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For the second year in a row, the ordinary people’s bank Ithala SOC Ltd clinched the Customer Champion prize at the annual Naledi Awards event hosted by short-term insurer Mutual & Federal Risk Financing. Aaron Pather, executive head of insurance at Ithala, said: “We were ranked the number one cell captive insurer in the category …
It was a targeted attack, says cyber security firm probing the theft from the magazine’s account
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Business Accelerator held its annual “Dragons’ Den” event at The Pearls in Umhlanga Rocks on Tuesday, 28 November 2023. Emulating the renowned Dragons’ Den format, 11 emerging Black-owned enterprises passionately presented their ventures to a panel of influential ‘Dragons’ who are driving the meaningful transformation of the …
The management of data quality is a common struggle across companies and industries. Prioritising fraud prevention and having insight into data can have a ripple effect on the economy. Everything is hyper-personalised by tracking people’s engagements, clicks, and movements. Insights into this invaluable data can enable rapid instant information with various benefits. To explore …
KZN Transport condemns rape of female security officers
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says it is appalled at the attack and rape of three female security officers by criminals targeting departmental offices in the eThekwini region.
The incident happened as the country observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
According to reports, heavily armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices in Merebank, south of Durban, on Monday at around 02:30am.
While three male security officers, who belong to the private security company contracted to the department were kept hostage, the three female officers, who were held at gunpoint in another room, were sexually assaulted and raped.
“The criminals also stole departmental work tools, which are used for road maintenance and other assets. The female staff have been taken in for medical examination and cases have been opened with the police,” the department said.
The department said an investigating team has also visited the department's offices to initiate an investigation and are giving this case high priority.
After hearing the incident, Transport Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, immediately assigned the Head of Department, Siboniso Mbhele, to urgently visit the site and to engage with other staff members, who were still traumatised.
After meeting with the office management and staff, Mbhele said the department will look closely at the issue of improving security in the department’s offices and urged the police to move with speed in arresting the suspects.
Mbhele said the incident will affect staff morale and seriously impact on service delivery.
“The cruelty by these criminals against female security officers is unacceptable. Crime against women must be condemned by all of us, more so during such the critical campaign of no violence against women and children.
“We appeal to the police to activate a high-level investigating team and bring these heartless criminals to book. We are also addressing the security improvement in our premises to protect staff and our equipment,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele also appealed to the community to work with the police in reporting anyone who is selling departmental equipment.
He said the department has arranged for psycho-social services to assist the staff members at the centre to be able to continue with their daily duties.
The department within eThekwini has been the target of a criminal syndicate that attacks staff members at gunpoint, steal brush cutters and other equipment.
In another incident, a departmental grader was recovered in Camperdown. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 11:32
In the dynamic world of real estate, accurate property valuations play a crucial role in making informed decisions. At Eris Property Group, our dedicated Property Valuations division brings together a team of experienced professionals committed to delivering comprehensive valuation services. With a strong reputation for integrity and independence, we go above and beyond to provide …
EcoFlow (https://apo-opa.co/47Nemde) (www.EcoFlow.com), a leading company of eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions, achieved remarkable success during the 2023 Black Friday sales. On Takealot (https://apo-opa.co/3QXcqIn), South Africa's leading online store, EcoFlow secured its top position in the portable power station category, and cemented its place among the top ten brands in overall sales, affirming its leadership in sustainable energy.
"EcoFlow appreciates the trust and choice of every user. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has steadfastly pursued the vision of 'Power a new world,' creating intelligent, user-friendly, and sustainable power solutions", said by Joy Wu, Head of LAMEA & APAC at EcoFlow.
This marked the first time EcoFlow participated in Black Friday sales in South Africa, and its outstanding performance culminated in the top position in the portable power station category on Takealot.
Moreover, EcoFlow claimed the sixth spot in the overall brand rankings for gross merchandise value. Among the top 10 items sold by gross merchandise value, EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station (https://apo-opa.co/3N5IcSt) secured the third position. Notably, EcoFlow is the exclusive brand in the portable power stations and energy solutions category to achieve such recognition.
