (https://54Collective.VC/) mission to help early-stage African startups grow and thrive and ‘Build without Boundaries' to empower Africa's next generation of innovators and leaders.

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The RMB Where to Invest in Africa 2024 report highlights Africa’s top investment economies

Location: Business
Rand Merchant Bank

RMB (www.RMB.com) has released the highly anticipated 2024 edition of its Where to Invest in Africa report, a comprehensive analysis of the top investment destinations on the continent. The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), leverages a robust methodology that has been updated to reflect new data sources, taking into account a variety of factors that have been proven to determine a country's progress and therefore its investment potential. 

“Africa is not a country, but a vast, diverse and complex continent with different cultures, economies and investment potential. Our report therefore is not a definitive guide, but rather it is designed to provide insight to uncover the underlying drivers of a country's performance that inform its ranking. This offers invaluable insights for investors, policymakers, and business leaders looking to navigate Africa's dynamic economic landscape,” says Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB.  

Expanded data, extended granularity 

Investment decisions need to be viewed through both an economic performance lens and an operating environment lens. As a result, the methodology used for this edition of the Where to Invest in Africa report builds and expands on previous editions, taking into account new data sets as well as changing geopolitical and macroeconomic climates.  

The scorecard for the 2024 issue highlights 31 countries that collectively represent 92% of the continent's economic activity (measured by GDP), and more than one billion people (three quarters of the continent's population). It draws on publicly available data sets from global institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labour Organisation.  

The model is constructed from 20 metrics across four measurement pillars: economic performance and potential; market accessibility and innovation; economic stability and investment climate; and social and human development. Each metric is weighted, which translates into a weight for each pillar, and based on these metrics a standardised scorecard is produced, with rankings that enable effective comparison across Africa's complex and heterogeneous environment.  

Africa's top five investment destinations 

Combining these elements results in a ranking across the 31 countries measured. The results of the report show that the two small island economies of Seychelles and Mauritius rank first and second as the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, while the significantly larger economies of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rank in third, fourth and fifth places respectively. 

Seychelles leads the rankings thanks to high levels of personal freedom, human development, and a stable economic environment. Seychelles offers a unique and attractive investment climate. Despite scoring lower on economic size and potential, Mauritius is known for innovation, economic freedom, and high GDP per capita. It continues to be a top destination for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in a well-regulated environment.  

Egypt represents Africa's largest economy by GDP (2023), offering a substantial market with diverse opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location and economic complexity further enhance its attractiveness. Despite facing significant challenges, South Africa remains a crucial hub for investment in Africa. Its robust financial sector, diverse economy, and potential for infrastructure development make it a key player. Finally, Morocco's strong performance in connectedness, innovation, and economic stability positions it as a top investment destination. Its strategic proximity to European markets adds to its appeal. 

Distilling diversity – investment archetypes explained 

Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, and no two markets are the same, which means there is no such thing as a universal success story. However, when we zoom out and view nations through the lenses of size and the relevant investability score, it becomes apparent that they fall into distinct groupings with shared traits. The 2024 edition of Where to Invest in Africa suggests five potential investment archetypes based on shared characteristics revealed through the four measurement pillars.  

‘Highflyers' represent the large, well-established economies that offer stability and a range of investment opportunities, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. Those ‘Cleared for Take-off' are countries with high economic growth and innovation potential thanks to factors like a young population and abundant resources, including Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ‘People Potential' are markets with a young and growing demographic, creating a sizeable consumer base and a future workforce, such as Kenya, DRC and Uganda. ‘Global Connectors' are more advanced economies with a strong international presence, such as Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia and Seychelles. ‘Low-Base Boomers' are smaller markets with high potential for explosive growth but a corresponding higher degree of risk, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Benin. 

Additional insights unpacked

The report also highlights a number of trends across the various markets, and the role of innovation and economic complexity in driving growth is a central theme. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are noted for their strides in technological innovation and diversification of their economic bases, making them attractive destinations for investment. 

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing economic integration, and creating a more competitive continental market. Effective implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent. Africa's young and rapidly growing population also presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda poised to benefit from this demographic dividend, provided they can create sufficient employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment for economic participation.  

