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Didiza to commemorate World Food day in KZN

Location: News

Didiza to commemorate World Food day in KZN

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, together with KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), will on Thursday commemorate World Food Day (WFD) at iLembe District Municipality.

The event, which will take place at Esixeni Sports Field, aims to inform communities on ways to mitigate the impact of rising food prices through the establishment of food gardens and supporting agricultural cooperatives in attaining food security, job creation and economic growth. 

The WFD also aims to deepen public awareness of the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the world, and to encourage communities to take measures to combat hunger. 

The day will be observed under the theme: 'Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind', highlighting the critical role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of food.

Didiza and senior government officials will visit projects and households. 

“It is also expected that some of the indigent households in identified communities will receive food parcels and agricultural support,” the department said in a statement. 

About World Food Day

World Food Day is commemorated annually on 16 October in remembrance of founding the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945 as an organisation that deals with global food and agricultural issues.

The conference of FAO proclaimed World Food Day in 1979 to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

The objectives of World Food Day are:

•    To inform South Africans on the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security.
•    To heighten public awareness on issues such as absence and scarcity of food in the country and to strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
•    To promote food production and to stimulate national, bi-lateral, trans-national and non-governmental initiatives.
•    To encourage research and technology development for the development of symbiotic ecological food production systems to ensure sustainable food production.
•    To enhance the participation of rural people, particularly women and the under privileged in decisions and events impacting their living conditions.
•    To heighten public awareness on the government programmes aimed at halving hunger in South Africa.
•    To raise awareness of the public regarding the contribution of indigenous forests to food security and nutrition. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 10/25/2023 - 12:22

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Ensuring education for all

Location: News

Ensuring education for all

While challenges in the education sector remain, gains are being made to ensure learning for all.

The results of Census 2022 released recently, not only revealed that the country’s population grew to 62 million from 51.7 million in 2011, but also that the population remains relatively youthful. The data showed that 61.2% of the population is under the age of 35.

Of key interest of the data released is that of accomplishments in the education sector, given the country’s history of the exclusion of the majority.

Section 29 of South Africa’s Bill of Rights speaks to the fact that everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education; and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.

Since South Africa attained democracy close to 30-years ago, government has put in place various measures to ensure access to education for all. These measures include the introduction of no-fee schools, school nutrition programmes and access to scholar transport.

The 2022 Census - which is the fourth to be conducted in democratic South Africa - notes that access to educational institutions is an important step to universal education, but that “the ultimate goal would be to keep children at school until completion of their education.”

According to the census, in 2022, 73.4% of the population aged 5-24 years were attending school, up from the 70.1% recorded in democratic South Africa’s first census in 1996.

The census plays an essential role in planning, policy formulation, evaluation and budget allocation of the country.

It also revealed that the percentage of those aged 20 years and older who completed secondary education more than doubled from 16.3% in 1996 to 37.6% in 2022.

This as the Department of Basic Education has acknowledged a slight rise in the number of those not attending educational institutions.

“We do acknowledge that there has been a slight increase in the number of 5-24-year-olds not attending an educational institution since the last census in 2011, of about 200 000. However, this is partly due to population growth (the number of 5-24-year-olds attending has increased by even more) and [is] partly due to earlier completion of schooling,” said the department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.

Additionally, the data showed that over 14.1 million of those aged 20 and above, completed secondary education in 2022, followed by 11.9 million who achieved some secondary education and 4.6 million who attained post-school education.

Mhlanga said the average age of youths successfully completing a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification has been gradually lowering over the years.

“The result is an astonishing trend over time; the percentage of 22-25-year-olds attending education actually decreased from 16.4% in 2002 to 15.8% in 2021. Yet, over the same period, the percentage of 22-25-year-olds having completed grade 12 increased dramatically from 39% to 62%.”

He pointed out that the country’s school system used to be far more inefficient, with many children staying in school into their twenties but then exiting without having completed Grade 12.

“These days, children repeat less, are less likely to be in school into their twenties, but most important of all, they are much more likely to successfully complete a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification,” he explained.

COVID-19 and challenges

He also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which disrupted schooling.

“The Minister’s [Angie Motshekga] move to reopen schools in spite of the fear and criticism has now been fully vindicated. The spread of the virus was not affected by reopening schools, and despite worries about increased dropping out of school during the pandemic, the opposite happened; more candidates wrote and passed the matric exams in 2020, 2021 and 2022 than ever before.”

He added that the department is well aware of the challenges in the education sector.

“The quality of learning in the early grades, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy, remains a critical priority, and was negatively impacted by the pandemic.

“Another challenge, or rather opportunity, is to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development opportunities now that this responsibility has been shifted from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education.”

Census 2022 revealed that 3.4 million children aged 0–4 years participated in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme.

Last year, government moved the responsibility of the provision of the ECD programme from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. In June, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education received a progress report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

“We must acknowledge the challenges that exist in South African education, but all the trends in access, equity, quality and efficiency are overwhelmingly positive,” said Mhlanga.

Development

Reacting to the census results, Cabinet said the country has been developing over the course of the last 29 years.

This is in addition to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to government departments, policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and international organisations to use information from Census 2022 to collectively strive to improve people’s lives.

“Census 2022 has told us where we are making progress, but it has also laid bare the challenges that remain. It will be an invaluable tool in meeting those challenges. We now have the information we need to ensure that as we build this country, we leave no one behind,” the President said as he received the results of the count from Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.

The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends and other service delivery related information. - SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:50

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SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars

Location: News

SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars

South Africa has submitted a film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and musical director Dr Joseph Shabalala for consideration to compete in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).

