MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for global

global

Transforming Financial Markets: The Role of Cloud Computing and Machine Learning in Automated Trade Reporting

Location: MyPR

Introduction In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial markets, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping operational strategies and enhancing efficiency. Among the plethora of technological advancements, cloud computing and machine learning stand out as critical drivers of change. This article delves into how these technologies, along with data engineering and streaming, are revolutionising automated …

Read moreTransforming Financial Markets: The Role of Cloud Computing and Machine Learning in Automated Trade Reporting

The Future of Software Development in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Introduction Software development is a cornerstone of the modern economy, driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors. In South Africa, the software development companies in South Africa landscape is vibrant and evolving, with numerous companies and talented developers contributing to the industry’s growth. Understanding the current state and future trends of software development in South …

Read moreThe Future of Software Development in South Africa

Entrepreneurs Launch Founders Cartel in Johannesburg

Location: MyPR

Today marks the official launch of the Founders Cartel, a dynamic coalition of South Africa’s most promising startups, aimed at revolutionizing the local and global startup ecosystem. The cartel has been formed to help founders in the group share best practices, share knowledge, conduct business among themselves, and consolidate their efforts in pursuing opportunities. The …

Read moreEntrepreneurs Launch Founders Cartel in Johannesburg

Vulture Protection, Wind Farms and Biodiversity in the Eastern Cape: The Complex Interplay

Location: MyPR

Makhanda, 24 May 2024 : The Eastern Cape of South Africa is a region of immense natural beauty and biodiversity. It is also a place where the interests of conservation and renewable energy are currently intersecting in complex ways. On one hand, organizations like VulPro are working tirelessly to protect vultures, a group of birds …

Read moreVulture Protection, Wind Farms and Biodiversity in the Eastern Cape: The Complex Interplay

The Sardine Run is heading for the KZN South Coast: Here’s what you need to know!

Location: MyPR

The ‘Greatest Shoal on Earth’ is set to arrive on the KZN South Coast shores in the coming weeks, bringing with it one of the best ocean spectacles. For those who haven’t experienced the Sardine Run before, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has put together this ‘Sardine Run Starter Pack’ to make things …

Read moreThe Sardine Run is heading for the KZN South Coast: Here’s what you need to know!

The Power of Podcasting – Why You Should Turn Your Passion into a Podcasting Business

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

In today’s digital age, storytelling has found a new and vibrant platform through podcasting. As Nicolas Regisford, founder of the SA Podcast and Music Festival shares, I’ve witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of this industry, particularly in South Africa. The space is so attractive and enticing to content creators, we now need to work the …

Read moreThe Power of Podcasting – Why You Should Turn Your Passion into a Podcasting Business

R2 million to help agricultural sector suppress pest affecting export crops

Location: News

R2 million to help agricultural sector suppress pest affecting export crops

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has handed over a R2 million cheque to the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) to support their Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Programme aimed at suppressing False Codling Moth (FCM).

False Codling Moth is a phytosanitary pest affecting export crops including citrus, table grapes, and stone fruit.

The programme offers immense potential in reducing pests and ensuring that South African agricultural products meet the strict standards required by international markets.

The programme, which uses cutting-edge science, also reduces the reliance on environmentally harmful pesticides and leads to improved fruit quality.

Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said addressing False Codling Moth will contribute to increased export earnings for especially the citrus industry, creating jobs and uplifting rural communities.

“Colonies of False Codling Moth are raised in special facilities where the male and female insects are sterilised using radiation from the isotope Cobalt-60 and are safely released in large numbers. Females mated with sterile males then lay eggs that do not hatch. A large decline in the pest population follows,” Meyer said.

Meyer said the trials for the programme in Citrusdal began in 2005 through a collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“The successes that followed lead to the founding of X Sterile Insect Technique (X-SIT). X-SIT now administers the SIT programme lending the programme their expertise.

“Despite its immense potential, the SIT programme faces challenges in that it is expensive. The high cost of SIT compared to cheaper but much less sustainable alternatives threatens its long-term viability,” Meyer said.

The MEC said the programme currently covers 20 400 hectares but has the potential to expand to over 4 ,000 hectares with adequate funding, and this could facilitate the creation of an estimated 50 job opportunities.

