CSA And Dynamo Sports Travel Announce India Series Partnership
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Dynamo Sports Travel (DST), a sports travel and events management company, are pleased to...
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Revolutionizing Ride-Hailing: inDrive Conquers 20 African Cities in 2023 with Groundbreaking Zero Commission Model
In a transformative breakthrough poised to reshape the ride-hailing sector and the gig economy across Africa, inDrive (www.inDrive.com) has made a bold advancement. The company has rapidly expanded its services to 20 African cities in less than 12 months throughout 2023, all while not charging any commission fees to its drivers.
inDrive has successfully established its presence across a variety of cities in Nigeria, including Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Benin City, Nnewi, Aba, Onitsha, Jos, Enugu, Warri, Abeokuta, Akure, Owerri, Calabar, Ado Ekiti, and Uyo, as well as Maseru in Lesotho, and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. In addition to these cities, the platform is also operational in several African countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Ghana, and Namibia. What sets inDrive apart from many other platforms is its commitment to fairness and empowerment within the transportation sector, ensuring that drivers retain a significant portion of their earnings. This noble strategy highlights the company's unwavering dedication to uplifting both the drivers and passengers across the continent
This expansion is a key part of inDrive's strategic plan to establish a strong and equitable presence in new markets. A distinctive feature of this strategy allows drivers to benefit significantly: they pay zero commissions for an extended period to allow enough time to build a community of customers. This policy ensures that a greater portion of earnings goes directly to the drivers, showcasing inDrive's dedication to fostering a balanced and fair marketplace.
“Our launch strategy is meticulously crafted to guarantee fair treatment for both drivers and passengers,” stated Ilia Anisimov the Regional Business Development Specialist (Expansion)at inDrive. “We are committed to creating a win-win scenario, ensuring passengers have access to affordable rides while drivers receive their rightful share of the income.”
The expansion is rolling out in a series of thoughtful and active stages, each aimed at establishing a just and sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders. The first stage encompasses extensive market research, conducted by inDrive's team of specialists, to ensure that our entry into each new market is well-informed and tailored to local needs.
Following this, the focus shifts to building a robust user community. The final stage is monetization, which involves charging a modest commission of no more than 10% on drivers' earnings, starting only six months post-launch in each city.
Africa faces numerous challenges, particularly in providing ample employment opportunities. inDrive's venture into the continent represents a strategic move to address these issues, offering drivers not just a platform to earn but also the necessary tools and support to prosper.
With its innovative approach and unwavering dedication to fairness, inDrive is set to revolutionize the transportation landscape in Africa. The company is empowering drivers, delighting passengers, and contributing significantly to the vibrant tapestry of the gig economy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.
Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager - inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com
About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 175 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance, courier delivery and employment search.
inDrive operates in over 40 countries. It supports local communities via its peer-to-peer payment model and community empowerment programs, which help advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives. For more information visit www.inDrive.com.
South Africa calls for a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population in Palestine from further bombardment
Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world's conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3 257 children are reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3 195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7 703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel's indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.
All of these children killed since 7 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation, which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself' using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel's right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.
Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.
While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.
It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel's, commentary on South Africa's stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary' approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor's call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This includes scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.
One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.
South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.
All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will participate in a high-level ministerial panel discussion at the sixth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW2023) in Cairo, Egypt this week.
The conference, to be held from 29 October to 2 November 20203, is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and will be attended by ministers, water experts, stakeholders, and academics from around the world.
Held under the theme: “Action on Water Adaptation for Sustainability”, the conference will focus on fostering cross-sectoral cooperation and present innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water resources.
Over the past five years, Cairo Water Week has evolved into a prominent global platform for addressing pressing water-related challenges.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said through its diverse workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchanges, it has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to tackle issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and ecosystem resilience.
The Deputy Minister will engage in constructive discussions on vital issues, including policies, strategies, plans, and measures related to water adaptation, to ensure sustainability for the Arab, Mediterranean, African, and worldwide regions.
“Among the issues to be discussed is technologies of reclamation and desalination of water in the African region, which can increase freshwater supplies to areas that are experiencing decreased water supply and water quality,” the department said in a statement.
The department noted that the current installed desalination inventory in South Africa is very modest in comparison to other parts of the world like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Australia and the United States of America.
“There are about 33 plants that have been built over several years, with a combined capacity of not exceeding a total of 200 Ml/d to treat various types of waste water, including seawater and mine water for mostly domestic consumption.
“The plant capacities range from 1 kl/d to 47 Ml/d, but the vast majority are smaller than 10 Ml/d and were implemented as emergency drought response projects. Such plants are generally not deemed viable for continued operation when the drought breaks and conditions returned to normal. For comparison some of the new schemes coming up in MENA region are in the order of 600 Ml/day,” the department said.
Mahlobo said South Africa needs to increase projects for the reuse, reclamation, and desalination of seawater to strengthen its water resilience.
This is in line with the country’s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 11:06
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Life-saving TB drug is now cheaper in South Africa, but not as competitive as it can be
Johnson & Johnson has agreed to drop the price of bedaquiline to the South African government by more than 40%
Climate finance remains a key issue: Creecy
Climate finance remains a key issue: Creecy
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has expressed concern that developing nations have continually called for more support for the financing of the fight against climate change, yet the funding targets pledged by developed countries are still not being met.
“At the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), there will be a renewed call for a scaled-up and predictable goal for climate finance. The deadline for agreeing upon this goal is 2024, and the success of this COP, and perhaps future climate talks, will depend on the outcome,” Creecy said on Thursday.
She was addressing the National Stakeholder consultations on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 28.
“Whilst the establishment of a global fund for loss and damage is indeed a milestone, the difficult task of working out the details of the fund – how it will be financed, where finance will come from, and the form of such finance – will be one of key agenda items in Dubai.
“As with all COPs, finance will remain a key issue. COP 28 therefore takes place in a context where we cannot simply congratulate ourselves for the apparent progress we have made whilst key issues still need to be addressed,” the Minister said.
COP28 to the UNFCCC will be held at Expo City, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 November – 12 December 2023.
“At COP 27, South Africa and the Africa Group put forward the proposal to include the special needs and circumstances of the continent on the conference agenda, but this did not enjoy consensus. This proposal will be made again at COP 28.