“Music is My Life tells the story of the late South African musician Shabalala, who rose to international acclaim with his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and contributed to Paul Simon’s successful Graceland album,” the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said.

Produced by the seasoned award-winning producer, Carolyn Carew, the feature documentary film was shot over a period of five years and Shabalala’s creative process through the inspiring lense of his life.

“It is always a great and privileged opportunity to have a South African film represent the country at the global industry’s foremost awards. The fact that this particular film tells the authentic South African story of the iconic Dr Shabalala, is even more special,” NFVF Acting CEO Thobela Mayinje said.

The NFVF said the film is an engaging tribute to South Africa’s diverse culture, one of South Africa’s most distinct traditional musical forms, isicathamiya, and the man with a remarkable voice who made it globally relevant.    

“Since its release, the film has screened at a number of local and international film festivals and has garnered critical acclaim by audiences in countries like America, New Zealand, Australia and Spain, to name a few. Locally, Music is My Life screened at the Labia Cinema for over five days and on what would have been Dr Shabalala’s 83rd birthday, the public broadcaster’s SABC 1 channel aired the film,” the foundation said.

The decision to enter the film was made after a rigorous judging process by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee.

This year’s committee comprised a diverse group of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy.

“Once the call for submissions closed on 10 August 2023, the committee evaluated a total of four film submissions from 18 to 22 September 2023, at Nu Metro cinemas in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

“The submissions were evaluated based on the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria. The NFVF appointed a reputable firm, SNG Grant Thornton to assess the overall judging process and ensure the integrity of the process.

“Once the committee had deliberated in its meeting held on 22 September 2023, the submission Music is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo received the highest votes as the official selection once the scores were tallied and vetted by the auditors,” the foundation said.

The official nominations for the 96th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on 23 January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:53

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Liquor Amendment Bill under the spotlight

Location: News

Liquor Amendment Bill under the spotlight

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has acknowledged the message of the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) to pass the Liqour Amendment Bill. 

“I hear you and that is the message “Pass the Liqour Amendment Bill now.” From the department of Social Development and all other government people that are here, [we] take note of what has been brought to us here. This is a positive message and a message that says to us we must listen when you stand up to talk to us. 

"Let us make the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference remarkable by accomplishing the things we collectively pledged to achieve and for collective action to put the needs of the world’s most vulnerable citizens ahead of profit,” Minister Zulu said. 

The Minister was delivering the keynote opening remarks on the occasion of the 7th GAPC held in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

GAPC is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners.

The official launch was hosted by the Minister and attended by congregants from over 50 countries around the globe. Some of the key concerns that stood out from some speeches from keynote speakers, were the fact that profits are being put ahead of lives.

Zulu emphasised that the country’s approach to alcohol policy has to shift from one where the objectives revolve around economic growth to the interest of public health, with specific focus on reducing alcohol-related harms.

“I hope the conference will be an important turning point that will provide impetus for the much-needed focus on the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. 

Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

The Minister said that the conference came at a perfect time after a month of government tabling the Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders to Cabinet for public consultation. 

The policy provides a framework for decision-making within the whole sector about where the greatest drug-related harms are occurring, and identifying the best means to address those harms.

“We are pleased that Cabinet approved the Policy for public consultation and recommended the establishment of a special committee of Cabinet Ministers to ensure coordination, strategic alignment and decision making in harm prevention and reduction strategies across government. 

“I am therefore confident that this policy conference under the theme ‘Investing in People Before Profits: Building momentum towards the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control,’ will provide the necessary political impetus and generate new research and evidence-based ideas in drug and alcohol policy,” the Minister said.

 

Addiction

The Minister highlighted that government is concerned that up to one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in South Africa.

 
This figure is based on the numbers of young people presenting themselves to treatment facilities.

‘While we are concerned about the harm that all drugs have on individuals, families and or society as a whole, there is a significant body of evidence from research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council and Soul City that suggest that alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country,” Zulu said. 

The Minister further highlighted to delegates that research further shows that alcohol fuels crime, mortality rates and fatal injuries, and contributes to the unacceptably high levels of vehicle crashes in South Africa. 

At the same time, she said, alcohol significantly contributes to gender-based violence and risky sexual behaviours associated with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. 

The Minister added that time and again, the quarterly crime statistics show that alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime around the country. 

She said that government is concerned about the emerging trends among young people of mixing alcohol with energy drinks. 

“In the face of these growing challenges, our people have demanded that government take necessary measures to address the harmful use of alcohol.

“I must acknowledge that this has not been the easiest of tasks. Any measures to prevent and reduce alcohol harm has been met with a monumental and well-resourced push back that seem to put commercial interests before people from the alcohol industry.”

The Minister emphasised that government’s objective is to regulate the sale and supply of alcohol to the public, not motivated by revenue collection, but rather by purely by the interests of public health and wellbeing, with the particular purposes of protecting children and young people, reducing alcohol consumption, and preventing violent crime and other forms of alcohol related harm. 

She said this objective arises from the overwhelming evidence of significant harm to individuals and society caused by the harmful use of alcohol. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:42

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New State-of-the-art Primary Healthcare Clinic to Meet Growing Health Demands in Botleng Extension 6

Location: News
GE

As part of GE Vernova's (https://www.GEVernova.com/) commitment to support communities in areas it operates in, GE Vernova's Steam Power business, is proud to announce the handover of the Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre, a first-of-its-kind primary healthcare facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The clinic was officially handed over to the Mpumalanga Department of Health and marked by an official opening ceremony in Nkangala District of Victor Khanye Local Municipality.

