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11 February 2024

President Ramaphosa to attend Football for Humanity match

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend Football for Humanity match

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today attend the Football for Humanity match between the Palestinian national team and the South African Football Association (SAFA) Third Division at Cape Town's Athlone Stadium.

The Football for Humanity international showpiece, held under the theme, 'Peace, Hope, and Solidarity', aims to provide Palestinian players with the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport in conditions of peace and sound infrastructure.

The Presidency said the event symbolises South Africa's historic solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle against illegal occupation and violent excesses by the State of Israel.

The Football for Humanity event will showcase the Palestine National Football Team in two exhibition matches on Sunday, 11 February and Sunday, 18 February 2023 at the Athlone Stadium.

The second match, also to be held at Athlone Stadium, will feature a South African Invitational XI facing off against the Palestinian visitors in the Freedom Cup.

The Palestinian National Football Team, fresh from their historic achievement in the Asia Cup, where they qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time, touched down in Cape Town on 8 February 2024.

The South African side will be coached by football legends, Boebie Solomons, Dr Jomo Sono and Farouk Khan, adding a significant layer of expertise and leadership to the occasion.

The Presidency said the match holds great significance, as it takes place on a day embedded in the history of South Africa and in a momentous period for the Palestinian solidarity movement.

“It was on this day, 11 February, in 1990 that former President Nelson Mandela was released from prison, marking the victory of the liberation struggle against apartheid.

“It is noteworthy that the matches occur in the 30th year of South African freedom, a time when South Africa has taken decisive and historic steps on the global stage in the fight for Palestine's liberation and the end of the conflict in Gaza,” the Presidency said in a statement.

According to the Presidency, the Palestine Football Association has expressed enthusiasm about participating in these matches, recognising their focus on humanity and peace.

“The Football for Humanity match is poised to be a fitting display of the power of sport to promote peace and unity, echoing the sentiments of former President Mandela, who believed that sport has the unique ability to unite people in ways little else can,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 08:35

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10 February 2024

Free Entry To The Icc U19 Men’s Cwc Final India Vs Australia

Location: Sport

BENONI: The future of cricket takes centre stage in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, as India and Australia bring the heat in the...

9 February 2024

Pietermaritzburg Teen Aims for U.S. Tour with Support from Celebrated Academic Cousin, Nhlakanipho Mkhize

Location: MyPR

Nhlakanipho Mkhize, a distinguished 33-year-old academic originally from Imbali Township, Pietermaritzburg, and now residing in Springs, east of Johannesburg, embodies the belief that education is the key to unlocking boundless opportunities. Now, he’s embarked on a mission close to his heart: to pay forward the transformative power of education to his cousin, Busiswa Kuzwayo, aged …

9 February 2024

Silicon Savannah: A solution to bottlenecked universities and shattered dreams

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, 2024 – Despite the recent matric results boasting a 40.9 percent Bachelor’s pass rate, a sense of disappointment, disillusionment, and desperation is sweeping over the class of 2023 as a cruel enigma looms. Inclusion, accessibility, and affordability is bottlenecking the potential of South Africa’s (SA) youth, stifling the aspirations of countless young minds and …

9 February 2024

The Earthshot Prize Announces Earthshot Week and Awards in Cape Town this November

Location: News

The Earthshot Prize will travel to Cape Town, South Africa this November for Earthshot Week 2024, featuring The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony. Across five days of landmark events, The Earthshot Prize will celebrate the groundbreaking work of fifteen global environmental solutions and convene leading innovators, Earthshot Alumni, partners, investors and philanthropists for inspiring conversations and action on catalysing solutions to protect and restore our planet.

The Earthshot Prize is an ambitious global environmental prize which aims to discover and help scale the world's most innovative climate and environmental solutions to protect and restore our planet. The Prize is centered around five ‘Earthshots'; simple but aspirational goals to ensure our communities, oceans and ecosystems can thrive together in harmony for generations to come.

This year, The Earthshot Prize will bring its annual celebration to South Africa for the first time, following events in London in 2021, Boston in 2022 and Singapore in 2023. Over the coming months, a rigorous selection process will unearth fifteen Finalists from around the world, of whom five will be awarded a £1 million (R23 800 000,00) prize to scale their solutions, during the ceremony in Cape Town.

Hannah Jones, CEO of The Earthshot Prize said: “This is the Earthshot Decade, a decade in which we must, by 2030, reduce CO2 emissions by over 40 percent, and protect 30 percent of nature, oceans, and freshwater. The nominations to The Earthshot Prize remind us that human ingenuity, grit and determination can turn the seemingly impossible into the new normal. We're delighted to be working with changemakers and partners across Africa to spotlight the incredible innovation emerging across the continent, to convene courageous conversations about scale and finance, and to partner with young creators and filmmakers to tell the story of changemakers across Africa.”