In addition, there are a number of emerging markets with significant growth potential, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and infrastructural deficits, these countries offer substantial opportunities due to their large and youthful populations, improving business climates, and diversification efforts. Africa's vast natural resources, including minerals and arable land, are pivotal for sustainable economic growth. However, the report cautions against the "resource curse" and underscores the importance of good governance and strategic management. Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are highlighted for their rich resources and potential for sustainable development. 

One area that requires critical attention across the continent is the need for infrastructure investment. Improved transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential, and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are identified as key markets where infrastructure development could yield significant returns. 

Beyond the rankings – a deeper look at African investment 

Looking beyond metrics and scorecards, Africa holds massive potential but equally faces numerous challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources, which can be a major driver of economic growth, but they also present challenges in the form of corruption and environmental degradation. Increased activity around trade agreements can open new markets for foreign investors and boost economic activity, but lack of adequate infrastructure is a major hurdle for many African economies. Investment in this space will improve connectivity and create new opportunities, while rapid and increasing urbanisation will prove attractive to investors in consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Finally, countries in Africa are embracing new technologies, leapfrogging traditional development stages and creating new investment opportunities in the tech sector. 

“The richness of Africa's diversity makes fully analysing its nuance and contrast a challenging task, but an important one when it comes to understanding the varied markets that make up this vast regional economy. The 2024 RMB Where to Invest in Africa report aims to develop a balanced, robust and actionable view of the drivers, challenges and opportunities that characterise each of the 31 African markets included in the analysis,” Mhlanga concludes.  

Download the full report here to uncover the insights and drive more informed investment decisions. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.

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Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds

Location: News

Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds

by More Matshediso

Loving and supporting children who live with disabilities is key to enabling them to reach their full potential. 

Karabo Morapedi (22) of Welkom in the Free State is a perfect example of what children with special needs can achieve if they are supported by their families. 

He is among the South African athletes who will be flying the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France. 

The Paralympic Games are the largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities. This year, they will open on 28 August and close on 8 September. 

Despite being born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and causes various physical and intellectual challenges, Karabo does not allow the disability to stand between him and his dreams. 

At the time of the interview, Karabo was at the World Boccia African Regional Championships in Cairo in Egypt. 

Boccia is a Paralympic sport, it is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.

Vuk’uzenzele spoke briefly to his mother and aunt about his life story, academic performance and sport. 

His mother, Sebolelo Morapedi, raised Karabo with the help of her sister Selloane Bochedi. 

“Karabo’s father passed away when he was just an infant. I raised him together with his aunt,” she explained. 

She said Karabo started playing Boccia back in Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein, which provides Grade R to Grade 9 mainstream education and learner support services to learners who are physically challenged.

He continued with the sport when he joined Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, which is a school for cerebral palsied, physically disabled and learning-disabled learners, where he completed his matric. 

Karabo continued to play Boccia at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Public Management this year. He is currently studying towards a qualification in Advanced Diploma in Applied Public Management at the university. 

Bochedi said they had to accept his condition, but both committed to giving him love and support that he needed as a child. 

“Like any other child, we invested in enrolling him in schools that catered for his special needs, and we have always been actively involved in his educational journey. He has always performed well in school and he excelled in his tertiary education studies,” explained Bochedi. 

She believes that Karabo’s journey has so far shown everyone that living with a disability does not mean you have to be locked-up in the house. 

She added that Karabo is extremely proud of his achievements so far and he has made his family proud.

The support that he gets from CUT and his coach also encourages him to work harder. 

For more information about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games visit www.paralympic.org/paris-2024.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:16

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Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Location: News

Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

by Sihle Manda

When South African athletes enter the Place de la Concorde in Paris on 28 August for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the country’s hopes will be hoisted high by flag-bearers, sprinter Mpumelelo Mhlongo and swimmer Katherine Swanepoel.

The two will be among the country’s medal hopefuls as South Africa tries to improve on the seven medals won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Four years ago, Mhlongo broke the T44 200m world record and set the T44 200m, 100m, and long jump Paralympic Games records.