The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents an approximated R75 million investment towards the turnkey construction and full equipment kitting of the clinic in efforts to uplift the local healthcare infrastructure. The clinic will play a critical role in meeting the growing healthcare demands of the community and its surrounding areas. Up to 100 000 local beneficiaries will have access to comprehensive primary healthcare services including 24-hour emergency care, maternity, dentistry, eyecare, medical dispensary, and mental healthcare services.

While Botleng Extension 6, part of a rapidly growing settlement in Victor Khanye Local Municipality was being serviced by a mobile clinic with restricted services that visits the area twice a week, the new clinic will alleviate the community's burden of travelling great distances to access quality healthcare services. The state-of-the-art facility boasts of a cutting-edge maternity ward equipped with premium GE Healthcare ultrasound/V-scan equipment, ensuring precision healthcare for expectant mothers and their babies. In addition to this, GE Healthcare will roll-out technical, clinical, and soft skills training programmes for nurses and midwives at the clinic, enhancing the quality of healthcare services.

Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane expressed the provincial government's gratitude for this significant contribution to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. "This facility will be heralded and safeguarded by generations to come. Not only has it exceeded our standard infrastructural requirements but should be used as a benchmark for public service and infrastructural excellence," Mtshweni-Tsipane stated. "Thank you for leading by example and being a prime example of how private public partnerships can significantly aid our efforts and serve as catalysts for sustainable employment opportunity creation in our communities."

In line with its continuous strategy to empower local businesses, GE Vernova's Steam Power business supported local businesses and communities throughout the construction process where GVK-Siyazama Construction served as the principal contractor, overseeing construction activities. A minimum of 30% of the work was sub-contracted to local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and the general workforce was sourced entirely from the local community and empowered through accredited trade and skills development trainings. It was critical for the clinic's design approach to incorporate ecologically conscious solutions like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient fittings and low maintenance landscaping throughout the construction process.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Emmanuel Thouet, GE Vernova's Steam Power SSA Regional Leader, expressed the company's commitment to driving social change through public-private partnerships. " Over the years, large infrastructure projects have provided us opportunities to create jobs and develop the critical skills needed to drive continuous growth in the energy sector. We recognize that for us to make a sustainable impact, we must be deliberate in our efforts to support social change," he stated. "Through our expertise and innovation, we are able to address social challenges by creating shared value. We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will significantly improve the social and economic vitality of the Botleng Extension 6 community."

Zandile Shange, Eskom General Manager for Kusile Power Plant Project, expressed her enthusiasm for the community-centric partnership Eskom enjoys with GE Vernova's Steam Power business in delivering this essential healthcare facility. " Health and wellness are fundamental human rights for all South Africans," Shange said. "The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents a crucial step in providing accessible healthcare services to the people of this region. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to support the well-being of our communities and in accordance with one of our core values, ‘Sinobuntu'."

The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders, government agencies, and the community to address critical healthcare needs and uplift local communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kashumba Macombe
Middle East & Africa Content Creation & Communications Specialist
GE Vernova
+27 71 372 3110
Kashumba.Macombe@ge.com

About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 140+ countries around the world. GE Vernova's Steam Power business provides a broad portfolio of technologies and services that help industrial and non-renewable energy power plants deliver reliable power as they transition to a lower carbon future.

GE Vernova's mission is embedded in its name –it retains its legacy, “GE,” as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. “Ver” / “verde” signal Earth's verdant and lush ecosystems. “Nova,” from the Latin “novus,” nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Supported by the Company Purpose,The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova will help deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3Qc09j6).

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Government activities for the week, 23 – 27 October 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week, 23 - 27 October 2023

Government has scheduled the following briefings/activities for the week: 23 to 27 October 2023. 

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, South Africa will host the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference at the Cape Town Convention Centre in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 24 October, the Electoral Commission will launch the 2024 National and Provincial Elections from 10:00 at the Ballroom, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, will host the BRICS Tourism Ministers meeting in Cape Town.

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Friday, 27 October, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will host the National Digital and Future Skills Conference at the East London ICC in the Eastern Cape.

Janine
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 10:07

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Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications

Location: News

Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications

Emerging designers in KwaZulu-Natal have only four days left to submit their applications to be part of the Emerging Designers Incubation Programme.

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is looking for KZN-based emerging designers who are currently running a formal or informal creative design business, including crafters, fashion designers, and accessories designers, among others, to take part on the incubation programme.

To apply for the programme, applicants should click on the link: https://forms.gle/PZgeNDyTR2J1Ng2L6.

The closing date for application submissions is 27 October 2023.

Global exporter passport programme

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs; KZN Trade and Investment, and Zululand Chamber of Commerce have invited prospective Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within and around Richards Bay to participate in the Global Exporter Passport Programme.

The programme is designed to provide exporter development training to enterprises that wish to expand their export opportunities and be export ready and sustainable in export markets. 

Thr programme will be undertaken in three phases, including introduction to exporting; planning for exports and market selection; and market entry analysis. Phase one of the programme will take place from 21 to 24 November 2023, phase two will be from 30 January 2024 to 02 February 2024, while phase three will take place from 20 February to 21 February 2024.

Consideration will be given to SMEs that are in existence and have been operational for at least one year and enterprises belong to a previously disadvantaged population group.

“Applicants must be directly involved in the daily operations of the business,” the department said.

Applicants must send an email to Gugulethu.Gumede@kznedtea.gov.za requesting an assessment form.