Nearly 400 nominees for this year's Prize are Africa-based, highlighting the trailblazing creativity and innovation across the continent with the potential to inspire optimism and provide pathways to transformative change around the world. One of The Prize's inspiring 2023 finalists was Cape Town's ABALOBI, a non-profit partnership between fishers and scientists aimed at protecting small-scale fishing communities while arming their customers with better information about the origin of their seafood.

Despite contributing the least to global warming and having the lowest emissions, Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change. In 2022 alone, more than 110 million people across Africa were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards according to the World Meteorological Organization. Yet in the face of these challenges, nearly all African countries have committed to enhancing climate action through reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience.

Earthshot Week will begin with The Prize's annual Awards Ceremony, an evening of extraordinary storytelling and star-studded performances, celebrating the work of the fifteen Earthshot Prize finalists. The ceremony will be followed by Earthshot+, a day of thought-provoking conversations aimed at multiplying the impact of The Earthshot Prize Winners and Finalists.

During Earthshot Week, Cape Town will also play host to the annual Earthshot Fellowship Retreat which will kickstart the yearlong Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. The programme is a key element of the wrap-around support that each cohort of fifteen Finalists receives in addition to the £1 million prize, providing mentorship, resources and technical support, helping to accelerate the growth of each groundbreaking solution. That support includes access to the Prize's robust network of the world's largest businesses, philanthropists, investors and environmental organizations committed to climate action.

The Prize has recently completed its annual nominations process, culminating in nearly 2500 entries submitted from 432 Official Nominators from around the world, doubling the nominations from any previous year. Nearly 400 of the 2024 nominations are headquartered in Africa, three times more than in any previous set of nominations. The fifteen new finalists chosen this year will be emblematic of a growing global movement of innovators, gamechangers and entrepreneurs creating transformative solutions that, if scaled, could accelerate a green, just transition to a net zero world.

The Prize's first three cohorts of 45 Finalists have already driven incredible impact to repair and regenerate our planet with more than 1.5 million people benefiting directly from their solutions. Over 7,000 hectares of land and almost 2.1 million hectares of ocean have been protected or restored, while over 35,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions have been reduced, avoided or sequestered. The Prize's 2023 Finalists, announced this past autumn, are well on their way to creating similar impact.

The Earthshot Prize is proud to partner with MultiChoice Group to bring Earthshot Week to Africa. As a member of The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance of Partners, the MultiChoice Group is part of a global network of non-profit and international organizations committed to the environment and sustainable development. It is one of the fastest-growing entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. In partnership with MultiChoice, The Earthshot Prize will provide a platform to African Youth Creators to spotlight and celebrate African solutions and the people behind them.

Imtiaz Patel, MultiChoice Group Chairman, said: “As the leading entertainment company in Africa, we are immensely proud to be the African Broadcast partner for Earthshot Prize at such a monumental time. This marks the first time the prestigious prize comes to our continent.

MultiChoice is well positioned to not only amplify the urgent message of climate change but also to inspire and galvanize innovators, corporate partners, and governments to prioritize sustainable solutions. This partnership signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Africa, and we look forward to playing a pivotal role in advancing the goals of The Earthshot Prize.”

The 2024 Earthshot Prize Finalists will be unveiled in September. More details about The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony and Earthshot Week in Cape Town will be released in due course.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Contact:
For The Earthshot Prize:
earthshotprize@fgsglobal.com

For MultiChoice Group:
Litlhare.moteetee@multichoice.co.za

Follow The Earthshot Prize on:
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About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in the The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyse an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.

The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year.

The Global Alliance Founding Partners are a group of leading global organizations and philanthropists, which act as strategic funding partners to the Prize, including Aga Khan Development Network, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Breakthrough Energy Foundation, Coleman Family Ventures, DP World in partnership with Dubai EXPO 2020, Eleven Eleven Foundation, Holch Povlsen Foundation, Jack Ma Foundation, Law Family Charitable Foundation, Legado Para A Juventude, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Marc and Lynne Benioff, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Rob Walton Foundation, Sandy and Paul Edgerley, Standard Chartered Bank, Temasek Trust and Wyc Grousbeck and Emilia Fazzalari.

Global Alliance Partners are non-profit environment and sustainable development organizations that bring expertise, global reach and serve as nominating organizations each year. For full list see website: Global Alliance - Earthshot Prize.

Global Alliance Members are some of the world's largest and most influential companies and brands that will support The Earthshot Prize, implement ambitious changes within their businesses and accelerate the advancement of the solutions of Prize Finalists and Winners.

They are: Arup, Bloomberg L.P., Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hitachi, Ingka Group (IKEA), Microsoft, The Multichoice Group, Natura &Co, Safaricom, Salesforce, Unilever, Vodacom Group and Walmart. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthShotPrize.org.

About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services more than 22m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to provide audiences with only the best local, sport and international content.

MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market. Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television.

(DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets. Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.

MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.

MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.

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9 February 2024

President calls for two-State solution to conclude Israel’s war on Gaza

Location: News

President calls for two-State solution to end Israel's war on Gaza

President Cyril Ramaphosa has once again used his public platform to reiterate his call for a two-State solution between Israel and Palestine and condemn the killing of civilians.