Reacting to the honour of flag-bearer, he said: “My immediate reaction was the thought that I was being held as the butt of a joke. When I finally faced the reality of the honour, I was flabbergasted.”

He thought there were many deserving individuals to carry the country's flag, adding that he had been extremely grateful as it was something he had experienced at last year's Paris World Para Athletic Championships.

“To do it at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is madness,” he said.

He conceded that the honour had little bearing for him as a professional. “It is an honour that successfully challenges the [human] skeptic in me, that does not dare to dream of a future beyond its circumstances.”

On his personal ambitions, he said representing the country was an overwhelming feeling that needed to be experienced.

“Pride and gratitude are words that do not give the meaning, or the justice it deserves. I think no matter how many words you string together, even the imagination has its limitations which is where experience steps in,” he added.

The sprinter said he was excited for Games that are not held under pandemic lockdown conditions.

“I am looking forward to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes reminding its community how important they are and the joy we get in experiencing these global events with them,” he said.

The Chatsworth-born athlete said while he had set himself targets for Paris 2024, his biggest target was to get to the games in a healthy condition.

Chatsworth is in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

“We even have targets for the sort of sleep and recovery we want to see daily. The most important target though, is getting to the Games healthy because we have done everything we can in our preparations to be the best versions of ourselves when it matters.

“Once you are at the Games, you have to intentionally remember to go out there and have fun, just celebrate the opportunity to represent our country and everyone who has reminded us that our story has value just as others,” he concluded.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:26

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Siyavela Impact Launches Online to Connect and Support Changemakers Globally

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg – 5 August 2024 – Siyavela Impact, a newly-founded nonprofit company aiming to connect and support changemakers from across the sectors of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), nonprofits (NPO/NPC) and grassroots development projects, will host its global online launch on Thursday, 8 August. Siyavela Impact’s online launch will introduce the inspiration, ethos and value of …

Read moreSiyavela Impact Launches Online to Connect and Support Changemakers Globally

Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting

Location: News

Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU). 

The two week-long meeting will kick off on Tuesday, 6 August, in Cape Town, South Africa.  

Hosted for the first time in Africa, the in-person and virtual global gathering of astronomers and other experts in the field will also provide open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world. 

According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly.  

Jemison became the first female African American commercial astronaut and mission pilot to travel into space when she went into orbit aboard the National Administration and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992. 

Proctor is an astronaut and was the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship. 

The department said the two renowned experts will speak to over 2 000 astronomers from around the world at this event, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” the statement read. 

This year’s General Assembly represents a significant milestone, highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development.  

Meanwhile, the Minister’s address will underscore the commitment to advance Africa’s astronomy and science on the global stage as well as highlight South Africa’s massive investments in skills and infrastructure development.

His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of clear southern skies in the Karoo, its engineering and scientific base, and its growing international ranking and partnerships.  

“One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.” 

Other guests include the former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Dr Bernie Fanaroff, who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’. 

The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society.  

Each event advances the astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa's rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field. 

The hybrid event is being hosted by the National Research Foundation, supported by the DSI.  

The academic programme will include over 2 000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions. 

The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings. There will also be poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.  

According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that goes beyond national barriers in a continent-wide celebration of astrology. 

Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:26

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Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Location: News

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African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).

ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.

Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.

“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.

“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.

Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”

The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.

SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com   

Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com  

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS: 
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. 

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. 

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Read moreAfreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

3rd Annual B Lab Africa Summit 2024 to be hosted in South Africa

Location: MyPR

PRETORIA, South Africa – Themed Resilience and Growth in Africa: Leading Sustainable Businesses, Driving Change, and International Opportunities, the summit is gearing up for its 3rd annual edition, its first in South Africa, addressing the continent’s critical challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for building a …

Read more3rd Annual B Lab Africa Summit 2024 to be hosted in South Africa

Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women’s Month gets underway

Location: News

Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway

By Khanyisile Rasmeni

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has delivered a compelling address to mark the launch of National Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards women’s development”.

The launch took place at Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Thursday.

Chikunga said this year’s observance is not only a tribute to the strides made over the past three decades but also a moment for introspection and continued commitment to gender equality.