The closing date is 03 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 12:51

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Boks, Proteas design SA proud

Location: News

Boks, Proteas make SA proud

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the rugby and cricket national teams for winning their matches against England in their respective World Cup matches.

“Our national teams are inspiring people all over the world and making all of us deeply proud,” the President said on Sunday.

South Africa advanced to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday night following a 16-15 victory against England.

“Congratulations to our heroic Springboks on a hard-won Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final at Stade de France, Paris. Now our nation can focus our hearts and flags on our second successive Rugby World Cup Final in as many tournaments. We are indeed stronger – and victorious – together,” the President said.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, travelled to Paris to back the Springboks in their match against England.

“Most sporting nations use soft diplomacy such as sport and culture to achieve their diplomatic goals. As a global player, South Africa must continue to invest in these areas to advance its diplomatic goals.

“What a win by the Springboks! The Bokke have shown why they are the reigning World Cup champions. Bring on the finals. What a World Cup day for South Africa!” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Proteas beat England by 229 runs in their 2023 Cricket World Cup group match on Saturday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“Warm congratulations to the Proteas on their record win over England in the ICC World Cup tournament. The nation wishes you further victories on your way to the final. Between the Proteas and the Springboks, our national teams are inspiring people all over the world and making all of us deeply proud,” the President said.

Kodwa also congratulated the Proteas.

“What a fantastic victory! Congratulations on a mighty performance. You have inspired South Africans all over with your big win,” he said. –SANews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 11:42

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Calling All KZN Entrepreneurs! Play Your Fraction Ignite is here to give your business conceit a boost!

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg 20 October 2023 – Sometimes, all a great idea needs is a little fine-tuning to give it the confidence and gravitas it needs to succeed. A nudge in the right direction can be life-changing for many aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Brand South Africa, through their Play Your Part Ignite roadshow, have been travelling …

Read moreCalling All KZN Entrepreneurs! Play Your Fraction Ignite is here to give your business conceit a boost!

Global Conflict Threatens Local War On Hunger Warns Development Group

Location: MyPR

Agripreneurship: a solution to enhance food security as global conflict proves a recurring threat to SA’s vulnerable food supply chain. 19 October 2023: Recent global conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia War continue to send shockwaves throughout the world. Their impact has laid bare the critical need for developing African markets, such as South Africa (SA), …

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Gianni Infantino attends opening match of the African Football League in Tanzania

Location: Sport

FIFA
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FIFA President (www.FIFA.com) watched Simba Sports Club play Al Ahly FC in Dar es Salaam; The new competition is set to transform African club football; Gianni Infantino laid the foundation stone for second stage of development at the Kigamboni Technical Centre.

The FIFA President has visited Tanzania where he attended the opening ceremony and inaugural match of the African League Football (AFL), the new competition which is set to transform club football on the continent. Gianni Infantino watched home side Simba Sports Club face Egyptian club Al Ahly FC in the company of the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia. The quarter-final first leg match ended 2-2.

“I am pleased to be in Dar es Salaam for the launch of the new African Football League. I am also discussing football development with the Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, who is welcoming us so well here, and other African Federations presidents,” Mr Infantino said.

The AFL is the latest result of the fruitful partnership between CAF and FIFA, and its debut format will bring together eight of Africa's most famous and successful teams -- increasing to 24 in 2024 -- with the aim of highlighting the quality of the game on the continent. 

The other ties are: Tout Puissant Mazembe (Congo DR) v Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Enyimba Football Club (Nigeria) v Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola) v Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa).

“I want to thank the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the whole of African football for their initiatives in constantly developing football in Africa,” said Mr Infantino, who took part in the unveiling of the trophy before the match. He added that the AFL would herald the start of a new era of increased spotlight, accelerated growth, and development for African football.

The FIFA President also laid the foundation stone for second stage of construction of the TFF's Kigamboni Technical Centre in Dar es Salaam which, like the Tanga Technical Centre on the north coast, is a FIFA Forward project. The FIFA Forward development programme (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) is available to all 211 member associations to fund projects such as the building of pitches, technical centres and the organisation of competitions.

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and Chairman of FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina were also part of the FIFA delegation.

Mr Wenger said the centre would play a key role in helping Tanzania identify and develop talented players. “We have four to five years in front of us and, if we do it well, I'm sure that we'll have good players everywhere in Tanzania,” he said. 

Mr Infantino said he was delighted to lay the foundation stone and that the centre was “sure to be an excellent facility for helping to develop local football talent.”

He added: “Many congratulations to CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, for the initiatives undertaken in giving opportunities to young girls and boys to live their football dreams.”

“The development of our beautiful game is a symbol of hope and I am looking forward to continuing our good work together.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.

Contact for African media: 
AfricanMedia@fifa.org 

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President Ramaphosa to attend Cairo Summit for Peace 

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend Cairo Summit for Peace 

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday attend the Cairo Summit for Peace to discuss the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip among other global issues.

The President will attend the summit at the invitation of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

According to the Presidency, the summit will discuss the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, the urgent need for humanitarian support and make a call for the resumption of the peace process.

“President Ramaphosa has been deeply concerned by attacks on civilians, the resulting enormous loss of life, displacement of people and the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed the Gaza Strip.

“South Africa has repeatedly called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, return of hostages and the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors,” the Presidency said. 