EcoFlow also delivered excellent results across various sales channels, including more than a thousand retailer stores and online stores, such as Incredible Connection, Makro, Builders, Hirsch's and EcoFlow official website, witnessing an overall sales growth of 200% compared to the previous sales period.
EcoFlow Portable Power Stations(PPS) (https://apo-opa.co/47vcg27), including the EcoFlow RIVER and EcoFlow DELTA series, have gained significant traction in the South African market due to technological innovation and superior performance.
Distinguished by its extreme portability, minimal maintenance, silent operation, and eco-friendly energy, EcoFlow PPS provides a safe and reliable household power supply solution. Additionally, its industry-leading fast-charging technology and exceptional user experience have earned the trust of over 2.5 million users across 100+ global markets.
In addressing South Africa's immediate challenges with Load Shedding, EcoFlow PPS showcased flexibility by seamlessly integrating with Solar Panels (https://apo-opa.co/3N7TaH5), Transfer Switches, and other products in the EcoFlow ecosystem. This empowers households to achieve an intelligent and reliable sustainable backup power supply in the face of an unstable main grid.
To provide efficient and dependable support to the users in South Africa, EcoFlow has established a robust after-sales service system. Locally-based hotline and email customer service guarantee swift responses within 48 hours. In case of repairs, EcoFlow is dedicated to concluding the repair process and dispatching the serviced product within 3-5 working days.
The 2023 Black Friday event featured the best selling EcoFlow DELTA 2 and RIVER 2 series portable power stations. Equipped with LFP batteries boasting a 3000-cycle lifespan and backed by a 5-year warranty, DELTA 2 and RIVER 2 series ensure a secure power experience for the next decade. As a token of gratitude, the historic price reductions of up to 47% off will extend to this December for the best buying opportunity for more users.
Looking ahead, EcoFlow remains committed to prioritizing user experience and continuous innovation for greater solutions. The company envisions incorporating clean energy into the future lives of more individuals and families.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.
Media Contact:
Orange Lin
EcoFlow Communications Manager, South Africa
orange.lin@ecoflow.com
About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.
Energy equipment donation to be received by Electricity Minister
The first consignment of energy equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China is expected to be received by Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
The consignment handover is expected to be held in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
“The donation forms part of the Technical Assistance Programme that was entered into in August 2023 during China’s Head of State Visit to South Africa. The first consignment which has arrived in South Africa consists of 450 gasoline generators which will be distributed to public service facilities across the country.
“The generators will be used as backup to alleviate the impacts of load shedding in the delivery of services in clinics, schools and courts whilst government continues to implement the Energy Action Plan to ultimately end load shedding and create sustainable energy security,” the Presidency said in a statement.
Earlier this year during an Official State Visit to South Africa, led by Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked the Asian nation for its support.
“South Africa deeply appreciates China’s support in addressing our current energy challenges. This includes the donation of emergency power equipment worth R167 million and availing a grant of approximately R500 million as development assistance.
“Energy cooperation with China is a recent development that we look to deepen, particularly in line with our respective commitments to low-carbon, climate-resilient development,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 11:57
The U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) have announced a new strategic collaboration in a move to drive digital transformation across Africa.
Unveiled on the sidelines of the Africa Tech Festival held in Cape Town, South Africa, this collaboration paves the way for a series of dialogues on how U.S. digital innovation can support development goals across Africa.
The discussions will focus on key themes such as embracing new technologies, improving internet access, enhancing skills, and creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation. Both parties will explore how African governments can collaborate with American technology firms to grow their economies and how U.S. businesses can tap into new opportunities in Africa's emerging markets.
Ashley Ndir, senior U.S. Commercial Liaison to the African Development Bank, emphasized, "We are at a turning point in Africa's technological advancement. By bridging insights from the U.S. private sector with Africa's vibrant markets, we aim to drive innovation and economic growth. This partnership is a testament to that mission."