Meyer said the Citrus Growers Association has emphasised the critical need for financial support to sustain and grow the program, ensuring the continued production of export-quality residue-free fruit.

Meyer said the entire programme is currently funded by citrus and table grape growers who use the service themselves.

However, he said, the R2 million funding would alleviate some of the financial burden of the Western Cape growers and help ensure the continuation and expansion of this vital pest management strategy.

"Our support for the SIT programme underscores our commitment to a sustainable agricultural sector. This funding will help secure the future of our citrus industry, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market while protecting our environment and creating jobs,” Meyer said.

Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick expressed his gratitude, saying the support from the provincial government is a significant boost for X-SIT and everyone involved.

“The CGA hopes this type of agricultural innovation will find widespread support, as developing new technologies, though essential, does not come cheaply," Chadwick said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:49

100 views
Read moreR2 million to help agricultural sector suppress pest affecting export crops

Construction of Stellantis forges ahead

Location: News

Construction of Stellantis forges ahead

The final building blocks have been laid for the establishment of South Africa’s latest automotive manufacturing site, paving the way for construction to begin at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape.

Stellantis, the world’s third biggest automotive manufacturer by volume, and South Africa’s largest development funder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have concluded key milestones that will lead to a joint venture. 

The investment estimated at R3 billion is expected to facilitate the creation of massive employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape. 

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), which is supplying the ground on which the factory will be built, has begun preparing the site for the start of construction.

“I welcome the progress made with concluding all modalities with Stellantis that will enable construction to commence this year and start of production of a new auto model to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2025,” said Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The SA auto industry is Africa’s largest producer of cars, bakkies and trucks and this new investment by Stellantis will consolidate the country’s position, helping us to achieve the goal of producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035.

“The biggest attractions for new investors are the size of the domestic market, together with the auto industry masterplan, which supports local production for both South Africa and export markets,” said the Minister.

He added that Stellantis has a strong growth vision with an excellent range of vehicles in its global stable. 

“We look forward through this investment to increasing the range of locally manufactured cars available to motorists,” Patel said.

The Minister said it was heartening to see the manner in which the combination of expertise within the collective of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the IDC, CDC and Stellantis united to form a cross functional team that is making excellent progress.

“It’s this teamwork that will realise not only having Stellantis as SA’s eighth OEM, but most importantly in realising the plans for employment and investment in South Africa and support our industrialisation drive. 

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Stellantis and South Africa,” Minister Patel said.

Stellantis Middle East Africa (MEA) COO, Samir Cherfan, Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield, IDC interim CEO David Jarvis, including CDC Acting CEO Themba Khoza agreed with Patel’s sentiment stating that progress made so far was in line with their respective organisation’s strategic development goals.

“The construction of this plant is critical to Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This strategy also speaks to the South African industrialisation plan which is a very important tool in helping us achieve our target to produce a million units in the MEA region by 2030 – a factor that will help us attain 22% market share in this region. 

“Our medium to long-term objective is to ensure that 90% of vehicles sold in the MEA region are sourced from our production plants in this region,” said Cherfan.

The project is a major vote of confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and as a gateway into Africa. 

“We are very proud of being involved in this; the construction of this plant is a major statement of faith in this country and the capacity of South Africans to be entrusted with running a project of this magnitude. 

“This is a factory of which we can all be proud of, not just because of what it will represent to the people of the Eastern Cape, but also because of the technological advances that it will incorporate and the environmentally conscious way that it has been planned, will be built and will be operated,” Cherfan added.

All fauna and flora have been successfully removed from the site and rehomed as per the environmental impact study conducted by Coega.

Coega Acting CEO Themba Koza said: “Coega is focused on delivering the finest plant for Stellantis, reinforcing the Coega SEZ as an automotive hub in the country, in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. 

“The impending construction of the Stellantis factory has acted as a catalyst to other investors. We have had numerous requests to support the automotive sector in Coega and to rapidly grow our planned supplier park.”

IDC’s Jarvis said the new company to house the Stellantis-IDC JV is on track to be registered. 

“The milestones concluded thus far will help to kick start a project that will significantly improve the economic fortunes of the Eastern Cape,” Jarvis said. 

He added that the IDC is pleased to be partnering with such a reputable automotive manufacturing company of Stellantis’s stature. 