“Guided by the fundamental principle of human rights and freedom, we have taken up the
Palestinian cause to prevent further deaths and destruction in Gaza,” President Ramaphosa said during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night.

The country’s first citizen also took the time to welcome the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians.

South Africa approached the top UN court last year to request to order Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza, and also to ask the court to find the Israeli government guilty of committing acts of genocide.

The ICJ ruling delivered last month found that it was “plausible” that Israel committed acts which violated the Genocide Convention.

The ruling issued by the ICJ ordered six provisional measures, including for Israel to refrain from acts under the Genocide Convention, prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide, and take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

“We condemn the killing of civilians on all sides and call on all parties involved in the conflict to commit to a peace process that will deliver a two-state solution.

“Today, every South African can hold their heads high, confident that we have assumed our rightful place on the world stage,” President Ramaphosa said.

The Head of State said South Africa remains committed to playing a constructive role on the continent and around the globe for the realisation of a better Africa and world.

“We will continue to play an important role in silencing the guns throughout our continent.”

During his televised address, he said government's involvement in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through the Africa Peace Initiative is progressing with various parties.

“We engage in these peace efforts because we believe that even the most intractable conflicts can be brought to an end through negotiations.”

In addition, he said the country will continue to use its foreign policy to pursue developmental goals.

“During our leadership of BRICS last year, we witnessed a new chapter for the BRICS family of countries.”

President Ramaphosa labelled the expansion of the group from five to 10 members as an opportunity for trade and a strengthening of political and diplomatic ties between countries in the global South.

“We will build on the progress we have made in establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will transform South Africa’s economy and that of the continent by creating new jobs and increasing economic participation.”

The President also vowed that the country will place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda when South Africa hosts the G20 in 2025.

“The achievements over the last three decades are a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership to address our most pressing challenges.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 22:24

518 views

8 February 2024

American Hospital Dubai opens three medical tourism offices in Nigeria endorsed by Dubai Health Authority as fragment of 30-office expansion in Africa and Eastern Europe

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, February 7, 2024: RivExcel and American Hospital Dubai recently partnered and launched three medical tourism offices in Nigeria. This expansion will facilitate greater access to premium healthcare services, reflecting both organizations’ dedication to enhancing global health outcomes. Part of the expansion plan is to have 30 offices across crucial Africa and Eastern Europe locations. …

8 February 2024

Two people are killed in gang violence in the Western Cape every day

Location: News

At least 74 were bystanders

7 February 2024

Cloudy conditions expected ahead of SONA

Location: News

Cloudy conditions expected ahead of SONA

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) predicts a cloudy start to Thursday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), with skies clearing in the afternoon and moderate winds.

“There will be a cloudy start to the day but clearing up as the day progresses and becoming more partly cloudy to sunny conditions later on for tomorrow,” the SAWS told SAnews.

The SAWS predicts mild temperatures around mid-20 degrees Celsius with a moderate south-westerly wind expected throughout the day.

“There is a weak cold front that is passing through tonight and if there’s any rain, it will be through the night or the early hours of tomorrow morning,” the SAWS explained.

This as all roads lead to the Cape Town City Hall where President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his highly anticipated SONA.

The address is an opportunity for the President to account to the nation on government's work and to set the State’s programme of action.

The President's speech will touch on the general state of South Africa, and reflect on a wide range of political, economic and social matters within the domestic and global contexts.

The address will be followed by a two-day joint debate on his address and he will then reply to issues raised in the debates.

During this important joint sitting of Parliament, the President usually also makes key government announcements.

Activities prior to the President delivering the SONA include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft fly-past, a ceremonial guard and the step guard salute.

There will also be the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and ceremonial processions involving provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.

The President will be ushered into the National Assembly by praise singer, Senziwe Hatty Maliba, a 24-year-old from Nkomazi in Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 14:12

260 views

7 February 2024

Industry and Competition Committee Approves World Trade Organisation (WTO) Fisheries Subsidies Ratification

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition yesterday approved the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) agreement on the ratification of fisheries subsidies.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition briefed the committee on the ratification of the agreement and sought the committee's approval to ratify the completed first phase of the agreement, as recommended by Cabinet.

Committee Chairperson Ms Judy Hermans said that implementing the agreement will contribute to a better world by reducing pressure on global fish stocks. In addition, the ratification will allow South Africa to meet the United Nation's sustainable development goal of prohibiting and eliminating certain forms of fisheries subsidies, including those that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Such fishing costs Africa over $2.3 billion in economic losses every year, according to estimates from the African Union Commission.

The meeting also heard that the agreement contributes to environmental sustainability provisions in the South African government's National Development Plan, in particular, sustaining South Africa's marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the sustainable management of global fisheries and fish stocks is in South Africa's interests, in particular, the interests of communities dependent on this resource for their livelihood.

According to the presentation, the first phase of the agreement was adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference, which was held in Geneva in June 2022. It sets new binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fishing subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world's fish stocks. The agreement recognises and provides for special and differential treatment to address the needs of developing and least-developed countries, albeit in the form of transitional periods.