“August has long been a month of reflection and tribute to the invaluable roles women have played in the fight against discrimination and exploitation.”

The commemoration of Women’s Month serves as a platform to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.

The 30-Year Review Report underscores the progress achieved in women empowerment. Notably, women’s representation in Parliament increased from 28% in 1994 to 45% in 2019.

“Similarly, their presence in senior management roles rose from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021. Furthermore, as of 2017, women accounted for approximately 61.5% of university graduates, surpassing their male counterparts,” said the Minister.

READ | Cabinet approves 30-Year Review Report for publication

Despite these advancements, Chikunga emphasised that “while these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done”.

The year 2024 marks the 101st anniversary of women entering the legal profession in South Africa. Reflecting on this milestone, the International Association of Women Judges noted a dramatic shift from 1994, when the judiciary was overwhelmingly male and predominantly white.

“As of February 2023, 45% of judges are women, and the composition has diversified significantly. This transformation was further celebrated with the appointment of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga remarked.

READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice

In addition to these judicial achievements, Chikunga praised Tatjana Smith for winning South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in global sports.

Gender-based violence and femicide

The Minister said the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains a critical focus. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF aims to rally societal support and intensify efforts against persistent violence. 

Chikunga underlined the importance of a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government response”.

She used the occasion to ring the alarm on the rising trend of extortion and fraud targeting employed women. 

“We alert South African women not to be victims of such extortion and fraud,” she advised.

The year 2024 also marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a pivotal document in the struggle for women’s rights in South Africa. The Minister invoked the Charter’s call for the removal of discriminatory laws.

“We, the women of South Africa, hereby declare our aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions, and customs that discriminate against us as women.”

She said the voices of the women who gathered at the First World Conference on Women in 1975 must be echoed throughout the month of August.

“In the world outside, we are ignored. We are invisible, we are not important... We've got to change these attitudes toward us — smilingly, if necessary, angrily if necessary, and aggressively if necessary. Otherwise, there will be no such thing as true equality.” - SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:41

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Read moreChikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women’s Month gets underway

SA condemns assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

Location: News

SA condemns assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has condemned the “targeted” assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, who was killed by an airstrike in Tehran in the early hours of Wednesday.   

According to reports, Haniyeh was killed while attending the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Iran’s capital, Tehran.

One of Haniyeh’s bodyguards was also killed, according to reports.  

“The government expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Haniyeh family as well as to the leadership and people of Palestine,” the department said in a statement.  

“South Africa is concerned that the assassination of Haniyeh and the continuous targeting of civilians in Gaza will further spiral the already tense situation in the entire region.” 

South Africa has since called for a “thorough” investigation to be conducted and called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid any acts that would escalate tensions in the particularly fragile region. 

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, stressed that such acts of extrajudicial killings violate international law and the principles of human rights, undermining global efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. 

“No country is above the law and all nations must respect international law, particularly the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

“Any form of extrajudicial killing is a blatant violation of these principles and extra-judicial killings of this nature have a destabilising effect. It is crucial that the perpetrators of such actions must be brought to justice,” Lamola added. 

The department said the assassination of Haniyeh occurred in the context of the nine-month onslaught in Gaza where the ongoing bombardment by Israel has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, almost half of which are children, and created an “unspeakable man-made humanitarian catastrophe”. 

“Haniyeh was an integral member of the negotiating team, working with other countries to secure a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and bring the war to Gaza to an end.” 

South Africa reiterated its view that the international community must act immediately to end the genocide in Gaza, impunity, end the aggression meted out against Palestinians and the illegal occupation by Israel.

“It is our collective human duty to call for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. Nothing can justify the deliberate killings and injuring of civilians as an entire population endures destruction at a scale and speed without parallel in recent history. 

“Continuing Israeli occupation, destruction of infrastructure, collective punishment, and extrajudicial assassinations would make the realisation of a peaceful solution in the Middle East much more difficult to achieve,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:14

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Read moreSA condemns assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh

SA commemorates Women’s Month

Location: News

SA commemorates Women's Month

Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says Women’s Month is an opportunity to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.