“Acknowledging the special circumstances of the African continent will be an important step in upholding the principle of differentiated responsibility, and would recognise the continent’s vulnerability to climate change, but also the need for mitigation and adaptation support,” the Minister said.
She said the first Global Stocktake (GST) will be completed at COP28, where the world will take stock of the collective progress since adopting the Paris Agreement, and make recommendations where implementation of the Agreement is not on course to achieve its long-term goals.
“We already know we are not on track, based on the detailed evidence presented by Parties and other stakeholders during the technical dialogues of the GST over the last year. The outcome of the GST will be the central outcome of COP28, and this outcome must increase collective action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and the provision of support to developing countries to achieve this, commensurate with the challenges we face,” Creecy said.
She noted that the technical phase of the GST (in a series of technical dialogues) has made clear that, while action is proceeding under the Paris Agreement, much more is needed now on all fronts.
“The world is far better off than it would have been without the Paris Agreement and multilateral cooperation, but we are not on track to achieve the global goals we agreed to in Paris in 2015.
“The discussions on the outcome of the GST have started, and focus on key political messages, and more importantly, multilateral and national measures that need to be put in place to accelerate our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
“As the co-facilitator of the consultations on the outcome of the political phase of the GST, together with Demark, South Africa is supporting the incoming Emirati COP Presidency to help identify areas of convergence and divergence between Parties in the run-up to and during COP28,” the Minister said.
She said at the past three COPs, the South African delegation has joined delegations from other developing countries in calling for a clear adaptation work programme with clear targets for building the resilience of developing countries and clear financial mechanisms to achieve this.
“To date there has been little or no progress on this matter,” the Minister said.
SA fully committed to addressing climate change
Creecy affirmed South Africa is commitment to addressing climate change based on science, equity and in the context of sustainable development.
“Hence, our updated Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) seek to balance the three structural components of mitigation, adaptation and the need for international support for implementation.
“Our Climate Change Bill, which was adopted by the National Assembly on Tuesday, will lay a strong legal basis for climate action, and the regulatory framework for the whole of government, business, organised labour and civil society to implement our country’s climate commitments,” the Minister said.
She said COP28 provides a key platform for broader conversations, including:
- How developing countries in Africa can take advantage of their abundant renewable resources and strategic minerals to build shared prosperity and sustainable development on the continent;
- The threat to sustainable development posed by unilateral trade measures imposed outside the Paris Agreement and in violation of its key principles, and
- The pressing need for transformation of the global financial architecture to make the global financial system fit for purpose, in assisting countries to combat climate change and achieve their sustainable development goals.
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 10:21
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Community media critical for access to information
Community media critical for access to information
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has called on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) to focus on ensuring the sustainability of community media as it is critical for access to information.
Reflecting on the 20 years of existence of the MDDA, the Minister said since its inception, the agency has funded a total number of 586 community media projects but now has just over 260 community radio stations in existence due to continuous threats by signalling fees and an onerous license renewal regime.
“At a policy level, the immediate period will require us to level the playing fields in terms of licensing regime and protect the frequencies of community media in a similar manner frequencies of commercial media are protected.
“We must also create a seamless graduation path from community to small commercial media. The MDDA will need to grapple with the funding arrangements whilst [the] Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) must seek better ways of improving the funding formula to the MDDA,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
She emphasised the role of community media, which serves as a vital channel through which individuals can access, share, and contribute to a wealth of information that strengthens communities.
“Community media platforms, such as local newspapers, radio stations, and online forums, they must act as the lifeblood of our communities. They must provide a unique avenue for residents to stay informed about local events, developments, and issues that directly impact their lives.
“These platforms must offer a voice to those who might otherwise be unheard, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. In their nature, community media fosters a sense of belonging and cohesion.
“When we have access to information about our surroundings, we are better equipped to engage with our community, participate in civic activities, and support local businesses and initiatives. This interconnectedness can lead to stronger, more vibrant neighbourhoods,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni said access to information through community media is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy.
“Informed citizens are better prepared to make decisions about their governance, hold their leaders accountable, and advocate for policies that align with their values.
“It is essential that we recognize the significance of preserving and supporting community media and this is the cardinal responsibility of the MDDA,” the Minister said.
Transforming the media sector
Through the establishment of the MDDA in 2003, government has made strong inroads in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.
“The MDDA has channelled resources to the community and small commercial media sector, contributing towards the expansion of ownership and control as well as access to the media by ordinary South Africans.
“This achievement is evidenced by the burgeoning of both community and small commercial media, which is being published or broadcast in all indigenous languages that are spoken within South Africa. The agency has achieved this through prioritising funding for these groups to enable them to start their own community media projects,” the Minister said.
She said It is important strengthen community media because in an age dominated by global information network, it can be easy to overlook the invaluable contribution of local news outlets and grassroots platforms.
“Yet, these outlets are the bedrock of informed, engaged, and connected communities,” Ntshavheni said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 12:47
293 views
How Long Does a Courier Catch to Deliver
In our fast-paced world, timely delivery of packages and documents is essential. Whether you’re a business shipping products to customers, or an individual sending a gift to a loved one, the speed and reliability of the courier service you choose can make all the difference. One might wonder: just how long does a courier take …
Minister of Education Unveils Edu Invest initiative
Public-Private Partnership initiative aims to attract investment into education and establish the Western Cape as an innovation powerhouse.
- Edu Invest: A public-private partnership initiative to attract investment and fuel education innovation in the Western Cape.
- Emphasis on attracting investments into low-cost new private schools to alleviate overcrowding and improve access to quality education.
- The initiative highlights the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape, promote collaboration, and create a brighter future for the Western Cape.
The Western Cape Education Department, in collaboration with Wesgro, the official agency responsible for promoting tourism, trade, and investment in the region, has launched a ground-breaking initiative, Edu Invest. This public-private collaboration seeks to not only drive investment into the education sector but also ignite innovation throughout the region.
By uniting a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, Edu Invest jumpstarts investments in high-quality education, fosters collaboration, and fuels innovation.