Head of ICT Operations Nicholas Williams from the African Development Bank said, "Africa has made significant investments in pivotal infrastructure and policy enhancements to create an innovative digital economy. As Africa's premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank will help push Africa's digital boundaries even further by forging strategic relations, building on historical investments and, more importantly, tapping into the energy of our young population, who are digital natives. We value the insights that the U.S. private sector may bring."
The initiative builds on the African Development Bank's $2 billion investment in digital infrastructure, which includes regional and national broadband development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises. The Bank's efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment. It will also benefit from the U.S. Commercial Service's experience in fostering international trade. This collaboration promises to champion the digital transformation in Africa, aiming for a future where technology empowers growth and prosperity. With this partnership, both the U.S. Commercial Service and the African Development Bank reaffirm their commitment to not only elevate digital capabilities in Africa but also to ensure that the continent's potential is fully realized in the digital era.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
Technical contacts:
African Development Bank:
Uyoyo Edosio
u.edosio@afdb.org
US Government Contact:
Ashley Ndir
Senior Commercial Liaison to the AfDB
Ashley.Ndir@trade.gov
About the U.S. International Trade Administration:
The U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) strengthens U.S. competitiveness by promoting U.S. export opportunities in global markets. Our trade experts serve in over 100 U.S. cities and 80 international markets through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service. Our U.S. Commercial Service Liaison office to the African Development Bank (AfDB) supports U.S. private sector engagement with the AfDB.
About the African Development Bank:
The African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org) has approved $2 billion in loans, grants, and equity investments for ICT projects in the past decade. These initiatives focus on regional and national broadband infrastructure development, creating favourable policy environments for private sector investments, scaling digital skills, and nurturing innovative enterprises. The AfDB's efforts have reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital literacy, and fostered a conducive business and policy environment.
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa has announced the dates and host venues for the National Youth Weeks, a series of tournaments...
Urban livestock are a soft target for criminals
The PR councillor will continue working at Matatiele Local Municipality while the Hawks and COGTA investigate
The highly anticipated 2024 season of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is set to commence in Gqeberha with the second annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, taking place on Sunday 7 April 2024. Entries open on Wednesday (29 November 2023). “We are thrilled to be back in the ‘friendly city’ in April …
Accountants must be fit to lead Africa's inclusive sustainable growth and economic recovery ensuring the continent's place in the global arena, says ACCA, (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) (www.ACCAGlobal.com) as it readies for its annual conference held for the first time in South Africa.
Hundreds of accounting professionals from across Africa are expected to gather at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, for the fourth Africa Members Convention (AMC 2023) from December 6-8.
Themed Empowering Finance Professionals for Sustainable Development in Africa the conference will develop earlier conversations on innovative technologies, integrated thinking for sustainable business practice, international sustainability reporting to drive accountability, developing trade competencies towards supporting intra-Africa trade and enabling members develop careers toward building a better world.
“The accountancy profession has a fundamental role to play in the transformation of Africa's economy, as outlined in Africa's Agenda 2063 - The Africa We Want - which prioritises inclusive social and economic development, continental and regional integration, democratic governance and peace and security amongst other issues, “ said Jamil Ampomah ACCA Director Africa, responsible for implementing ACCA's strategy in the region and managing ACCA's relationships with key African stakeholders – governments, regulators, policy makers, employers, international agencies and regional organisations.
Several African governments have issued policies toward meeting their sustainability commitments underpinned by environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. Their adoption indicates the increasing importance of the sustainability agenda in both the private and public sector in Africa.
The conference will look at sustainability from many angles including financing sustainable development programmes, ethics and professionalism; technology and AI; support of developmental policy, corporate social responsibility and developing accounting career for the future.
The programme line-up brings together senior commercial and government financial professionals, from across the globe, including the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and South Africa's Deputy Auditor General.