“We also commemorate Women’s Month in order to celebrate how far we have come; the journeys traversed and victories attained by the women of our country in the three decades of our democracy,” Chikunga said.

Addressing the media launch of the 2024 Women’s Month, Chikunga said this is the time for the country to reflect on its missteps, with the aim of correcting them.

“The 30-Year Review Report shines the spotlight on some of the commendable progress achieved in ensuring gender equality and social mobility,” Chikunga said.

The representation of women in senior management positions in the private and government workforce has increased from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021, the Minister highlighted.

“At our universities, as of 2017, the share of female graduates was about 61.5% compared to males at about 38.5%. 

“At both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, women in South African public universities have been in the majority. While these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done,” the minister said.

The Minister said the year 2024 marks 101 years since women were allowed to enter the legal profession as practitioners.

“We have every reason to be proud of this transformative achievement. On that note, on behalf of all women in South Africa and the continent, we wish to congratulate Chief Justice Designate Justice Mandisa Maya.

“This is a monumental achievement for the people of South Africa in pursuit for justice. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga also congratulated Tatjana Smith, who won South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

READ | Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics

“We wish Tatjana and the entire South African Team the best of luck for the remainder of the tournament,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga also paid tribute to the first cohort of Solar Mamas, who are young South African women, who recently completed their initial training in India.

“The Solar Mama Project aims to cultivate emerging industrialists through Infant Industries Development, Product Development, Market Access and Expansion to domestic, regional and global value chains and networking.

“Through our Solar Mamas Initiative, we are expanding the nurturing of emerging industrialists in the designing, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy components by ordinary young South African women.

“This will continue to be our flagship project after reconceptualization, taking into consideration lessons learnt from the first cohort. We congratulate this group of 22 young women from the Provinces of Limpopo, North West and Free State,” Chikunga said.

Chikunga said the year 2024 is significant as it marks several milestones in the struggle for the emancipation of women and their pursuit for the right to self-determination and self-actualization in all areas of human development.

“Firstly, 2024 marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a declaration of intent by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) which clearly defined the rights and privileges for women by women in South Africa,” the Minister said.

“Secondly, alongside our democratic dispensation, 2024 also marks 30 Years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter for Effective Equality adopted by the National Women’s Coalition Structures in 1994,” the Minister said.

This year’s Women’s Month campaign will take stock of progress made on socio-economic empowerment of women since the advent of democracy and indicate the achievements of the Women Charter.

The 2024 Women’s Month will be commemorated under the theme: ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development.' – SAnews.gov.za  

Edwin
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:54

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Read moreSA commemorates Women’s Month

SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy

Location: News

SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says it is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth and export-oriented economy. 

To this end, the department will support local industries to increase their manufacturing capacity and volumes, enhance their competitiveness and identify suitable export markets for their manufactured products.

Whitfield was speaking during a debate on the Budget Vote of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Tuesday. 

“It is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth.

“Manufacturing is indeed less volatile and less vulnerable to economic downturns and will create real, sustainable and decent paying jobs for our people. 

“South Africa must also create an export-oriented economy. A dedicated focus on manufacturing growth will also lead to export growth,” he said.

Whitfield said one of the dtic’s key focus areas under the new administration will be a renewed export drive to lower the risk of slow domestic growth, while also identifying high growth opportunities. 

“The creation of an export-oriented economy can be realised through a dedicated focus on implementing measures to boost the competitiveness of local industries in global markets, streamlining export processes, lowering trade barriers, offering financial and technical assistance to exporters and cultivating beneficial trade alliances with other nations,” explained Whitfield.

He said South Africa’s exports in May this year totalled over R178 billion and the country recorded a trade surplus of over R20 billion, significantly higher than forecast, and the widest trade surplus in six months. 

“This is commendable and illustrates the important contribution that exports can make to our fiscus. We will support local industries by building a supportive and competitive ecosystem to drive manufacturing growth. 

“We will also identify intermediate goods that could make our manufacturers more competitive; as well as identify products that we produce competitively and the markets that consume those products in large and/or growing volumes,” Whitfield said. 