The agreement also establishes a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help signatory countries implement the obligations. It further prohibits support for IUU fishing and bans support for fishing overfished stocks, as well as subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

The committee heard that negotiations on the more contentious issues relating to overfishing and overcapacity will continue in the second phase. This phase of negotiations will focus on delivering a comprehensive agreement at the 13th Ministerial Conference, which will continue this month in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Such recommendations will cover additional provisions that will address overcapacity and overfishing and are necessary to comply with the mandate of the United Nations SDG 14.6.

The committee also heard that the completed first phase of the agreement is a tool for better fisheries management that will strengthen South African and global sustainable fisheries management systems through transparency requirements. It will also provide a way to improve data collection on the stock status of vulnerable fisheries and on related subsidies.

Vulnerable groups, such as coastal communities and small-scale fishers, who rely heavily on fish as a protein source, will also benefit, as the ratification of the first phase of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement provides a basis to contribute towards the livelihoods of such communities.

The agreement also contains a dispute settlement provision that will apply generally to disputes under the agreement. As such and for the first time, the agreement brings fisheries management issues within the scope of the WTO's dispute settlement process.

Ms Hermans said the committee considered the agreement, adopted the draft report on the agreement, and recommended that the National Assembly approves the agreement.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

7 February 2024

Firdous Osman joins Boomtown as MD

Location: MyPR

The World Women Leadership Congress’s Global Woman Leader in 2023, South Africa’s Women Leader in 2021 and Africa’s Women Leader in 2020, Firdous Osman, has joined Boomtown as Managing Director. Her role will extend across both the agency’s offices, one in Johannesburg and the other in Gqeberha, as well as servicing clients in Cape Town, …

6 February 2024

Prof Tladi sworn in as SA’s first permanent ICJ judge

Location: News

Prof Tladi sworn in as SA's first permanent ICJ judge

Professor Dire Tladi has been sworn in as the first-ever South African judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ICJ held a public sitting on Tuesday morning, where Tladi and three other Excellencies were officially sworn in after being elected by the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council on 9 November 2023.

The other new members of the court include Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu from Romania, Sarah Hull Cleveland from the United States and Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo Verduzco from Mexico

During the sitting, the four judges each solemnly declared Article 20 of the Statute of the Court.

The declaration, according to the ICJ, stipulates that members shall, before taking up their duties, make a solemn declaration in open court that they will exercise their powers impartially and conscientiously.

The new members’ nine-year terms of office will begin on the same day.

Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Tladi’s election as an outstanding personal achievement that the nation shares with great pride.

“We appreciate the confidence expressed by the United Nations in Prof Tladi’s capabilities. He becomes the newest member of a fraternity of South Africans globally who are in positions of service to the international community and making important contributions to the better world we seek to build.

“We wish Prof Tladi well as he prepares to contribute to the Court and its jurisprudence from the Palace of Peace in The Hague, Netherlands,” the President said then.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN and one of the six principal bodies of the intergovernmental organisation.

The court’s role is to settle, per international law, legal disputes submitted to it by states and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

South Africans have become familiar with the top UN court after the country approached it to garner not only a ceasefire of Israel’s military barrage of Palestine but also to ask the court to find the Israeli government guilty of committing acts of genocide.

The ICJ found that it was “plausible” that Israel committed acts which violated the Genocide Convention.

The court in The Hague ordered Israel to, amongst others, take all measures within its power “to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide” and to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.

The Professor is a leading international law scholar whose accomplishments span different areas of the field, including academic, government service, diplomatic and practice.

On his appointment as a judge of the ICJ, he was the University of Pretoria professor of international law and Future Africa's Research Chair in Global Equity in Africa.

Speaking to the university last year, he said he was experiencing a mix of different emotions.

“I am filled with mixed emotions – excitement, elation and a touch of nervousness. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude because so many people played a role in this journey.

“The entire experience has been humbling, especially navigating through the challenges of an intense campaign, and juggling various responsibilities over the past few months. The announcement and the tense process have undoubtedly taken a toll, but I'm absolutely ecstatic and profoundly humbled by the experience,” the Professor added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:35

537 views

6 February 2024

“Outgrow the System” set to spark sustainability debate.

Location: MyPR

At a time when urgent action is needed on issues like climate change, resource depletion and social upliftment, the insightful Swedish documentary “Outgrow the System” gives voice to innovative ideas and on-the-ground experiments that question the economic status quo. The thought-provoking film explores new perspectives with the potential to positively transform our society and relationship …

6 February 2024

Global Logistics Execs see coming Surge of African Investment

Location: News

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Nearly 62% of global logistics professionals say their companies are planning additional or first-time investments in Africa, according to a closely watched yearly industry survey.

The survey of 830 logistics executives is part of the 15^th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (https://apo-opa.co/4bD4lSW), a snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world's 50 leading emerging markets.