“Stellantis’s success with other manufacturing plants around the world is well-known. Together, we are highlighting the IDC’s intent to continually participate and drive investment to develop the regional automobile value chain,” Jarvis said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 12:44

536 views
Read moreConstruction of Stellantis forges ahead

Trailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

Location: News

Trailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late retired Justice of the Constitutional Court, Yvonne Mokgoro, as “a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice”.

The President was delivering the eulogy at Mogkoro’s Special Official Funeral Category 1 held at the Bryanston Catholic Church in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Mokgoro died earlier this month following an illustrious legal career which included her appointment as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994 – a position she held for some 15 years.

“We gather here today to lay to rest a great South African, a champion of human rights, an outstanding jurist and an icon of gender justice.

“Through her life and through her work, Imbokodo Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was a pioneer. In so many respects, her legacy is a tribute to resilience, to principled activism and to steadfastness, no matter how great the obstacle or how difficult the climb,” he said.

Mokgoro’s appointment to the Constitutional Court in democratic South Africa was born out of dedication to the legal service over many years.

She was inspired to join the fraternity by Pan Africanist Congress leader, lawyer and anti-apartheid activist, Robert Sobukwe, who represented her following arrest due to her protesting against ill treatment of young black men by the Apartheid era police in the 1970s.

“Reaching that pinnacle was not a simple progression. It did not come easy. It was the culmination of many years of hard work.

“Her appointment to the Constitutional Court was the product of many years of both formal and self-study to better herself and to advance in her chosen profession. It was the fulfilment of a dream in which she never lost faith, even while working in a host of different jobs, as a nursing assistant, a retail salesperson and as a clerk.

“It was a progression from a successful career as a legal academic when she produced ground-breaking research on customary law. This all at a time when our jurisprudence and case law around this subject were still evolving. It was an achievement that followed decades of building a rigorous and demanding career,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the President, Mokgoro’s life as a black woman and living under apartheid and then democracy is a reflection of the lives of many black women in South Africa.

“The life of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was the life of untold numbers of black women in this country under apartheid, who bore the triple burden of race, class and gender. She sought to carve a path for herself at a time when the odds were stacked heavily against women, and against black women in particular.

“And yet she went forth with courage, with determination, and with the humility that was her trademark. It is because she understood these struggles so keenly, because she had experienced them first-hand, that Justice Mokgoro was such a passionate and ardent advocate for gender justice,” he said.

Champion for social justice

This, according to the President, triggered the “humanism and commitment to social justice” that she brought to the bench and even after she retired.

This was reflected in her work in South Africa and abroad.

“Between 2016 and 2020, Justice Mokgoro chaired the [United Nations] Internal Justice Council, which is tasked with ensuring independence, professionalism and accountability in the administration of the justice system of the UN.

“In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd in the United States in 2020, which gave birth to the global Black Lives Matter movement, the UN Human Rights Council set up an Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law-Enforcement. Justice Mokgoro was appointed as its first chair.

“As South Africa we are immensely proud that our jurists are held in such high regard internationally on matters of human rights, racial discrimination and gender justice,” President Ramaphosa said.

Turning to Mokgoro’s family, the President said South Africans “we share in your sorrow”.

“May you be comforted by the knowledge that Justice Mokgoro’s life and works continue to inspire and to guide.

“May we all have her courage. May we all have her resilience. May we all, in reflecting on her legacy, be reminded of our duty to help build a South Africa of true equality, of freedom and of human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 13:39

376 views
Read moreTrailblazer and legal icon, retired Justice Yvonne Mokgoro laid to rest

Enhancing Brand Visibility with Bulk-Branded Padded Puffer Insulated Jackets

Location: MyPR

Introduction   In the world of corporate promotions, apparel plays a pivotal role in enhancing brand visibility and fostering a sense of unity among employees. Among the myriad options available, padded puffer insulated jackets stand out as a particularly effective choice. These jackets not only offer practical benefits like warmth and comfort but also serve …

Read moreEnhancing Brand Visibility with Bulk-Branded Padded Puffer Insulated Jackets

International Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources

Location: News

International Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources

As the world celebrates International Day for Biodiversity (IDB), Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Barbara Creecy, has called on all South Africans to participate in restoring and protecting South Africa’s biological resources.

The United Nations (UN) has proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biodiversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

This year’s theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’, focuses on everyone’s commitment to preserve biodiversity and stop and reverse biodiversity loss. 