Earlier this month, dtic Minister Parks Tau reiterated the commitment to “smart industrial policy”, which will support the successful implementation of government’s development imperatives.

READ | The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President

“In line with what the President said [during the Opening of Parliament Address] when talking about smart industrial policy, the dtic group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail and agro-processing sectors.

“Smart industrial policy speaks to underlining beneficiation and export-led growth. It highlights the imperatives of the Public Procurement Act that will complement the essential legislative tools to unlock localisation and transformation.

“Every year the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, it is also out of sync with our developmental needs,” Tau said.

The Minister said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others. He noted that smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:31

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Read moreSA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy

dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

Location: News

dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday. 

Tau was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the debate on his department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday. 

“In the spirit of transparency and in the hopes that we further improve the ease of doing business, we welcome President Ramaphosa’s ascension to the Companies Amendment Act. The Act aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that our company law is consistent with well-established principles that are not over-burdensome on businesses,” he said. 

Tau said the new Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand, as well as addressing public concerns regarding high levels of inequality in society.

“The Act will go a long way in ensuring adherence to sound corporate governance, accountability and transparency, and that directors carry their duties with integrity and care,” he said.

READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business

Tau also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Climate Change Bill into law, saying that all South Africans needed to celebrate its ascension. 

The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response. 

“The signing of the law came at an opportune moment because as the department, we had already taken significant steps towards identifying opportunities in industrial decarbonisation and manufacturing of green products for both local and export markets,” he said.

The Act makes provision for an active role by provinces and municipalities in coordinating the country’s climate change responses, as well as setting emissions targets for manufacturing and related sectors. 

“In this regard, our department has developed the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which will be implemented. 

“In the next few weeks, we will be meeting with provinces and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to map these out further and ensure that we all channel our energies towards building a greener and climate-resilient South African economy,” Tau said.

During his speech, Tau said the department will accelerate the roll out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme in order to achieve better spatial equity.

“Fortunately, there are local success stories we can learn from to accelerate the SEZ model in other under-serviced areas,” he said.

He cited the Coega Industrial Development Zone, which is presently home to 63 firms, employing approximately 10 000 people and with cumulative investments of about R11.5 billion.

Tau told the NCOP that his administration will ensure that industrial opportunities resulting from policy, regulatory and private-sector decisions were maximised to enable manufacturing-led growth. 

“Manufacturing induces or catalyses growth and jobs in upstream and downstream sectors. These jobs are typically permanent, pay relatively decent wages and provide workers with sustainable careers. And as you would agree, these jobs offer a sense of dignity to our citizens and communities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:42

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Empowering Youth From All Communities With Global Job Opportunities

Location: MyPR

Whether you’re a matriculant with limited work experience or someone who didn’t have the opportunity to study further after school, the global business services (GBS) sector offers opportunities for young people from communities throughout South Africa to build successful careers. So, brush aside the belief that traditional career paths, like accounting or law, are the …

Read moreEmpowering Youth From All Communities With Global Job Opportunities

SA Architects Rally to Tackle Housing Shortage Amid rapid Urban Growth

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

South Africa is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 63% of the population already residing in urban areas, a figure projected to rise (https://apo-opa.co/3Yt1Azg) to 71% by 2030. By 2050, it is estimated that eight out of every 10 people in the country will live in urban areas. As a consequence, the demand for basic infrastructure and essential services will significantly increase.

While urbanisation is a worldwide development, the growth rate is the fastest in Africa. By 2035, half of its population (https://apo-opa.co/4d151l7) will be living in cities and urban areas. But so far, it has largely translated into rising informal establishments, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing poverty and inequality.

One of the most pressing issues is the dire state of the architectural profession in the region with too few skills on hand.

“As the demand for proper urban planning and development escalates, so does the need for skilled and competent architects who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive cities. However, the current state of the profession is cause for concern, with various obstacles hindering its progress. One of the most significant challenges is the housing crisis, which creates complex issues for architects,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott at Energy Capital & Power.

The ever-growing urban population has put immense pressure on the limited housing options available, resulting in a dire need for affordable and sustainable solutions. Architects have a crucial role to play in developing innovative and sustainable housing options for all citizens.