Edu Invest will position the Western Cape as the premier education and innovation hub on the continent, making it the go-to choice for investments in the education sector. It represents a pivotal moment driven by a dual mission. First and foremost, it offers a gateway to investment opportunities in the education sector, an arena poised for remarkable transformation and substantial growth. Simultaneously, it serves as a unifying platform, nurturing collaboration among stakeholders with the shared goal of cultivating long-term public-private partnerships. This convergence of interests and investments has strategic significance, shaping the future of education in the Western Cape and generating a robust skills pipeline.
The initiative focuses on attracting investments in new private schools, including those that serve learners in poor communities, to create more classrooms and alleviate overcrowding in schools. This step is crucial for improving access to quality education and enhancing overall educational outcomes.
Currently, the Western Cape has a total of 1,754 schools out of which 1,449 are public schools. We have a much lower proportion of independent schools than provinces like Gauteng. Despite an additional 18 000 learners joining our province's education system each year, we do not have enough independent schools, and particularly low-fee independent schools, complementing our public school offering.
It's becoming increasingly urgent to establish new schools in the Western Cape, which is known for its dedication to retaining students and delivering high-quality education.
The learner-to-teacher ratio in schools remains persistently high, especially for government-funded teachers across all nine provinces. This essentially means that teachers paid by the government are dealing with an overwhelming number of students in their classrooms. The availability of new school places in independent schools would help to address overcrowding in public schools.
David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, emphasised that the future of SA hinges on a strong education system that works hand in hand with the private sector and integrates smart solutions to address learning setbacks.
"We are not just paying lip service to change in the Western Cape. We are actively collaborating with businesses to improve teaching and learning outcomes and expand access to education in our province. We are wholeheartedly embracing innovative teaching and learning methods," Maynier stated.
He underlined the pressing demand for additional classrooms and a strengthened education sector, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, which resulted in substantial learning losses.
“We need to all work together to build a world-class education system. Edu Invest promises to be a game-changer, promoting education innovation, collaboration, and driving investments in the Western Cape's education sector. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of both public and private sectors to reshape the educational landscape and create a brighter future for the region,” Maynier said.
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, underscored the critical role of education innovation to drive competitiveness.
"Edu Invest reflects Wesgro's commitment to advancing the business of education. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving economy, essential for both economic prosperity and social well-being," she emphasised. Private sector investments, Stander stated, will enhance academic achievements and overall competitiveness.
Stander highlighted the need for pioneering methods, state-of-the-art technology, contemporary curricula, indispensable teacher training, and a complete overhaul of our perspective on education.
She added: "We are amidst global competition, racing to secure new markets, investments, skills, and technology. To not only survive but flourish on the global stage, we must craft a fresh growth narrative with education as its linchpin. For businesses, it's not just a strategic move; it's an investment in the young talents who will shape our economic future.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.
Investment in education critical for Africa’s development
Investment in education critical for Africa’s development
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has highlighted the importance of investing in education as a key factor for Africa’s development.
“Access to education is the cornerstone of intellectual progress. We must prioritise education from early childhood to higher learning, ensuring that every African child has the opportunity to realise its potential,” Ntshavheni said on Friday.
Delivering the 3rd OR Tambo Annual Memorial Lecture at the University of South Africa in Pretoria, the Minister said investing in education will create a generation of critical thinkers, inventors and problem solvers.
“Africa has often been portrayed through stereotypes that do not do justice to its complex reality. By reclaiming Africa’s intellectual future, we challenge these stereotypes and present a more accurate and dynamic image of the continent.
“By investing in quality education systems, we empower the next generation of African thinkers to build on the achievements of their predecessors. This includes fostering critical thinking, research and innovation.
“Intellectual progress is often born from open and inclusive dialogue. It is essential to create platforms and spaces for African intellectuals to engage with global conversations.”
She said this exchange of ideas can lead to innovative solutions to local and global challenges.
“Collaboration between African intellectuals and their counterparts worldwide can lead to a development of new ideas and solutions. Encouraging partnerships can help harness the full potential of Africa’s intellectual capital.”
South Africa's Census 2022 national results showed that 60.2% of children are in early childhood learning while 5.3million children are not participating in the early childhood development (ECD) programme.
The Minister Expressed concern at the statistics of children not participating in ECD while affirming government’s commitment towards working on measures to ensure their participation.
“The number of children with no access to education has declined to just 6.9% and the number completing Grade 12 has also increased to 37.6% from a mere 16.3% in 1996.
“Post school graduates have grown to 12.2%. As we commit to leave no one behind, we challenge universities to find mechanisms to ensure that broader access to quality and relevant post education for all,” Ntshavheni said.
With the lecture taking place under the theme: ‘Reclaiming Africa’s Intellectual Futures,’ the Minister emphasised the importance of promoting research and innovation.
“Africa has a wealth of untapped potential in the fields of science and technology and innovation,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 17:28
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Women in engineering increasing in SA
Women in engineering increasing in SA
While there is still a need to invest in the profession to develop women, South Africa has noticed a growth in females registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), Deputy President Paul Mashatile has said.
“We are now seeing an average of 35% year-on-year growth among registered female engineers in the database of the council,” the Deputy President told the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
He said there are 7 000 women engineers who are currently registered with the ECSA.
“We agreed that there is a need to ensure that we deliberately target women to consider entering the engineering profession and encourage those who are not registered to register.”
The country’s second-in-command was answering a question about whether the state has any measures to address the dire shortage of women in the engineering profession.
“In our work leading the Human Resource Development Council, we have made a long-term commitment to invest in the skills revolution, especially among women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to build a productive and globally competitive society.”
He also told Parliament that he interacted with the ECSA President Refilwe Buthelezi, CEO Dr Bridget Samula and many engineers in August this year at the UNESCO Africa Engineering gathering.
“We agreed that there is a need to ensure that we deliberately target women to consider entering the engineering profession and encourage those who are not registered to register.
“Empowering female engineers is paramount in achieving sustained development and global competitiveness.”
He said government is championing the implementation of several women empowerment programmes like the Women Economic Assembly (WECONA) launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021.
WECONA, he explained, is a catalyst platform for women-owned enterprises anchored on collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society.
“This is an ongoing initiative to encourage women to be economically active to bring together the private sector, government and civil society to drive change in the economic landscape.”
Meanwhile, he said the AgriSETA has identified several priority interventions from the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan that speak to empowering women in agricultural engineering and agricultural scientists in the sector.