The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness -- factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors. In the 2024 Index, the rankings of most African economies changed little from a year earlier, but businesses indicate they are looking ahead at massive population growth and trade expansion spurred by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This is the most optimism we've seen about Africa in the 15 years of the Index,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Africa's population will double by 2050, when one in four people on the planet will be African. International businesses realize that the time is now for Africa -- they need to invest, establish their brands, and develop the next generation of African talent if they're going to ride the coming wave of growth.”

China and India were 1 and 2 in the 50-country Index rankings. In Africa, Egypt (20), Morocco (22), South Africa (24) and Kenya (25) were the top performers, followed by Ghana (31), Nigeria (36), Tunisia (37), Tanzania (41), Algeria (42), Uganda (43), Ethiopia (45), Mozambique (46), Angola (47), Libya (50).

Egypt has Africa's highest-ranked domestic logistics opportunities -- 13^th in that category; South Africa (15) was tops in Africa for international logistics; Morocco (12) has Africa's best business fundamentals; Kenya (9) is Africa's most digitally ready – and the continent's highest-ranked country in any category.

More than 63% of survey respondents say their companies continue overhauling supply chains by spreading production to multiple locations or relocating it to home markets and nearby countries. China, the world's leading producer, stands to be most affected: 37.4% of industry professionals say they plan move production/sourcing out of China or reduce investment there.

Shipping and logistics costs that soared during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath are still climbing but at a slower rate, the survey found. One way shippers expect to cope is by increasing use of digital freight forwarding from 37.8% today to 52% in five years.

2024 Index Highlights

SURVEY

Supply chain restructuring – India, Europe and North America rank ahead of China as destinations executives expect to move production to in 2024 and onwards.
China – 40% expect their businesses to be less reliant on China in five years. Leading factors in decisions to de-risk in China: difficulty of doing business; U.S.-China trade friction; a slowing economy; the harshness of China's COVID restrictions.
Climate change – 66% say climate change is something they're planning for or already affecting their businesses.
Emerging markets – the largest percentage sees increased risk/decreased rewards in emerging markets.
India – many see India growing in importance as a producer and market, but cite inadequate infrastructure and corruption as the biggest obstacles there.

COUNTRY RANKINGS

In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings were: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (6); Qatar (7); Turkey (11); Oman (15); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Egypt (20); Kuwait (21); Morocco (22); Tunisia (37); Lebanon (38); Iran (40); Algeria (42); Libya (50).
Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (24); Kenya (25); Ghana (31); Nigeria (36); Tanzania (41); Uganda (43); Ethiopia (45); Mozambique (46); Angola (47).
Index rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (4); Indonesia (5); Vietnam (8); Thailand (10); Philippines (18); Kazakhstan (23); Sri Lanka (26); Pakistan (29); Cambodia (32); Bangladesh (33); Myanmar (49).
Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (9); Chile (12); Brazil (14); Uruguay (19); Peru (28); Colombia (27); Argentina (30); Ecuador (35); Paraguay (39); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (48).
In Europe: Russia (13); Ukraine (34).

Transport Intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/4bp0Ijf) (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “Supply chain managers are still coming to terms with the political and economic instability characterising the post-COVID global economy. Geopolitical relationships are changing rapidly, and this is having a major impact on international trade and risk profiles. Businesses need to be alive to the opportunities and threats that exist in emerging markets and use data, such as that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index, to inform agile decision-making.”

2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: https://apo-opa.co/3SlOmzK

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.

For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820

For more information about Agility, visit:
Website: www.Agility.com
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/40Ki6Kj
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49GTqqq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3MNqYJr

About Agility:
Agility is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility's companies include the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); the market leader in logistics parks across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.

6 February 2024

Understanding the Sellers in the Gold Coin Market

Location: MyPR

Introduction In the world of precious metals, gold coins hold a special place. They are not just assets but often carry historical and sentimental value. While much is said about buyers in this market, understanding those who sell gold coins is equally important. Their motivations, challenges, and needs form a crucial part of the gold …

5 February 2024

Indaba to spot spotlight on local mining industry

Location: News

Indaba to place spotlight on local mining industry

The 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba will place the spotlight on the significant potential of the mining sector in fostering economic expansion and employment opportunities, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“This week’s Mining Indaba in Cape Town will showcase the enormous potential of the mining industry to drive economic growth and job creation. The actions underway to improve the logistics system will help us to unlock this potential, given that mining companies depend on the rail network and ports to compete in global markets.

“From the work already underway, we have shown that it is possible to overcome the barriers to growth by working together in partnership. We are building momentum and have begun to see the results,” the President said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

He emphasised that “as more and more of our products leave the country’s shores, whether to the African continent or other parts of the world,” more companies will thrive, more investment will be made and more jobs will be created.

The President’s comments follow on last week’s launch of the first export shipment of goods produced by South African companies destined for other African countries under the preferential trade provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from the Durban port.

The AfCFTA intends to create a single market for goods and services, facilitated by movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent.