Jane Ohadike, Regional Head of Public Affairs for ACCA - Africa, responsible for setting the strategy for public sector and governments across the region said: “Accountancy and finance professionals are important agents of change and we have identified seven priority areas in which accounting professional have a role. There are building resilient economies, developing the talent of tomorrow, driving sustainable business, advancing standards and regulation, transforming the public sector, supporting entrepreneurial growth and strengthening ethics and trust.
“I really want to encourage accounting and financial professionals to attend the 2023 ACCA Conference to share their expertise and thinking while also using this platform to network and make strategic business connections.
Registration is now open and more information can be found online at Africa Members Convention (https://apo-opa.co/47suIsj).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
For media enquiries, contact:
ACCA News Room
E: newsroom@accaglobal.com
Twitter/X: https://apo-opa.co/3QZLo3n
ACCAGlobal.com
About ACCA:
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.
Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 247,000 members and 526,000 future members in 181 countries.
In Africa ACCA supports 18,828 members and 58,432 future members and over 300 Approved Employers across the region. ACCA is present in six of Africa's10 largest economies, with opportunities to influence the profession in the remaining four economies. ACCA is also present remotely in Gambia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Rwanda, Namibia, Lesotho, Sudan, Somalia, Southern Sudan, and Eritrea.
Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.
Guided by our purpose and values, our vision is to develop the accountancy profession the world needs. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all.
Find out more at: www.ACCAGlobal.com.
On the weekend of 10 November 2023, Treverton College organised its first orienteering and rogaining event. In the subject of Outdoor Pursuits, we do have the students doing these events, but this is the first one that was open to the public. Garry Townsend, the head of Outdoor Pursuits at Treverton, organised the event in …
Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) in partnership with HSBC Bank hosted the 5th Annual Alumni Entrepreneur Network (AEN) Business Summit, on 11 November 2023, celebrating their ingenious entrepreneurs. The Summit provided young entrepreneurs with an opportunity to pitch their innovative business ideas or present their existing businesses to a panel of judges and a chance to …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the official appointment of Laura Wolvaardt as captain of the Proteas Women...
Summer is a beautiful time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to …
Hawks hard at work in dealing with national priority offences
The Directory for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is hard at work in dealing with national priority offences.
This is according to the National Head for the Directory for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, who briefed media on Thursday.
Giving an update on the Hawks' second quarter of 2023/24 financial year report, Lebeya said at least 801 suspects were arrested nationally, which is made of 791 natural persons and 10 juristic persons, who were secured before the various courts across the country.
Lebeya said he is happy with the conviction rate of suspects.
He said 244 accused persons, consisting of 234 natural persons and 10 juristic persons, were convicted and sentenced.
“The top five national priority offences contributed a high number of arrests of 173 suspects for fraud, 172 for precious metals and diamonds, 52 for narcotics, 48 for cash-in-transit robberies (CIT) and 37 for corruption.”
During these arrests, the DPCI seized various exhibits including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R92 407 269.33.
“In terms of crime categories relating to convictions, out of the 244 convictions, fraud contributed the highest number of 75, which is made of 62 South Africans, six foreign nationals and seven companies.
“The second is precious metals and diamonds with a total number of 51 accused persons. In terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA), a total number of 30 accused persons and two companies were convicted for a pattern of racketeering activity and money laundering.
“In terms of nationalities relating to conviction and sentences, 193 are South Africans, while 84 are foreign nationals,” Lebeya said.
The foreign nationals consisted of 48 Zimbabweans, seven Chinese, seven Mozambicans, four Nigerians, three Tanzanians, three Basotho, three Pakistanis, three Ethiopians, two Bangladeshis, two Zambians, one Canadian and one Ghanaian.
Police killings
Lebeya said attacks on police officials are an attack on the State and that the death of one police official is one too many.
He said 35 police officials were murdered in the second quarter, and 37 arrests were made, of which 10 are for older cases.