Together with the Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs), he said government aims to simplify funding application processes to avoid delays in processing funding for third parties.
This, he noted, slows the government’s efforts to address challenges plaguing women in the sector.
“While government continues to implement programmes to empower women in the engineering sector, there is a need to address the structural challenges of social and gender inequalities hindering their progress.
“As government, we provide social, political, and economic conditions for women to thrive, especially in critical engineering sectors, with our social partners and businesses.”
Agricultural economy
The Deputy President also noted the report issued by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry, which highlighted an increase of 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point to gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
“Increases in the production of field crops and horticulture products mainly drove this rise in output. Favourable weather conditions, increased cultivation, and increased export demand provided further support,” he explained.
Port of Mossel Bay, he said, has been identified as one of the key strategic points in the market-oriented agricultural economy.
“The improvement of the operational capacity of Mossel Bay Harbour also forms part of the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which is aimed at, among other things, modernising and reforming network industries and associated state-owned enterprises.”
He announced there are also plans to boost exports, create employment opportunities, and improve innovation.
“According to the Ministry of Public Enterprises, the improvement of the operational capacity of Mossel Bay Harbour is a long-term project. Therefore, concepts and designs are continuously being refined.”
The first phase, he said, is planned for completion by the end of the 2026/27 financial year, while the final step is scheduled for completion by the 2029/30 financial year.
The country’s second-in-command was responding to the question about the role in leading government efforts to fast-track land reform and the coordination of programmes to accelerate agricultural support to farmers to access international markets and concrete steps in place to improve the operational capacity of Mossel Bay Harbour. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 10:51
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Dia de los Muertos: Beyond Halloween and into the Heart of Mexico
Johannesburg, October, 2023 – In a world where cultural diversity is a treasure, the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, stands out as a vibrant testament to the richness of Mexican heritage. As we delve into the intricacies of this culturally significant day, it becomes evident that Dia de …
Africa Tech Festival Announces Top 10 Finalists for Start-Up World Cup
The results are in and today, organisers of the annual Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu), taking place in Cape Town 14 – 16 November, announced the top ten finalists of the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition who will battle it out to win the opportunity to represent the African continent in the Startup World Cup (https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/) on 1 December this year.
Making the announcement, James Williams, Senior Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, remarked: “Congratulations to everyone who entered. We called for the continent's brightest, most inspiring founders to apply to help build the African innovation ecosystem and they certainly delivered.
“I know I speak for my colleagues, the investors and judges who will be closely monitoring the pitch competition, when I say that Africa's talent, ingenuity, and unmatched potential is abundant and diverse, and this is clearly represented in this broad array of finalists. It is therefore going to be no small task to select just one winner who will represent the continent at the Startup World Cup Final, held by Pegasus in San Francisco on 1st December.”
Providing insight as to what she will be looking for in the winning pitch, investor, and AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition judge, Keshni Morar of Investable (https://www.Investable.Business/), warns contenders to come prepared. Morar will be looking for the granular detail in the presentations, with a demonstrable understanding of the market in which the start-up is looking to play or is already active. Depth of the go to market strategy too for those start-ups at pre-seed capital, is a vital consideration.
But in short, Morar says: “Like every other serious investor out there, I look for the coherence between the pitch story and the data points. If it's not there, there's no chance of us getting involved.”
The top ten looking to win the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final are:
AsaanaPay (https://apo-opa.info/46O2WGc)- a payments and rewards platform for minority owned businesses enabling offline and online payments and unrestricted cash back rewards to attract and retain customers. Asaana facilitates local and global payments through a variety of channels from mobile wallets and traditional banks to everything in between. Headquartered in Kenya, Asaana services the world.
Tausi App (https://TausiApp.com/)– beauty is freedom and beauty is also big business in Africa, which is how Tausi came about. An app that connects beauticians to clients and provides professional hair and make-up and other services to make clients feel fabulous, with a rating system and in-depth onboarding process that is simple to use. Headquartered in Kenya with more than 6000 registered beauticians on their books and having helped more than 20 000 clients.
Bus54 (https://Bus-54.com/)– Based in Nigeria, Bus54 is a mobility technology company providing a platform to aggregate intercity bus transportation in Africa, allowing passengers to search, compare, book, and manage their journeys online. The platform enables transport operators to manage their end-to-end operations from a secure portal with no need for additional investment in IT software or hardware, and an additional channel to sell their tickets.
Delta Scan (https://DeltaScan.global/)– a specialist engineering inspection, digitisation and BIM company based in South Africa that digitize the world around us to create powerful analytical 3D models to extract engineering value. The company, based in South Africa, strives to improve efficiency, bring down costs, and provide comprehensive information to make better informed decisions. Combining cutting edge aerial platforms and scanning technology together with 3D digitization, artificial intelligence and engineering analysis principles.
Oneway Connect (https://www.OnewayConnect.co.za/)- a cutting-edge job matching and recruitment software prioritizing cultural alignment that is shaping the future of hiring. Beyond traditional CVs, the platform evaluates capabilities and traits, fostering purposeful performers for businesses. At the heart of their mission is creating a fair candidate experience. With a simple click, jobseekers are seamlessly connected to their ideal roles while assessments empower employers to truly understand candidates' potential beyond mere keywords.
Ukwenza VR (https://UkwenzaVR.com/)- a social enterprise based in Kenya that focuses on creating educational Virtual Reality (VR) content to complement classroom learning and offer additional learning on social and environmental issues e.g. conservation and plastic pollution.
We work with schools & educators to create and deliver the content to ensure it meets learning standards that serve the community.
Hippocampus Education (https://HippocampusEducation.io/)- Hippocampus is an adaptive tutoring Facebook Messenger bot that provides differentiated instruction and instant feedback that is customized to meet each individual's learning needs. It acts as a liaison between the lecturer and the student or between the tutor and the student, supporting in assessment activities, facilitating a learning environment that meets each student's learning needs, and provides positive and constructive feedback on the progress and performance of the student.
BenaCare (https://BenaCare.or.ke/)– a Kenyan based social enterprise that delivers affordable clinical and supportive care to patients with life limiting illnesses at the comfort of their own homes. They also reduce and re-distrinbute unpaid care performed by women family caregivers in rural Kenya, by training them on the basics of caregiving like wound care, vitals taking, grooming, ambulation, pressure are care and toileting. IN this way Benacare improves the outcome of the patients taken care of and equip these women with caregiving skills which can then earn them a living.