The Presidency emphasised that South Africa stands ready to join the global effort that will bring about lasting peace to the Middle East. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 10/20/2023 - 09:56

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Uganda’s Energy Potential Promoted at #AEW2023

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Taking place during the 2023 edition of African Energy Week (AEW) the Invest in Uganda Energies country spotlight served to showcase the various investment and partnership prospects available across the East African country's energy sector.

Sponsored by Uganda's National Oil Company (NOC), the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) Limited, and featuring the participation of high-level public and private sector players, the session shone a light on Uganda's energy journey, with a focus on new investment opportunities in the East African energy hub.

“For the energy space, in terms of regulation, in terms of policy, in terms of opportunities, there is huge potential for private sector players to participate in Uganda,” stated Aggrey Ashaba, Uganda Chamber of Mines General Secretary.

Boasting approximately 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil reserves and significant gas resources, Uganda ranks among Africa's fastest growing energy markets, and has emerged as an attractive investment destination for global energy companies and investors alike.

“In respect to licensing, the laws require that we follow a production sharing regime, which creates a certain level of certainty; compliance to international standards on safety, environment, and social aspects; and regulate the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors,” stated Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.

The country aims to produce first oil in 2025, having achieved a Final Investment Decision for the $10 billion Lake Albert Development – comprising the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields as well as the 1,443km-long EACOP – alongside oil and gas supermajor, TotalEnergies, and Chinese National Oil Company, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation in 2022.

“We are currently building an investment portfolio of over $10 billion,” stated Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of UNOC Limited, adding, “This will be to develop resources of about 1.4 to 1.7 billion recoverable barrels of oil while monetizing and developing our downstream sector.”

“As we charge the future, we need to leverage past experiences,” stated Sandisiwe Ncemane, Interim CEO for South Africa's NOC, PetroSA, adding, “When it comes to infrastructure, we see value in having invested in that infrastructure, even as we witness changes in attitude towards energy sources.”

On the mid- and downstream fronts – in addition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline – the country is inviting foreign investors to fund a series of infrastructure projects, both in-country and across the region. Representing a relatively new market, opportunities for players across the refining, transportation, service provision, and associated industries are growing.

“We currently have a project resource portfolio of about $15 million as a local entity,” stated Job Kahigwa, Chairman and CEO of construction company, ROHI Investment Ltd., adding, “For enabling Uganda's supporting industries, we have a huge opportunity to source from the country's population to promote and develop local content while engaging in partnerships with other local entities.”

Meanwhile, the country's boasts substantial renewable energy resources, with over 80% of its generation mix being driven largely by hydropower. Meanwhile, it was noted that the country is poised to increase its generation capacity two-fold by 2040, largely driven on the back of renewable energy.

“Today, our energy mix is largely driven by hydropower, so we are boasting an energy mix where only 7% is driven by hydrocarbons,” stated Eng. Ps. Irene Batebe, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda, adding, “Our total installed capacity is over 2,000 Mw, but in our ambitious plan to industrialize, we are looking to increase our generation capacity by 52,000 MW by 2040.”

Taking place in Cape Town from 16-20 October, #AEW2023 is held under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets'. AEW is the African Energy Chamber's annual event, uniting African energy stakeholders with global investors to discuss the future of African energy.

#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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#AEW2023 Highlights Best Practices to Advancing Africa’s Refinery Capacity

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 hosted a high-level panel discussion analyzing trends within the continent's downstream segment, as African countries seek to ensure optimal exploitation of domestic resources for energy security, affordability and independence.

Moderated by Daniel Evans, Vice President, Global Refining and Marketing, S&P Global Commodity Insights, the discussion began with a keynote speech by Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary, African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA).

“Fossil fuel demand in Africa will grow by 45% to 50% over the next three decades, hence the need to boost refinery and storage capacity to avoid the continued surge in energy imports which are increasing prices across the continent,” stated Kragha.

Supporting his statement Daouda Kebe, Technical Director, Senegal's SAR, said “Most of the refineries in Africa were built in the 1960s and are reaching end of life and need to be updated in line with changing energy and environmental sustainability standards.”

Peter Adeshola Olowononi, Head, Client Relations - Anglophone West Africa, Afreximbank, added that “Industrialization is the only way that Africa can remain viable and for that to happen the continent needs to have sustainable and resilient downstream systems. That is why we are working with APPO to establish the African Energy Bank to invest in African refinery projects.”

While the panel identified a lack of adequate financing as the biggest barrier hindering the growth of Africa's downstream projects, it served as a platform to showcase best solutions to driving investments within the segment.

Olowononi, added that with international banks pulling out financing in hydrocarbon projects due to the energy transition, there is a need for more cooperation between African banks and governments in coming up with home-grown financing solutions.

“Africa has to understand that we have an emergence. As long as we don't externalize this challenge, we will keep on suffering. Banks need to see that it is no longer about profits and capitalization but rather about guaranteeing African energy security, which will, in turn result in economic growth and more profits for them.”

Kragha emphasized on the role leveraging market-based pricing, the enactment of clear policies and coordination between key sectoral ministries to support investor business plans play in accelerating the flow of investments in the continent's downstream landscape.

“We have to look at what makes sense from an investment perspective. Not all countries need to have a refinery. We need a tighter and robust intra Africa refinery value chain to ensure intra trading and cooperation between upstream and downstream players. For instance, South Africa, with its four refineries, can be leveraged by the SADC region to refine energy sourced from Namibia and Mozambique for regional energy security,” added Kragha.

Zakaria Dosso, Managing Director, AEICORP said with global investors prioritizing ESG, the continent can attract new investments by building new refineries which have the latest sustainability certification instead of focusing on updating existing assets which are outdated.