The department said Cabinet recently approved the White Paper on the Conservation and the Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity as the guiding framework, which sets out the goals and objectives aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 

“South Africa is rich in biodiversity, which is crucial for our ecosystems to function effectively, providing us with clean air, water and medicinal resources amongst the many benefits we derive. The White Paper is a milestone achievement for South Africa, as it is aspirational and advocates for a society where all people have a high quality of life, a voice and a nurturing earth supporting them,” said Creecy.

According to the department, the White Paper also promotes the equitable benefits of biodiversity for South Africa’s current and future generations. 

Strategic objectives have been set, including the improvement of biodiversity management to strengthen the economy, rural development, job creation, and social well-being.

“The IDB celebration complements South Africa’s initiatives aimed at realising the White Paper’s objective for the conservation and sustainable use of our biodiversity to have an inclusive, transformed society living in harmony with nature,” Creecy explained. 

As countries gear up for the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention to Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) to be held in Colombia later this year, the Minister said it was imperative to remind the international community of their commitments to the GBF. 

This includes adequately funding and capacitating developing countries to ensure they can implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). 

The NBSAP includes mobilising the public towards practices that sustain biodiversity’s long-term benefits by incorporating indigenous knowledge and citizen science which are essential to support the sustainable management and use of biodiversity.

“I encourage business, environmentalists, academia and civil society to engage with the policies and strategies to determine how each can contribute to the targets of conserving our precious natural assets. Your actions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on preserving the diversity of life on our planet for current and future generations.

“Together, let’s celebrate biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:54

398 views
Read moreInternational Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources

High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition

Location: News

High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has called on local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition. 

The department made the call during a recent District Eskom Expo held at Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
 
The South African Youth Water Prize competition is an important part of the department's education programme and it aims to educate learners and society on various water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species. 

The competition targets Grades 9, 10, and 11 learners who possess innovative ideas and projects that can help tackle the water and sanitation crisis in their communities.

The competition starts at the provincial level to the national level, and then proceeds to the global level in Stockholm, Sweden. 

Mphothulo Eulicia from the department’s Gauteng regional office said taking part in the South African Youth Water Prize is a step towards empowering youth to become future leaders in water resource management. 

“By encouraging innovation and creativity, the department is nurturing a new generation of problem solvers who can help create a sustainable water future for South Africa,” Eulicia said.

During the District Eskom Expo, the department presented the SAYWP to mobilise schools for the 2025 adjudications and encouraged them to start their preparations early. 

Eulicia said that out of the 11 schools who were present at the expo, only five were recognised for the 2025 South African Youth Water Prize, which indicates the high level of competition and the need for schools to immediately start planning and working on their projects.

She said participating in the SAYWP can potentially change the life of a learner for the better, and emphasised the importance of not letting such opportunity slip by. 

“The prizes awarded to winners of the competition are quite substantial, including bursaries, laptops, trophies, and cash prizes, among others. These prizes can serve as a stepping stone for the youth towards a brighter future.

“By engaging in these competitions, students not only have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges but also stand a chance to win valuable prizes that can positively impact their educational and career trajectories,” Eulicia said.

A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg earned the top spot in the provincial leg of this year’s National South African Youth Water Prize competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.

Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.

The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second-place trophy. 

The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.

Interested schools can access more information at https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/SAYWP/contact.aspx or contact Reshoketswe Malepe at MalepeM@dws.gov.za or on 083 8643 493. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:49

361 views
Read moreHigh schools called to participate in youth water prize competition

World Rugby Selects Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for Capgemini University’s International Sports Management Program

Location: Sport
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF)

World Rugby has proudly announced the selection of Nigerian Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme for 2024 and 2025. This prestigious program aims to elevate the visibility of female leaders within the rugby community and accelerate the development of the women's and girls' game, in the lead-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.

Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, 37, hails from Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha LGA in Anambra State, Nigeria. She is one of only four individuals selected from Africa and one of 25 chosen globally by World Rugby to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Joining her from Africa are Ingrid Sibusisiwe Mangcu from South Africa, Nour Khaled from Tunisia, and Menna Sedky from Egypt.

Participants in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme will gain access to top-tier learning opportunities through the Capgemini University. Each scholar will be paired with a mentor appointed by World Rugby as well as a Capgemini coach. Additionally, they are eligible to apply for an extra discretionary grant of up to £5,000 to support their development and learning.