Gradlinc (https://Gradlinc.co.za/)– more than a matchmaker between graduate and employer and vice versa, Gradlinc helps prepare graduates for the workplace from helping with CVs to creating personal brands and is free to graduates. It is a vital two-way bridge between ‘people', not jobs and workers, as matching values, and individuality in people – whether the graduate or the employer – builds long-term successful relationships with mutual benefits.
Kyanda Africa (https://Kyanda.co.ke/)– seamless payment solutions with easy financial reach, Nairobi-based Kyanda Africa provide safe and easy access to financial and related services simultaneously in an affordable, efficient, and transparent manner for all at all times. They are on a mission to drive down the number of unbanked and underbanked people across Africa.
The AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition Final takes place at Africa Tech Festival in the Auditorium 2 of the CTICC on 16th November from 2pm to 3.30pm. An open-to-all feature, the Final will bring a great crowd of founders, tech leaders and investors to witness who will be crowned winner. Free entry to start-ups and visitors is available – please see below for further details about registration.
For more information about Africa Tech Festival, please see website here: https://apo-opa.info/3myppVu
For more information about the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/46I88va
For more information about the Startup World Cup, powered by Pegasus, please visit: https://www.StartupWorldCup.io/
View all ticket options for Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here (https://apo-opa.info/3Q04o2r)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
For media enquiries, interviews and/or images please contact:
Kaz Henderson kaz@networxpr.co.za or call on +27 (0) 82 339 1199
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3S47ALC
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About Startup World Cup:
Startup World Cup is a global conference and competition with the goal of bridging start-up ecosystems worldwide. The competition gives start-up companies from all over the world a chance to win a US $1,000,000 prize in the form of an investment. This year, there will be 50+ regional events across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, leading up to the Grand Finale in San Francisco in September. Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm.
About Africa Tech Festival 2023:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech and AfricaIgnite is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 15000 delegates.
Key themes for 2023 continue to explore the creation and sustainability of a connected Africa and the impact this can have for the people of the continent but also the commercial prospects for local and global businesses and governments. Topics will include Telcos of Tomorrow, Connecting the Next Billion, Digital Infrastructure Investment, Sustainability & Climate Resilience, ICT Policy and Regulation, Fintech & MFS, Broadcast Media & Entertainment, Pioneer Tech, the Future of Work and Talent and Skills Development. Africa Tech Festival also incorporates the Africa Tech Festival Awards, an exclusive ceremony celebrating Africa's tech pioneers and held at the luxury 5-star The Bay Hotel, as well as the LeadersIn Africa Summit, an exclusive, VIP-only feature offering high-level presentations and roundtable discussions to Africa's tech elite.
President to back the boys in Paris final
President to back the boys in Paris final
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to be in the crowd when the Springboks take on New Zealand, known as the All Blacks, in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday evening.
The much-anticipated showpiece will be held at the Stade de France in Paris.
“The President will... travel to Paris to support the Springboks in their quest on Saturday, the 28th of October, to return the Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis trophy. The President is really looking forward to be invited onto the pitch for a second time by captain Siya Kolisi to help lift the cup for the world champions.
“This will be the first time any country will hold four Rugby World Cup titles. The President wishes the Springboks and the All Blacks well for this showcase which we hope will be a memorable event for those who will be in the stadium as well as the global media audience that will be following the game,” Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said.
Magwenya said President Ramaphosa’s presence in the European country will be “an opportunity for a brief bilateral interaction” with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“The President will also take the opportunity to visit the squad at their hotel to deliver words of encouragement on behalf of the nation,” Magwenya said.
Meanwhile, speaking on the official Springboks website, captain Siya Kolisi said the team is aware of the importance of the match for the entire nation.
“It’s probably the biggest game of my life. I don’t think it will happen in our lifetimes again that we have another game like this, and we are excited. We know how good [the All Blacks] are.
“What we do on Saturday can control the mood of over 62 million South Africans. People have been sending messages saying when we play it is the only time they are happy, and as a team we represent all kinds of people,” Kolisi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:33
437 views
Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Thriving in the Talent Battleground
By Vikesh Rampadarath (Associate Director at Regent Business School) A globalised and knowledge-based economy means businesses and industries are heavily reliant on skilled employees to drive innovation, productivity and overall business success. As the demand for specialised skills and expertise increases, organisations find themselves competing fiercely to secure the best talent available. Vikesh Rampadarath from …
Kaspersky Records an Increase in Mobile Threats in Africa in Q2 2023
According to Kaspersky research (https://apo-opa.info/46X8CgY) on mobile cyberthreat dynamics in Q2 2023, threats for mobile devices are growing worldwide. In particular, the number of mobile threats for Android devices [1] detected and blocked by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 when compared to the same period last year. Given the ubiquity of mobile devices in Africa, recording such an increase is a cause for concern.
Among the most prevalent mobile threats that were detected in Africa are adware and mobile banking threats. The Kaspersky report indicates substantial adware detections in Q2 2023, with a spike of 94% in Nigeria, 39% in Kenya and 27% in South Africa. There was also a notable increase in the detections of mobile banking trojans in Q2 2023, which are used to hunt for data related to online banking and e-payment systems.
“As Africa witnesses an upsurge in smartphone adoption, combined with the burgeoning trend of mobile banking, it's imperative to address the inherent cybersecurity challenges that exist," says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa.
"The region, with its tech-savvy demographic and dynamic digital landscape, offers a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit and our research shows that cybercriminals are doing just that. This underscores the necessity for a forward-thinking and proactive approach to mobile cybersecurity for consumers and businesses alike. From banking malware targeting mobile transactions to ransomware hijacking device data, cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics. Another cyberattack vector that we see cybercriminals focus on, and particularly in Africa, is outdated software. A considerable number of users in Africa make use of low-end or older mobile devices that may lack the latest security features and updates, making them more susceptible to mobile threats. Against this backdrop, it's not just about implementing cybersecurity solutions on mobile devices but also about educating users on best practices and the rapidly changing threat landscape.”
To mitigate against mobile cyberthreats, Kaspersky recommends:
- Downloading apps only from official stores like the Apple AppStore or Google Play.