“These are the professionals who possess the skills, knowledge, and creativity to design and build the spaces we live and work in. They have the potential to transform our cities and shape them into liveable, inclusive, and sustainable environments. However, the current state of the architectural profession in Southern Africa is hindering its ability to fulfil this critical role,”  Paulsen-Abbott states.

Another big challenge facing the local architectural profession is the lack of collaboration between the public and private sectors, she says. “The development of our cities requires a joint effort from both these sectors, but there is a significant disconnect between them.”

As a result, many projects are abandoned, delayed, or poorly executed, leading to subpar living conditions for citizens. Paulsen-Abbott explains that this disconnect also stems from the inadequate recognition and support for the architectural profession. “Despite its crucial role in shaping our built environment, architecture is often undervalued and underfunded by the public sector,” she says. “This results in a lack of resources and opportunities for architects to develop their skills and push the boundaries of innovation in design.”

To address these pressing issues, the upcoming Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) (https://ArchitectureZA.org.za/) is a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme "Where Architecture Meets... US/ PLANET/ FUTURE..." the conference promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between architecture, humanity and sustainability.

This highly anticipated event, hosted by the SA Institute of Architects (SAIA), Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA), and University of Johannesburg (UJ), will take place from 4-7 September 2024 on the UJ campus.

AZA Convener, Daniel van der Merwe, says: “This conference is a vital opportunity for the architectural profession to come together, collaborate, and find solutions to the challenges facing our cities. By bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, architects can work towards creating more liveable and sustainable cities for all.”

AZA will also serve as a platform for architects to showcase their innovative designs and ideas, encouraging further growth and development within the profession.

“As citizens, we must also realize the importance of the architectural profession in creating a better future for us all. We must demand that our governments prioritise urban planning and development, and allocate sufficient resources and support for the architectural profession,” van der Merwe says. 

“The Architecture South Africa Conference AZA 2024 is a call for united action. We know the challenges South Africa faces, lack of sufficient housing, spatial inequality and ailing infrastructure. As architects our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the end users of the spaces we design, inclusive of everyone in our beautiful country. AZA looks to open the discourse on how we can achieve this. Bringing together thought leaders to empower us all for a bright future,” notes Claire McCusker, President 2024/25 of SA Institute of Architecture (SAIA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

About SAIA:
The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) (https://SAIA.org.za/) is a voluntary association for Professional Architects. SAIA's mission is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members in pursuit of excellence and responsible design. It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The fundamental principles of equality and justice are implicit in our Constitution. SAIA incorporates the nine existing regional institutes: Border-Kei [Eastern Cape], CIfA [Western Cape], Eastern Cape, Free State, GIfA [Gauteng], KZNIA [KwaZulu-Natal], Limpopo, Mpumalanga and PIA [Gauteng].

 About GIfA:
The Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) (www.GIfA.org.za/) boasts a rich legacy, tracing its roots back to 1900 as the Transvaal Institute of Architects. Today, we're dedicated to nurturing architectural excellence and raising awareness of the built environment. Our focused committees explore specific topics, addressing both current and historical issues. Moreover, we offer extensive training and development opportunities to members, ensuring continuous professional growth. Through collaborative endeavors and innovative initiatives, GIfA remains at the forefront of architectural advancement, enriching our profession and the communities we serve in the greater Johannesburg area.

About University of Johannesburg:
At the Department of Architecture (https://apo-opa.co/3YlLbg4), our vision is to become the leading school of architecture on the sub-continent via the pursuit of alternative, progressive, and critical spatial practices. We continually strive to be the embodiment of a design-led school of architecture by exploring the making of contextually responsive and appropriately built environments. Our mission is to broaden the scope of architecture through collaborative processes of innovative design, research, and making. We define our identity as a school of architecture that encourages teaching philosophies and a design-studio culture closely related to the changing nature of contemporary cities, specifically Johannesburg, the city which gives our university its name. We achieve this mission by integrating the physical, theoretical, field, and design studio.