The President who officiated at last week’s shipment of goods said many more products and shipments can be expected to follow as South African companies sell South African made goods into the massive African free trade area.

Exports to AfCFTA countries already account for nearly a quarter of South Africa’s global exports. The President added that this figure will now increase dramatically.

“South African companies have a great opportunity to take advantage of the AfCFTA by exporting their goods into the rest of the African continent. In order to take this great opportunity up, as a country we need to ensure that our products make it from the factory gate onto the ship and head towards their destinations with the least possible delay and at the lowest possible cost,” he said.

Ports and rail

Turning to ports and rail, the President highlighted that for some years now the efficiency and competitiveness of South African ports and rail network have been in decline. He spoke of the need to fix the country’s logistics architecture.

Transnet, which operates ports and freight rail lines, has had to contend with severe challenges, including the effects of state capture, the impact of the COVID pandemic, natural disasters and the rising levels of theft and vandalism of its infrastructure.

As a result, the volume of goods transported on the rail network has decreased significantly, forcing more companies to use trucks and causing road congestion.

“Working together with the private sector, we are turning the situation around, guided by the Freight Logistics Roadmap that was crafted by Transnet, government and social partners. The roadmap outlines a clear set of actions to stabilise and improve Transnet’s performance in the short term and to fundamentally reform the logistics system in the long term,” he said.

To ensure this work receives dedicated attention, the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been established which is chaired by the Presidency and brings together all of the relevant government departments to drive a coordinated response to the logistics challenges.

Corridor Recovery Teams

Government has also established Corridor Recovery Teams which bring Transnet, the private sector and independent experts together to improve the performance of strategic rail and port corridors.

The President highlighted that this single-minded approach to improving performance is already showing results.

For example, the number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January.

At the Port of Cape Town, which is preparing for the important fruit season, Transnet has deployed new leadership and is putting in place several measures to improve its capacity in the short term. Seven new cranes, which are used for moving and stacking containers, were delivered to the port last month, and the number of work shifts is being increased to improve vessel turnaround times.

In addition to these short-term measures, the Freight Logistics Roadmap includes far-reaching reforms to modernise the logistics system and enable much greater investment in infrastructure.

“These reforms will introduce private sector investment and competition in port and rail operations, improving efficiency and bringing down prices, while ensuring that infrastructure remains owned by the state.

“A key milestone in this reform journey will be the implementation of ‘open access’ to the freight rail network, which will allow private rail operators to invest alongside Transnet Freight Rail for the first time,” he said.

Another key step is the introduction of strategic partnerships in container terminals, which will enable new investment to expand port capacity and upgrade equipment.

Progress has already been made with the appointment by Transnet of an international container terminal operator for the Durban Pier 2 terminal. Transnet will retain 51% ownership of the terminal and no workers will lose their jobs once the partnership is established.

The private partner will have full management responsibility for the terminal and will contribute both capital and expertise to improve its performance.

“The process of reform takes time and there are no quick solutions to the challenges facing Transnet. However, the steps we are taking now will not only improve performance in the immediate term but will also create a truly competitive and efficient system into the future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:00

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5 February 2024

Congratulations Tyla for winning Grammy Award

Location: News

Congratulations Tyla for winning Grammy Award

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has congratulated trailblazing South African musician Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award.

Tyla won the Grammy for the “Best African Performance” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, which took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday.

“Tyla’s Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a music global superstar. Her meteoric success has been truly inspiring, and there is so much more to come. Tyla is a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. I congratulate Tyla for a historic Grammy Award win, which comes before she has even released a full album. Continue to inspire and to raise the South African flag high,” the Minister said.

South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting the awards for the fourth time, and nominated for “Best Comedy Album”.

Acapella group Just 6 were nominated in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella” category, while Musa Keys was nominated for “Best African Performance” for his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido.

“I also congratulate all the South African artists who were nominated for the 66th Grammy Award. Trevor Noah, Just 6 and Musa Keys show the diverse South African artistic talent on display on the world stage. Continue to entertain and showcasing to the world the best of Mzansi,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:06

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5 February 2024

Mining The Future – Minrom

Location: MyPR

Blessed by abundant natural resources, Africa’s mining sector has historically been a driving force behind the continent’s economic growth. However, the industry now faces a myriad of challenges. As we approach the 2024 Mining Indaba, the world’s largest African mining investment event, it is crucial to reflect on the trajectory of the industry and its …

5 February 2024

South African government hard at work to resolve challenges in mining

Location: News

South African government hard at work to resolve challenges in mining

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told leading figures in African mining that government is working hard to address the challenges that the industry faces.

He was speaking during the opening of the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town on Monday.

The Indaba is expected to continue until Thursday.

The mining industry contributes a hefty 7.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for some 60%, by value, of the country’s exports.

“We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.

“Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and returns. We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges,” he said.

Energy crisis

The President told the gathering that through the Energy Action Plan, government has taken “several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity”.

“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1384MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation. The department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7 and 2 000MW of gas-to-power and 615MW of battery storage.

“Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7,” he said.