Organized by the African Energy Chamber, #AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Multi-planting season to ensure sustainable food security

Location: News

Multi-planting season to ensure sustainable food security

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has once again placed agriculture at the centre of its efforts to ensure sustainable food security, job creation and economic growth. 

Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube unveiled the 2023/2024 Provincial Multi-Planting Season, a "government turnkey, fool-proof solution-driven campaign", aimed at mobilising resources, providing support, and access to finance, information and markets in the agricultural sector.

The Multi-Planting Season, led by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is a holistic approach to aid communities and smallholder farmers by ensuring that they have sufficient, safe and nutritious food. 

Dube-Ncube emphasised the need to find creative ways to cushion the country’s economy, ensure food sustainability and create jobs.

The Premier said this as the country grapples with rising food costs and high levels of unemployment, exacerbated by global geopolitical and market dynamics, including severe weather patterns.

“Agriculture is at the forefront of our strategy. Therefore, launching the multi-panting season is not just an event, but a programme that will change the lives of our people, especially the youth and rural communities,” Dube Ncube said.

The Premier said over 20 000 hectares of land will be planted this season throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with yellow maize, dry beans and all kinds of vegetables. Farmers will be linked to markets where they will sell their quality produce.

She said through the District Development Model, all champion MECs will be rolling out the provincial programme within their respective districts and communities. 

Local communities will also be afforded opportunities to partner with the department to receive expert advice, farming implements, seedlings and traditional land for cooperative projects.

“Food security is a national challenge. KwaZulu-Natal province has several households in the poorest rural areas that are facing food insecurity. Therefore, the intervention by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to assist indigent families and farmers, affording them an opportunity to participate in the mainstream economy of the province is timely.

“This is a season for food security. We will do away with poverty and hunger and we want our people to create their own wealth through working the soil. We also want to further support the youth, who are interested in the agricultural sector, realise success and benefit from the sector’s value chain,” the Premier said.

Dube-Ncube also encouraged communities to work together with ward committees to access information about the provincial government’s programmes.

Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, said the rain that fell over Impendle this week was a significant sign of success for the planting season. 

Zuma reiterated his department’s commitment to continue to assist the rural communities to fight poverty and inequality.

“We will fight hunger and provide food security with our One Home One Garden Programme. There must not be a home without a garden,” Zuma said. 

He said the department has been speaking to religious leaders to promote the One Church One Garden programme to their congregants and they have made a plea to them to partner with the department. 

The department has also taken the programme to schools - One School One Garden - and has created jobs through the programme.

Zuma has visited the Ntshiyabantu Communal Estate, a 110-hectare cooperative which will be planting yellow maize this season, where he distributed tractors, fertiliser, manure and other chemicals to benefit all 67 members.

Cooperative Chairperson, Reuben Nkontwana, expressed his gratitude to the department’s intervention, noting the high level of unemployment in rural areas.

“Now that we have land and guaranteed assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, not one family will go hungry. We are hoping for more rain so that we have plenty produce that will bring us enough money to support our families and have food to eat,” said an elated Nkontwana. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:02

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NSG celebrates 10 years of excellence

Location: News

NSG celebrates 10 years of excellence

Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet says the mandate of the National School of Government (NSG) is to ensure that it provides education, training and development (ETD) interventions to appointed public servants and elected public representatives.

According to Kiviet, this is to ensure that they can fulfil their responsibilities.

Addressing the 10th anniversary celebration of the NSG virtually, Kiviet said the NSG continues to strengthen its partnerships domestically and internationally towards leveraging the relevant expertise.

“Through the initiatives of the National School of Government and its partners, our elected public representatives and appointed public servants continue to gain significant insights in improving public service delivery and responding to the needs of our people,” Kiviet said.

The NSG continues to grow its global footprint of partnerships playing a role in knowledge exchanges through training exchanges and influencing public sector discourse.

“It has created linkages and collaborations with like-minded institutions in the world to work closely to build the capacity of the public sector to promote good governance in public administration.

“The NSG has scored several achievements in the past 10 years. The institution has delivered training programmes reaching more than 526 000 learners, generating revenue from course fees of more than R1 billion.

“It has become a highly regarded ETD institution within the public sector, with a growing reputation as a platform for thought leadership and robust engagements and debates within government and academia.

“It continues to register good progress and impressive performance on its mandate. The school has proven to be resilient during difficult times. Through innovation and agility, it overcame the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSG quickly developed the COVID-19 response plan, which prioritised digital and online learning interventions,” the Minister said.

Kiviet said because of this quick response, the institution saw an unprecedented number of online enrolments for eLearning courses.

Also in attendance at the anniversary celebration was DPSA former Minister Faith Muthambi, who wished the institution well on its journey to educating public servants.

The NSG turns 10 this month and a number of activities are taking place this week to mark the milestone, as well as the contribution of the school towards public sector capacity-building and performance.

The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President, which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA). The proclamation made the NSG a national government department under the portfolio of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The work of the NSG has also been enhanced by the decision of government to make building a capable, ethical and developmental State the number one priority among the seven priorities outlined in the 2019 - 2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase, to middle and senior management as well as executive management.

Its expanded mandate also includes Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and political office-bearers, where the focus includes building expertise on economic governance, political oversight and accountability.

The past three years have seen Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayors and councillors participating in the programmes of the school as part of the concerted effort at improving State capacity at the highest level.

The NSG committed in its Strategic Plan 2019-2024 to use partnerships with public and private institutions in South Africa and the rest of the world to deliver quality education, training and development interventions to expand learning opportunities through access to international expertise and represent the NSG in the global knowledge exchange network in order to position it globally and expand its international footprint and recognition as a thought leader.