“Furthermore, of the 10 who have been sentenced, five accused persons were sentenced to share 10 life imprisonments and a combined 391 years imprisonment.”
Illegal mining
With regard to illegal mining, 172 suspects were arrested by the DPCI for precious metals and diamonds.
“We have conducted illegal mining disruptive operations and arrested a number of people, including seizing a number of equipment,” he said.
Among the things seized in one of the illegal mines include three rifles, ammunition, unwrought precious metals, food items, medicine and gold refining paraphernalia.
Kidnappings, drugs and CITs
With regard to kidnappings, a total number of 40 suspects were arrested on kidnapping related charges and 11 victims were rescued by a multidisciplinary kidnapping task team.
Lebeya said drugs, including clandestine laboratories valued at R11 086 284.00, were seized, with total number of 52 suspects arrested, of which 30 are South African nationals and 22 are foreign nationals.
“It is therefore imperative to educate our communities to stop the demand of drugs whilst law enforces to stop the supply.”
Meanwhile, cash-in transit heists continue to be a thorn in the economy of the country and the DPCI, in collaboration with private organisations, continues to strengthen the fight against these crimes.
“For this quarter, 48 arrests were effected and two convictions secured,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 14:59
Six South African defendants have reached an agreement with Mineral Commodities Ltd
Silly season is upon us. In the land where groove reigns supreme and waking up to buy Nando’s might just teleport you to another province on a whim. The unsung rule of Decembers past? Sharing is caring, baby. Four-four masihlalisane, bring the bevs, and I’ll bring the chicks. In South Ah, the festive lunch or …
Five-Part Series Tells the Stories of Five NBA Academy Africa (https://www.NBA.com) Prospects from Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Sudan; First Two Episodes “Basketball Chose Me” and “Dunk at First Sight” Feature Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu and Angola's Aginaldo Neto.
NBA Africa today announced that its first original documentary series “Born & Bred” will premiere on the NBA App today. The five-part series tells the stories of five current and former NBA Academy Africa prospects from Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Sudan through exclusive footage and interviews with the prospects, family members, friends, and coaches.
“Born & Bred,” which features Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu, Egypt's Seifeldin Hendawy, South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, Senegal's Khadim Rassoul Mboup, and Angola's Aginaldo Neto, spotlights each prospect's basketball journey, including the communities where they were raised and the moments that have shaped them as players and young men.
Four of the prospects – Chinyelu, Hendawy, Mboup and Maluach – also competed in the 2023 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season as part of the BAL Elevate program, which provides an opportunity for the next generation of African prospects to participate in a professional league, showcase their talent on a global stage, and help their respective teams compete for the BAL Championship.
The first two episodes will be available beginning today. “Basketball Chose Me” featuring Chinyelu will be available free on the NBA App. “Dunk at First Sight” featuring Neto and the remainder of the series will be available exclusively via NBA League Pass, the league's premium live game subscription service. The final three episodes will be available weekly beginning Monday, Nov. 27.
“We're thrilled to launch “Born & Bred”, a first-of-its-kind initiative for NBA Africa that will showcase the inspirational stories of prospects from across the continent who have come to NBA Academy Africa to take the next step in their basketball development journeys and lives,” said NBA Africa Head of Basketball Operations Franck Traore. “Each of these players has a unique story, but they all share one common purpose – to get better every day as athletes, students and leaders. We look forward to showcasing their amazing stories to a global audience through the NBA App and NBA League Pass.”
“I never would've thought that the game would take me this far,” said Chinyelu. “While I know I've got plenty more work to do and many more goals to accomplish, I am grateful to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for taking part in this project, and I hope it provides motivation to other young players to search for their passion and follow their dreams.”
“Born & Bred” episodes:
NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent. Since its launch in 2017, more than 35 male and female participants have committed to NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. or signed professional contracts.
The NBA App is free to download here (https://apo-opa.co/3GaKHiI).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka,
NBA Africa Communications,
pweszck@nba.com,
+27 10 007 2666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Organisers call for immediate ceasefire