- Regularly updating operating systems and apps.
- Being cognisant of app permissions (access to camera, microphone, photos, contacts, etc.).
- Implementing a trusted mobile security solution like Kaspersky Premium (https://apo-opa.info/3FtQBem).
- Avoiding jailbreaking or rooting devices to benefit from automatic security updates.
"Mobile cybersecurity isn't merely about deploying security software. It requires a holistic approach, blending technology, user education, and industry collaboration. As we navigate this digital age, Kaspersky is committed to strengthening Africa's mobile cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that users can safely and confidently leverage the power of mobile technology," concludes Opil.
[1] Threat statistics in the report come from Kaspersky solutions running on Android devices. This mobile OS holds a dominant market share in the Middle East (https://apo-opa.info/3FyWbMC), Africa (https://apo-opa.info/3rY7ZVv) and Turkiye (https://apo-opa.info/3SgCyAw). Apple devices are not immune to cyberthreats (with the Triangulation attack (https://apo-opa.info/3oBaJ9D) uncovered by Kaspersky as the most recent example), but are difficult to monitor due to OS specifics.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
Pandor advocates for more women to be fraction of peace negotiations
Pandor advocates for more women to be part of peace negotiations
Peace agreements are more sustainable when women are at the table, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
“It is, therefore, disheartening to note that the percentage of women in peace negotiations today stands at a measly 19% in UN-led processes, down from 23% in 2020,” said Pandor on Wednesday.
She was speaking during the open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
As the UN gears up for the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325, Pandor believes that enhanced international efforts are needed to focus on commitments made in advancing women’s participation in all peace processes.
“We made the same call in 2019 when this Council unanimously adopted resolution 2493, as proposed by South Africa.”
The Minister said the UN Secretary-General report points to several concrete actions that Member States can take to reverse the trend of the declining number of women representation in peace negotiations, which South Africa is in agreement with.
However, Pandor noted that the current global security environment may contribute to the reversal of progress in the implementation of the WPS agenda.
“We, therefore, re-emphasise our call for urgent action to secure peace in the Israel-Gaza war, conflicts on the African continent and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“In this context, it is alarming that the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected settings has increased by 50% in 2022 compared to 2017 owing to the increasing number of armed conflicts since then.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, initiated the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum in 2015 and the Women Mediators Network to train cohorts of African women negotiators and peace monitors.
The training has made an immense contribution to drawing women in communities together and is setting targets for women’s direct participation in delegations and negotiating teams. “This initiative has shown how empowered women can contribute to peace and stability and support other women living in vulnerable conditions.”
She told the Member States that South Africa continues to contribute to training and capacity building for women in peace processes at continental and local levels.
“Some of the trainees are now members of various peacebuilding initiatives in their respective countries,” she said.
Pandor expressed her appreciation to partners including the African Women Leaders Network, FemWise Africa, the African Union’s platform for women mediators and the Norway government.
“In the same vein, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General as articulated in the Action for Peacekeeping Initiative Plus and the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, which continue to positively advance the WPS agenda.”
She also noted South Africa’s contribution in championing female peacekeepers and making a difference on the ground.
Pandor paid tribute to the dedicated women who have been deployed in different missions across Africa. These include Major Felicia Thobeka Mswane, Lieutenant Colonel Martha Masango, Major Seitebatso Pearl Block, and Lieutenant Colonel Fhulufheto Kouter.
The Minister recognised the fundamental role played by civil society organisations in the search for sustainable peace in the Middle East amid the Israel-Palestine war.
She gave a special mention to Women of the Sun of Palestine and Women Wage Peace of Israel who are urging parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.
“This is an example of positive activism and inspirational leadership by women striving to find a solution in the context of the continued occupation of Palestine.
“We encourage these women to continue with their solidarity amid adversity and the deepening political and security crisis.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 09:20
33 views
MAHLE SA appoints a recent Managing Director
• After 28 years with MAHLE SA, with 5 years as the Managing Director, Alex Holmes has left the company and the position is being taken up by Jürgen Wolf. A wealth of experience in various areas of the automotive supplier business is what Jürgen Wolf brings to his new position as the Managing Director …
Call to reduce carbon emissions
Call to reduce carbon emissions
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy, has called for nations to move with speed to reduce carbon emissions to limit the severity of climate change impacts.
“Simultaneously, we have to adapt and build resilience to the impacts that will occur, even in a 1.5 degree world. The Sixth Report of the International Panel on Climate Change shows us that the world is already dangerously close to an average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial times,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
She was addressing the National Assembly debate on the Climate Change Bill, which will enable the orderly reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of sectoral emission targets to guide the journey to the mid -century net- zero commitment.
The Bill will also ensure the country reaches its Nationally Determined Contribution by assigning individual enterprises carbon budgets and facilitating public disclosure of the progress.
“We know climate change impacts will hit the most vulnerable communities first, and will hit them the hardest. A key part of building climate resilience is to set up 'early-warning' systems so that communities can prepare for disasters before they happen,” the Minister said.
According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, knowing that a natural disaster event will happen 24 hours before it occurs can reduce damage by 30 percent.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) currently provide regular weather updates and have technology that can give South African communities advanced warning of extreme weather events.
“Our fundraising efforts aim to improve existing infrastructure and replace outdated and dysfunctional systems. Responding to climate change is not the responsibility of government alone.
“Every aspect of society and the economy will be impacted upon. Consequently, the Bill will formally establish the Presidential Climate Commission as a statutory body to mobilise communities, organised labour, business and civil society to represent a whole of society response to future challenges,” Creecy said.
Last month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity on our continent.
“In support of this vision, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the United Nations Climate Summit, called on developed countries to meet the need for new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage in developing countries so that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, and significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation.
“The Just Transition Framework developed by the Presidential Climate Commission aims to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice. Consequently as our country develops our vision of a Just Transition to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society we will ensure it is sustainable, inclusive, comprehensive and leaves no one behind,” the Minister said.
The Climate Change Bill will provide impetus for mainstreaming the country’s climate and disaster response by placing a legal obligation on every organ of state to coordinate and harmonise policies, plans, and programmes, to make sure climate change risks and associated vulnerabilities are acted upon by national, provincial and local government.