Additional capacity has also been garnered following government’s removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation.

At least 6 300MW has flowed through this initiative with a third of that supplying mining houses.

Illegal mining and logistics

The President addressed the impact that illegal mining and copper cable theft have on the industry.

On illegal mining, he said: “Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime.”

Turning to cable theft and criminality, the President acknowledged that this has “serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay”.

“Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months,” he said.

Delving deeper into the country’s logistics challenges, the President said the system itself is “undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency and position it for the future”.

“By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining State ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture.

“Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets.

“As government, we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with the industry, to ensure [the Freight Logistics Roadmap] is implemented without delay,” he said.

The President said mining has a “crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow”.

“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 13:29

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5 February 2024

Minister Zizi Kodwa congratulates Tyla on winning Grammy Award

Location: News

Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa (DCA)
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The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa congratulates the trailblazing South African musician Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award. At the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Tyla won the Grammy for “Best African Performance”.

South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting the awards for a fourth time and nominated for “Best Comedy Album”. Acapella group Just 6 were nominated in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella” category, while Musa Keys was nominated was nominated for “Best African Performance” for his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido.

Minister Kodwa says, “Tyla's Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a music global superstar. Her meteoric success has been truly inspiring, and there is so much more to come.”

Minister Kodwa adds, “Tyla is a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. I congratulate Tyla for a historic Grammy Award win, which comes before she has even released a full album. Continue to inspire and to raise the South African flag high”.

Minister Kodwa further states, “I also congratulate all the South African artists who were nominated for the 66th Grammy Award. Trevor Noah, Just 6 and Musa Keys show the diverse South African artistic talent on display on the world stage. Continue to entertain and showcasing to the world the best of Mzansi”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa (DCA).

4 February 2024

Calling Potential Cannes Young Lions For 2024… Join A Free Masterclass For The Lowdown

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The hunt is on to track down the country’s leading young creative talent for an opportunity to showcase local excellence on the global stage. As the official South African representative for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Ster-Kinekor is once again sponsoring the Film category of the Young Lions 2024 competition. To kickstart the …

3 February 2024

African-American Billionaire Philanthropist, Robert Smith, Others Nominated for African Heritage Awards in South Africa

Location: News

Johannesburg, South Africa's most populous city, is set to host the 2nd Edition of the African Heritage Awards (AHA) 2024, which aims to honour African greats who have impacted immensely to the advancement of humanity.

According to a statement issued on Friday in Johannesburg by the organizers, Heritage Times HT, the event is slated to hold on April 13, 2024, at the Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 'City of Gold' will host the prestigious pan-African event which is a sequel to the inaugural edition held on April 1, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda. The African Heritage Awards is a gathering strategically organized to celebrate and recognize outstanding global accomplishments of Africans within the continent and in the Diaspora, in areas of Business, Politics, Philanthropy, Entertainment & Arts, Culture, Science & Technology, and Social Innovation.

This year's Awards is headlined by African-American billionaire Philanthropist, Robert. F. Smith, Chairman/CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Texas, United States; His Excellency, Dr. George Weah, former President of Liberia; His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, former President of Ghana; Her Excellency, Mama Rachael Ruto, First Lady of the Republic of Kenya & Founder of Mama Doing Good Organization; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Others are: Mr & Mrs Strive Masiyiwa, Founder & Executive Chairman of International Technology Groups, Econet Global and Cassava Technologies; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman/Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners; Professor Thulisile Nomkhosi Madonsela, Founder of the Thuli Madonsela Foundation; Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, Prime Minister of Togo; Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, Managing Director of the Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited; Othman Benjelloun, Co-chair of BMCE Bank Foundation and Madam Graca Machel, Founder of Graca Machel Trust and many others.

According to Heritage Times HT, the organizers of the African Heritage Awards 2024, it's expected that this year's edition will be more remarkable and historic, as it will be chaired by His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama, former President of Botswana, and will be attended by former Heads of States and Captains of Industries across the African continent.

The recognition and awards, according to the organizers, have become imperative to sustainably foster the African culture of excellence, promote Afrocentrism, and create an ecosystem that will further retell the true African story towards the advancement of the continent's full potentials.

This year, the organizers are moving the African Heritage Awards to the southern divide of Africa, the home of Kwaito music and the cacophonous sounds of Amapiano, to specially honour distinguished African personalities, who have dignified themselves through remarkable achievements across the globe, whilst creating sustainable impact to uplift others.

Besides conferring international prestige and recognition on these deserving Africans, the Awards will focus on the critical importance of culture and leadership, which according to the organizers, lies at the core of any shared advancement of socio-economic and political development in Africa.

The Awards is also primed to cast a spotlight on individuals who, under challenging circumstances, have empowered Africans and impacted their sphere of influence to pave the way for sustainable and equitable development.

Taking cognizance of the reality that Africa is root to a plethora of people all over the world who continue to thrive and evolve despite the limitations and challenges stemming from stereotypes, the organizers of the AHA strongly affirm that the event will contribute immensely to changing the global perception of Africans, and also spur the needed critical mass for the attainment of cultural evolution and revolution in sustainable development.