An excited Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo shared her enthusiasm with NRFF media, stating, "This is a significant achievement for Nigeria, and it will help inspire other women to reach for the sky. I am really excited about this program because it means so much to me and for the growth of the game in my locality and Nigeria at large. I hope I can bring whatever I learn back home and implement it to foster the development of rugby in the country."

Earlier this year, Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo was awarded a similar scholarship by Rugby Africa to study Sports Management at the Lunex University of Luxembourg. This accolade marked the first time a Nigerian received such recognition from Rugby Africa, highlighting her pioneering role in advancing the sport within her country.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ademola Are, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is opening new opportunities for Nigerians to embrace rugby and encouraging greater female participation in the sport. The federation's efforts are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in rugby, ensuring the sport's growth and development across Nigeria and beyond.

Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo's selection for this international program not only brings honor to Nigeria but also underscores the country's potential to produce world-class talent and leaders in the sport of rugby. As she prepares to embark on this journey, the entire nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to see the positive impact she will make on the global stage and back home.

Office of the President of
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).

Media files
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF)
Download logo
Read moreWorld Rugby Selects Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for Capgemini University’s International Sports Management Program

Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria

Location: News

Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria

The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility - the continent’s first nuclear medicine research facility, which features a cyclotron for producing isotopes used in radiation therapy – was officially opened on Tuesday, in Pretoria.

The NuMeRI will provide consolidated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences, creating significant research, development and innovation capacity in South Africa and will assist in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who opened the facility, told guests the world-class facility is a product of South Africa’s long-standing cooperation with the European Union (EU) that dates back to 2012. 

Under this agreement, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) collaborated with the EU to develop a South African first Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) for the country. 

“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” said the Minister, adding that the NuMeRI was an important pillar in this effort.

The NuMeRI is a one-stop-shop medical imaging facility dedicated to drug development and imaging-based clinical research and open to all researchers who will benefit from imaging in their product development.

“It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials,” he explained. 

In addition, the NuMeRI’s capabilities will contribute to the precision medicine approach and targeted personalised therapies being developed in South Africa.

Governance 

To ensure efficient governance and management, the two partners, the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, agreed to the establishment of a NuMeRI not-for-profit company (NPC).  

The University of Pretoria and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) are founding members of the NPC and draw on the knowledge of officials of the DSI, who are actively involved in the implementation of the NuMeRI.

The first phase of NuMeRI, established and hosted at Necsa for three years was made possible by an investment of close to R150 million between 2016 and 2019.  The second phase of implementation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital started in the 2020/21 financial year with an investment of approximately R390 million since 2020 by the DSI. 

Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria also received an additional R85 million for the NuMeRI building.

Human resource 

According to the Nzimande, it is anticipated that this infrastructure will triple the current clinical PhDs and increase six-fold basic science PhDs. 

To date, 20 Masters and 15 PhD students have completed their studies with a further 17 Master’s degrees and 22 PhD students finishing their studies. 

Meanwhile, the NuMeRI’s research activities advance the objectives and priorities of the National Department of Health, strengthening the nuclear medicine capacity in South Africa and beyond its borders in Africa. 

It also enhances South African research in medicinal chemistry, expediting the development of drugs to address national priority diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis, enabling new pharmaceuticals to reach the market sooner, and giving South African pharmaceutical development a competitive edge with global equivalents.

The research will be mainly in oncology and will cover other communicable and non-communicable diseases. 

“The opening of this facility represents yet another important milestone in the development of scientific infrastructure for our country and this is embodied in the fact that the NuMeRI is the first of its kind on the African continent.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 15:51

110 views
Read moreNzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria

President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call

Location: News

President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call

President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a bilateral telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

According to a statement by the Presidency, the conversation was a positive and constructive discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

The statement said the two leaders also discussed the need for more engagement to address global peace and reaffirmed shared respect for international law.

“They both welcomed the recent bilateral South Africa-European Union Political and Security Dialogue Forum, and the Human Rights Dialogue held in Pretoria on 26 and 27 February 2024, and they agreed to continue stepping up cooperation to support stability and prosperity.