“Because sub national governments already face financial shortfalls, the Bill provides mechanisms for national government to provide additional support for our climate change response. Already the Department has mobilised finances to assist municipalities to prepare climate response strategies.
“Honourable members, government and society have already achieved a great deal through voluntary co-operation. With this important legal instrument, we are approving today, much more can be achieved for both people and nature,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:37
628 views
Kodwa attends International Convention Against Doping in Sport
Kodwa attends International Convention Against Doping in Sport
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa is leading the South African delegation at the Ninth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP9) to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
The conference, which starts on Wednesday until Thursday in France, will consider issues of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), compliance to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, and governance in anti-doping policies.
Kodwa will also attend COP9 in his capacity as Vice-President of the International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS).
The Minister was elected to this role at MINEPS VII, the Seventh International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport.
As Vice-President of MINEPS, Kodwa plays a leading role in the only global platform of its kind, which engages governments, intergovernmental organisations, the sport movement, academia and non-government organisations in intellectual, technical and strategic exchanges in the field of physical education and sport.
At COP9, Kodwa will advance South Africa’s position to encourage the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to improve and strengthen its compliance mechanism.
The Minister Kodwa will also play a leading role in uniting African states at this gathering. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:48
573 views
Pandor responds to UNSC’s failure to agree on resolution calling for ‘humanitarian pauses’ in Israel-Palestine war
Pandor responds to UNSC's failure to agree on resolution calling for 'humanitarian pauses' in Israel-Palestine war
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa is not pleased with the failure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to agree on a unified resolution that signals a full commitment to ending the killing and suffering in the Israel-Palestine war.
This comes after the UNSC failed to adopt a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Palestine crisis, on account of a veto by the United States.
“There can be no compromise when this Council is faced with a crisis of such proportion. We urge the Council to do its work,” she said on Tuesday.
Pandor was speaking during the open debate of the UNSC on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
She told the Member States that the country agreed with many speakers who said the ultimate solution to the conflict is finalising the question of the two-State solution.
“We must work hard through the UN to create two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security, and this must be in accord with the established UN resolutions on the two-State solution. The Palestinian State should be created along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
She told the Member States that the conflict has again illustrated the “inadequacy” of the UN, especially the UNSC, which has the mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
“We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred.
“History cannot keep repeating such cruelty; we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and can respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable.”
South Africa, she said, would join urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian corridors to open for aid and other basic services.
“Most importantly we call on all parties to exercise restraint and to desist from fuelling this patently unjust war and human suffering,” she pleaded.
She also expressed her condolences to the Palestinians and Israelites for the lives lost during the past two weeks.
According to reports, at least 5 791 Palestinians, including 2 360 children, have been killed since the Israeli strikes on 7 October.
Over 1 400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage.
“We are horrified at the blatant targeting of civilians, a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Convention, and its protocols. Both Hamas and Israel have committed these violations,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, she said the killing of civilians and destruction in Gaza by Israeli forces goes against the tenets of international law, which forbid the targeting of non-combatants, especially women, the aged and children.
“There is an added obligation on an occupying power over the people and territory it occupies in terms of the Geneva Conventions, including a prohibition against collective punishment.
“This does not detract from South Africa’s concern at the actions of Hamas, which also targeted non-combatants.”
Pandor said while South Africa is concerned about the current violence and deaths, the State cannot ignore the fact that one more day of continued occupation has bred hatred, suffering and pain.
“Just as Israel deserves peace and security, so are Palestinians deserving of sovereignty, peace and security. For international law to be credible, it should be uniformly applied and not selective.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:00
458 views
CSIR launches tech entity to commercialise its technologies, innovations
CSIR launches tech entity to commercialise its technologies, innovations
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially launched a commercialisation enterprise to accelerate the pace and increase the scale of the commercialisation of its technologies and intellectual property (IP).
CSIR-C3, pronounced as CSIR C-Cubed, will drive all aspects of technology commercialisation and provide adequate financial resources along the technology de-risking process through to commercialisation.
According to the research organisation, the standalone enterprise will hold all CSIR IP and act as an incubator for start-up enterprises underpinned by strong technical and non-financial support.
It will enable the commercialisation of CSIR IP through the development of a network of investors and entrepreneurs.
In keeping with the CSIR’s industrialisation strategy and its vision, the organisation said the initiative is intended to enhance efforts to drive industrialisation to grow the economy to catalyse South Africa’s re-industrialisation.
This, according to the CSIR, will be driven by establishing new technology-based enterprises.
CSIR Board Chairperson, Vuyani Jarana, said the CSIR developed many technologies and products that are ready to be de-risked, scaled up, and taken to the market.
He believes that the establishment of CSIR-C3 is an important turning point for the organisation.
“The CSIR has sustained a track record of contributing to industrial development through the development of technologies that improve the performance and competitiveness of existing industrial products, processes and services,” he explained.
Some of the technologies, Jarana said, require funding to take the final step towards commercialisation, while others are ready to be taken up by the market.
The CSIR has since raised R100 million as an initial investment into the commercialisation enterprise to de-risk CSIR technologies to improve market readiness.
Meanwhile, about 18 of the CSIR’s top technologies ranging from health, logistics, and earth observation to defence and security and potential investors have since been unveiled.
The first technologies that are available for commercial uptake have since been displayed to private sector players, investors, and government stakeholders.
These include formulations for biodegradable plastic, a biomanufacturing process for lactic acid from sugar by-products, “green” cement technologies, a kit for the early detection of kidney injury, a smartphone-based diagnostic tool to detect diseases, a gunshot detection camera, and a tool that forecasts the motion of moored ships in a port.
In addition, CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, said the commercialisation enterprise will seize the opportunity to monetise the organisation’s IP at a greater scale and pace to achieve impact.
“Through this initiative, we will collaborate with various partners to create innovation-based companies, to support the reindustrialisation of our economy,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini added that the entity will unlock new opportunities for the CSIR and industry partners to collaborate in developing and commercialising technologies in South Africa and abroad.
He also noted that the move is in keeping with the Science, Technology and Innovation’s Decadal Plan.