For participation and reservation, kindly click on the link to register https://apo-opa.co/42qRL55

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Heritage Times HT.

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Heritage Times HT

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2 February 2024

De Berg Nature Reserve Declared as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site

Location: News

South African Government
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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has welcomed the declaration of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

“The conservation and restoration of wetlands is crucial to achieving many of our national and global sustainable development goals. Estuaries, marshes and vleis, rivers and lakes, and the biodiversity that they preserve, matter for our health, food supply, tourism, and jobs. Wetlands are vital for humans, ecosystems and our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification,” said Minister Creecy.

“Through the Working for Wetlands Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has invested over R1.4 billion in the rehabilitation of 1,873 wetlands and created 43,662 jobs. The Working for Wetlands Programme, which commenced in the year 2000, is being implemented in all 9 provinces of South Africa by a dedicated team of experts working closely with communities,” added Minister Creecy.

De Berg Nature Reserve is located along the headwaters of the Dwars River in the highest part of Mpumalanga approximately, 20 kilometres north of the town of Dullstroom, and lies adjacent to the Verloren Valei Ramsar Site. At an elevation of just over 2300 meters above sea level, the Ramsar site contains the highest altitude wetlands in Mpumalanga, consisting of numerous valley bottom, seep wetlands and mountain streams and represents some of the most pristine and habitat diverse watercourses in the South African grassland biome.

The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals. The site falls within the Lydenburg and Sekhukhune centres of plant endemism and has a total of 878 indigenous plant species, which includes 30 plant species that are threatened and near threatened and includes a new species of Bulbine, (B decastroi) which can be found in the valleys of the Reserve.

This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam's girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck. Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species and include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls which can be found at the site.

Although wetlands cover less than 3% of South Africa's land area, they offer diverse benefits that enrich human well-being. Wetlands are increasingly regarded in South Africa as socio-ecological systems as opposed to only ecological systems. Many of our wetlands are in urban areas and are often the last remaining open areas for recreational use by the public.

“The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) – an entity of DFFE - is also actively contributing to wetland conservation through its comprehensive approach to mapping and understanding this critical ecological infrastructure, emphasizing that informed action today can make a significant difference for the future of wetlands, human well-being and biodiversity. Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are crucial to South Africa's water security, and various SANBI projects provide insight into land use and protection levels in these strategically important national assets,” said Minister Creecy.

“Through the development of partnerships to monitor, protect and rehabilitate wetlands, by ensuring our wetlands are kept free of litter and invasive alien plant species and by ensuring that we follow best practices to ensure that wetlands are sustainably used for their services we show our appreciation for and acknowledge the value of wetlands and ensure that they remain in place to provide future generations with the same services,” added Minister Creecy.

The designation of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance coincides with World Wetlands Day (2 February) which is commemorated under the theme “wetlands and human wellbeing”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

2 February 2024

De Berg Nature Reserve declared 30th Ramsar site

Location: News

De Berg Nature Reserve declared 30th Ramsar site

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has welcomed the declaration of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

The Ramsar Convention encourages the designation of sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, or wetlands that are important for conserving biological diversity.

“Wetlands are vital for humans, ecosystems and our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification,” Creecy said on Friday.

Through the Working for Wetlands Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has invested over R1.4 billion in the rehabilitation of 1 873 wetlands and created 43 662 jobs.

The programme commenced in the year 2000 and is being implemented in all nine provinces of South Africa by a dedicated team of experts working closely with communities.

At an elevation of just over 2 300 metres above sea level, the Ramsar site contains the highest altitude wetlands in Mpumalanga, consisting of numerous valley bottom, seep wetlands and mountain streams, and represents some of the most pristine and habitat diverse watercourses in the South African grassland biome.

“The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals.

“The site falls within the Lydenburg and Sekhukhune centres of plant endemism, and has a total of 878 indigenous plant species, which includes 30 plant species that are threatened and near threatened, and includes a new species of Bulbine, (B decastroi) which can be found in the valleys of the reserve.

“This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam's girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck,” the department said.

Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species. They include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis, which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls that can be found at the site.

Although wetlands cover less than 3% of South Africa’s land area, they offer diverse benefits that enrich human well-being.

The department said Wetlands are increasingly regarded in South Africa as socio-ecological systems as opposed to only ecological systems.

Many of the country’s wetlands are in urban areas and are often the last remaining open areas for recreational use by the public.

“Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are crucial to South Africa’s water security, and various SANBI projects provide insight into land use and protection levels in these strategically important national assets,” Creecy said.

The designation of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance coincides with World Wetlands Day (2 February) which is commemorated under the theme “wetlands and human wellbeing”.

Once designated, these sites are added to the Convention's List of Wetlands of International Importance and become known as Ramsar sites. In designating a wetland as a Ramsar site, countries agree to establish and oversee a management framework aimed at conserving the wetland and ensuring its wise use.

nosihle
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 09:50

348 views