The school works with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other Management Development Institutes in South Africa, Africa and around the world.

Also in attendance was the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Professor Somadoda Fikeni, as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Public Service Commission derives its mandate from Sections 195 and 196 of the Constitution. The Commission is tasked and empowered to investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration of the public service.

The Commission also has an obligation to promote measures that will ensure effective and efficient performance with the public service and to promote values and principles of public administration, as set out in the Constitution, throughout the public service. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Edwin
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:51

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Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

Location: News

Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has congratulated Durban and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) for scooping major awards at the World Travel Awards held in Dubai.

The ICC walked away with Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination Awards, beating the likes of Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda), Cape Town and Johannesburg in both awards.

The glittering 30th World Travel Awards, held on Sunday, marked seven years on the trot since Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been winning this award back-to-back from 2017. 

The World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event in the global travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, influencers and media. They serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.

Dube-Ncube said the awards are a great vote of confidence by the global travel and tourism sector in KZN province, the City of Durban, and the Durban International Convention Centre facility. 

“We appreciate this honour but importantly value the sterling and untiring work put in by our entity, KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau for continuously attracting business events to our province. Such achievements are not a given nor come to us for free, we have to work hard to achieve them” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier also noted with excitement that in the 23-year history of Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre Award category, the Durban ICC has won this title for the 18th time.
 
“This vote of confidence by the World Travel Awards organisation in the Durban ICC is as bold and significant as the establishment of the Durban International Convention Centre itself. During the formative years of our democracy the city’s fathers took a daring and futuristic view of making the Convention Centre one of the single largest investments in the future growth and development of the city.
 
“Today we are reaping the rewards of such decisions. Naming it after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli is indicative of the global stature of this facility. Hosting these awards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC will be a befitting tribute to the vision of our forebears,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
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Women Dubbed Catalysts for Sustainable and Innovative Development at #AEW2023

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Featuring a diverse group of influential women leaders in the energy sector, a Women in Energy Roundtable Discussion was held during the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference and exhibition. The panel explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all Africans, with women at the forefront of progress.

Moderated by Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy, the roundtable was hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network and bp SA.

The discussion kicked off with Sarah Baashan, Head of Global Insights and Engagements, Saudi Aramco, providing insight into how Africa can address its current energy challenges while also ensuring a sustainable future. She stated that, “We need to increase energy generation capacity while guaranteeing that energy produced is affordable. At the same time, we should not forget decarbonization, as it is crucial for a healthy environment.”

Baashan added that the continent hosts the world's youngest workers, and therefore, should prioritize creating more job opportunities to advance sustainable socioeconomic development. Ibi Ogunbiyi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi, added that the continent needs to adopt a “compromised strategy where we are having hydrocarbons producing baseload power and off-grid and other renewable systems providing access to underserved communities.” She also believes that, “Gas should serve as a transition fuel.”

Additionally, the panel identified a lack of adequate infrastructure and project financing across the value chain as key challenges hindering the expansion of African energy economies. Commenting on how the continent can address infrastructure deficits, Oluseyi Afolabi, Principal Consultant/CEO at Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria, stated that it starts with African governments prioritizing the development of assets which allow secure and resilient generation and transportation of energy to both rural and urban communities.

“Investments in the research and development of innovative solution needs to also be prioritized while streamlining the deployment of projects and ensuring construction is fast-tracked. Lastly, there is a need for maximizing value addition in local content development in projects rollout,” added Afolabi.

Echoing Afolabi's notion, Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, said increasing investments in Africa's capacity building initiatives is crucial for the diversification of Africa's energy mix and for the continent to be able to reduce the reliance on international aid.

Commenting on the factors that have influenced the current state of Africa's energy industry, Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp SA, stated that, “Energy demand is growing by at least 3% a year while investments in new projects have been slow. We have also failed to define our own principles, hence we have significant inequality which are compromising [progress regarding] Sustainable Development Goals. We need to exploit all the energy resources we have including coal, gas and oil before we do into the transition.”

Ayanda Noah, Chairperson of South Africa's Central Energy Fund, provided insight into best practices for the continent to improve its current energy status. According to Noah, governments should improve cooperation with the private sector, and that “Connectivity and collaboration at the basic level is crucial. Africa has tangible examples of interconnectivity success projects such as the Southern African Power Pool which we can maximize to enhance energy security. Women have the potential to be innovative, coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to critical energy challenges.”

Amb. Martha Nyamal Choat, Deputy Managing Director and CEO, Nile Petroleum Corporation, shared similar remarks, adding that for African projects to be able to attract private investments, governments need to ensure security and market stability which are absent in an increasing number of African countries.

Shirley Webber, Head of Natural Resources & Energy at ABSA, concluded the session by adding that in addition to market stability, governments need to prioritize Environmental Social Governance and the adoption of a mix of financing mechanisms for the different energy infrastructure development projects.

#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.aecweek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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#AEW2023 Panel Explores Fundamentals of African Petroleum Systems

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

The 2023 edition of the African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition featured a panel session focused on the fundamentals of exploration in Africa's petroleum system.

Hosted by EnerGeo Alliance, the panel session took a scientific view of Africa's petroleum resources, highlighting the importance of hydrocarbons, particularly liquid fuels, in the continent's future energy mix.

“Greater than 50% of the energy mix will be oil and gas, even by 2050,” stated Phil Birch, Impact Oil and Gas Exploration Director, adding, “The increase in indigenous sources of energy and indigenous sources of hydrocarbons will prevent further energy poverty and also prevent nations from having to source really expensive fuel oil.”