The model and approach, the CSIR said, are said to have been informed by global best practices and draw on valuable lessons learnt. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 15:12
172 views
The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue’ to celebrate 10 years of success and commitment to African partnerships
The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue' is a powerful forum that has stimulated billons of rands in business and investment and as it marks its 10th anniversary it has attracted over 200 CEO's and influential public and private sector leaders this year.
The summit, taking place in Johannesburg's Melrose Arch on November 9 and 10, has become the key annual event for European and African political and business leaders to strengthen their strategic relationships.
The Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue was founded and organised by leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Province, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), and a selection of international public and private stakeholders, including CLN-MA, Danieli, DHL, Aspen, Musina-Makhado SEZ, Italian Trade Agency, Brand SA and Italtile.
Confirmed speakers for this year's invitation only event includes Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta, Thebe Chairman Nhlanhla Nene, Angola's Secretary of State for Finance, Ottoniel dos Santos, the CEO of South African Breweries, Richard Rivett-Carnac, as well as the Director of Women in Capital Growth, Nomatemba Tambo among others.
Not to be missed this year is a special high-level political discussion on the state of South Africa, featuring President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema, Action SA President Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen, Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa, and senior leadership of the ruling African National Congress.
“We are looking forward to an extraordinary 10th Anniversary, in times of unprecedented socio-economic changes and unexpected challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis, rising inflation, and geopolitical crises. In the last decade, our CEO Dialogue has demonstrated capacity to build an exclusive and influential community of leaders from SADC and Europe, able to partner together and foster the regional economic development. The aim is also to draw positive attention on strategic areas of economic cooperation and develop international partnerships,” said Pietro Mininni, CEO, TEHA Africa, ahead of the summit.
Some of the topics to be covered in the 2023 agenda are:
- The African geopolitical, business and investment outlook
- CEO's views on African business
- Perspectives and development of the agroindustry in SADC - Energy transition and critical raw materials
- The future of South Africa.
This edition of the Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue will be enhanced with side events on these themes:
- Doing business in Gauteng
- Young business leaders today
- High-level bilateral business meetings
The summit's primary goal is to foster in-depth interaction among peers and government officials and promote growth with a multi-stakeholder approach.
For further information about the summit go to: www.Ambrosetti.EU
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The European House - Ambrosetti.
Contact:
Johannesburg
The European House – Ambrosetti
Filippo.malinverno@ambrosetti.eu
Women’s football growth continues in Southern Africa backed by FIFA support
The eleventh edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship was held in Gauteng, South Africa between 4 - 15 October 2023; FIFA (www.FIFA.com) provides USD 1.25 million annually to COSAFA for the organisation of tournaments through FIFA Forward; For the fourth consecutive year, a research project dedicated to female health was conducted during the competition.
For the first time ever, Malawi were crowned COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) champions, thanks to a 2-1 win over defending holders and FIFA Women's World Cup debutants, Zambia in the final.
This year marked the eleventh edition of the tournament, which provides crucial playing opportunities for women's national teams and players in southern Africa. Malawi's triumph came at a tournament that featured two teams who had qualified for the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand: Zambia and South Africa..
Since 2017, FIFA has provided USD 1 million annually to COSAFA through its Forward programme to organise tournaments for senior women and youth (boys/girls) and USD 1.25 Million for the cycle starting in 2023.
"COSAFA is very happy with the year-on-year improvement in the level of play. This year we have seen a marked improvement by Malawi and Mozambique, as well as Eswatini and Lesotho,” said COSAFA Secretary General Sue Destombes.
“This development is largely due to FIFA's Forward grant to the Zonal Unions and the ability to organise consistent annual tournaments."
In addition to the COSAFA Women's Championship, FIFA Forward zonal funding also supported the hosting of the COSAFA qualifying tournament for the CAF Women's Champions League (from 30 August - 8 September 2023) in Durban, South Africa.
Working on initiatives that stimulate more women's national team activity is part of FIFA and COSAFA's ongoing commitment to promote the development of women's football competitions and advance the professionalisation of women's football in member associations in Southern Africa and around the world.
“We are proud that the FIFA Forward programme continues to contribute to women's football development in the COSAFA region. The 2023 edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship lived up to its elite status with all 12 teams performing well and new stars announcing themselves on the international stage," says Solomon Mudege, Head of Development Programmes – Africa.
"Congratulations to the Malawi women's team who emerged victorious. It's a fitting reward for all the efforts that the Football Association of Malawi is making for the development of talent in women's football and providing tailored support for female football players – under the FIFA Women's Football Development Programme and other related initiatives.
"Our sincere thanks also go to CAF and COSAFA for hosting this tournament and giving teams and officials the first-ever opportunity to work with VAR at this tournament. We are committed at FIFA to women's football development and will continue our work with CAF, the zones and FIFA member associations across Africa.”
During the tournament, COSAFA also began to implement elements of FIFA's Women's Health, Wellbeing, and Performance project (https://apo-opa.info/40afIMI). For the fourth year in a row, Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi has conducted extensive research on women's health. Her area of expertise is the health of female athletes - in particular the intersection between the biology of female athletes and the socio-economic, religious and cultural context in which they live.
“This Project demonstrates FIFA's dedication to increasing awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of this subject, thereby enhancing the confidence, health, well-being and performance of female players worldwide. Our goal is to highlight the importance of tailoring training and support for women, ensuring their holistic needs are met”, said Belinda Wilson, FIFA Senior Technical Development Manager.
“We know that we have a shortage of research on women and girls in sport: Most of that research has been conducted on women and girls from high income countries; women and girls from the global north," explains Dr Mkumbuzi. And this is where her research comes in. Her main motivation is to provide a research database so that in future, more accurate decisions can be made.
"Analysis where they can say for example in Africa the problem is ankle sprains; in Europe the problem is knees; in Asia the problem is concussions. Therefore, when we direct our resources for Africa, we are making sure we direct them towards the most relevant topics, instead of having a broad approach that benefits some, but doesn't quite provide the resources that you need for everyone," Dr Mkumbuzi continued.
"That's where we are coming from and I think it's a bit like Neil Armstrong. It's a tiny little step. We hope that somewhere we have a giant leap forward with other people taking on the same type of research - but in our case it a small little contribution that we hope can then lead to smaller contributions elsewhere and collectively we have a big research database."
The full interview with Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi on women's health and cultural differences will be available on FIFA.com soon.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org