“In this regard, both Presidents discussed the importance of upholding the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity notably in Ukraine. Furthermore, both Presidents stressed the importance of addressing urgently the situation in the Middle East, notably reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance, recalling the orders of the International Court of Justice in this respect,” the Presidency said.

On matters relating to tensions in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, “both underlined the importance of a political solution” in that country and also called for an “immediate and durable ceasefire” in Sudan.

Globally, the two leaders agreed to closer working relations in the run up to and during South Africa’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 in 2025 “including on the protection and advancement of multilateral cooperation and the international rules-based order”.

The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union – which has brought economic and social dividends for both parties – also came under discussion.

“They welcomed recent engagements in Brussels and in Pretoria to deepen and expand the partnership to new areas of mutual interest, such as strategic value chains in the sectors of green hydrogen, critical minerals and vaccines, which will also support progress in regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“Against this framework of close and regular cooperation, both Presidents agreed to hold a bilateral Summit at earliest convenience,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:39

391 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call

Calling all creatives! New free eLearning platform helps you turn your passion into profit

Location: Business
British Council

At this month's SoCreative Summit 2024, the British Council (www.BritishCouncil.org) launched its hotly anticipated new eLearning platform, SoCreative; a series of free online courses designed to help aspiring African entrepreneurs grow sustainable creative businesses, supporting them in their journeys.

The fifth edition of the annual, highly-popular SoCreative Summit, hosted by British Council and Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) in partnership with PACE, took place at the vibrant Victoria Yards venue in Johannesburg. Dubbed a ‘gift' to the creative industries given that there is no charge, the Summit was attended by cultural makers, artists, fashion designers and anyone deserving of the title ‘creative' – both in-person and virtually, serving as a platform to nurture innovation and promote the growth and vitality of Africa's creative economy.

The launch of the SoCreative eLearning platform coincides with the culmination of the SoCreative Summit annual series. Explains Farai Bayai Ncube, Regional Arts Director Sub-Saharan Africa: British Council: “This final summit's theme, ‘Emergence', embodies the complete dedication, creativity, and vision of our delegates and partners who have contributed to its success over the past five years.

“By this same token, the emergence of our SoCreative eLearning programme will serve in its legacy, and like the summit itself, is free to those who wish to gain knowledge.”

Ncube says that the SoCreative eLearning programme was developed by academic practitioners within Africa and the United Kingdom's creative economies, and aims to fill the creative knowledge business gaps that exist in the ecosystem. “The challenges facing creative entrepreneurs have been revealed in previous summits and multiple conversations with our programme stakeholders, and so we have developed the platform in an attempt to address these shortfalls through fostering an ecosystem in which young entrepreneurs can thrive.”

The SoCreative eLearning platform is aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs who want to turn their creative pursuits into sustainable, fulfilling business endeavours. The free, self-paced courses are designed to guide users through the entire process; from learning about Africa's creative industry to finding the right market for their ideas, distinguishing their businesses, finding investors, business management skills and more. The courses include: Launching your Creative Enterprise, Growing your Creative Enterprise, Social Impact through Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy Policy.

Upon completing the programme, participants receive a certificate of achievement, which makes them eligible to apply for ongoing support through mentoring, coaching, incubation and acceleration creative economy programmes via the British Council's network within participating countries.

Says Skinder Hundal, Global Arts Director: British Council: “While this may be the final summit in this format, we will continue to create platforms that enable young people to lead innovation, to become visionaries and to shape their futures. The impact of this investment and collaboration will inspire future global leaders, making a positive impact in Africa and the world in the years to come.”

Register for the SoCreative courses here: https://apo-opa.co/3wITzuA

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British Council.

Issued by:
MSL

Media queries:
Roxanne Manning
roxanne@rvmcommunications.co.za
+27 76 826 8333

About the British Council:
The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. In 2019-2020 we reached over 75 million people directly and 758 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive a 14.5 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. www.BritishCouncil.org

Media files
British Council
Download logo
Read moreCalling all creatives! New free eLearning platform helps you turn your passion into profit

MPA Day attracts international support from world-renowned conservationists

Location: MyPR

The 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day on 1 August 2024 welcomes even more support from around the world as the event continues to grow. Themed Celebrating MPAs – for People and for Nature, MPA Day invites people across the globe to recognise the importance of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. Joining the …

Read moreMPA Day attracts international support from world-renowned conservationists