Boasting favorable legislative and regulatory systems throughout much of the continent's largest hydrocarbons producers, rights to explore, produce, establish facilities, and transport petroleum resources was noted as a requisite for Africa to enable the next generation of major discoveries.

“Uncertainty has a cost, so more predictability is better for bringing interested investors,” stated Rune Olav Pedersen, CEO of global geophysical company, PGS, adding, “When a licensing round has been held, it is clear to everyone what the terms are, and then negotiations rise up. So, limiting the time period between the award and signing agreements will cut down on periods of uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, the panel explored market factors – including geopolitical tensions and the global energy transition – as a means for Africa to benefit from its natural endowment of vast petroleum resources. The panel also highlighted technology as an imperative tool to ensure new opportunities in some of the continent's more mature fields.

“We believe the future for energy is lower-carbon and that energy truly does enable human progress,” stated Liz Schwarze, Chevron Vice President of Global Exploration adding, “At Chevron, we are investing in our oil and gas business, including recovery technologies and exploration to find additional resources to offset depleting rouses and fields. And we're also investing in newer forms of energy and technology, like carbon capture, sequestration, geothermal, etc. and we've been very consistent in this approach.”

“It's going to take a number of different technologies to unlock this opportunity, and speaking in the seismic space, SLB has seen quite a lot of innovation in a few different areas, particularly near-field development while leveraging existing date to create really detailed earth models,” stated Tristan Allen, SLB Global New Ventures Manager.

Africa boasts considerable crude oil reserves, estimated to a total combined 125.3 billion barrels. The continent's oil output – at 7.9 million barrels per day – accounted for approximately 9.6% of the global output in 2019, resulting in a revival of oil and gas exploration in Africa. It was concluded during the panel discussion that, given the exponential rise in global population – estimated to rise to 10 billion by 2050 – new technologies and more efficient extraction techniques for hydrocarbons will be imperative to making energy poverty in Africa history by 2030.

Taking place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets', this year's edition of AEW aims to chart a new course for Africa's energy landscape. As such, citing Africa's rich hydrocarbon endowment and frontier discoveries in Namibia, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa, the panel positioned petroleum development as the key to alleviating energy poverty and spurring industrialization across the continent.

#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Cooking up a musical feast: SA Chefs releases official chef anthem ‘Singabapheki’

Location: MyPR

International Chefs Day, celebrated by thousands of chefs worldwide on 20 October, has its origins in South Africa. This year, SA Chefs Association is adding a harmonious twist to the celebration by launching an official chef anthem, “Singabapheki”, a song that beautifully encapsulates the spirit and passion of chefs from all walks of life in …

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Critical Minerals Africa Summit Defines the Future Minerals Economy

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

A high-level panel at Critical Minerals Africa 2023 – organized by Energy Capital & Power (https://www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) – discussed how sustainable practices, localized supply chains and integrated mining operations will help secure critical minerals supplies of the future.

Moderated by Olimpia Pilch, Founder and COO of Critical Minerals International Alliance, the panel featured Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals and Mining, BloombergNEF; Alex Benkenstein, Head of the Climate and Natural Resources Programme, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA); Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw, Interim Director, African Minerals Development Center (AMDC); Deshan Naido, Managing Director, AQORA; and Duma Sisulu, Co-Founder & Chief Analyst, Parime Battery Minerals.

The panel sought to explore the future of Africa's minerals economy in light of growing demand for clean energy technologies and mounting pressure to decarbonize existing mining activities and maximize resource efficiency.

Speaking to the scope of demand growth for energy transition mineral and metals, Kwasi Ampofo noted: “We currently use 50 million metric tonnes of metals going into transition technologies and accompanying infrastructure. By 2050, if we reach the scenario based on current policies and economics, we will need about 140 million metric tonnes. If we reach the net-zero scenario, this goes up to 250 million metric tonnes.”

In evaluating the strength of Africa's currently local and regional supply chains, panelists evaluated strategies that can be implemented to ensure their resilience and build more localized value chains, which can help achieve market stability.

“There's a lot of discussion around demand, but we don't see the same enthusiasm around funding supply. There is a shortfall in supply, which then spikes demand. Every time the price drops – for example, in nickel – there will be producers who are unable to match the current supply at that price. We will then have a continuation of these supercycles, which is not sustainable,” commented Duma Sisulu.

“If the critical minerals supply chain doesn't change, then we have failed as Africans. We have the opportunity to do what the international oil giants did 50-60 years ago. We have the bargaining power for the deposits that sit on the continent,” said Deshan Naido.

According to the panel, the future of Africa's critical minerals will involve mining companies diversifying their operations across multiple sectors, while fostering synergy among mining and energy sectors, owing to Africa's acute energy deficit. Establishing value-added activities will also be essential to maximizing resource efficiency and ensuring the sustainability of the extractive sector.

“Africa does not have to accept its position within global supply chains… Mineral processing is energy intensive and requires a steady supply. This is not an absolute barrier – it can be rectified – which has been seen by the influx of investment by mining companies in South Africa to invest heavily in renewable energy technologies,” stated Alex Benkenstein. 

“The only way to transform lives is to add value – job creation, skills transfer, economies of scale, transformation and growth. This gives us the opportunity to set the agenda — we need processing, refining and value addition,” emphasized Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit is currently taking place from October 17-19 and serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (https://AECWeek.com/) on October 16-20, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town.

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

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