 About Energy Capital & Power:
Energy Capital & Power (ECP) ECP (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) is the leading Africa-focused global energy investment platform. Through events, advisory work, news, online content and investment reports, ECP unites the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewable power generation – and facilitates global and intra-Africa investment and collaboration. ECP is committed to bringing together like-minded people with the common objective of facilitating the critical investments that will power Africa's economies, build communities and shape societies. ECP is the place to meet dealmakers and make deals. The company covers the whole value chain of the energy sector: oil and gas, power generation, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, energy infrastructure, investment and finance and government.

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Read moreSA Architects Rally to Tackle Housing Shortage Amid rapid Urban Growth

Industrial And Mining Solutions From Rs South Africa On Show At Mte Hotazel And Mte Kathu In The Northern Cape

Location: MyPR

RS South Africa, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, will exhibit at MTE Hotazel on 9 July and at MTE Kathu on 11 July, both in the Northern Cape. The Hotazel Complex is situated about 217 km northeast of Upington. It comprises Wessels Mine, …

Read moreIndustrial And Mining Solutions From Rs South Africa On Show At Mte Hotazel And Mte Kathu In The Northern Cape

Industry Leaders Forum at CMA 2024 to Drive Sustainable Mineral Production

Location: News

Energy Capital & Power
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UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed (https://apo-opa.co/3WNr7Cg) a panel dedicated to developing a framework that ensures equity, transparency, sustainability and human rights among critical mineral extraction activities, in April 2024. Uniting government and industry stakeholders, the panel aims to encourage developing countries, including those in Africa – which holds over half of the world's cobalt and manganese reserves and over one-fifth of aluminum and copper reserves – to leverage its critical minerals for enhanced job creation, economic diversification and export revenues.

Reflecting similar priorities, the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit — scheduled for November 6-7 in Cape Town — will host an Industry Leader Forum to explore strategies for ensuring sustainable mineral production and navigating external factors like geopolitical risk, digital transformation and the energy transition. It will also address recent high-level initiatives – from the African Green Minerals Strategy to the global Minerals Security Partnership – and their role in shaping best practices for building resilient mineral supply chains. 

Initiated in 2022 by the African Development Bank, the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) (https://apo-opa.co/3y8dZy4) serves as a comprehensive framework for leveraging the continent's mineral resources for industrialization and the development of green technologies. The AGMS aims to articulate Africa's interests in a rapidly changing world, build and retain local value, create jobs, develop new industries, and foster greener economies, as global demand for transition minerals rises. 

Meanwhile, the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) (https://apo-opa.co/3YpZf87) represents a collaborative effort among 14 countries and the European Union to bolster investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains. Through partnerships with governments and industries, the MSP provides support for strategic projects, particularly focusing on lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, rare earth elements and copper. Given Africa's abundant mineral reserves, collaboration with the MSP is particularly relevant for the continent, enabling responsible mineral extraction and supporting local communities and economies, while advancing global clean energy goals.

In February 2023, MSP partners gathered in South Africa to establish guiding principles for global project development, emphasizing local value addition and maintaining sustainability and ESG standards. Representatives from mineral-rich nations, including non-MSP countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, joined the discussions. The meeting sought to ensure that the growth of critical minerals supply chains benefits all stakeholders equitably, underlining the MSP's commitment to responsible mineral extraction and sustainable development.

Furthering efforts to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of CRMs, the EU launched its Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act in March 2023, as European demand for rare earth metals is expected to increase six-fold by 2030. As part of this initiative, the EU has engaged with several African countries including the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda and Namibia through various MOUs. These agreements aim to foster collaboration within integrating sustainable raw materials value chains, mobilizing funds for infrastructure development, promoting sustainable and responsible production practices, encouraging research and innovation and enhancing capacity building efforts.

Within this context, the Industry Leaders Forum: Driving Innovative Minerals Production at CMA 2024 will explore key trends within the African and global critical minerals landscape. Leaders will discuss how initiatives like the AGMS, MSP and European CRM Act will shape the future of sustainable mineral production and global supply chains.

CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year's edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent's raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Read moreIndustry Leaders Forum at CMA 2024 to Drive Sustainable Mineral Production